Web Fic
Chapter 143
At that moment, Estrella caught Jason’s gaze as he was already watching her.
Their eyes locked, and with an air of calm, Estrella said, “Answer it.”
Jason’s heart skipped a beat, his nerves frayed. But faced with Estrella’s unyielding stare, Jason reluctantly answered the call in front of her. It was the only way to clear the air.
“Jason,” came Serene’s voice through the phone, already tinged with a sob.
It had been a while since Serene had been involved in Jason’s work, and their contact had dwindled. The unexpected call today likely meant trouble was afoot.
At the sound of her “Jason,” Jason glanced up at Estrella again. To his relief, her expression remained mostly unchanged.
On the other end, Serene’s voice, now choked with tears, cried out, “Jason, my mom’s sick again. She trashed the house, and she hurt Vincent, Jason, I…”
“I’m just so exhausted!”
After her confession, Serene burst into tears. Soon after, her brother’s voice came through, “Jason, why has my mom become like this? She just hit me and my sister. Jason, I miss you so much! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”
Following Vincent’s plea, Serene, through her tears, said, “Jason, I’ve been trying to calm Vincent down for ages. He must have been scared tonight and kept asking for you, saying he wanted to see you. I know you…”
Before Serene could finish, Jason cut her off, “I understand.”
“Jason, I’m so sorry! Really, I am!” Serene’s apology was met with silence as Jason ended the call. When he looked back at Estrella, her gentle demeanor had vanished.
He cleared his throat awkwardly and was unsure of how to explain the situation to Estrella. She spoke first, “They all seem to miss you so much. Why don’t you go?” She added, “I’ll come with you.”
Jason eyed Estrella with suspicion. She simply smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t lay a finger on the kid.”
After her reassurance, the sizzling sound of ribs cooking pulled their attention. Seeing that the ribs needed attention, Jason hurried to tend to his dish and called Marie to take over the kitchen. He set off for Serene’s place with Estrella in tow.
Although he was hesitant to bring Estrella along, refusing now would seem like he had something to hide. Estrella’s insistence on joining him, as if on a mission to catch a cheater, made Jason nervous, but at the same time, he felt valued by her concern.
Serene lived in an old apartment block with no elevator. Jason parked the car and led Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.
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Estrella up the stairs. He noticed the hallway lights were out. With one hand, he guided Estrella, and with the other, he lit the way with his phone.
Estrella turned to Jason and asked, “She lives in such a rundown place. Why haven’t you offered her a house?”
Jason shot her a look. “I haven’t given you a house, so why would I give her one?”
He’d gladly pay if money could solve his obligation to Serene, but cash couldn’t settle some things.
Estrella laughed at Jason’s retort, completely forgetting about the necklace he had given Serene. She wasn’t one to dwell on the past unless pushed to her limit.
Upon reaching the fourth floor, Jason knocked on the door. Serene opened it, her eyes red with tears as she lunged toward Jason, “I knew you’d come, I just knew…”
Instinctively, Jason stepped back, holding the door wide open. As the light from inside spilled out, Serene’s eyes shifted to the figure beside Jason, her expression turning to one of shock. The tears stopped as she stared at Estrella in surprise. “Estrella.”
It never crossed Serene’s mind that Jason would bring Estrella, let alone that Estrella would agree to come.
Estrella acknowledged her with a hod, then glanced around the chaotic interior. The sparse furniture that could be smashed was indeed in ruins.
Serene shifted uncomfortably but politely offered, “Jason, Estrella, would you like to come in?” Had Jason arrived alone, Serene would have already pulled him inside.
Without a word from Jason, Estrella said, “We’ve come this far. Let’s go in.”
Serene stepped aside, letting them through. As they entered, she awkwardly said, “After my dad left, mom’s been struggling, having her moments. I apologize for the mess, Estrella.” Her apology was directed solely at Estrella as if Jason were already part of the family.
Estrella inquired, “Hasn’t the culprit been caught yet?”
“Drew found the culprit a while back and had him sentenced,” Serene replied, then turned to Jason, “Thanks to Jason. Otherwise, the criminal would still be at large.”
Estrella observed Serene’s disheveled state. She knew that if it were up to Jason, Serene wouldn’t be left in such dire straits unless she refused help. Perhaps she was playing the long game, seeking sympathy with her pitiable situation. Once a man felt sympathy and compassion for a woman, it was hard to let go. That was why Jason had kept Serene around, not just because she resembled Holly but also because of her vulnerability.
After a tour of the apartment, Estrella’s gaze returned to Serene, who quickly hid the pink diamond necklace under her clothes. In truth, if it hadn’t been for her fidgeting with her necklace, Estrella might have completely forgotten about the piece of jewelry, let alone
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Bada Band And stuck to
News Vason I dunno what
even notice the one adorning her own neck. But that subtle gesture had jogged her
memory.
Estrella couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. This woman was incredibly perceptive.
“Jason.” The room fell into a hush until Vincent burst out from inside, a Band-Aid stuck to
his forehead.
He scampered over and grabbed Jason’s hand, the boy blurting out, “Jason, I dunno what got into Mom today. She went totally nuts, smashed stuff all over the house, and she ever hurt my head.” He touched the Band-Aid gingerly. “She hit my sister, too. Then sis gave her some meds, and she finally crashed.”
Only after he finished spilling his concerns did Vincent realize there was someone else beside Jason, a lady no less. Suddenly, on high alert, he darted behind Jason and peered out, “Big Bro Jason, who’s she?”
Jason replied, “She’s my wife, Ella.”
Vincent eyed Estrella warily, not bothering with hellos or formalities.
Estrella didn’t mind.
After scrutinizing her for a moment, Vincent, still clutching Jason’s hand, ventured, “Big Bro Jason, there’s a couple of math problems that’s got me stumped. Can you help me
out?”
Jason, hearing this, turned his gaze to Estrella.