Web Fic
Chapter 178
Bryce hadn’t even finished his sentence when Estrella cut him off, “All right, I’ll get a divorce.” She knew Bryce so well that she could guess the end of his sentence with her toes, so she didn’t bother waiting for him to finish.
“That’s more like it. I’ll get some extra paperwork ready for you.” Bryce offered.
Estrella said, “Deal. Once this is done, I’ll get you that muscle car you’ve been drooling over.” In the past, Bryce had always sided with Jason, helping him persuade Estrella to divorce. Now, Bryce had completely switched sides.
After chatting some more, Bryce found out Estrella was about to head out on a business trip. She was already on her way back to Waterfall Acres to pack her bags, and Bryce eagerly scurried over to help.
Estrella eyed Bryce from head to toe as he arrived, all smiles, “You’re always poking your nose into my divorce, popping over here whenever. Are you secretly crushing on me or what?”
Bryce’s hands dove into his pockets casually, “You know what kind of force of nature you are. Me, have a crush on you? Don’t flatter yourself, Estrella.”
After his retort, Estrella kicked him lightly, “What did you just say?”
Bryce dodged, playing it off, “Nothing. It’s an honor to serve you, my queen.” Estrella rolled her eyes at him, then promptly had him help finish packing her suitcase.
On the way to drop her off at the office, Bryce noticed Estrella gazing out of the car window in silence, “Feeling blue? Not happy?”
Estrella chuckled softly, “I’ve been numb to it for ages. No room for sadness here.” If she let every little thing get to her, she would have been a goner long ago. Thanks to Jason’s ‘training’ over the last couple of years, she had became much tougher.
Bryce reached out, ruffling her hair in a comforting gesture. Estrella smiled, shrugging off the sentiment, “I’m not as fragile as you think.”
When they pulled up to the law firm, Bryce insisted, “I should come with you on this trip. I don’t like leaving you alone when you’re like this.”
Estrella just laughed it off, “You might as well stay and keep pimping.”
Recently, Jason had put Bryce in charge of Velvet Voices KTV, overseeing the escorts there. Bryce had been enjoying himself, and things were going smoothly.
Still, Bryce was persistent, “Pimping is nowhere near as important as you, I’d better accompany you on your business trip.”
Estrella gave him another playful kick, shooing him away.
09:41
“Estrella,” Bryce had barely left when Logan’s car pulled up. Estrella grabbed her luggage and headed for the airport.
This business trip was for an academic conference, so it wasn’t too taxing on her mind. By 7 p.m., they had arrived at the conference center, conveniently located in a cultural district where they could eat, sleep, and attend the conference all in one place.
Estrella collapsed onto the hotel bed, exhausted. Although she dozed off during the journey, her pregnancy had her feeling sleepier than usual. She took every chance to rest. It wasn’t until her stomach growled around 9 pm. that she woke up, yawning. She was about to get up for a snack when her phone buzzed.
Jason had called more than a dozen times, and he was calling again. Estrella answered with a frown, “What’s up?”
Jason was immediately irate on the other end, “What’s the meaning of this, Estrella?” He paused, taking a breath before asking, “Where are you now?”
Estrella hugged the pillow, “Out of town on business.”
After her reply, Jason fell silent, then asked, “Didn’t you hear your phone ringing?”
“I was asleep,” she responded.
As soon as Estrella finished speaking, Jason quickly hung up the phone and then sent a
video call.
Estrella rolled her eyes. Jason’s petty intentions were so obvious. She didn’t want to answer, but remembering how Jason had chased her last time under suspicion of infidelity, she answered the call with a scowl. Upon connecting, she panned her phone around the room, “No lover here, satisfied?” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
In the morning, he had been all lovey-dovey with Holly, and then he had the audacity to question her actions? Where did he get the nerve?
Jason felt relieved, “I’m over at Waterfall Acres,”
Estrella’s mood soured instantly, “Who told you that you can go to Waterfall Acres?” She was indeed pregnant, after all, and was worried he would suspect something amiss.
Jason adjusted his collar and voice, murmuring, “Estrella, let’s have a chat when you get back.”
“We’ll talk when I’m back,” Estrella replied curtly.
She didn’t want to discuss things further, and made no mentions of his morning meeting with Holly. Her mind was set on one thing: ending their marriage.
As she was about to end the call, Jason stopped her, “Don’t hang up the video.” Against her better judgment, Estrella kept the call going. They just sared at each other through
00.11
their screens, and even without words, there was no awkwardness.
Seeing Jason shamelessly lying on her bed, Estrella asked, “Jason, if I had turned out pregnant at the hospital today, what would you have done?” The quiet of the night stirred feelings, prompting her question.
Jason replied softly, looking at her through the screen, “We’d make it work.”
Estrella laughed, “You assume I still want to be with you.”
Estrella’s laughter was intoxicating, and Jason watched her for a moment before he said, “Things are a bit hectic at year-end, but let’s have the wedding after the New Year’s rush.”
When Jason mentioned throwing a wedding, Estrella replied, “I’m starving. I’m gonna grab a bite to eat, so I’ll catch you later.” With that, she didn’t wait for Jason’s response and promptly ended the video call.
After everything she’d been through, there was no way she could just carry on living with him as if nothing had happened. There were many grievances she simply couldn’t be bothered to argue over anymore. Anything Jason had to offer now, she didn’t want it.
Tossing her phone casually onto the desk in her room, Estrella let out a long sigh. She sat there for a moment, gathering herself, then picked up her phone again and stood up, ready to hit the town for a while.
However, as she swung the door open, the sight of that figure rushing towards her stopped Estrella in her tracks.