Web Fic
Chapter 253
Estrella looked at Jason and just as she was about to speak, the phone in her pocket started to ring. It was Autumn calling.
“Estrella, you’re not back yet? Isaac insists on waiting up for you. He refuses to go to bed,” Autumn’s voice came through the phone.
“Mom, I’m already at the doorstep.” She hung up, then glanced at Jason with a half-smile. “You are in my way.” With Autumn’s call, Estrella neatly sidestepped Jason’s earlier question.
Isaac was waiting at home, and Jason knew it wasn’t his place to hold Estrella back. He gently brushed her cheek with his hand. “How about Saturday? We could take Isaac out for lunch.”
Estrella’s response was noncommittal. “I don’t think that’ll work.” Her tone left little room for misinterpretation.
“So, we’ll play it by ear this weekend, Jason suggested.
After a brief chat, Jason moved his car, allowing Estrella to pull her white BMW into the driveway.
A moment later, as Estrella entered the house, saac ran barefoot towards her and refused
to leave her side, clinging to her tightly and refusing to let go.
Autumn watched helplessly. “Isaac’s been off these past few days, not talking much or eating well. I don’t know what to do with him.”
Estrella hugged Isaac tight. “I’ll take him to the doctor tomorrow.” Isaac nestled into her embrace, unusually quiet and clingy.
The next morning, Dr. Lincoln, a middle-aged pediatric psychologist, told them, “The child still lacks a sense of security due to the absence of both parents’ companionship, so this state often occurs. The ideal would be for him to receive ample love from both a mother and a father. It would do wonders for his development.”
His implication was clear: Estrella should consider creating a complete home for Isaac.
“Thanks, Dr. Lincoln. We’ll do our best,” Estrella replied with gratitude, masking her
concern.
Dr. Lincoln offered a gentle reminder, “Ms. Estrella, you are so young. You should give yourself a chance at happiness too. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone.”
Estrella managed a smile. “I know.”
After the appointment, as Estrella drove with Isaac and Autumn, the weight on her heart grew heavier. Isaac’s wellbeing was her compass, and when Isaac struggled, so did she.
08:17
Autumn broached the sensitive topic. “Estrella, maybe it’s time to find a father figure for Isaac?”
Estrella forced a wry smile. “It’s not that easy.”
“What about Bryce? He’s a good man, genuine to both you and Isaac.”
That made Estrella laugh. “Bryce is fine, but what about his mother and the whole Nelson family?”
Estrella knew the complexity of her relationship with Jason all too well. Moreover, Bryce had never been involved in a serious romance, and here she was, a divorcee with a son. It would be unfair to Bryce if they got married.
That kind of moral bankruptcy wasn’t in her playbook. Besides, there were no romantic sparks between them.
Hearing Estrella’s thoughts, Autumn dropped the subject, muttering about keeping an eye out for someone else.
Estrella remained silent, and after dropping off Autumn and Isaac, she headed to the office.
It was a hard truth to swallow. No matter how much she did for Isaac, she could never replace the role of a father. Her love could only ever be maternal, not paternal.
During a staff meeting at the office, Estrella’s phone buzzed. It was Jason. Estrella took the phone and went to the safe exit to answer it. As soon as the call was connected, Jason’s voice came awkwardly, “Babe, transfer some money to me.”
She hadn’t heard him use that term of endearment in quite a while, but now, apparently in need of money, he resorted to it again.
“What did you say?” Estrella thought she was hearing things.
“I’m at the gas station and I’ve run out of cash, Jason explained.
He added, “I gave you every last dime the other day, not a penny left.”
Estrella could almost feel Jason’s discomfort through the phone. “I’ll send you two grand for now.”
“Perfect.”
After transferring the money, Estrella couldn’t help rolling her eyes. Jason was truly something else.
That evening, Estrella took the bank card and Jason’s forgotten wallet from the agreement envelope and drove to Nelson International.
At the entrance of the company, when Jason came out surrounded by executives from
other companies and Nelson International, he immediately spotted Estrella’s car.
08.17
When Jason’s steps came to a halt, Drew’s eyes lit up, and he said, “Mr. Jason, that seems to be Ms. Estrella’s car.”
As Drew’s voice trailed off, Jason turned to exchange a few words with a bystander, then made his way over to Estrella’s side, swung open the passenger door, and climbed into the
car.
Estrella glanced over at the crowd gathered by the entrance and remarked, “Aren’t you going to mingle with them?”
Jason replied nonchalantly, “They’re not as important as you.”
Estrella rolled her eyes. After three years without seeing each other, Jason had become really good at charming women with words.
Handing over a briefcase that had been resting beside her, Estrella spoke with an impassive expression, “Hold on to your own stuff. Also, transfer the shares and assets back. Once the agreement is ready, I’ll sign it.” NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.
Jason’s expression darkened. “You’re seriously not giving us another chance?”
Estrella’s response was decisive. “No chance.”
Jason set the briefcase aside. “Estrella, even if we can’t end up together, what I’ve given away, I won’t take back.”
you have
Estrella, hands firmly on the steering wheel, gave Jason a look as if he were a simpleton. “Do you
any idea how much all this is worth, Jason?” she continued, “And don’t yo know you should keep your card?”