Web Fic
Chapter 125
After Jason finished his apology, Estrella didn’t respond for a long time. When Jason looked down, he saw that she had already nestled into his arms and fallen asleep.
Typical Estrella…
When it came to being carefree, Estrella was second to none.
The next morning, they woke up as if nothing had happened the night before. Estrella hadn’t been haunted by memories from years ago, nor had Jason.
Jason stood by the closet and saw Estrella emerge from the bathroom. “Come help me with my tie, will you?”
“Do I get a tip?” Estrella teased.
Jason reached out and pulled her close. “Sure you do.”
Estrella, now snugly in his embrace, looked up at him, her eyes catching the fervent gaze in his. A lazy smile played on her lips as she started to work on his tie.
Six years ago, not long after Jason had joined the company, Estrella had learned to tie a tie just for him. But they’d fallen out soon after, so her skills were a bit rusty now.
Estrella focused on the tie. The ring on her left ring finger glittered, but she paid it no mind. After a bit of fumbling, the knot was finally perfect. She straightened Jason’s collar. “There you go, boss. Ready to go make that money.”
Jason pinched her chin and leaned down to kiss her. Estrella tensed slightly. “That’s the tip? Jason, you’ve got no shame.”
Jason just laughed. “You good? Consider it delivered.”
For the next few days, their lives proceeded without incident. After finishing her work, Estrella would hang out with Jesse and Bryce.
T
One evening, as the three of them sat down for dinner, Jesse was conspicuously glum, stirring her juice absentmindedly, a look of concern plastered on her face.
Estrella tapped her bowl with her chopsticks and asked, “It’s written all over your face. Did you, Melinda, and Damita have a fallout?”
Jesse ran a hand through her hair, struggling to find words. “It’s not that.”
Ever since Estrella had dealt with Melinda and Damita, they had been much more subdued. Although they still threw occasional shade her way, their antics were nothing compared to before. Plus, Jesse hadn’t been to the Manning family home much lately, so things were relatively calm.
Bryce, noticing Jesse’s heavy heart, chimed in, “Jesse, what’s up? You can’t talk to me and
09-14
Estrella about it? Aren’t we buddies?”
Jesse sighed deeply. “My dad… he’s arranged a marriage for me. He wants me to settle
down.”
Before anyone could respond, Jesse continued, “You both know me well. I’ve never even thought about this stuff. Marriage? It’s got nothing to do with me.”
Despite the Manning family’s wealth, Jesse had grown up in a less than ideal environment. After a certain incident in middle school, Jesse’s perspective on life diverged from the norm. It was understandable that she wasn’t interested in marriage or children.
Bryce exploded at the news. “Don’t listen to your dad’s nonsense. He’s probably using you for some deal. Don’t let them use you as a pawn.” He then pointed out, “As to whether marriage is good or not, just look at Estrella. You both don’t need to jump into the same pit.”
After Bryce finished, both Estrella and Jesse turned to him. “Bryce, you’re unusually perceptive today.”
Knowing that Estrella and Bryce were on her side, Jesse added, “Honestly, I know my dad is trying to use me to curry favor. And lately, he’s been treating me differently, probably about to ask me to transfer my shares to him.”
Jesse’s shares were inherited from her mother before she passed. They were a significant amount, even more than what her father Tori held in the company.
Opening up, Jesse added, “Besides, if Damita is okay with this match, it means the guy isn’t good. Otherwise, she’d have him marry Melinda, not me.”
Jesse was not naive. She and Estrella had always suspected Damita was the mastermind behind the incident nine years ago. Jesse doubted she’d be alive today if not for her grandparents and her control over the shares.
Bryce advised, “Jesse, since you clearly understand this situation, don’t bother with their plans. What do they amount to, anyway?” Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Estrella added, “Jesse, we can marry and settle down, but it has to be with someone we truly love, someone who’s worth it. Ignore your dad’s scheming. They can’t force you into this.”
Like Jesse said, the Manning family wouldn’t prioritize her happiness in marriage. Estrella didn’t want Jesse to end up in a similar situation like her where marriage brought nothing but trouble.
Estrella and Bryce’s support seemed to lighten Jesse’s mood. “Talking to you guys has made me feel better already.”
“What were you holding back for?” Bryce asked. “You should’ve told us sooner.”
09:14
Jesse explained, “At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. But my dad’s been calling non-stop, insisting on meetings. I’ve been avoiding the office just to escape it.”
Estrella warned, “Jesse, be prepared. Your dad might want you to trade your shares in exchange for staying single.”
Jesse’s eyes popped wide open in indignation. “On what grounds? My mom left those shares to me. Besides, without her, Tori wouldn’t be where he is today. He can keep dreaming about getting his hands on them.” She would not let go of her shares even if it cost her life.
Jesse’s firm stance was a relief to Estrella and Bryce, who feared she might fall prey to Tori’s scheming.
As they were discussing this, the empty chair beside Estrella suddenly screeched back, and everyone turned to see Jason had arrived on the scene:
Upon seeing his cousin, Bryce felt his legs turn to jelly. He hurriedly tried to explain, “We haven’t done a thing. We’re just here, just eating dinner.’
Jason shot them a frosty glance. “Good thing I got here when I did.” Who knew what sort of mischief they’d get up to in the second half of the night?
Bryce swore up and down. “Bro, there’s nothing shady going on. I was planning to take Ella home right after dinner. Ask Jesse if you don’t believe me.”
After Bryce finished, he turned to Jesse, who dryly remarked, “Did we actually talk about going home?”
Bryce was crestfallen, looking like he was on the verge of tears. Estrella chuckled and said, “You haven’t been caught red-handed. What are you scared of?” She then called out to the waiter, “Excuse me, could we get an extra set of cutlery over here?”