Novel Drama
Chapter 240
Estrella glanced sideways at him, still unaware of Jason’s arms encircling her, oblivious to his endearments as he called her “babe”. She said, “Struck a deal with Serene. She helped me get the divorce papers through, and in return, I’ve agreed to dig up the truth behind that infernal blaze, to drag the puppet master out of the shadows.”
She added, “Guess she’s been shadowing you all these years, hoping you’d make some headway with the case. It must’ve been a letdown how it all fizzled out.”
At Estrella’s explanation, Jason’s expression darkened visibly. Teaming up with Serene to get a divorce, Estrella really went through with it, leaving him without a shred of dignity.
Estrella’s mention of Serene’s vested interest in the case jogged a memory for Jason. Indeed, not long after Serene was discharged and started working at Nelson International, she would often inquire about any leads on the assailant.
At first, he’d give her updates and share the progress. But after discovering the perpetrator was Estrella, he told Serene it was an accident and urged her to forget the whole affair and never bring it up again. Since then, Serene had not approached him with any further questions. It seems she was still concerned about it, which made sense considering the severity of her injuries from the fire, injuries that had robbed her of the chance to bear children. And it was precisely for that reason he had taken care of Serene and her family and kept her at Nelson International.
Jason and Estrella were able to open up and talk it out this time, largely thanks to Serene asking Estrella to investigate. Otherwise, this incident might never have been brought up.
The thought of Estrella dealing with Serene just to get divorced from him still stung, prompting him to curse under his breath, “Damn it, all this over some silly misunderstanding.”
Noticing Jason’s displeasure, Estrella snapped back to reality, realizing she was trapped his embrace. In the next heartbeat, her expression turned frosty as she said, “Have you shame? Get your hands off me, and keep your distance.”
He had kept silent, blaming her for so many years, making her suffer. And now, he wante to hug and kiss her just like that? No such luck
Instead of releasing her, Jason tightened his grip. “Estrella, now that everything’s out in the open, you know it was all a big misunderstanding. Let’s remarry, shall we?” he said.
Having cleared the air with Estrella, and after being so intimate that morning, Jason now was set on remarrying and investigating the past together.
Estrella laughed dryly, standing up from her chair with composure, “Jason, you might be under a misconception about me, but I’m under no illusions about you. And who’s to say I’m not lying? Maybe I did want to burn you alive.”
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Her sarcasm made Jason reach for her face, pleading, “Babe, I was wrong. I’ll take any punishment. Just let’s get remarried. Even if you did want to end me, I’d accept it.”
Jason was relentless, and Estrella almost forgot how he used to charm her with his whimsical ways. She once fell for him because he could play the sweetheart better than anyone else, calling her “darling” and leaning on her shoulder, feigning exhaustion. But times had changed, and she was no longer the Estrella of her youth.
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Giving Jason a sidelong glance, Estrella sneéred. “Really? Any punishment?”
She walked over to the window, pushed it open, and with her arms crossed over her chest, she challenged, “Then jump. If you survive the fall from the 33rd floor, I’ll remarry you.”
Damn it! The little devil’s got a heart of stone.
Jason watched her for a long moment, her expression one of smug anticipation, before stepping closer, “If it’ll make you forgive me, I’ll jump.” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
True strength isn’t in preserving one’s pride, but in knowing when to cast it aside. After laying everything out with Estrella, Jason realized that clinging to his pride would mean losing his wife forever. Without further ado, he climbed onto the ledge.
Seeing him actually perched on the window, half his body dangling outside, Estrella quickly yanked him back by the collar of his shirt. If he accidentally fell, the entire Nelson family would be after her blood.
Besides, he was her son’s…
Yanked back to safety by Estrella, Jason regained his footing and swiftly wrapped her in his arms.
“Darling, you can’t bear to let me go, can you?”
Estrella pushed him away with visible disdain, “The truth hasn’t even come to light. How could you die?”
Jason chuckled at her excuse and pulled her back into his embrace. This time, he h so tightly that all of Estrella’s pushing couldn’t break his hold.
Looking up at him, she reminded, “You’re nearly thirty, Jason. Show some dignity.”
His birthday was just three months away, right around the holidays.
Jason smiled, “You remember my birthday?”
Estrella rolled her eyes, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
They had known each other for years, and she used to celebrate his birthday with him every year. How could she forget? They were divorced, not amnesiacs.
The more Estrella showed her contempt, the warmer Jason felt inside, his smile growing brighter. Even if the full truth was still buried, and there were more hurdles ahead, as long
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as they could communicate, and there was a chance for reconciliation, he feared nothing. Holding her closer, hè nuzzled her cheek with his nose, whispered hot breaths into her ear, “Babe, I made a mistake, a big one. Let’s remarry. From now on, I’ll listen to you. I’ll transfer my shares and properties to you. If I ever upset you again, just send me packing, and let me beg on the streets.”
When little Estrella was just a tot, Jason once took her out to play and accidentally knocked out one of her teeth. The poor girl wailed so mournfully, lamenting that without her tooth she couldn’t enjoy her meals. She was so upset; she insisted that Kristin kick Jason out and make him beg for change on the street corners.
Jason, wracked with guilt and heartache, silently gathered his things, ready to face the beggar’s life. He was only seven years old at the time.
When Estrella saw Jason actually clutching a bowl ready to hit the streets, she suddenly changed her mind, pulling him back, confessing that she had just spoken in anger.
Reminiscing about the old times, a wry smile tugged at Estrella’s mouth. “Playing for sympathy, are we?” she thought to herself.
Truth be told, Estrella barely remembered the incident herself. She was only four back then. It was Kristin who, in jest, had recounted the story to her on several occasions, keeping the memory alive.
With a cold chuckle, Estrella’s reaction was met by Jason pulling her even closer into his embrace, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Babe, just give me a chance,” he pleaded.