Novel Square
Chapter 154
Estrella clicked the recorder, and Piper’s voice emerged, “Ms. Estrella, right? Take a seat, please.”
Estrella had visited Piper while gathering evidence of Nick’s domestic abuse against Lexi, but Piper hadn’t provided anything useful for the case, so Estrella didn’t present it in court. “So, Piper, were you aware that Nick was married?” Estrella inquired.
Through the recorder, Piper’s voice chuckled, “Of course.” She continued, “I met Nick at the gym this past April. He made the first move. Guys hitting on me? Happens all the time.” “Let’s cut to the chase, Ms. Estrella. We’re both women here, successful in our careers. “I’m a divorced single lady who always prioritized work, so dating took a backseat. But you know, a woman, especially at my age, has needs and stress to release.
—
“When Nick came along, I figured, why not? He’s easy on the eyes, fit, skilled, and not some male prostitutes from a club seemed safer by comparison. Whenever I had the time or the urge, I’d meet up with him.
“His family? It never crossed my mind to wreck his home. Never pried into his marriage. He brought it up on his own.
“Guys need excuses for their infidelities, right? know he wanted cash from me. I’m not hurting for money, so whenever he’d beat around the bush about being broke, I’d toss him a bit.
“If you’re digging for dirt on his wife, I’m clueless. And I’m not foolish enough to probe into his personal life. All I know is he mentioned his wife couldn’t conceive.
“As for the assault and murder charges you’ve got against him, obviously he would me. He still wanted to look good in my eyes.”
At this point, Estrella asked, “Given the aspects of Nick you’re pleased with, have yo thought about marrying him?”
Piper burst out laughing at that, “Marriage? I’ve just clawed my way out of that pit. I’ve money, men, and freedom of time and energy. Do you really think I’d choose marriage, Estrella?”
“If Nick’s entertaining that fantasy, he’s delusional. Even if I were to marry, it wouldn’t be with someone like him. To put it bluntly, he’s only good enough for a lick of my boots.
“I chose him because he’s a cheaper and safer option than any male prostitutes. Why wouldn’t I go for the best deal?
“As for the money, it’s just to shoo him away. I did let him drive a car of mine, but that’s just for temporary use. I wouldn’t give away something worth millions just like that. I may
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have money, but it wasn’t easily earned.
“And just between us, my last marriage might’ve been childless, but my businesses have flourished. I’ve already arranged a surrogate abroad. My twins just turned one. I visit when I can and I’m planning to bring them home soon.
“Having kids, cash, and no husband? That’s a woman’s peak. Why would I ruin that with marriage?”
As Piper spoke, Estrella realized she was a woman with a story, likely wounded by her past marriage and now solely focused on making money, treating men as mere playthings.
Piper already had twins abroad while Nick was foolishly dreaming of marriage. Estrella mused, the clearest heads were those who could secure their own wealth.
Piper’s liaison with Nick might be morally questionable, but Estrella couldn’t help but admire her candidness. After all, if it wasn’t Piper, Nick would’ve found another woman- it was in his nature.
etween Estrella and Piper, his face
Across the table, Nick listened to the conversation turning ashen as he realized she saw him merely as a human shaped dildo, and a cheaper one at that. His hands clenched into fists, veins throbbing on the back of his hands.
He had thought Piper’s financial generosity and the luxury car were signs of affection, believing in the image he’d cultivated. But now, he just realized she only saw him as a joke. Nick recalled every time Piper gave him money, they’d have marathon sessions at a hotel, where Piper wouldn’t let him leave until he was utterly spent.
In retrospect, Nick realized she was only with him for his youth, physique, and stamina The money was nothing more than her payment for his services. He had pushed Lex down the stairs for Piper, naively hoping to secure a future with this wealthy woman! was the punchline. Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.
Piper’s trips abroad were to visit her children, and a woman who wouldn’t even carry-h own babies wouldn’t have room in her heart for a man.
Remembering Piper’s dismissive words, Nick’s face flushed with rage, veins bulging at hi temples. Piper had no feelings for him and considered him worthy only of groveling at he feet…
“Damn her, that bitch,” Nick seethed, his anger close to boiling over.
Estrella calmly put away the recorder, “Nick, save your curses. If you hadn’t gone chasing after others, they wouldn’t even know you. If you’re going to play games, you’ve got to be prepared to play them right.”
In this world, it was never quite certain who was the true player.
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Estrella’s indifference only fueled Nick’s fury as he glared at her. “Why didn’t you let me hear the recording earlier? Why only now?” Had Estrella played it sooner, he would never have signed the divorce settlement. He would’ve found a way to see Lexi, to apologize, and to convince her not to divorce. He would’ve strived to get out early and let Lexi wait
for him.
However, it was too late, and Nick’s plans, like his illusions, had crumbled to dust.
Estrella saw right through Nick’s ploy with a dismissive chuckle, “Should I, instead, let you listen to this recording first? Then you can go pester Lexi, play the victim with her, and make her wait for you not to divorce? Nick, do you really think that’s going to fly?”
That’s men for you-backed into a corner, and they’re still trying to drag a woman down with them.
At her words, Nick shot up from his chair like a jack-in-the-box, “Give me back that divorce agreement. I’m not signing it. I’m not going through with this divorce. I need to talk to Lexi, face to face.”
2
The sheer audacity of the man was enough to stagger Estrella’s understanding of shamelessness. Tucking the voice recorder into her purse, Estrella tossed a ‘Dream on over her shoulder and walked out without looking back.
“Estrella, damn you, come back here! Give me that agreement back. I’m not signing it—I’m not getting a damn divorce!”
No matter how loud Nick hollered after her, Estrella couldn’t care less. She didn’t turn around, not even once, as she left.