Novel Square
Chapter 163
Lately, Estrella couldn’t stand the smell of smoke and booze, so Jason had become extra vigilant about it. He used to sneak the occasional cigarette, but now he had quit cold turkey.
Estrella looked up at him and said, “I know, you better go shower and try to hit the hay early.”
Jason planted a kiss on her lips, teasing, “Can’t wait, huh?”
“Duh, I’ve been waiting up for you half the night,” Estrella replied, playfully pinching Jason’s
butt.
Jason, at a loss for words, gave her a lingering kiss before grabbing his clothes and heading to the bathroom.
After a while, freshly showered, he came out and sat down beside Estrella. As he pulled her into his arms, Estrella turned to him and mentioned, “I got the invitation to the
school’s anniversary celebration this afternoon.”
“We’ll go together,” Jason said, kissing her cheek.
Since the gathering at the club, whispers of Jason and Estrella’s marriage had started circulating around the school on a small scale. But many were skeptical, saying that Jason had been so smitten with Holly in the past that it was impossible for him to tie the knot so quickly. They argued that a young guy like Jason wouldn’t rush into marriage. Some even suggested that because Jason was the CEOof Nelson International, there would have been a grand wedding, and the lack of any such news meant that perhaps Estrella was spreading false rumors to corner Jason into submission. They recalled how
Estrella used to visit Jason at Ravenwood College even before she enrolled, indicating a one-sided affection from her.
With all this gossip, the truth about Jason and Estrella’s marriage became even more obscured. The doubters were mostly alumni who had been close to Holly or had a soft spot for her. They believed that even though Holly had passed away, Jason hadn’t move on and still held a torch for her.
Jason had heard these rumors through Drew, which was why he insisted on attending the celebration with Estrella.
Resting in his embrace, Estrella gave him an understanding look before leaning back into his arms.
After over two years of marriage, these moments of closeness were rare. It had been a long time since she had simply lain in Jason’s arms like this.
As Jason playfully pinched her belly, Estrella rested her hands on his wrists and asked in a steady tone, “I took on a divorce case today. The husband and wife were brought together
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by their parents’ arrangement, but the husband’s first love has returned. Now, with their daughter off to college, he’s asked for a divorce.”
“My client still loves her husband and wants to salvage their marriage,” she continued. “Jason, as a man, give me your take. Is there any chance for this marriage to be saved? Should she even bother trying?”
Jason idly kneaded Estrella’s sides as he mused, “After all these years, if he’s still not over his first love, it’s going to be tough for the wife, unless something drastic changes his mindset. Otherwise, there’s hardly anything that could be done for the wife to save their marriage.”
Then he looked down at Estrella and remarked, “They’re at the point of suing for divorce. Why aren’t you advising your client to just end it? As long as she gets a fair share of the assets, that should be enough. Isn’t that usually your approach?”
“She can’t bear to let go,” Estrella said. “So you think it’s not worth holding onto this marriage, right?”
“Mm-hmm,” Jason replied nonchalantly.
After responding, Jason suddenly felt as if he’d been led into a trap. He studied her for a moment before asking, “What are your client’s name? What’s her husband’s name?”
“Megan and her husband’s name is Jackson. You’ve probably interacted with him before.”
“I remember him. Probably worked with him.”
When Estrella provided real names and details, Jason breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, he had wondered if she was fishing for information.
Estrella chuckled at Jason’s obvious sense of relief. She had only asked a casual question, after all.
Still, the case did bear a striking resemblance to their own situation, even if she and Jason hadn’t reached such a critical juncture.
Estrella’s smug glance didn’t go unnoticed by Jason, who tightened his embrace and kissed her ear, her most sensitive spot. As she melted into his touch, Estrella returned h kiss with tender passion.
Saturday arrived, and Ravenwood College was abuzz with excitement for its anniversary. Alumni who had the time all made their way back to their alma mater for the occasion.
The celebration kicked off in the morning, and Jason and Estrella were up and about by seven, ready to head to their old stomping grounds. Despite having attended similar events in the past, this was the first time they would be attending together as a couple.
“Mr. Jason.”
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“Ms. Estrella.”
“Jason.”
As they stepped out of their car, greetings flew their way. Their coordinated outfits drew attention, and the school forums lit up with chatter.
Jason and Estrella were truly an item, everyone buzzed, with snapshots of the couple flooding social media.
The comments ranged from adoration to judgment, with some mourning Holly’s memory, while others defended Jason’s right to move on.
When someone brought up Holly, claiming Jason was heartless, other classmates couldn’t stand idly by. They jumped into the fray under the post, accusing them of morally pressuring Jason. Besides,
Holly had been gone for several years now, and even if she and Jason had a past, it was high time to turn the page.
The online squabble was reaching fever pitch when the school administration stepped in with an announcement, urging everyone to focus solely on the upcoming reunion and refrain from irrelevant discussions. The notice emphasized that Jason and Estrella were the pride of the school and today’s honored guests. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Following the announcement, the contentious post was removed, and the instigators found their accounts promptly suspended.
Bryce, with time on his hands, screenshotted the post and sent it to Estrella, who appeared utterly unfazed by the whole ordeal. As a lawyer, she’d seen her share of conflicts. If she let every little thing get to her, she’d be fit to be tied on a daily basis.
Jason and Estrella exchanged greetings with the school administrators, who quickly noticed that they were indeed married. Each of the leaders wore a broad, authentic smile as they cheerfully extended their heartfelt congratulations.
Once the reunion festivities kicked off, following the opening remarks and speeches by the host and dignitaries, they invited Jason to the stage to speak on behalf of the alum