Novel Square
Chapter 167
Before Estrella could utter a word, Bryce pressed on, “Look, Estrella, when it comes to matters of the heart, it’s better to rip off the Band-Aid fast. If you split now, you’ll be upset for, what, maybe a couple of weeks tops? But if you don’t, the pain’s just gonna drag on. Why put yourself through that kind of grief? You’re not exactly short on options, right?”
As Bryce continued, Marie’s expression turned so dark, it looked like a thundercloud. When the maid brought in the tea and cookies, Marie snatched the tray with a severe look.
Later, when Marie stomped into the
wroom, she slammed the refreshments down in
front of Bryce and spat out, “Mr. Bryce, I remember Mr. Jason is your cousin. He never did you any wrong, did he?”
“How can you, his cousin, come into his house and push his wife to divorce? And if I may be so bold, you wouldn’t happen to have your eye on Ms. Estrella, would you?” Marie was genuinely suspicious of Bryce’s motives. If he wasn’t Jason’s cousin, Marie would have booted him out long ago.
What kind of cousin was that?
Annoyed by Marie’s reaction, Bryce lounged on the sofa, legs apart, and said with an air of sincerity, “Marie, aren’t you being a bit too overprotective of Jason? You know exactly what kind of man he is. How often he’s been home to Estrella since they got married? You can’t say you don’t know.”
“If Estrella were your daughter, would you be happy to see her married to a man like Jason? Since there’s no love and mutual affection, why force them to stay together? This marriage was a mistake from the start, and when you realize you’ve made a mistake, you correct it promptly.”
Marie was left speechless by Bryce’s blunt words. He wasn’t wrong; Estrella and Jason marriage was indeed rocky, with Jason rarely coming home. But Marie wasn’t one to concede defeat. She dreaded the thought that Estrella might actually take Bryce’s advic and go through with a divorce. Content © NôvelDrama.Org 2024.
“So relationships need time to gel,” Marie argued. “Besides, Mr. Jason and Ms. Estrella have been getting along great lately. He’s been coming home nearly every day.”
Bryce chuckled, “They’ve known each other for nearly 24 years. If it’s not working, it’s not working. How much more ‘gelling’ do they need?”
“Mr. Bryce, if you keep this up, I’ll be calling Mr. Jason and Mr. Keith,” Marie threatened, seeing that Bryce was dead set on getting Estrella to go through the divorce.
Estrella, who was feeling extremely tired, yawned amidst their back and forth. “Bryce, give it a rest,” she said.
Then she turned to Marie, “Look, Marie, this is just how Bryce is. Don’t take it personally. Plus, I can make my own decisions.” Estrella knew exactly when and what decisions to
make.
Marie relaxed a bit. “Ms. Estrella, you’re a smart lady. I trust your judgment.”
Bryce snorted, “Smart about everything except for marrying my cousin.”
Marie’s expression darkened, and she looked like she was about to throw her shoe at Bryce. It was no wonder Mr. Jason always had it out for him.
Estrella smoothed things over a bit before sending her off to attend to other matters. Once Marie left, Bryce nonchalantly cracked nuts and said, “Jason’s her golden boy. Of course, she’s protective.”
Estrella shot back, “Don’t get too cocky. I know what I’m doing.”
Bryce teased, “Just making sure you’re not blinded by love.”
In Bryce’s eyes, Estrella was a hopeless romantic.
Estrella just laughed at the absurdity.
After lunch at Sandalwood Oasis, Bryce was summoned away by a phone call and had to take off to manage Velvet Voices KTV that night.
Once Bryce left, Estrella glanced at the photos on the coffee table. It was a beautiful day, perfect for a walk.
As Estrella’s lips curled into a sardonic smile, Marie reappeared. Noticing the photos, she said, “Ms. Estrella, those pictures don’t mean a thing. Better wait for Mr. Jason to come back and clear things up.”
Marie knew that communication was the cornerstone of any marriage and urged Estrell to talk to Jason, confident he would explain.
Staring at the photos, Estrella said calmly, “Marie, just burn these photos, will you? And need to mention Bryce’s visit to Jason.”
There was no need to ask Jason; she already knew what his answers would be.
Holly’s mysterious resurgence was something she wouldn’t explain to anyone but Jaso So, there was no rush to confront the issue. If there was anything between them, it wou come to light eventually. There was no need to act rashly and alert them.
As Marie picked up the photos, Estrella smiled, “I trust Jason.” Only after Estrella expressed her trust did Marie leave to burn the photos.
Watching Marie’s retreating figure, Estrella touched her belly and then went upstairs to rest.
After lunch with Holly, Jason drove her home.
When the car pulled up outside the Ledford family estate, Holly turned to stare at Jason and hesitated to leave or speak.
Noticing her prolonged silence, Jason glanced at her and reminded her, “We’re here.”
Jason’s words hung in the air when Holly gently caught his hand. “Jason.”
It had been over three years since they’d last met, yet he was just as charismatic and dashing as ever. At the alumni gala the night before, amidst the sea of faces, she spotted him immediately. Jason always stood out, no matter the occasion. He was perpetually the most dazzling one in the room.
Holly gripped his wrist, and Jason turned to look at her, “You take care now. Rest up at home.”
“Mhm.” Holly replied softly, her voice tinged with tenderness, before letting go of his hand. She continued to stare at Jason for quite some time. After spotting the Maserati returning, she reluctantly pushed open the car door and whispered, “I’ll be heading back then.”
“Yeah,” Jason responded, his voice casual.
Holly’s gaze lingered on him, filled with unspoken yearning, until she finally set her feet on the ground and stepped out of the car.
“Miss,” the servant rushed over to support her.
Leaning on the servant, Holly didn’t immediately head inside. She waited until Jason’s car vanished from her sight before reluctantly making her way back to the house.
Three long years, and not a single day had passed without her thoughts drifting to him. She had never truly let him go.
What if he hadn’t…
However, life doesn’t come with so many ‘what ifs.’