Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Meanwhile, back at the house.

Estrella, having just wrapped up her shift, walked through the door to find Marie practically bouncing with excitement. “Ms.

Estrella,” she gushed, “Mr. Jason called earlier. He said he’ll be coming home later tonight.”

Marie was well aware that it was a roundabout way for him to let Estrella know he was coming without having to call her directly.

Handing her bag over to Marie, Estrella smiled and said, “Alright, I’ll head upstairs and freshen up a bit.”

After pampering herself with a long shower and slipping into her newly purchased pajamas, she waited and waited. Yet, Jason was nowhere to be seen. As the clock ticked close to eleven and Jason still hadn’t arrived, Estrella lost all interest in working. In frustration, she tossed the case files on her desk, picked up her phone, and dialed Drew. “Drew, what’s going on with Jason? Wasn’t he supposed to come home?”

Calling Drew was a last resort for Estrella because ever since ‘that incident, Jason had stopped taking her calls. Any communication had to go through Drew, which was a bitter pill for Estrella to swallow.

On the other end, Drew spoke with measured words. “Ms. Estrella, he is tied up with some matters.”

After a brief pause, he continued, “He probably won’t make it back tonight. You might as well not wait up.”

When Drew confirmed Jason wouldn’t be returning, Estrella ended the call abruptly. It was one thing not to come home, but another not to even notify her. Giving hope and then dousing it with a bucket of cold water-what was he playing at?

With a huff, she tossed the phone onto the desk and ran her fingers through her long, dark hair, feeling a burning frustration within.

She had prepared herself, and he wasn’t coming back. At this rate, her hopes for a child seemed to be slipping away. Time was also slipping by. What felt like a year not so long ago was now just a few months.

Feeling off-kilter, she grabbed her phone again and called Bryce. “Bryce, you’re back, right? Can you check up on what Jason is up to tonight?”

“Sure thing, give me three minutes,” came the reply from the other end.

Bryce, Jason’s cousin and Estrella’s classmate was unequivocally on her side through thick and thin.

Coon Bryce’s call came back with news that made Estrella’s expression turn cold, and a 15:21 self-mocking smile crept onto her lips. She had thought she could keep Jason close.

In the hospital room.

Jason, hands in his pockets, glanced over at Serene, who was yet to come around. Checking his watch, he noted it was nearly midnight, and his expression darkened.

Drew whispered, “Sir, Ms. Estrella called a moment ago.”

“Mm.”

“Perhaps you should head back. I’ll stay with Ms. Serene.”

Jason let out a sigh and was about to respond when Serene suddenly stirred awake. As she struggled to adjust, her pale face reddened around the eyes, when she finally opened her eyes and saw Jason.

With tears clouding her vision, she choked out a single word, “Jason.”

Jason’s demeanor grew even sterner at Serene’s awakening.

Drew, with a hint of sternness, said, “Ms. Serene, you’ve been so careless. If we’d found you any later, you might not have been saved.”

After Drew spoke, Serene burst into tears. Lifting herself on trembling arms, she sobbed to Jason, “I’m sorry, Jason. I didn’t mean to trouble you. I just couldn’t see a way out for my family’s future, and I lost hope.”

Wiping away tears, she promised, “I won’t make foolish mistakes again.”

She had nearly overdosed on sedatives. If not for the timely discovery by Drew’s arranged housekeeper, she might not have survived.

Jason looked down at the distraught Serene and spoke softly, “Your life won’t be so difficult from now on. Don’t overthink things.”

Serene’s father had passed in a car accident years ago, leaving her mentally unstable mother and a nine-year-old brother. The burdens of life were undeniable, but with a decent salary from Nelson International and her connection to Jason, she wasn’t without support.

Jason’s reassurance led Serene to grasp his arm, looking up at him with hope. “Jason, you won’t abandon me, will you? You’ll help me, right?”

Jason’s hand twitched in his pocket, but he didn’t pull away from her grip. Instead, he looked down and assured her, “If there’s anything you need, you can go directly to Drew.

Drew quickly added, “Ms. Serene, Mr. Jason is a man of honor, He won’t leave you high and dry. You can come to me with anything.” Her life-saving deed for Jason had secured her a spot in the office and his implicit support 15/21 With that, Serene reluctantly released Jason’s arm, with gratitude laced in her voice. “Thank you, Jason.” Then, turning to Drew, “And sorry for the trouble, Drew.”

After Serene’s revival, Jason lingered in the hospital room for a short while before leaving. It was now the early hours of the morning. He had intended to return to Sandalwood Oasis, but remembering how he had upset Estrella last time, he decided against it. Jason anticipated a cold reception and chose to be dropped off at an alternate residence.

The doctor had advised Serene to stay in the hospital for observation, and Jason did visit occasionally. After all, he felt partly responsible for her current state.

Estrella was aware of Jason’s whereabouts these past few days. Having grown accustomed to disappointment, she chuckled ironically in her heart. She no longer took Jason’s promises seriously, nor did she hope for his return.

However, Kristin wasn’t having any of it. When she learned that Jason had been visiting Serene in the hospital these past few days, hardly ever returning home, she let loose a tirade in the comfort of her own living room. “That little slut is probably pulling a fast one. It’s a classic sympathy play. She’s just jealous that Jason and Estrella are patching things up.”

The housekeeper nodded in agreement, “You might be onto something there, Ms. Kristin.” Kristin fumed, “No way, I can’t stand by while she plays her games.” With that, she instructed the chauffeur to drive her to Sandalwood Oasis.

So, when Estrella got home from work, she was met with the sight of a fuming Kristin in the living room. Startled, Estrella handed her bag to the housemaid and asked, “Kristin, what brings you here?”

Kristin quickly stood up from the couch, “If I didn’t come over, Jason might as well not be your husband anymore.”

Estrella laughed it off, “Mom, it’s not that serious.”

Even though Estrella was taking it in stride, Kristin wasn’t influenced by her calmness. After a good round of berating Serene, she handed Estrella a check.

Estrella, half puzzled, asked, “What do you mean by this?”

15:21