Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Jesse lounged on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, breaking the silence. “Estrella, the guy’s laying it on thick for you.

Don’t waste his gallant gesture. No point in spurning a gift horse.”

Once Jesse finished, Jason snapped back to reality with a cold, mocking laugh. “Starved for affection, huh? Might be time to find a man for a couple of shots of love.”

At that, Estrella rose to her feet, oozing allure, and said with a generous laugh, “Guys, looks like my better half has spoken. I’m off for my shots. You boys enjoy.”

Glancing at the young man beside her, she teased, “Shall we, handsome? Let’s go check into our room.”

“Sure!” he replied, leaning in to whisper something in her ear.

“Really? Well, I’ll have to check out your skills later,” Estrella flirted back.

The room went silent.

Seizing the moment, Jesse, with another young man in tow, also made her er way out.

Inside the room, Jason’s scholarly composure shattered, and with a kick, he sent a chair flying. Next thing you know, the table flipped, sending the cards scattering all over the floor.

Serene stood beside him, her face pale with fear, and she grabbed his arm, calling out, “Jason.”

Startled, Serene was told by Thomas that this wasn’t the place for her, so someone was sent to escort her home.

At the doorway, Estrella didn’t even look back as she inquired about the boys’ skills, their favorite positions, and if the job paid well.

Jesse glanced back with a smirk, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Shortly after, Estrella approached another luxurious suite door with a room card in han just as Jason, icy as a winter storm, came.

The idea of her sleeping with another man was out of the question. No one else would touch what Jason discarded.

Upon seeing him, Estrella greeted him warmly as if bumping into an old friend. “What a coincidence, you’re checking into a room too? And Serene? Why don’t you call her over as well?”

Without waiting for Jason to speak, Estrella teased, “We’re married, after all. Even if I can’t 1/3 15:19 Chapter 2 have you, let me at least witness your virility in bed. Otherwise, post-divorce, when people ask about my ex-husband’s skills, I’d be lost for words.”

Jesse, who had watched the banter unfold, doted on Estrella with a laugh.

Jason spat out bitterly, “Estrella, you’re pathetic.”

Estrella smiled unaffectedly. “Pathetic? Could I have married you and slept in your bed otherwise?”

Their marriage – just a certificate with no ceremony – had been an issue for Estrella. Because of this, not many knew about their union.

As Jason cornered Estrella, the young man accompanying her quickly stepped forward, suggesting, “Hey, maybe you should...”

But before he could finish, Jason’s foot crashed into his chest. The young man stumbled back, his face ashen, and collapsed with a thud.

Estrella finally dropped her pleasant facade. “Ehough, Jason.”

Jason grabbed her face. “You can stomach this trash?”

Pulling at his arm, Estrella retorted, “What I can stomach is none of your business. You have your fun, and I have mine. Fair’s fair.”

His grip tightened, Jason’s expression darkening as he grabbed her throat.

Choking, Estrella’s face turned beet red.

Sensing Jason’s anger, Jesse quickly intervened. “Jason, this is going too far.”

Jesse’s words brought Thomas and Grayson rushing over to pull Jason away. They hurried the young man and his friend out before things escalated further.

Catching her breath, Estrella, without a word, delivered a fierce kick to Jason’s abdomen. His face paled instantly, and Thomas and the rest were stunned.

Estrella glared at Jason, her voice icy. “Try laying a hand on me again.”

Her hateful gaze made Jason’s heart lurch. Realizing his own impulsiveness, he looked down at Estrella, then turned away silently, hands in his pockets.

Grayson stepped in. “Enough drama for one night. Settle this at home.”

Grayson pushed the two apart, and Jason, reluctantly, guided Estrella out by the her neck.

nape of In the parking lot below, Estrella sat in the passenger seat, turning to gaze out the window. The car fell into silence, punctuated only by Jason lighting a cigarette at the open window.

He exhaled a smoke ring before speaking. “You just sleep with anyone. Aren’t you scared 2/3 15-10 Chapter 2 of catching something?”

Estrella replied with nonchalance, “I use protection.”

Jason’s face darkened. “Protection? You think you’re the man in this? Do you have a penis to put that on?”

As they argued, Estrella’s phone rang. It was Kristin. Sighing wearily, Estrella answered, “Hey.”

Kristin’s frantic voice came through. “Estrella, did you find Jason?”

With one hand on her forehead and the other on the phone, Estrella replied tiredly, “Found him. We’re on the way back.” She mentioned nothing of the hotel quarrel.

years.

Hearing Jason was with her, Kristin pressed, “Estrella, seize the night. It’s been.

two years You and Jason need a child. Otherwise, if he wants a divorce next year, you’ll have no ace up your sleeve.”

Kristin’s nagging was giving Estrella a splitting headache. For two years, it had been the same old song – Kristin insisting she have a baby while Jason refused. Estrella felt like she’s about to lose her mind The real issue was that Estrella was dying to start a family, but Jason, well, he wasn’t on board.

Estrella didn’t respond right away, which put Kristin on high alert. “Estrella, don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts about having a baby?” she prodded.

Estrella replied with forced enthusiasm, “Of course, I want to. Really, I do.”

Jason glanced at her indifferently before slamming his foot on the gas, the car surging forward.

When they arrived back home, the place was eerily quiet. After a quick shower, Estrella emerged from the bathroom and couldn’t help but think about Kristin’s earlier admonitions, not to mention her own mother’s frequent probing.

Determined, she marched to the wardrobe and picked out a set of black, lacy lingerie that screamed sex appeal. She had just pulled on her pants and was about to wrap herself in a robe when the bedroom door suddenly swung open.

Turning around, she found Jason standing there.

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