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Chapter 10
It seems that she wasn’t as he thought, with no personal life whatsoever.
When Marie brought in some snacks and tea, Jason casually asked about Estrella’s usual routine. Marie said, “Ms. Estrella occasionally works overtime, but not often, and she
usually comes home quite early. It’s still early today.”
Early? It was already past nine. She usually complained about his infrequent visits, yet she herself wasn’t much better.
Jason thought that when he agreed to come home once a week, Estrella would be waiting at home for him, eagerly watching for his return. But things didn’t turn out as he imagined.
With his hands in his pockets, Jason still stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, not leaving. Now, he was curious when Estrella would return home tonight.
Meanwhile, inside an Audi A4, a young man gripped the steering wheel, glancing over at Estrella who rested her head against the window, her brow furrowed in discomfort. “Estrella, you okay?” he asked with concern.
“I’m fine,” she replied, her hand pressed against her chest. The night had crowned her the life of the party, leading to a few too many toasts in her honor. As the evening wound down, people suggested karaoke, but Estrella could hardly walk straight, prompting her supervisor to arrange a ride home.
Entering the prestigious Sandalwood Oasis, the young man’s eyes widened in awe. The neighborhood was Ravenwood’s crème de la crème, where luxury whispered through the rustling leaves and reflected in the tranquil waters. The real estate prices were as breathtaking as the scenery – outrageously so
As they pulled up to Sandalwood Oasis No. 1, his shock deepened. If his memory served him right, this was the property of a prominent Ravenwood figure, sprawling over acres of prime land. “Estrella,” he called out, just as the gates of the villa swung open, revealing a tall man in a crisp slate-gray pajama set. His face was stern as he approached them, each step measured.
The young guy’s heart skipped a beat upon recognizing Jason. In the next instant, he was out of the car, greeting him respectfully, “Mr. Jason.”
Jason spared him a glance before opening the passenger door. Estrella’s scent, heavy with alcohol, hit him, and his gaze turned icy. “Estrella, why did you drink so much?”
Estrella, surprised by his presence, chirped, “Hey! You’re back!” She fumbled with her seatbelt, muttering about its stubbornness until Jason, despite his distaste, unbuckled it and lifted her from the car.
Quiugby clung to his neck, protesting, “Jason, I’m not that drunk. Put me down. I can
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walk.” Instead, Jason tightened his hold, as if to assert his claim over her.
The young man, still by the car, was slack-jawed. The pieces fell into place. Estrella’s connection to Jason explained her snagging the legal representation for Nelson International. The thought of any misunderstandings on Jason’s part sent a shiver down his spine.
He quickly retrieved Estrella’s purse, “Mr. Jason, this is Estrella’s bag. We had a firm dinner tonight. I’m allergic to alcohol, so I was the designated driver.”
Jason accepted the bag with a nonchalant “Thanks,” and the young man watched them disappear into the villa, his mind reeling with Estrella’s high-profile connections.
Once upstairs, Jason sat across from Estrella in an interrogation-like manner. “Estrella, you sure that man is just a colleague? Did he bring anyone else home tonight?”
are
Estrella, cradling a throw pillow, met his jealous gaze with a teasing challenge, “Jason, are you jealous?”
He lit a cigarette, only to extinguish it at her frown. “Don’t play dumb, Estrella. Answer my question.”
Her laughter broke the tension as she tossed aside the pillow and straddled him, seeking his embrace. “Jason, I need a hug.”
Expecting him to push her away, she was surprised when he pulled her closer instead, his touch gentle yet firm. Their bodies pressed together, and the irritation within Jason began to ebb. Lifting her chin, he smirked, “Feeling guilty? Trying to charm your way out?”
Estrella buried her face in his neck, her voice muffled, “Jason, I’m so tired, and I just want to sleep.”
Her
softness melted his resolve. “Estrella, this can’t happen again,” he warned. If she came home drunk and escorted by another man in the future, regardless of the circumstances, his response would be far less forgiving.
Estrella ignored his caution, slumping bonelessly against his shoulder, her soft lips grazing his cheek. “Jason, give me a kiss.”
Jason grasped her wrists and gently pushed her away. “Don’t push your luck.”
“No kiss?” Estrella sat up straight. “Fine, I’ll kiss someone else.”
As she made to get up from his embrace, Jason’s expression darkened. He pulled her back by the waist. Estrella stumbled and fell back into Jason’s arms, her forehead crashing against his and her lips inadvertently pressing against his own.
Their warm lips touched. Jason’s scent was refreshing, while Estrella reeked of alcohol. Estrella swallowed hard, about to retreat from Jason when he leaned in, sealing their lips together. Her eyes fluttering shut, Estrella raised her hands to wrap around his neck.
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After a heated exchange, Estrella looked up at Jason with woozy eyes and asked, “Jason, do I taste sweet?”
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