Novel Square
Chapter 287
Isaac’s voice broke through the sleepy haze, prompting Estrella to groggily come to, her voice a tender murmur, “Sweetheart, be good,” as she reached for her ringing phone and answered with a sleepy “Hello?”
On the other end of the line was Bryce, his voice laden with defeat. “Estrella, I don’t have anywhere to go. Can you let me into Waterfall Acres?”
Estrella’s heart sank a touch at the sound of Bryce’s voice, but she quickly composed herself, “What’s going on?”
Bryce sighed, “I refused to go on a blind date, and Grandpa kicked me out. Dad froze my bank accounts, and the company’s auditing. I’m backed into a corner.”
He never imagined that his refusal to date would lead the Nelson clan to shut him out, with even Jason siding against him. That man was beyond low, pushing Bryce into the line of fire for his own selfish desires.
When Bryce complained to his mom, she retorted, “Who’s shutting you out? Who’s using you? Shouldn’t you know better at your age? Besides, we’re just asking you to get married. Is that such a bad thing? You ungrateful brat.” With that, she tossed his belongings outside.
So now, Bryce had no choice but to turn to Estrella.
Estrella replied with blurry eyes, “I’ll come over after I wake up.”
Bryce protested, “For heaven’s sake, it’s six already, and it’s dark out. How can you still be asleep?”
If it wasn’t dark, if Jesse wasn’t out of town, and if he had any other place to go, he wouldn’t be in such a sorry state.
“I’ll be there,” Estrella said, her eyes still closed.
“Bring my boy,” Bryce added before the line went dead.
Estrella hung up, noticing Isaac watching her. She pinched his chubby cheek then got up to prepare herself and her son to head to Waterfall Acres.
The weather was chilly with the recent thaw, and when Estrella found Bryce, his nose was practically frozen. She sized him up and down, “With this weather, that’s all you’re wearing?”
“My mom didn’t pack me clothes,” Bryce replied miserably.
“Didn’t you know the passcode to my place?” Estrella remembered halfway there.
“I changed it three years ago to keep my brother out, and now even I can’t remember it. Can’t get past the fingerprint lock.”
08:46
“Why didn’t you wait in your car instead of standing out here like a statue?”
The mention of the car made Bryce almost break down. “My dad took it. Even siphoned the gas.”
Estrella had to admit the Nelsons were thorough, “Blood relatives, indeed.” She glanced at Isaac, “Listen, kiddo, this is what happens when you misbehave.”
Isaac wrapped his arms around Estrella’s neck “I will be good.”
Bryce, seeking warmth, reached for Isaac, “Estrella, let me hold my boy. I need to warm
up.”
Isaac squealed as their faces pressed together, and Estrella, unable to watch, kicked Bryce. She tried to get inside, only to find herself unable to remember the passcode or unlock the door with her fingerprint. Fortunately, she had the keys to eventually open the
door.
Once inside and cozy, Estrella ordered takeout. Bryce felt something was missing and then realized it was Jason’s absence. If it were any other day, he’d be here or at least calling. But today, it’s like he’s vanished.
Sipping hot soup, Bryce turned to Estrella, “What’s going on between you and him? Why has he suddenly disappeared?”
Estrella brushed it off, “He’s on a business trip.
Bryce pressed, “That’s not all, is it? Did you have a fight?”
Estrella briefly explained about the discovered medication and how there had been no contact since Jason left for his trip.
Bryce considered this, then said, “He’s so impatient. He should’ve realized that your relationship isn’t exactly on solid ground yet. You’ve barely reconciled. You are in no position to have a baby,” He then added, “And even then, Isaac is still so young. It would be better for both of you to wait a year or two if you’re considering having a second
child.”
Taking a moment, he said, “I guess my brother feels insecure, so he probably thinks having a child together would keep you with him.”
At Bryce’s unusual words today, Estrella laughed, “What’s gotten into you today? You’re not only refraining from driving a wedge between us but you’re also defending him.”
Bryce was half amused, half annoyed, “What kind of a comment is that? Do I really seem that bad? My words have always held context. If I suggested a split before, it’s because my brother was being a pain. Now that you two have sorted out your misunderstandings and given he’s been really making an effort recently, I have no reason to suggest a split anymore. Most importantly, Isaac recognizes him. I genuinely wish the best for you and Isaac.”
08.46
Before Estrella.could respond, Bryce added, “However, if my brother decides to call things off over this, don’t feel regretful. Just carry on with your life as you would.”
After Bryce had said his piece, Estrella giggled, “You’ve certainly become a lot more level-headed over the past few years.”
Bryce nodded, “I guess.”
But thinking of Jason leaving Estrella in the cold, Bryce couldn’t help but feel indignant on her behalf.
With the cold weather, Estrella decided to stay at Waterfall Acres, especially since Isaac always loved a change of scenery.
That night, as Estrella worked after her bath, Bryce kept Isaac entertained, and Jesse mentioned coming over from Ravenwood the next day.
The sound of Isaac calling Bryce “Daddy B” made Estrella smile. Children do love their family bonds, and Isaac certainly had a soft spot for both Jason and Bryce.
The following morning, as the three of them slept, a persistent knocking on the door jolted them. From the guest bedroom, Bryce, half-awake, saw Isaac sleeping peacefully next to him and called out to the master bedroom, “Estrella, someone’s at the door.”
“Estrella,” he called again.
Bryce called out for Estrella a few times, but there was no response from her end. Left with no choice, he dragged himself out of bed to answer the door.
Yawning and assuming it was Jesse returning from his business trip, Bryce didn’t bother with questions and simply flung the door open “Hey, you’re back early-”
On the doorstep, the visitor was taken aback to find Bryce instead of Estrella. To make matters more awkward, Bryce was decked out in Estrella’s pajamas and her fluffy slippers, with his heels peeking out the back. For a moment, the visitor’s expression ran through an entire spectrum of colors, each more vivid than the last. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
Back inside, Bryce, having called out for Jesse without getting a reply, let out another yawn and finally opened his eyes wide.