Bryce’s expression instantly darkened. “It’s been these years. Is Jason that sentimental? If he really


    cared that much, couldn’t he spare some of that affection for you?”


    A soft chuckle escaped Estre’s lips. “Cut it out, Bryce. You’re actually getting worked up


    over this.”


    The more Estreughed, the more Bryce’s brow furrowed in annoyance. No need to spell it out –


    after returning from the cemetery, Jason must have given her the cold shoulder.


    If his heart belonged to someone else, why did he agree to this marriage? To wed her and leave her


    alone, what was that all about?


    His


    gaze turned icy as he faced Estre. “Listen, Estre, get a grip. And how can you be sure th


    those fortune-tellers are right if you haven’t tested them yourself? Are you really going to tie yourself to


    Jason for life?”


    Bryce, talking seriously and sternly, got a reluctant promise from Estre to consider leaving Jason. His


    mood lightened only after she conceded.


    They resumed their meal and light conversation until Estre, wiping her hands with a napkin, stood up


    from the sofa. “I should head back. You should get some rest too.”


    Bryce got to his feet as well. “Why go back? Someone waiting for you? Or someone to warm your


    bed?”


    “As Estre turned to leave, she swiftly kicked Bryce’s backside. “You are bold today, huh?”


    Unfazed, Bryce patted his bottom and casually said, “Go on. Get washed up and hit the sack.”


    Reminded by Bryce, Estre really did find going back pointless. She stretched and headed to the


    bedroom.


    Bryce, with his hands tucked in his pockets, watched Estre let go of the idea of returning home, and


    his mood improved further.


    At the same time, Jason had left Serene’s ce and parked his car by the curbside.


    “Jason, I understand without you saying a word. I won’t call the cops.”


    “Jason, Serene saved both you and me. She’s an innocent victim in all this. If I can’t make it through


    this ordeal, she’s going to be my stand-in. You need to look after her.”


    Jason, with his left arm resting on the car window, lit a cigarette with his right hand and took a deep


    drag, exhaling a perfect ring of smoke.


    12:48


    Memories surged, darkening his expression even further. He finished his cigarette in silence and finally


    started his car, heading towards Sandalwood Oasis.


    When he arrived home, Marie came in from the backyard, surprised to see him. “Mr. Jason, you’re


    back!”


    “Yeah,” Jason responded tersely as he moved upstairs. Marie called out again, “Sir.”


    He paused and turned. Marie awkwardly informed him, “Ms. Estre just stepped out.”


    Then, as if to cover for Estre, she added, “She seemed in a hurry. Must have been something


    urgent.”


    At the mention of Estre’s sudden departure, Jason’s face turned stormy. He pulled out his phone and


    dialed her number. His departure followed by her immediate exit wasn’t the first time.


    Watching Jason ascend the stairs, Marie wiped her hands on her apron and sighed.


    Back at Bryce’s ce, Estre’s phone, which she left on the sofa, began to ring. Bryce, with the beer


    in his hand, came over. He saw it was Jason calling, and his mood soured once again.


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    He tossed the half-finished beer into the trash and grabbed Estre’s phone,


    disconnecting the call without a second thought.


    Jason couldn’t forget Holly and he also had Serene; he just needed them and that was enough. After


    hanging up, Bryce switched off her phone too.


    On the other end, Jason’s face grew even darker when the call disconnected.


    The next morning, Estre woke up stretching and found Bryce in the kitchen. He was preparing


    breakfast. With his mouth full, Bryce mumbled, “Clean up and eat. I ordered us some takeout.”


    Estre yawned. “Let me know when you actually cook. Then we’ll talk.”


    Bryce wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Even if I manage to cook, you wouldn’t eat!”


    “Help me take my clothes to the dry cleaner if you’ve got nothing better to do,” Estre


    instructed.


    “Consider it done,” Bryce assured her.


    As they sat down to eat, Bryce didn’t bring up Jason’s call or the fact that he had turned off her phone.


    So, when Estre finished work and saw Jason’s car parked outside thew firm, she was genuinely


    surprised.


    Jason stared at her from inside his car, and Estre approached withposure. “Working on a case?”


    Jason looked up. His voice was cold. “Estre, are you so eager to work on your own


    12:48


    divorce?”


    Estreughed. “Just preparing myself! Either have your kid or I take half your assets.”


    Her indifference irked Jason. “Get in the car.”


    Estre leaned on his window. Her eyebrows raised yfully. “I only meet men in bed. You sure about


    this?”


    12:48