Estre was at a loss for words, thinking he had fallen asleep. She stayed silent, ignoring Jason, but he


    nestled his chin on her shoulder, his hand sneaking under her shirt.


    Estre’s skin was smooth and supple, irresistibly touchable. As Jason teased her, cupping her


    breasts, Estre lost her patience and threw his hand aside, “Jason, don’t push your luck.”


    But Jason rolled over, trapping her in his arms, “Which married woman hasn’t had a taste. of man,


    huh? Aren’t we all experienced here?”


    Estre couldn’t help butugh, “How do you know I haven’t?”


    “You’re all talk.”


    Estre was stunning, with a smile that captivated souls and etched a permanent memory in anyone


    who saw it.


    Jason had been doing some soul-searching. Regardless of theirplicated rtionship, they were


    still man and wife in the eyes of the world. With so many eyes on her, it seemed foolish to keep his


    distance.


    He peeled away her clothes, leaning in to kiss her. Estre pushed him, “Aren’t you with a


    stomachache? Enough messing around let’s sleep.”


    the one


    If Jason had made his move sooner, she would have been receptive. But now, her heart just wasn’t in


    it.


    Jason pinned Estre’s hands with one arm, skillfully tugging at her clothes with the other, “Don’t worry,


    I can satisfy you, difort or not.”


    As his long, strong hand reached her lower abdomen, Estre’s eyes narrowed involuntarily. Seizing


    the moment, Jason used the nightgown to bind her hands. Estre warned, “Think it through, Jason. If


    this goes down, you’re stuck with me for life.”


    Jason kissed her lips softly, “Why would I want to get rid of you?” Whispering in her ear, he added,


    “With all your energy, I’d rather not let you loose to cause havoc elsewhere.”


    “Untie my hands.”


    “No can do. You’re too handsy.”


    Thest time they hadn’t finished, she had given him a head wound to remember.


    After a bit of a struggle, Jason did untie Estre’s hands. Just as things were heating up, Estre


    snapped back to reality and kicked Jason away, “You give multi-million-dor nes to other


    woman, dump your difort on me, ande to me when you want some action. Why do you


    always give the best to others and leave me the short end of the stick?”


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    11-34


    “Get off me. Go find someone else.”


    She had thought about turning a blind eye, perhaps having a child would be enough, but she couldn’t


    convince herself, nor forget Jason’s cold gaze yesterday, or how he had reminisced about Holly right in


    front of her at Silverbrook.


    Jason had always shown her his coldest side. His current interest was merely sparked by her recent


    indifference. It was a conquest game for him. She had lost any desire to bear a child, especially his.


    Estre’s kicknded squarely on Jason’s stomach. After Estre pulled her legs back, Jason clutched


    his stomach and gritted his teeth, saying. “Estre, that was a low blow.”


    Estre stood up, donning her nightgown with a coolposure, “Did that cool you off? If not, the


    door’s to the left.” The door to the left led to Serene’s room.


    Estre wasn’t shaken by the ne or desperate for Jason to cut ties. He was free to do as he


    pleased, but she had every right to reject a man whose heart wasn’t with her.


    bor for sce or


    He could seek his pleasures elsewhere, but he shouldn’te tofort. Whoever received his love


    and affection should also be there in his times distress. She refused to be a harbor for someone who


    didn’t hold her in his heart.


    As for their marriage, Estre’s faith in it dwindled by the day.


    Watching Estre dress, Jason ceased his howling, “Still angry? Jealous?”


    of


    Estre poured herself a ss of water, taking a sip, “Not angry or jealous. Just finding it all rather


    pointless.” She no longer desired to be with him or to entertain thoughts of motherhood.


    Her indifference hit Jason hard. Grayson had said that patience and affection could be worn away, little


    by little.


    The night was still dark and quiet.


    As Estre approached, Jason grabbed her hand, “When will you get over this?”


    She didn’t answer, just nced at the antacid on the table, “Drew’s got a full medicine cab, so help


    yourself if you’re feeling off.”


    Before she could finish, Jason pulled her back, seating her on hisp. As he kissed her again, Estre


    protested, “Jason, let’s just stop”


    All his movements froze, and he swallowed hard, a wave of anger washing over him. His halted kiss


    prompted Estre to gently move away. She used to need no prompting from Jason to be affectionate.


    But since that business trip, she stopped caring for such intimacy, even when Jason was around daily.


    Estre’s honesty left Jason wanting to rage, but he knew that any further argument would only push


    her further away, which was not the oue he desired. So he


    forcefully suppressed his anger.


    Standing by therge window, he lit a cigarette “You go to sleep first.”


    Her words had chilled his desire. It seemed he had indeed pushed Estre away.


    Estre nced at Jason’s silhouette, yawned, “I’m tired. I’ll head to bed.” Without another look at


    Jason, she slipped under the covers to rest.


    At the window, Jason didn’t turn around, not until the room was still and silent. Then he slowly faced


    Estre.


    She was asleep, peaceful and unburdened. Jason stood there, his gaze fixed on Estre for what felt


    like an eternity before he slowly made his way towards her.


    He hovered over her, taking a long, thoughtful look before bending down. Gently, he reached out and


    brushed her forehead with the back of his hand. “Estre, you


    can’t go back to how it was before as well?” he whispered.


    On the bed, Estre wasn’t asleep. His words reached her, and her heart couldn’t help but flutter in


    response.