“Once upon a time, in and far away, there lived a kindly old man and an equally sweet olddy…”
Estre gently read stories to Isaac, and when she saw Isaac close his eyes and fall asleep, she set
down the book in her hand, leaned down, and kissed his forehead. Her child was truly adorable, even
when asleep. The soft and tender appearance made you want to give him a kiss.
After bestowing a few more kisses, Estre noted the early hour and decided to use the time wisely.
She tucked Isaac in snugly and made her way to the desk to sift through case files.
During her years away from Ravenwood, life had revolved around Isaac, work, and study. Her return
was spurred by her parents’ gentle prodding, suggesting that bringing Isaac back would mean family
support for them both. Unable to resist her folks’ persuasion and with work coincidentally bringing her
back, she had acquiesced. As for the future, that was a bridge she’d cross when she came to it.
Because of her work, Estre and Isaac didn’t stay at Waterfall Acres but took up residence in the
expansive Dorvold family estate. It was convenient, and her mother could lend a hand with Isaac during
the busy weekdays.
“Estre, is Isaac tucked in for the night?” Autumn’s voice broke the silence as she nudged the door
open.
Estre nced up from her papers, replying in a hushed tone, “He’s asleep.”
“How about I take him to my room, then? That way, you can get a full night’s rest, and be sharper for
work tomorrow,” suggested Autumn.
“It’s fine, really. Isaac sleeps through the night without a fuss,” Estre reassured her.
“I just want to bond a little with pumpkin,” Autumn confessed, with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Estre had been home for three days, and despite Autumn’s attempts, Isaac remained shy around
her. Observing her mother’s subtle craving for closeness with Isaac, Estre couldn’t suppress a smile.
“Go ahead, Mom. If Isaac wakes up and gets fussy, you can always bring him back to me.”
With Estre’s approval, Autumn beamed, scooping Isaac up in her arms with a whisper of joy, “Oh,
Isaac darling, you’ll bunk with grandma tonight! Such a sweetheart.”
Cradling her rosy-cheeked grandchild, Autumn’s smile was a thin crescent of contentment. All the
years of waiting had paid off. Her daughter was finally a mother.
And those fortune-tellers? What did they know, iming her daughter was destined for no one but
Jason?
With Isaac now in Autumn’s care, Estre returned to her work, her life a simple tapestry. woven with
threads of Isaac and her career. It was uplicated, yet fulfilling.
As for the events of three years ago, her marriage with Jason, and the many years they had known
each other, Estre felt like it was a dream, something that happened in a previous life. It felt so distant
that she almost couldn’t remember it.
Her life was cleaved into two distinct chapters: before and after going abroad. The former chapter was
one she was increasingly reluctant to revisit.
The following morning, Estre emerged from her room to find Isaac sitting on the floor, clutching his
feet and gazing intently at the door. At first startled, Estre knelt beside her child, “Sweetie, why are
you on the floor?”
Autumn’s voice floated over, tinged with helplessness, “He’s been so glum since he woke up. Won’t eat
or drink her milk.”
Isaac’s eyes fixed on Estre, his voice a intive whisper, “Mommy, no.”
Understanding dawned on Estre, her arms enveloping Isaac as she lifted him from the floor. “Isaac,
you’re my most precious treasure Mommy will always want you. Grandma just loves spending time with
you, so you stayed with her for a bit. Let’s not be upset, okay?”
With Estre’s reassurance, Isaac wrapped his arms around his mother’s neck, resting a cheek on her
shoulder, big eyes brimming with tears.
Though a boy, Isaac had delicate features reminiscent of Estre’s own childhood, not nearly as
talkative or as quick to smile, but with the same rare, heartfelt joy when truly happy. Kinda like a certain
someone.
Holding Isaac close until his mood lightened, Estre felt at peace knowing her child now understood
Autumn’s affection.
After breakfast, Estre headed to the courthouse. Over the next few days, life settled into a rhythm of
work and family, punctuated by visits from Bryce and Jesse to the Dorvold estate, eager to spend time
with Estre and her little one.
While Estre had been away, Bryce had struck out on his own, founding apany with -ventures in
technology, media, and entertainment, now thriving with his own social circle.
Jesse, armed with the shares inherited from her mother, had made it into Manning International’s
management, no longer the target of Damita and Melinda’s scorn.
Word of Estre’s return soon buzzed through the legalmunity, prompting Logan to insist on a
wee-back party. Overwhelmed by the warmth of her colleagues at the gathering, she promised to
consider a return to Justice Guardians LLP amidst their eager invitations.
08:34
“Estre, you’re back for good, aren’t you? Come back to Justice Guardians LLP. Let’s be colleagues
again.”
“Estre, you’re our think tank. Remember how you always had that knack for cutting through our
confusions?”
Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.
“Look, everyone’s excited about your return. Give it some thought, will you?” urged Logan.
Touched by their enthusiasm, Estre’s response was nomittal yet open, “I’ll give it some careful
consideration.”
Reunited with her colleagues from Justice Guardians LLP, Estre felt as though the days of old
weren’t as distant as they once seemed.
They were all deep in conversation,ughter sprinkled throughout the air, when Estre’s phone
suddenly rang. She excused herself and stepped outside to take the call. It was Jesse on the line,
inquiring when Estre would return, saying that she was over at the Dorvold family residence, and that
she had brought along Estre’s favorite snacks.
Estre assured Jesse she’d head back once the dinner wrapped up, and after a bit more small talk,
the call ended. This time around, there was a newfound steadiness in Estre, á maturity mirrored in
Jesse as well.
Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Estre turned to rejoin her friends in the private dining room.
However, her steps halted abruptly as she caught sight of a tall figure approaching from the opposite
direction.
At a distance, the man ended his own call and looked up to find Estre unexpectedly standing before
him. He was momentarily frozen in ce.
His feet instinctively stopped moving, and he found himself unable to take his eyes off d
Estre.
Three years. Three whole years had passed, and now she was finally willing to show up ande
back home.