In response to Holly’s questioning, Jason remained calm andposed as he said, “I can give up


    anything Estre doesn’t like.”


    She had never realized that Jason, of all people, had this sentimental side to him. Staring at him for a


    long moment, Holly finally spoke up, “Jason, don’t forget, Estre once wanted you six feet under.”


    With an unnerving calm, Jason replied, “I can forgive and forget.”


    Even if it bothered him deeply, he wouldn’t give Holly the satisfaction of seeing it. He didn’t want her to


    exploit his vulnerability.


    Looking at Holly again, he continued, “Holly, the reason I was able to marry Estre and to get this


    point with her is that I care about her. You should know that better than


    anyone. So, please don’t do things I don’t like.”


    Despite knowing that Estre had previously harbored lethal intentions towards him, he still yearned to


    be with her and opted for marriage. In Jason’s mind, he had already lost in the game of love. Their


    rtionship had been a mix of passion and pain, marked by his harshness towards Estre, and the


    hurt they had inflicted upon each other. But despite it all, he couldn’t let her go..


    Those years of love-hate were far from easy on him.


    “You’re insane, Jason,pletely insane,” Holly dered, standing up from her chair in disbelief. “You


    must be out of your mind.”


    She didn’t wait for a response. “You’ve been sicktely, and Estre’s juste back thoughts might


    be all over the ce, not fully baked. Just cool off for a while. I’m ou here.” With that, Holly grabbed her


    purse and hurried out.


    Jason had indeed lost it, speaking words that were tantamount to madness, but deep down, she


    understood that he was simply trying to distance himself from her, hoping si would back off on her own


    ord.


    Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    If Holly hadn’t been injured in that big fire, if she were healthy, perhaps everything would have a


    different oue. Jason wouldn’t have too many concerns, and the Nelsont family wouldn’t be worried


    about her health.


    Estre, it always came back to Estre.


    Holly entered the elevator, deeply perturbed by Jason’s words.


    Back in the hospital room, once Holly had left, Jason sighed with relief. If Holly had never confessed


    her feelings, and they were only friends, he wouldn’t have needed to say what he did. After all, they


    had known each other for decades.


    ncing up at the IV bag, which had just run empty, Jason didn’t call for a nurse. Instead,


    he removed the needle himself, pressed a cotton swab to the spot, grabbed his car keys and phone,


    and left. There was no point in staying. Estre had already been discharged.


    The discharge process would likely be a bit of a wait.


    After Estre had left without a word, Jason had stopped by the Dorvold family’s ce a few times but


    never went in. He was wary of her stubborn streak.


    Estre had enjoyed a few days of peace and had just started her job at Justice Guardians LLP, taking


    on a criminal case.


    On Saturday, her day off, after organizing her case files, Estre took Isaac to the department store.


    “Wow, wow!”


    “So pretty, wow!” Isaac couldn’t stop eximing at everything he saw, leaving Estre. amused.


    Estre sent a video to Jesse and Bryce, who teased that Isaac was like a country mouse in the big


    city, utterly wide-eyed.


    Estre hated to admit it but when she turned to look at Isaac, he was indeed seriously observing the


    outside world, still eximing in wonder.


    Once at the department store, Isaac was even more excited by the bustle, at one point. screaming in


    delight and attracting stares from passersby. Some people, charmed by Isaac’s cuteness and Estre’s


    beauty, started surreptitiously filming them.


    Even Estre, usually so shameless, was embarrassed by Isaac’s antics.


    Jesse and Bryce, upon hearing the story,ughed so hard they ached, calling her scene-stealer. While,


    Jesse was already on her way to join them.


    As Estre and Isaac rode the miniature train, Isaac mimicked the sounds non-sto leaving Estre with


    mixed feelings, realizing that perhaps he had been too secluded since returning home.


    Isaac’s vivacity and charm suddenly reminded Estre of someone. He had always bee more reserved


    and quiet as a child, unlike Isaac.


    When Estre shared Isaac’s video with Autumn, sheughed, saying Isaac was just like her as a child,


    always the center of attention.


    Estre had to face that, after all her denials, Isaac was very much like her.


    “Daddy.”


    “Daddy.”


    Seeing other kids with their fathers, Isaac approached a man and looked up at him, calling.


    him daddy. The manughed heartily, while Estre was mortified, her face red with


    embarrassment.


    She quickly scooped up Isaac and apologized, “Sorry about that. My kid’s just copying yours.”


    Isaac, with his arms around Estre’s neck, stared at her seriously, “Daddy, daddy.”


    Estre was at a loss. Her child was asking for a father again.


    Before, Isaac hadn’t fully grasped what a father was, but a few months back, he had started to notice


    his absence, especially since they hade back home. He frequently muttered about wanting a dad,


    even whispering for him before falling asleep.


    Isaac’s calls for a father left Estre with a mix of emotions.


    Sitting with Isaac at a nearby rest area, Estre exined gently, “Sweetheart, daddy’s gone to work


    far, far away. He’lle back when you’re bigger.”


    “Daddy back.”


    Estre stroked his hair. “Yes, honey. Daddy wille back.” If only she knew where to find him a


    father.


    Before bing a mother, Estre always thought that if she loved her child enough, that love would


    make up for the absence of a father. Now she hade to realize that no matter how hard she tried, or


    how well she took care of Isaac, she could never fill the void


    that a father would leave in a child’s heart.


    Gently stroking Isaac’s hair, Estre said with a tinge of guilt, “Sweetheart, I’m sorry I couldn’t give you


    the kind of dad you deserve.”


    Sensing Estre suddenly look so downcast, Isaac slid off her chair in a sh, walke to Estre, and


    stood on tiptoe. His small hands tenderly patted Estre’s arm, and w wisdom beyond his years, he


    said, “Mom, you’re amazing.”


    He had intended to pat Estre on the head, but even on tiptoes and with all his might, couldn’t reach


    her. So, he settled for aforting pat on the arm instead.


    Isaac furrowed his brow, the picture of mature reassurance, and Estre couldn’t help buugh.


    “Estre.” Just as Estre’sughter faded, someone called her name.


    Estre looked up to see Kristin walking towards her. In the next second, Estre’s heart skipped a


    beat. Oh no, the secret was out.