Isaac’s voice broke through the sleepy haze, prompting Estre to groggilye 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 voiceden with defeat. “Estre, I don’t have anywhere to


    go. Can you let me into Waterfall Acres?”


    Estre’s heart sank a touch at the sound of Bryce’s voice, but she quicklyposed herself, “What’s


    going on?”


    Bryce sighed, “I refused to go on a blind date, and Grandpa kicked me out. Dad froze my bank


    ounts, and thepany’s auditing. I’m backed into a corner.”


    He never imagined that his refusal to date would lead the Nelson n 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 Bryceined 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 Estre.


    Estre replied with blurry eyes, “I’lle 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 ce to go, he wouldn’t be in such


    a sorry state.


    “I’ll be there,” Estre said, her eyes still closed.


    “Bring my boy,” Bryce added before the line went dead.


    Estre 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 Estre 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 ce?” Estre 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.”


    Estre had to admit the Nelsons were thorough, “Blood rtives, indeed.” She nced at Isaac,


    “Listen, kiddo, this is what happens when you misbehave.”


    Isaac wrapped his arms around Estre’s neck “I will be good.”


    Bryce, seeking warmth, reached for Isaac, “Estre, let me hold my boy. I need to warm


    up.”


    Isaac squealed as their faces pressed together, and Estre, 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, Estre 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 Estre, “What’s going on between you and him? Why has he


    suddenly disappeared?”


    Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Estre brushed it off, “He’s on a business trip.


    Bryce pressed, “That’s not all, is it? Did you have a fight?”


    Estre briefly exined 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 rtionship 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, Estreughed, “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 ament 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 Estre.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, Estre giggled, “You’ve certainly be a lot more level-headed over


    the past few years.”


    Bryce nodded, “I guess.”


    But thinking of Jason leaving Estre in the cold, Bryce couldn’t help but feel indignant on her behalf.


    With the cold weather, Estre decided to stay at Waterfall Acres, especially since Isaac always loved a


    change of scenery.


    That night, as Estre 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 Estre 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, “Estre, someone’s at the door.”


    “Estre,” he called again.


    Bryce called out for Estre 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 Estre. To make matters more


    awkward, Bryce was decked out in Estre’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 thest.


    Back inside, Bryce, having called out for Jesse without getting a reply, let out another yawn and finally


    opened his eyes wide.