In that moment, despite a lingering sense of mncholy, Estre maintained herposure with


    practiced ease.


    Hearing this, the doctor said, “Ms. Estre, even though we’ve just revisited a time from seven years


    ago, I regret to inform you that the fire you spoke of remains elusive in your memory.”


    She continued, “Perhaps, Ms. Estre, the events you’ve just recalled are more significant to you than


    the fire.”


    A shiver ran down Estre’s spine as she looked at Dr. Abigail and asked, “What did I remember just


    now? What did I say?”


    Dr. Abigail handed her a cassette tape. “Don’t be too anxious, Ms. Estre. This is the recording from


    our session. You can listen to it at home.”


    Confused, Estre took the tape. If she hadn’t said much, why were there tears streaking her face, and


    why was Jason’s expression so grave?


    As Estre epted the tape, the doctor added, “There is another possibility. If you can’t recall that


    memoryter on, it may have been deliberately erased through hypnosis. But we will need a few more


    sessions to confirm this theory.”


    At this, Estre turned to look at Jason.


    Erased on purpose? This new hypothesis from Dr. Abigail sparked fresh thoughts in Estre’s mind.


    Jason held her hand, as if he too had stumbled upon a revtion.


    After briefly discussing with the doctor, they scheduled a follow-up appointment and Jason drove


    Estre back home.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    On the way back, Estre was quite busy, constantly answering phone calls.


    Vigers from Glimmering Lake reported that thepensation from Chemisphere wa received. Logan


    called to discuss work matters. Estre’s former client Jo mentioned a friend going through aplex


    divorce involving a hefty estate, convoluted family ties, illegitimate children, andpany shares. Jo


    sought Estre’s help with the case.


    Estre’s head ached as she listened, but she agreed, “Sure, Jo. Pass along my contact info to the


    person concerned, and we’ll set up a meeting.”


    On the driver’s side, Jason also fielded a few calls, but his matters seemed less fragmented than


    Estre’s.


    Gripping the steering wheel, Jason stole a nce at Estre, who was handling her affairs with such


    grace and ease. His mind wandered back to the scene at the hospital, to the things she revealed under


    hypnosis.


    09.01


    After Estre had drifted off, Dr. Abigail had asked what happened that year. Estre’s frown deepened,


    and her mood plummeted.


    “I thought Jason was in love with me,” she had murmured. “He didn’te for me. He didn’t look for


    me.”


    After that, she fell silent, only her tears speaking volumes, dampening her clothes and the


    chair beneath her.


    Back then, when she had agreed to the marriage, Kristin had assured that Estre’s affections were


    genuine. It was merely a step to validate their love, given that he too had consented to the family’s


    wishes. But at the time, he was blinded by the harsh words and cold dismissals she had given him. He


    couldn’t believe Kristin’s ount, thinking Estre’s consent was mere superstition and that he was


    nothing more to her than a means to an


    end.


    Now, it was clear to everyone but him.


    After hanging up with Jo, Estre put down her phone and noticed Jason’s pensive mood. She teased,


    “Why are you so gloomy? Did my harsh words earlier strike a nerve?”


    Without waiting for a response, she quipped again, “Or did I say something under hypnosis that


    knocked you sideways?”


    Her teasing only intensified Jason’s guilt. He reached for her hand, “No.” He wished she had been


    harsh. He would rather be hurt than see her in pain.


    Squeezing her hand, he looked at her again, “Your acting had me fooled.” From then on, he vowed to


    trust nothing else but the fact that Estre loved him, and she truly held him in


    her heart.


    Estre felt a pang of guilt but managed to muster a half-hearted smile, still wondering what she might


    have revealed while hypnotized.


    Jason’sughter broke through her doubts. “Rx, even under hypnosis you were tight-lipped. You


    didn’t spill any secrets.”


    “Really?” she asked, relieved.


    With a hint of disdain, Jason replied, “You barely said a few words. You didn’t expect to unveil some


    earth-shattering secret, did you?”


    With that assurance, Estre brushed off her concerns and brought the conversation back to Dr.


    Abigail’s hypothesis. “Do you think it’s possible? Could someone have really erased my memories?”


    Jason’s voice was firm, “Whether you remember or not, I’ll uncover the truth.”


    Estre joked, “Aren’t you afraid that I’m actually plotting against you? That all this time I’m just putting


    on an act?”


    03 at s


    He met her gaze, “If you want my life, it’s yours,


    His profound look made Estreugh. Theughter faded, and they continued the drive infortable


    silence, with Estre’s hand in Jason’s.


    The thoughts of her hypnosis session lingered with Jason as they drove. Soon, they arrived at Isaac’s


    preschool, where Autumn had already picked him up. Spotting Estre and Jason, Autumn quickly


    handed Isaac over, “I’ve got a ss reunion tonight, so I’m leaving Isaac with you guys.”


    Before they could react, Autumn was off in her Mercedes, leaving Estre and Jason with their bundle


    of joy.


    ncing over at Jason, who cradled Isaac in his arms, Estre remarked with a hint of jest, “Looks like


    my mom’s got life easy now that she’s got an extra pair of hands around.” Not so long ago, Autumn had


    been all about Isaac, never leaving his side or wanting to go anywhere. But since Isaac had taken a


    shine to Jason, Autumn had loosened her grip and let them spend time together on their own.


    With one arm wrapped around Isaac and the other holding Estre’s hand, Jason announced, “Let’s


    head back to Waterfall Acres.”


    Autumn trusted Estre and Isaac with him, and Jason couldn’t be happier.


    After making dinner for Estre and Isaac, and putting Isaac to sleep around nine in the evening, Jason


    finally had the chance to rest. He walked up behind Estre and embraced her.


    Resting his chin on her shoulder, he gently closed his eyes, savoring the affection and tranquility of the


    moment.


    Estre turned to catch his gaze. “Next time, don’te to Waterfall Acres. Stay home where someone


    can look after you.”


    He was working hard, and then he had toe home to cook and take care of Isaac. She was tired


    just thinking about his day.


    After her words fell, Jason tightened his embrace and nuzzled her cheek, murmuring softly, “You


    worried about me?”