billion book
Chapter 19
Jason’s lips were soft and tender, his kissing skills masterful.
In no time at all, Estrella found herself weak in the knees from his passionate kiss.
Clutching his neck, her chin resting on his shoulder. Just as she thought they were about to get down to business, Jason suddenly nibbled on her earlobe, his breath warm against her skin, and he whispered a reminder, “Estrella, Aunt Flo’s in town.”
At first, Estrella didn’t quite grasp the situation, thinking to herself, “Isn’t my aunt on a trip abroad these days?”
A second later, she realized Jason was referring to her period. Releasing him, she twisted around to check the back of her pajamas, only to see a telltale crimson spot.
In that moment, Estrella was too shocked to even react. It was her long-awaited moment. Glancing up at Jason, who nonchalantly picked up a book to read in bed, she understood he’d known all along and had been toying with her for kicks.
Biting back frustration, she muttered, “You might dodge the bullet today, but you won’t be so lucky forever.”
Jason looked up, “Aren’t you going to change?
He wasn’t interested, and what could Estrella do about it? If he wanted her, she wouldn’t be able to resist. In this game, the power was all in his hands.
Scratching her head in resignation, Estrella turned and retreated to the bathroom.
With Aunt Flo visiting, Estrella settled down. Even as Jason came home these past few days, she stopped flirting, focusing solely on her work.
Now, Jason had her figured out. When she had no ulterior motive, she barely spoke to
him.
Besides her playful teasing, all her time and energy were devoted to her work, no matter how mundane the cases were.
Thomas was right, Estrella was a keeper. If there was any flaw, it was that she didn’t have him in her heart.
“Estrella, it’s late, why aren’t you in bed?” Jason asked, setting down his book on the bed.
“I’ll be done in a minute. You ahead.”
go
“You are just a beginner lawyer busier than me he quipped, picking up his book again.
“Even a beginner lawyer has to be diligent.”
After a while, as Jason continued reading, Estrella suddenly pounced, straddling him. He
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looked at her coolly, “Aunt Flo leaves, and you’re all over me?”
Estrella retorted, “Can’t I snuggle up even when she’s here?” With that, she wriggled provocatively.
Jason set his book aside again, his hands gently resting on her waist, “Speak up if there’s something on your mind.”
Estrella beamed, “No reason, I’m just happy.” She had landed a big case today.
Estrella’s clear-eyed display of affection softened Jason’s resolve. Once upon a time, she loved to playfully bother him like this.
Holding Estrella, listening to her talk about work until she grew drowsy, Jason finally turned off the lights. It had been a long time since they’d had such a calm and peaceful conversation.
Saturday.
On Hector’s birthday, Estrella was working overtime meeting clients. It wasn’t until Drew called that she left the client’s office, ready to head home and change.
When she arrived downstairs, Jason’s car was already parked by the curb.
Their relationship had thawed a bit since the hospital incident, where Jesse had scolded him, and Kristin revealed the check matter.
Opening the passenger door, Estrella quipped with a smirk, “Looking sharp today.”
Jason retorted, “When am I not?”
Estrella laughed, “You’re something else.”
By six-thirty, they arrived at the hotel. Most of the guests were already there.
welled
Jason kept Estrella by his side all evening, wishing his grandfather well. It was the first time in two years of marriage that they appeared so close in public. Autumn’s eyes up with emotion, thinking Estrella’s hard times had finally paid off.
Their joint appearance sparked whispers and curiosity, but the guests, all from the same social circle, kept their musings discreet out of respect for Hector’s celebration.
Since Jason and Estrella knew many of the attendees, conversations flowed easily. Just as they finished greeting a group of elders, Paula burst from behind them, latching onto Jason’s arm,
“Jason, you’re here already. I was waiting for you at the door forever.”
Paula’s dramatic entrance darkened Jason’s expression instantly. He brushed off the arm she clung to.
“Jason, are you disgusted by me?” After noticing Estrella beside him, Paula frowned,
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“Estrella?”
Surprised to see them together, since they were known to be at odds, Paula quickly wrapped Jason’s arm again, her voice tinged with indignation, “Jason, Estrella is so vicious and sneaky. She started a fight at the bar, and then she had the nerve to call the police first. Jason, she’s too cunning. You should divorce her soon, or you’ll get bad luck.” Estrella cracked her knuckles, “Looks like I didn’t hit you hard enough last time.”
Paula, frightened, hid behind Jason, “Jason, see how violent she is? If you don’t divorce her, she might end up abusing you.”
Jason’s sore spot seemed to have been hit. He had been a victim of domestic violence before and ended up in the hospital.
Pulling Paula from behind him, he looked at Estrella, “If you want to hit her, I won’t stop you.”
“Jason,” Paula whined, reaching for his arm again.
Estrella, unimpressed, grabbed Paula’s arm and tossed it aside, “Touch him again, I dare you.”
Paula sneered, “Can’t I touch him? You think Jason’s really yours? Did you even have a wedding? Does anyone acknowledge you as his wife? What right do you have to strut around here, Estrella?”
Paula had investigated Estrella and Jason’s relationship more thoroughly than their own
parents.
The couple had been hitched for over two years, sharing a bed for only a handful of nights. She knew the tally better than Estrella herself.
guts,
Before Estrella could get a word in, Paula, with her nose in the air, taunted, “What? Not letting me touch him, trying to stake your claim? Come on, Estrella, if you’ve got the call Jason ‘hobby’ and see if he plays along.”
Paula was convinced that Jason had no affection for Estrella, and he wouldn’t acknowledge her attempt. That was why, at the bar the other night, she had thrown the same challenge at Estrella.
As Paula’s words hung in the air, Estrella turned her gaze towards Jason and called out, “Hubby?”
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