Xo Novel
Chapter 11
“Yeah.”
Estrella playfully teased, “So are you’re smitten yet? Ready to start a family with me?” Scooping her up in a sideways embrace, Jason headed toward the bathroom, “Let’s do it.” With a content smile, Estrella murmured, “Thanks, boss.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Despite her feisty words, as soon as Jason placed her in the bathtub, she was out like a light, fast asleep. Jason had been on the verge of giving in, contemplating sleeping with her after all. His face turned stormy with the realization that he’d been played.
The next morning, Estrella woke with a splitting headache, having no recollection of the previous night’s events. Jason was already gone from her side.
In the following days, Jason fell off the radar, just like old times. When Kristin called to check on them, Estrella finally sent him a message. It wasn’t long before Drew-called back, informing her that Jason was away on business.
It was Friday evening, and the office was emptying out, but Estrella was still working overtime. Her phone buzzed on the desk as she reviewed documents. Without looking up, she reached for the phone, but paused when she saw Jason’s name on the display. Two years into their marriage, and this was the first time he had ever called her first.
Snapping out of her daze, she realized it was nearly eight o’clock, and answered, “Back from your trip?”
On the other end, Jason’s voice was cool, “Yeah.”
“You’re at home, I assume.” she continued, “Go take a shower. I’ll be home by the time you’re done.”
Jason’s expression darkened instantly. After a brief pause, he hung up the phone.
With a flick of annoyance, he tossed the phone onto the car’s dashboard, wishing he could crack open Estrella’s head to see what on earth she was always thinking.
Estrella, unfazed by the abrupt end to the call, gathered her things and left the office. Moments later, striding in her heels, she spotted Jason’s limited edition Maybach with its flashy license plate waiting below.
Expecting Drew to be behind the wheel, she was surprised to find the door unattended. She realized Jason had come for her himself a first since their marriage. In the past, he’d often picked her up, but that had ended after ‘that one time’.
Estrella climbed into the passenger seat with a smile, “Came straight from the airport?”
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“Yeah,” he replied tersely, glancing at her as she buckled up, then he started the car.
What’s with the unexpected call and personal pickup? Estrella leaned back and watched Jason with an amused expression.
Feeling her gaze, Jason reached out with his right hand, resting his fingers on her forehead, “Stop staring at me.”
“I just like you,” Estrella retorted with a grin..
His left hand twitched on the steering wheel, sending a jolt through the car.
Jason’s reaction only made Estrella’s smile wider. She then cast a teasing glance downward and quipped, “Jason, you’re all hard.”
He pinched Estrella’s cheek, turning her face forward, “What are you talking about? Are you even a lady?”
“Why don’t you check when we get home?” she suggested cheekily.
“You really have no shame, do you?”
Estrella could barely contain her laughter at the sight of Jason’s reddening ears. For all his power and control, a few flirtatious words were all it took to fluster him.
away!
Annoyed by her teasing, Jason kept pushing her gaze she tried to look at him.
The drive home to Sandalwood Oasis took about an hour, and after their playful banter, Estrella decided to stretch out and doze off, lulled by the autumn breeze and the cozy scenery.
Jason gripped the steering wheel, casting a sidelong glance at the dozing Estrella, his lips curling slightly at the memory of her brazen words.
Estrella was indeed shameless.
Half an hour later, the car pulled into the driveway. As Jason was about to wake Estrella, his phone, tossed aside earlier, suddenly rang.
Picking it up, he saw it was Serene calling, and his expression involuntarily darkened. Still, he answered the call.
As soon as the connection was made, Serene’s voice, tinged with tears, came through, “Jason, my mom, she’s suddenly fallen ill. I’ve called the ambulance, but the doctors aren’t here yet. Jason, I’m so scared! I don’t know what to do.” After saying that, she burst into tears on the other end.
Before Jason could respond, Estrella’s eyelashes fluttered open.
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