30 Days Till I Divorce My Husband

Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Estrella spun around suddenly. “I’m here, Ryan.” Her voice was gentle, as tender as if she was speaking to a newborn baby. At the sound of his name, the boy’s eyes rimmed with

red.

At home, they all referred to him as “Bad Luck” or “Goner,” or worse, “That Dying Kid.” Once he escaped that house, the kinder folks would just call him “Kid,” but most hurled insults like “Devil’s Spawn” or “Some Stray Mongrel.”

He stared at Estrella, and his eyes brimmed with tears. He managed to say, “Ms. Estrella, I looked up the laws before I killed them. Don’t get your hopes up, and please don’t work too hard. I’m afraid it’ll just make you disappointed.”

Since his mother was taken from him, warmth was a stranger to him. He couldn’t remember what kindness felt like.

Ironically, it was after he got locked up for his crime that the cops and the prison wardens treated him with a dignity he’d never known. They didn’t despise him like the outside world did. Especially Estrella, she’d been so kind to him when nobody else had hope for him. But that made him scared scared that if he didn’t make it, Estrella would grieve.

Estrella’s reassurance came with a soft smile. How would we know unless we try, right? We can’t leave things to regret, can we?”

“Thank you, Ms. Estrella.”

“It’s what I’m here for.”

—

As Estrella left, Ryan looked down at the pastries she’d brought him his favorite, egg tarts and shortbread cookies. He’d once told her they were the best things in the world, so she made a point of bringing him some every time they met.

His eyes moistened as he picked up a cookie and took a bite, remembering how she told him there would be a chance to taste even better things in the future. Despite all the delicacies in the world, he had no longing for it. If there was anything he dreaded, it was the thought of his Ms. Estrella being upset.

Outside the visiting room, the staff didn’t rush Ryan back to his cell. Instead, they waited until he finished his pastries before escorting Him back.

When Estrella got into Bryce’s car after leaving the prison, her mood was still heavy. Bryce squeezed her cheek playfully. “Feeling down? That’s not my Ella.”

away. “Just let me be sad for a bit. Don’t

ruffled her hair. “I just hate to see

flicked his hand away again. “Go

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emotionally involved in Ryan’s case

–

be what Estrella hoped for, and how much that would hurt her. This wasn’t one

Estrella, who let out a slow breath, Bryce tousled her hair again. “Just do your best, and try not to

as he started the car. “Ryan told me not to get my hopes up.” If Ryan hadn’t said that, she might not have been as affected. But

massaged the back of her neck in a gesture of

support.

chuckled, “Now you’re the quiet one. Not so loud and boisterous now,

his head. “Who’s loud and boisterous all the time? That would

regained her usual demeanor. “Enough chit-chat. Take me back to the firm, will

make me

got it, Dad

awful to hear.”

hour later, Estrella was back in the office, discussing the ‘case progress and her thoughts with the director, who said, “Estrella, letting you handle Ryan’s case was to give you exposure to different

can put effort into the work, but keep your emotions in check,”

smiled. “I

business networking event this weekend in the southern suburbs. We’ve got a few spots available. You and Arden, along with Drew from the second team, should go. After your

“Sounds good.”

returned to her office to continue

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