30 Days Till I Divorce My Husband

Chapter 196

Cradling Isaac in her arms, Estrella paused as she listened to Autumn’s words. After a moment, she said, “He’ll be leaving soon.”

Then Estrella returned to teaching Isaac letters. “Sweetheart, how do we read these two words?”

Autumn watched the mother and son for a while before getting back to her own business. Outside in the yard, Jason had no idea how long he’d been watching from afar, but as the darkness deepened, he started up his car and headed back to the office.

The image of Estrella tumbling in the yard weighed heavily on his mind. He knew she was blaming him for something.

At his desk, Jason could only immerse himself in work to escape the troubles of life. After signing off on the financial documents that had been left for him, he was about to call it a day when his office door burst open.

Looking up, he saw Serene walk in. “Jason, still burning the midnight oil, huh?”

“Yeah. Haven’t you headed out yet?” Jason realized it had been a while since he’d last seen Serene.

“Audit’s short-staffed. They bumped me up recently. Just finished up and saw your light on, so I thought I’d drop by.”

Three years ago, right after Estrella had left Ravenwood, Serene was reassigned to the administrative office downstairs. It was this move that fueled rumors Jason had a thing for Holly, assuming he was keeping himself on the straight and narrow for her.

In truth, it was all Holly’s doing behind the scenes. If Drew hadn’t clued him in, Jason might still be in the dark. When Holly pulled strings to get Serene reassigned, Serene didn’t say a word, just silently accepted it.

Serene, seeing Jason’s silent gaze, quickly explained with a smile, “I’m doing fine, really. Holly’s been very generous with me.”

She paused before adding, “Actually, Holly even gifted me a house. Vincent and I moved in last month.”

knew all too well that it was just Holly’s way of keeping her away from Jason. Back then, entrusting her to Jason, Holly had her own little scheme. From start to finish, Serene was a pawn in their game, but if she were honest, Serene preferred Estrella for her forthrightness and strength

deserved a better place,” Jason said. He had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene had declined. It seemed that

his words, Serene suddenly remembered something. “Holly’s been asking me about that fire from years ago. She’s been

fire, Jason cut the conversation

and nodded,

a lot less to worry about on his end, and he no longer had to

as well. As they approached her new neighborhood, she finally turned to

“Yeah, she is.”

“Between you and me, I’d rather see you with Estrella than Holly.”

other. Everyone says you’re into Holly, but I think you prefer Estrella. Life’s too short not to spend it with

he loved Holly. Serene might be the only

his look, Serene hesitantly began, “Although I…” She trailed off before

building, Jason said, “Here we are.”

thanks for the ride,” Serene said as

her, “If you need help, go straight to Drew. Don’t worry too

back in the picture, but Serene had

firm nod, Serene replied,

cold wind chilling her face. She knew in her heart that no matter if Holly was truly dead or only pretending, Holly’s decision to

look like

at bay from Jason. Holly was grossly overestimating her. Given Serene’s background, a relationship with Jason was merely a pipe dream.

harbored a fleeting dream, but…