Chapter 8
Thelma’s brows knit together, a flicker of displeasure in her
eyes.
This was the first time Estela had ever said no to her.
‘Busy? What on earth could Estela possibly be busy with?‘ she thought.
Just then, someone walked up beside Thelma, having taken note of her exchange with Estela. “Thelma, who’s that woman?”
Thelma gave a slight frown and replied casually, “Just someone I barely know. No need to bother with her.”
A flicker of bitterness crossed Estela’s heart.
She was, after all, Thelma’s sister–in–law in name.
But whether it was Vance or Thelma, neither of them had ever truly seen her as part of the family.
All those years she spent in the Leon family – devoted, selfless, putting everyone else first – and in the end, she didn’t even measure up to a maid.
After Thelma left, Estela turned to Delia and said quietly, “I’II think about it. It’s just. I haven’t done design work in a long time. I hope I won’t let you down.”
Delia finally relaxed, her tone playful. “Come on. You were the one and only ‘Smile‘ – people used to talk about you
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Chapter 8
everywhere.”
A rare smile flickered in Estela’s eyes.
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‘After being dormant for so long, maybe. is time to reclaim my own path,‘ she thought.
*****
That evening, Vance flew back to Trurgh with the kids. Phoebe came with them.
Once they arrived, the first stop was the old family estate.
Rosalyn immediately launched into complaints the moment they walked in. “It’s been a whole week, and she hasn’t even shown her face. I haven’t been eating well, can’t sleep properly – even my skin’s gotten worse!”
She had grown used to having Estela around.
Back when Estela was still there, even her pillows were specially scented with blends Estela prepared to help her sleep. And the food? Always tailored to her preferences.
But ever since Estela returned, she hadn’t visited once.
Vance didn’t think much of it. He simply tried to calm her down. “I’ll find a couple more staff for you. It’ll be the same.”
“The same?” Rosalyn frowned, clearly unhappy. ‘How could it possibly be the same?‘ she thought.
‘And besides, all Estela has ever really been good at is looking after others – and yet she can’t even be bothered to check in on her mother–in–law!
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Chapter 8
Still, Rosalyn was from a prominent Zrefast family. She wouldn’t say anything too harsh out loud.
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In the end, she didn’t refuse Vance’s offer. She just nodded.
Later, they returned to the marital home.
Just as the housekeeper had said, Estela had taken everything of hers with her.
Even the kids‘ rooms
–
once warm, cozy, and filled with her
thoughtful touches – now felt cold and impersonal.
Vance didn’t take it to heart.
‘If Estela wants to make a scene, let her. What, does she expect me to come crawling back?‘ he thought.
But Josh looked a little down. It had been a long time since
he’d seen Estela. ‘Is she mad at us?‘ he wondered.
Ever since Rowena blocked her, Estela hadn’t even tried calling from a new number.
Just then, Rowena excitedly grabbed Phoebe’s hand and turned to Vance with a hopeful look.
“Daddy, can Phoebe stay in Mommy’s old room? She’s not feeling well and needs sunlight – and that room gets the best light. Mommy’s already moved out anyway,” she said.
Other than the master bedroom and the kids‘ rooms, the only room that got good sunlight was the one Estela used to live in.
Vance’s eyes swept over the room, his gaze darkening with quiet intensity.
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Chapter 8
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The room was indeed cleared out–spotless, in fact. But how long her resolve would last was anyone’s guess.
He paused, silent, not giving an immediate response.
Phoebe gently held Rowena’s hand, her voice soft and considerate. “Thank you, Rowena. It’s really fine–I can stay anywhere. If Estela isn’t happy about it, I can move out.”
As she spoke, her delicate smile carried just the right touch of sorrow, shimmering gently in her clear eyes.
“No way!” Josh blurted out.
“You can’t!” Rowena chimed in right after.
The two kids spoke at once, clearly anxious.
Josh looked torn. He missed Estela a little… but no one knew when she’d be back. Phoebe had finally returned, and just staying in Estela’s old room for a while didn’t seem like a big deal.
“Phoebe has to stay! Mommy’s just being petty–she’s the one who should leave!”
Rowena puffed up angrily at the mention of Estela. ‘Why has
? And why is she still being so annoying?‘ she thought.
She tugged at Vance’s hand and pleaded, “Daddy, that room used to belong to Phoebe anyway! Say something! You love her the most, don’t you?”
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