Not long after hitting the highway, Jason glanced over at Estrella with a grin, "Looks like being the boss isn't as chaotic as being a lawyer, huh?"
Estrella put down her phone, chuckling, "It's calmed down, for sure. The calls have definitely thinned out."
Jason, still curious, asked, "How have you been these past few years? Leaving the legal world so early caught everyone off guard."
"I've been good," Estrella replied, "Dad had a minor surgery a couple of years back, so I stepped in to help with the family business."
Jason laughed, "With your smarts, you'd excel in any field."
Estrella shot back playfully, "Takes one to know one!"
Their conversation stayed light, carefully avoiding any mention of the past or their feelings. Their relationship was now simpler, barely holding onto the remnants of what once was. The marriage certificate that once bound them had long been swapped for divorce papers.
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the Dorvold family estate. As Estrella opened the door to step out, Jason got out too, to see her off.
Hands tucked into her coat pockets, Estrella said calmly, "I should head in."
Jason quickly nodded, "Yeah, sure."
As Estrella turned to leave, Jason called out, "Estrella."
She turned around, and after a couple of hesitations, Jason finally said with regret, "Estrella, I'm really sorry."
To Jason's apology, Estrella offered a gentle laugh and shrugged, "It's getting late; you should head back."
With that, she turned and walked towards the mansion.
Watching Estrella walk away, Jason felt a sinking feeling. She no longer needed him, or maybe, her life never did hinge on his presence.
It wasn't until Estrella's silhouette disappeared from view that Jason returned to his car, where he sat for a long while before driving away.
Following this encounter, the two didn't see each other again. Jason's company gained massive traction, with Ravenwood being plastered with news about him everywhere.
Despite the media and magazines clamoring for interviews, all were turned away at the door.
Estrella didn't pay attention to these developments. When her company's executives proposed a partnership with Axis Technology to tap into larger markets, Estrella didn’t object. She simply delegated the responsibility, indicating they didn't need to consult her on this matter.
One afternoon, after wrapping up a meeting, Estrella returned to her office to find Sandy, her face beaming with joy, waving a thermos: "Ta-da! A labor of love for our dear Ms. Estrella's lunch."
Quickly setting the lunchbox on Estrella's desk, Sandy exclaimed, "Come on, South Ella, let’s dig in. My mom made all your favorites today, including your beloved seaweed and pork rib soup."
Estrella, smiling, approached, "Trying to win me over?"
Sandy pulled Estrella to sit down, massaging her shoulders, "With all the clients you've referred and the legal work for Dorvold Group you've handed to me, who else should I be winning over if not our Ms. Estrella?"
Pushing the soup towards Estrella, Sandy urged, "Try the soup my mom made today."
After a taste, Estrella gave a thumbs up.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: 30 Days Till I Divorce My Husband