Arrived 212

Jonathan agrees to Estella’s wish to go swimming, and they head to the nearly empty pool complex, a result of the community’s low occupancy. Estella enjoys the quiet and playfully compliments Jonathan on his fit physique. Jonathan, usually confident, feels unexpectedly self-conscious under her gaze, which surprises Estella. Despite this, he insists on focusing on exercise, showing his serious and upright nature, which reassures Estella that she can trust him and even tease him a little.

Later, Estella prepares to go out for lunch with her friend Selene, who mentions her interest in boxing and recommends a young instructor she recently met. This conversation reminds Estella of Jonathan’s impressive physique, making her blush. Encouraged by Selene, Estella signs up for boxing classes and feels she has improved after two weeks of training.

During another outing with Selene, they unexpectedly encounter Kevin, a persistent man Estella had previously confronted physically. Kevin shows no shame and continues to pursue Estella, hoping to win her over despite her clear rejection. Selene disapproves of Kevin’s behavior, emphasizing that a woman’s refusal means no chance, a truth she wishes all men understood. Estella dismisses Kevin and tries to leave.

Kevin arrogantly boasts about the advantages of being with a wealthy man, contrasting Estella’s modest lifestyle with the luxurious life he claims he can offer. He argues that hard work alone won’t lead to wealth and that being with him is the shortcut to success, promising designer goods, properties, and business opportunities. Despite his persistence, Estella remains cold and uninterested.

212 The Pool and the Pest

Seeing that she wanted to go, Jonathan naturally agreed.

of them went back to get their swimsuits and then headed to the pool.

Finished

T community was full of properties bought up by wealthy people as investments, so the Occupancy rate was low.

As a result, the massive swimming complex was empty–just the two of them.

Estella thought the quiet was nice.

She looked over at Jonathan and teased with a smile, “Mr. Bennett, you’ve kept yourself in great shape.”

Jonathan’s frame was tall and lean. In clothes he looked slim, but without them, he was all toned muscle.

With her eyes lingering on him like that, he suddenly felt uncharacteristically self–conscious.

actually embarrassed to have her looking at him?

Estella couldn’t believe it. Was this ma

Her mind drifted to the actor Gustin..

People always said that for a man to stay appealing, he needed to avoid coming off oily, keep that sense of boyish youthfulness, and–best of all–carry a little shyness about romance and a touch of insecurity about his looks.

Well, today she’d just seen it firsthand.

Estella asked him, “You’re not suddenly regretting coming to swim with me, are you?”

Jonathan didn’t look at her. Not even once.

“Of co

se not.”

Estella teased, “Then why won’t you look at me?”

Jonathan jumped into the water, his tone firm. “Didn’t we come here to exercise? Let’s get started.”

Estella laughed and followed him in.

He really had only come to swim with her seriously.

Chapter 212 The Pool and the Pest

In that moment, she understood why she always felt so safe with Jonathan.

Because he was such a serious, upright man.

She never had to worry about him taking advantage of her.

In fact, she could even tease him a little.

Monday at noon, Estella was getting ready to go out for lunch with Selene.

On the way, Selene mentioned she was thinking about signing up for a boxing class.

#Finished

Selene said, “Do it! I just started seeing this younger guy, met him through boxing. I can recommend him to you. And let me tell you, his muscles are pretty damn nice, haha.”

Estella’s mind flashed back, unbidden, to Jonathan at the pool–his physique, fit and impressive.

Her cheeks grew warm.

Selene laughed, “Why are you blushing? These days men can’t wait to show off their abs every chance they get. You must’ve seen tons of those clips online. Don’t tell me you’re still shy, haha…”

Estella gave a helpless smile.

She wasn’t shy.

It wasn’t like she had never seen a truly fine body before.

Taking Selene’s advice, Estella really did sign up for a class and began learning.

After two weeks of training, she felt she had grown another step forward.

One afternoon, she went out to eat with Selene again.

Suddenly, they ran into Kevin.

Estella hadn’t expected him to still be hanging around. She looked at him coldly.

“Mr. Chunk, missing the feeling of me beating you up?”

Kevin licked his lips. Remembering that day when she had thrashed him, he didn’t feel humiliated at all. In fact, he thought Estella had been thrilling–more exciting than any woman he’d ever known.

He smirked. “That’s right. I was thinking, maybe you could pin me down again and hit me

Chapter 212 The Pool and the Pest

some more. I won’t even fight back this time.”

Finished

He was already plotting. This time, he’d take away her weapons first. Maybe slip something into

her drink.

Estella gave a cold laugh. “Mr. Chunk, you really are pathetic.”

evin was thick–skinned. “What’s wrong with that? Chasing a woman isn’t about saving face. So

it if I act shameless?”

Selene could tell instantly that he was some spoiled rich playboy.

Seeing him pestering Estella, she frowned. “She already said no to you. Didn’t you hear her?”

Kevin brushed it off. “A persistent man always wins the woman. How do you know she won’t be moved?”

Selene threw up her hands. “What a ridiculous superstition. Why do so many men treat that kind of nonsense as gospel and cling to it for thousands of years?”

The truth was simple: unless a woman liked a man, she wouldn’t keep seeing him.

If she refused, that meant there was no chance.

Selene wished she could etch that truth into the brains of all those average, self–deluded men.

Estella told her, “Don’t bother with him. Let’s

go.”

Kevin’s eyes roamed over Estella, his tone dripping with arrogance. “Estella, do you understand? If you’re with me, your life will be completely different.

“Right now, you’re carrying a bag worth less than a thousand bucks, wearing clothes that don’t even have a brand name anyone’s heard of. You don’t own a house, you don’t own a car. And you think that by working hard, you’ll eventually live rich?

“You’re wrong. The world’s wealth is held by a tiny handful of people, and it almost never trickles down.

“If you want to fight like a man to build a life, then until you’re old, you’ll never succeed. But if you’re with a wealthy man, it’s completely different.

“That’s the shortcut. I can give you the best life. You’ll have the world’s top designer bags, clothes, and jewelry. You’ll have houses and cars.

“And if you want to start your own business, that’s even easier. With just one word from me, whichever company you want to acquire–you’ll have it.”

This chapter delicately explores the contrast between genuine connection and superficial allure. Estella’s quiet moments with Jonathan by the pool reveal a tenderness rooted in sincerity and respect, a sharp counterpoint to the brash persistence of Kevin. Jonathan’s earnestness and integrity create a safe, comforting space for Estella, allowing her to be herself without fear or pretense. Her growing confidence, spurred by Selene’s encouragement and her own efforts in boxing, marks a subtle but meaningful shift in her self-perception and strength.

Meanwhile, the unwelcome encounter with Kevin underscores the persistent challenges Estella faces from those who view relationships as transactions or power plays. His arrogance and materialistic promises highlight the societal pressures and false narratives about success and love. Yet, Estella’s dismissive response and Selene’s clear-eyed perspective affirm the theme that true worth and happiness come from self-respect and genuine bonds, not from wealth or manipulation. This chapter closes on a note of quiet resilience and hope, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in a world full of noise.

Next chapter promises to dive deeper into the tension between Estella and Kevin, whose persistence and arrogance are bound to stir trouble. As Estella faces his relentless advances and unsettling worldview, her resolve and values will be tested. The contrast between Kevin’s materialistic promises and Estella’s hard-earned independence sets the stage for a clash not just of desires, but of principles.

Meanwhile, the growing bond between Estella and Jonathan lingers in the background, hinting at complexities beneath their interactions. Jonathan’s serious demeanor and Estella’s playful teasing suggest emotional undercurrents that might soon surface, especially as Estella continues to grow stronger and more confident through her boxing lessons. The next chapter will explore how these relationships evolve under pressure, weaving together moments of vulnerability, strength, and unexpected challenges.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.