Arrived 228
Lana and Selene visit Estella, who has already learned from an online article that Isabelle was behind efforts to smear her reputation. Selene reveals that Isabelle’s own schemes backfired, but Estella remains burdened by the constant attacks, which all stem from Nathaniel’s persistent involvement in her life. When Nathaniel visits Estella after her hospital discharge, she angrily throws coffee in his face, blaming him for dragging her into this mess. Nathaniel denies responsibility, but Estella condemns his two-faced nature and urges him to be a better person. Selene expresses her disdain for Nathaniel before she and Estella leave, leaving Nathaniel frustrated and powerless.
Back at Estella’s apartment, Selene helps her unpack. Later, they discuss their romantic misfortunes, with Selene lamenting her bad luck in relationships and Estella cynically noting that rich men only see her as a toy. Their conversation reveals their contrasting experiences with love and trust, though both share a sense of frustration. As Selene prepares to leave, she jokes about not wanting to be a third wheel when Jonathan arrives.
Jonathan arrives dressed formally and smelling of alcohol, but Estella insists he come inside despite his hesitation. Noticing her bandaged wrist, he shows concern, and they plan to talk quietly. However, Jonathan’s mood darkens when he receives a phone call from a friend he does not get along with, hinting at underlying tensions. The night passes quietly, with a lingering sense of unresolved conflict and emotional strain between the characters.
Heh. She simply refused to accept that Chris could slip from her control.
—
Lana and Selene paid a visit to Estella.
Estella had already caught wind of the news about Isabelle through an online article.
Selene smirked. “Turns out it was Isabelle who ordered someone to smear you. We were still plotting how to get back at her, but looks like she ended up ruining herself. Evil really does get its just desserts.”
Estella let out a weary sigh, the thought of Isabelle’s relentless attacks weighing heavily on her mind.
All this chaos had its roots in Nathaniel.
Had Nathaniel not persisted in clinging to her, Isabelle might never have targeted her in the first place.
So, in truth, Nathaniel was the one responsible for all this.
When Estella was finally discharged from the hospital, Nathaniel came to visit her.
“Estella, let me drive you home,” he offered.
Her wrist was still wrapped in fresh bandages. The instant she saw Nathaniel, she snatched the coffee from Selene’s hand and flung it straight into his face.
Nathaniel wiped the coffee away, his expression a mix of shock and helplessness.
“Are you angry? I only came because I wanted to help you,” he said quietly.
A cold smile twisted Estella’s lips. “I know Isabelle paid people to ruin my reputation. She did it because of you. That means I got dragged into this mess all because of you. Nathaniel, you disgust me.”
Nathaniel’s face tightened, unwilling to accept her accusation.
“You’re blaming me for Isabelle’s actions? Estella, I’m innocent.”
Estella fixed him with a sharp glare. “If you weren’t so two-faced, would Isabelle even have come after me? Nathaniel, try being a decent human being for once. Stop pulling others down with you.”
As she finished speaking, Selene shot Nathaniel a furious middle finger.
Without another word, Estella and Selene walked out of the hospital together.
Nathaniel stood there, seething with anger, biting back curses. There was nothing he could do about Estella.
He found Isabelle unbearably irritating, yet, paradoxically, he still needed her.
—
Back at Estella’s apartment, Selene helped unpack the bags she had brought from the hospital.
—
It was just past one in the morning.
Estella opened the fridge to put away the fruit and milk she had just purchased.
Noticing the wilted, decaying vegetables inside, she pulled them out to clean.
She then opened the freezer and was taken aback.
“Estella, your freezer’s packed to the brim,” Selene remarked.
Estella glanced inside and gave a wry smile. “That’s all from Mr. Bennett. I haven’t even finished it yet.”
Selene teased, grinning. “Well, well, you two are practically living like a couple. The only thing missing is the official title, right?”
Estella chuckled helplessly. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Selene sighed dramatically. “When will I ever meet a man as good as Mr. Bennett?”
She shook her head. “I swear, I throw myself headfirst into every relationship, and they always end badly. They call it having a love-brain. I just end up with jerks. How do I have such rotten luck?”
Estella asked, curious, “What about that puppy-faced coach you dated last time? How did that go?”
Selene pouted. “Don’t remind me. At first, we both made an effort. But then he got stingy and expected me to bankroll him. I was dating him, not sponsoring a puppy. It really left a bad taste.”
Estella nodded in agreement. “Exactly. That kind of man wasn’t right for you.”
Selene looked at Estella with a hint of envy. “If I looked as good as you, I’d probably attract at least one or two rich heirs, huh?”
Estella curled her lip in response. “You already know those rich brats only want me as a toy. I have no intention of being anyone’s plaything.”
Selene burst out laughing. “Guess even beauty comes with its own set of problems.”
By ten o’clock, Selene was ready to leave.
“I’ll head out now. No need for me to be a third wheel when Mr. Bennett comes by later, right? Heh heh heh…” she teased.
Estella ignored the playful jab and walked her to the door.
—
Sure enough, less than thirty minutes later, Jonathan arrived.
Tonight, he wore a formal tailcoat suit, his hair slicked back neatly. A faint scent of alcohol clung to him, evidence of a recent banquet.
Estella eyed him carefully. “You’ve been drinking? Should I make you something to help?”
Jonathan gave a sheepish smile. “I do smell like alcohol. Maybe I shouldn’t come in. I’ll see you tomorrow instead.”
“It’s fine. Come in,” Estella insisted, pulling him inside.
Jonathan’s gaze fell on her bandaged wrist, eyes filled with concern. “Forget it. I didn’t drink much, I’m not drunk. Don’t worry about me. Let’s just sit and talk.”
Estella thought for a moment. “I think I still have some oral remedy here. Wait, I’ll get it for you.”
She went to fetch the medicine.
When she returned, Jonathan was on the phone, his expression darkening.
“What’s wrong?” Estella asked.
Jonathan frowned. “A friend of mine wants to see me…”
Estella rarely saw him look so exhausted. “You two don’t get along?”
“Not exactly. We were college roommates — top bunk, bottom bunk. It’s just… he’s loud.”
—
The night stretched on quietly, the tension between past and present hanging in the air.
The chapter gently explores the tangled emotions and strained relationships that have come to define Estella’s world. Despite the chaos wrought by Isabelle’s schemes and Nathaniel’s duplicity, Estella remains resolute, her strength shining through as she confronts the betrayals and disappointments around her. The quiet moments with Selene and Jonathan offer a glimpse into her vulnerability, underscoring the complexity of her feelings and the delicate balance she strives to maintain between trust and caution.
As the night deepens, the unresolved tensions linger, hinting at the challenges yet to come but also the resilience Estella embodies. Her interactions reveal not only the pain of past wounds but also the tentative hope for connection and understanding, even amid uncertainty. This chapter closes on a note of poignant reflection, emphasizing the emotional depth and intricate dynamics that continue to shape Estella’s journey.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of relationships and grudges that continue to haunt Estella. As the shadows of Nathaniel’s manipulations and Isabelle’s schemes loom large, Estella’s resolve will be tested in ways that might force her to confront painful truths about those around her. The uneasy peace she shares with Jonathan could be disrupted by unexpected visitors or revelations, stirring emotions she thought were buried.
Meanwhile, the subtle hints of Jonathan’s strained past and the arrival of his old acquaintance suggest that not all is as calm as it seems. The dynamics between Estella and Jonathan may shift, revealing vulnerabilities and hidden tensions that could either draw them closer or drive them apart. With Selene’s candid observations and Estella’s guarded heart, the next chapter will explore the delicate balance between trust and betrayal, making readers eager to uncover what lies beneath the surface.
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.