Arrived 238

In “Arrived 238,” Kevin is determined to win over Estella, despite knowing he lacks the charm and cleverness that others possess. After weeks of absence, he confronts her after work, expressing his desire for a genuine relationship devoid of games. He tries to impress her with movie tickets and offers extravagant plans for New Year’s Eve, but Estella remains uninterested and firmly declines his advances, making it clear that she is not obligated to reciprocate his feelings.

As Kevin’s frustration grows, he becomes increasingly aggressive, insisting that Estella should give him a chance. However, she stands her ground, challenging his entitlement and pointing out that his status in Sea City does not guarantee her affection. In a surprising turn of events, when Kevin grabs her arm in frustration, Estella effortlessly flips him over her shoulder, leaving him stunned on the ground. This moment serves as a powerful assertion of her independence and strength, shattering Kevin’s assumptions about his desirability.

Following the encounter, Estella reunites with her friends Jonathan and Harry, who witnessed the incident. They express their surprise at Estella’s fighting spirit, and she engages in light-hearted conversation with them. As the evening progresses, she and Jonathan bond while cooking dinner together, highlighting her growing confidence and the support she finds in her friendship with him. Jonathan, aware of Kevin’s harassment, takes proactive steps to ensure that Kevin is assigned to a demanding work project, aiming to limit his interactions with Estella.

The chapter concludes with a glimpse into the dynamics of Estella’s social circle, as Harry and Selene’s relationship faces its own challenges. This subplot adds depth to the narrative, contrasting Estella’s assertive stance with the complications of romantic relationships among her friends. Overall, the story explores themes of self-respect, independence, and the complexities of modern dating, as Estella asserts her boundaries and navigates the attention of a persistent suitor.

238 Over the Shoulder

Kevin had no illusions about his limits. He knew he wasn’t clever enough to win deals the way others could.

But when it came to Estella, he wasn’t about to give up. Dignity meant nothing compared to winning her over.

Estella had just finished work when Kevin appeared, blocking her path. She blinked, surprised -she hadn’t seen him for weeks and assumed he’d finally lost interest. Clearly, she was wrong.

“Estella, I want to date you. A real relationship this time. No forcing, no games. I’ll be respectful, I’ll be faithful. Just give me a chance, okay?”

This time, Kevin had prepared. He’d studied what women liked, determined to pursue her “properly.” In the past, his relationships had gone straight to hotel rooms. Now, he was determined to try the normal route.

He proudly held up two movie tickets. “I got us seats for Me and Myself. Steven’s starring. Every girl online’s raving about it–do you like him?”

He’d scrolled Twitter trends just to figure that much out. Until now, the only “films” he’d ever bothered with were adult ones.

Estella stifled a laugh. “I’m not interested. You should take someone else.”

“Then let’s go shopping,” he offered quickly.

“No.”

“Dinner, then? It’s almost New Year’s Eve. Do you have plans? We could travel. I’ve got a private jet. Anywhere you want to go, I’ll take you.”

“No, thanks. I’d rather spend it with family.”

The flat refusals pricked at his pride. His tone sharpened. “Estella, come on. I’m putting in real effort here. Don’t you think you should show me something in return?”

She looked him dead in the eye. “So because you chase me, I’m obligated to accept? I don’t have the right to say no?”

Kevin’s jaw tightened. “But I’m Kevin. Don’t you get it? In Sea City, everyone knows my family. The Chunks are famous.”

Estella gave him a cool little “oh.”

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B

Finished

The brush–off stung. He grabbed her arm in frustration. “I don’t care–you’re coming to the movie with me.”

He didn’t see it coming. In one smooth move, Estella flipped him clean over her shoulder.

Kevin hit the ground with a heavy thud, staring up at her in shock.

Estella dusted her hands. “You really thought everyone wanted you?”

She turned and walked off, leaving him sprawled on the pavement.

Up ahead, Jonathan and Harry had seen everything.

Harry’s eyes went wide. “Damn, Estella’s a fighter! Jonathan, she doesn’t rough you up too, does she? Thank God Selene’s gentle.”

Jonathan arched a brow. “She doesn’t hit me.” His gaze slid briefly to Kevin on the ground. Serves him right.

Estella flushed faintly at being caught in the act, then stepped up to greet them. “You’re back early?”

Jonathan–usually a workaholic–nodded. “It’s almost the holiday. I’m finishing things up, so I thought I’d head home sooner. Want to walk together?”

“Sure.”

Harry grinned. “I’ll pass. I’m picking Selene up for a movie.”

Estella remembered Selene fussing with her makeup earlier in the office and smiled. “Got it.”

That evening, she and Jonathan cooked dinner together. With Harry around lately, Jonathan had picked up a few tricks in the kitchen, and Estella gladly played sous–chef.

As they chopped vegetables, Jonathan asked, “Kevin’s been bothering you often?”

She shrugged. “Here and there. But I can handle it now. I’m not that easy to push around anymore.”

He thought of the crisp over–the–shoulder throw she’d just landed and let the corner of his mouth twitch upward.

After dinner, Jonathan washed the dishes, then stepped out to toss the trash. While outside, he pulled out his phone and called Mr. Quinn, head of Bennett Group’s Javerton branch.

“Mr. Jonathan,” Quinn greeted with respect.

213

“The Chunk family’s resort project–can you arrange for Kevin to be directly involved?”

Quinn blinked at the request. “Why would you want that?”

“No reason. Can’t be done?”

Jonathan’s tone was flat, but his intent was clear: if Kevin was buried in work, he’d have less

time to harass Estella.

“Of course it can be done,” Quinn replied quickly. “In fact, we can offer the Chunks more resources in exchange. They’ll agree.”

“Good.” Jonathan hung up, satisfied.

When he returned, Selene was already there, venting to Estella.

“That Harry is unbelievable!”

Catching Estella’s subtle signal, Jonathan understood–couple’s quarrel. He quietly excused himself and went back to his own place.

Inside, Harry was pacing, fuming. “Selene’s the one being unfair!”

Jonathan hung up his coat, raising an eyebrow. Looked like the lovebirds were at it again.

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In the aftermath of Kevin’s bold yet misguided attempt to win Estella over, the reality of his limitations becomes painfully clear. His desperation to impress, underscored by his family name and wealth, only serves to highlight his immaturity and lack of genuine understanding of what a relationship truly entails. Estella’s swift and decisive rejection, culminating in her empowering throw, marks a pivotal moment not only for her but for Kevin as well. This encounter shatters his illusions of entitlement, forcing him to confront the fact that admiration cannot be demanded, nor can affection be coerced. As he lies on the pavement, the shock of his failure begins to unravel the facade he had built around himself, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of his actions.

Meanwhile, Estella’s strength and resilience shine through her interactions with Jonathan and Harry, showcasing her growth and newfound confidence. No longer the passive recipient of unwanted attention, she embraces her independence and the support of her friends. Cooking dinner with Jonathan, she finds solace in companionship and the simple joys of life, reinforcing her belief in her own worth. The camaraderie shared in those moments becomes a testament to her journey of self-discovery, as she learns to prioritize her happiness over societal expectations. With the weight of Kevin’s advances lifted, Estella steps into a brighter future, one where she can define her own path, free from the shadows of those who once sought to diminish her.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, tensions are set to rise as Kevin grapples with the aftermath of his humiliating encounter with Estella. With his pride in shambles, he must confront the reality that his usual tactics of charm and intimidation have failed him. As he seeks revenge, readers can expect to see Kevin’s desperation grow, leading him to make reckless decisions that could backfire spectacularly. Will he learn from his mistakes, or will he double down on his misguided pursuit of Estella? The stakes are higher than ever, and the repercussions of his actions may ripple through his relationships with those around him.

Meanwhile, Estella’s newfound confidence and strength will be put to the test as she navigates the complexities of her feelings towards Jonathan. Their camaraderie has deepened, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. As Jonathan steps into a protective role, Estella must decide whether to embrace this growing bond or keep her guard up. With New Year’s Eve approaching, the chapter promises to explore themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. Will Estella find herself drawn to Jonathan, or will Kevin’s antics disrupt the fragile peace? Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how these intertwining stories unfold.

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.