StoryNovelEstelle’s eyes twinkled, her lips curving into a faint smile. Jonathan took Estelle’s hand in his, “You wanted to chat with Ella, right? Can it wait until another day? She’s had a draining day, dealing with reporters and all. Let her rest up before she spends twith you.” Catherine immediately responded, “Oh dear, that's my fault. You go ahead and take Estelle upstairs.” Jonathan led Estelle towards the staircase, and she turned back to bid Catherine goodnight. Around the corner, Henson glanced back at Norah with a hint of provocation in his tone, “Still planning to talk to Estelle?” Norah rolled her eyes, “Jonathan’s got her under lock and key. Estelle must be so fed up with him. We should rescue her!” Henson, heading to his room, snorted, “Go if you want, but leaveout of it. I'm counting on Jonathan to teachboxing over the winter break!” Norah followed him, “So you're just going to ignore Estelle because you're afraid of upsetting Jonathan?” “Estelle’s got Jonathan,” Henson retorted, “She’s happy as can be. Worry about yourself instead!” “What's wrong with me?” Norah blinked in surprise. “Aren’t you heartbroken? You've been moping around lately,” Henson observed her closely. Norah slumped over the banister, “It's not heartbreak; it's unrequited love. And the guy doesn’t even like me.” “Really? Who's this guy with such nerve?” Henson's eyes lit up with curiosity. “He’s not bold; just indifferent, barely notices me,” Norah said, filled with frustration. “Then chase after him!” Henson looked at her with disdain. “If he’s not into someone else, you've got a chance. You have to fight for what you want!” Norah bit her lip, murmuring, “He already said he’s not into me. Wouldn't it be humiliating to keep pursuing him?” “What matters more to you—this guy or your pride?” Henson raised an eyebrow. “Of course he matters more!” Norah blurted out, then stamped her foot in frustration, “You don’t get it. It’s not just about my pride. | don’t want to annoy him.” Henson shook his head sympathetically, “You're really selling yourself short.” Tears brimmed in Norah's eyes. “Sometimes, you've got to be a bit selfish,” Henson said, sounding wiser than his years. “Selfish?” Norah didn’t understand. “It means, stop worrying about him so much. Do what makes you happy,” Henson explained bluntly, then sighed, “With your smarts, you might need to mull over that one. Best head to your room and ponder it in bed.” Norah placed her hands on her hips, “You're just a kid, and you're lecturingon life?” “Intelligence isn’t tied to age!” Henson shrugged and disappeared into his room. Norah was left standing there, huffing with indignation. Upstairs, Jonathan cradled Estelle after a soothing bath, then gently laid her on the bed to apply ointment to her wounds. The cuts had scabbed over and were healing nicely without the risk of scarring, thanks to Jonathan's careful attention. Estelle remained silent throughout. Jonathan set the ointment aside and lay down next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. He whispered, “It doesn’t matter that the Macclain family’s gone. You've got me.” Estelle rested her forehead against his chest, her lashes brushing against his toned physique. She asked softly, “Am | really so unlikable?” Earlier in the evening, the others had carefully avoided discussing the Macclain family’s misdeeds, probably to keep her from getting upset.
Her own biological parents had conspired against her, with ruthless determination. Was the Macclain family just that cold-hearted, or was she a failure? “Nonsense!” Jonathan frowned. “Before you, have you ever seencare for another woman? You are one of a kind!” One of a kind indeed. Estelle looked up at him, her gaze clear and bright, a playful smile on her lips, “Do you think | shouldn't be too greedy?” She had Jonathan, her grandfather and brother, friends like Magdalen and Emily, and the Lamont family who treated her as their own. She couldn't ask for more.
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