CHAPTER 15:

5000 Words
The silent room at night was filled with Estelle's cries. She kept trembling, even as Lisa tried to calm her, hugging her tightly. The shadows of her k********g memory haunted Estelle; she couldn't bear the pressure she faced. Lisa, deeply affected, couldn't hold back her tears but knew her priority was to help Estelle settle down. Eventually, Estelle stopped yelling. Lisa turned on the lights, handed her a glass of water, and tried to start a conversation. Lisa, with concern: "How do you feel right now? Have you managed to ease up a bit?" Estelle, with a cracked voice, took a sip of water, still trembling: "Can you keep the lights on?" Lisa's eyes filled with tears, worried about Estelle's state: "Of course. How come Nolan didn't inform me about this?" Estelle, after taking a deep breath and another gulp of water: "He was holding my hand while I slept. That's why he managed the situation." Lisa, worried: "If that's the solution, I'll stay beside you and hold your hand, so don't be scared! After enduring this much, it's normal to have this crisis. But tomorrow, we should see a psychiatrist to get you diagnosed." Estelle began sobbing: "After being alone in the darkness, scary thoughts come to my mind!" Lisa held Estelle's hand tightly: "Don't worry! It's okay. You can take it easy. I won't leave your side!" Lisa, still worried: "Do you want me to ask the nurse to give you a small dose of sedative if you're unable to sleep?" Estelle replied: "No need! And don't tell Nolan about this—I don't want to worry him!" Lisa sighed: "Fine." It was a night full of horrible events in the hospital room. Morning arrived with bright light streaming through the window. Lisa was lying near Estelle, keeping her promise never to leave her. Meanwhile, Nolan spent the night at the company. Steven, surprised by his unexpected presence, found Nolan drowning in papers, his laptop still open, and a bottle of coffee near him. Steven threw his bottle of water on Nolan's head to wake him up. Steven, annoyed: "You look disgusting! Can't you get some rest when I ask you to?" Nolan, tired: "I've been so worried about Estelle that I forgot to organize these things and couldn't focus on work." Steven, with a serious face and a gentle tone: "How is she?" Nolan, with a cold tone: "She's doing well! So don't bother asking about her!" Steven's serious and cold voice: "Is that so? Alright! Leave the company! I don't need employees operating at low potential." Nolan sarcastically smiled: "What do you mean by 'low potential'? I'm always giving my best!" Steven, in a cold tone: "Can't you see the state of your desk? You should fix this. If any partner sees it, they'll stop their partnership!" Nolan, annoyed: "Excuse me! Your office always looks awful!" Steven, sarcastically: "Well, I'm giving you another week of rest! You should focus on creating something new this time." Nolan, in shock: "You're giving me another week? Are you serious?" Steven, maintaining his cold demeanor: "Of course! You know that next week you'll be spending your nights here! I heard she’ll be on her own." Nolan, frustrated: "You really—! Anyway, I won't refuse if you're okay with this." Nolan, in a softer voice: "Thank you." Steven, annoyed: "I hope you come up with something new!" Then Steven headed toward his office. Nolan noticed that Steven's office was even messier than his own! Nolan couldn't care less about Steven because he’s always striving to reach the top, and that's why Nolan agreed to work with him in the first place. While leaving the company, he encountered Zack's sister, who was trying to enter. When she realized his presence, Zack's sister approached Nolan. Zack's sister: "Hello, Nolan Smith, right? Luckily, I found you here. I've been trying to reach you for days. I’m Sergeant Aubrey Cooper, by the way." Nolan showed a serious face: "Yes, you’re Zack's sister. What do you need from me?" Aubrey, keeping her serious look: "Well, you can call me Aubrey. I wanted to know the details about the last accident." Aubrey showed a bothered look: "Since my brother hacked into our system where I work in the nearby town, I have to gather all the information because we were involved in the accident. If that doesn't bother you, of course." Nolan, confused: "Is it really necessary?" Aubrey showed a determined look: "Yes, it is. I came here to interrogate Mr. Hoods first, but since I found you, I hate wasting opportunities. I'm not like my brother; I take work very seriously and never act based on my emotions." Nolan shrugged: "Alright, I'll tell you everything. But don't speak badly about your brother—I know how serious he is!" Aubrey rolled her eyes: "Somehow!" Both of them headed to the company's café to continue their discussion. Nolan began telling Aubrey all the details she needed for her report. Aubrey smiled with a cold voice: "It's very unfortunate for you. I’m sorry about that, but thank you anyway! I should head to Mr. Hoods now." Nolan uneasily stopped her: "Well, inform his secretary first. He should meet you in another room!" Aubrey looked confused: "But I'm with the police." Nolan took a deep breath and sighed: "Yes, just ask his secretary first." The employees were gossiping: "What's wrong with Mr. Hoods lately? He’s been so isolated." Another employee: "Yeah, he keeps working in his office, and I saw him drinking at night, even though he used to be against it!" Another employee: "They say he’s in love or he had his heart broken? He even refused to have his room cleaned and stopped teasing the female employees." Nolan, frustrated, raised his voice: "Instead of gossiping, do your job! The company is going downhill because you waste so much time gossiping!" Aubrey, with a confused and surprised look: "Is he really the CEO of this company?" Nolan sighed: "Kind of. Can you please come back another time?" Aubrey, in a cold voice: "But I don't care about his state. If he can give me answers, that’s enough!" Nolan sighed: "Do whatever suits you. You seem very determined—I won't go against you. I have to leave." Aubrey, stunned: "Well, I’m surprised you care for him! My brother said you weren't friends, just rivals." Nolan, sarcastically: "That's not true. We just attended the same university. I should leave." Nolan received a call from Bob Jefferson, asking to meet him immediately. Back at the hospital, Lisa insisted that Estelle attend a psychiatrist session. Lisa, annoyed: "Let's go now." Estelle, tired: "Is that necessary? I’ll be discharged in the afternoon if my checkup goes well." Lisa, frustrated, pointed at Estelle: "You promised me yesterday!" Estelle rolled her eyes: "Fine, but I won't stay long. I have to attend my check-up. I’m already bored at this hospital!" Lisa, sarcastically: "Fine, fine." At the psychiatrist's office, Lisa was waiting outside, worried about Estelle. Suddenly, she received a phone call from Simon, and she excitedly answered in a happy voice. Lisa: "Simon, I missed you so much!" Simon, on the video camera, smiled gently: "So did I. How are you doing? And how’s Estelle?" Lisa, in a calm tone: "I’m doing well. I took Estelle to a psychiatrist today. She seems affected by the incident, so I accompanied her, but she hasn’t come out yet." Simon, still gentle and concerned: "It must be hard for her to overcome, and I’m proud of you for supporting your friend." Lisa noticed a beautiful woman near Simon and got angry. Simon, worried: "What’s wrong?" Lisa took a deep breath: "Show me the conference room on camera. I’m curious about it!" Simon showed her the room, and she noticed many pretty lady doctors. Lisa, annoyed, smiled: "You seem to be enjoying yourself!" Simon smiled: "Not that much without you, but the conference covered a pretty interesting topic." Lisa, sarcastically: "Interesting, I guess!" Lisa glared at Simon with furious eyes: "Who’s the woman beside you?" Simon shrugged: "Just a colleague doctor, why?" Lisa, pointing at Simon in anger: "A colleague, yeah! Don't even think about looking at other girls, or when you come back, you won't find me!" Simon smiled at Lisa, reassuring her: "There are no women here prettier than my wife, and I won’t look at anyone because they’re not you, honey." Lisa confidently smiled: "At least you chose the right words. And for me, there are no men like my husband." Lisa winked at Simon, enjoying their sweet moment, then Estelle finished her session, and Lisa hung up the phone. Lisa asked Estelle in concern: "How was it?" Estelle shrugged: "It was normal. Let’s leave." Estelle headed to Lisa's car, while Lisa went inside to speak with the doctor. The doctor smiled: "How are you, Lisa, and how are your fiancé and your father?" Lisa answered politely: "Thank you, doctor, they’re all doing fine! Can I ask you about Estelle?" The psychiatrist, with a serious tone: "It’s not easy for her to overcome all of this, but she needs support. Avoid turning off the lights for now. She just needs time, but don't leave her alone, that’s all." Lisa thanked the doctor and left the office, taking Estelle to her last checkup. Meanwhile, Nolan arrived at Bob Jefferson's place, where he had asked to meet him, at a luxurious café that was booked just for their meeting. When Nolan arrived, Bob was sitting in a corner near a large window that overlooked the beautiful scenery. His bodyguards were nearby as he focused on some papers. He glared at Nolan, signaling him to come closer. Bob, with a serious voice: "I’m glad you came. Please, have a seat." Nolan sat down and asked Bob respectfully: "Mr. Bob, is there anything I should be worried about? You called me here." Bob, with a cold voice: "Not exactly. I called you to warn you and inform you." Nolan, curious, with a serious tone: "Warn and inform? About what?" Bob, maintaining his serious demeanor: "I’m leaving town tomorrow, which is why I called you today." Bob continued speaking seriously: "Well, you’ve figured out that my daughter has been through a lot, and I’m leaving to solve some problems. However, we need to ensure her security." Nolan lowered his head in regret: "I’m sorry I couldn't save her last time. It was a waste to trust me since I was the one responsible for the incident." Bob looked at Nolan with determined eyes and a serious voice: "I’m not here to blame you, but these days, she might face unusual events because my family descendants are after her wealth, and they want to take it from her. I’ll try to keep them away, but if they manage to escape from my control, I won’t be able to stop their actions. That’s why you need to ensure they stay away from her, not just in terms of safety but also in her industrial stocks. You should even worry about the paparazzi!" Nolan, concerned and curious: "But why do they want her wealth? They already have their legal share." Bob lowered his head: "That’s because they want to take revenge on me and feel that they belong in the Jefferson family." Nolan, in a serious voice: "So you’re saying they’re all from Jefferson’s bloodline?" Bob, with a serious look: "Unfortunately, yes. But they don’t want a legal heir to exist. All of them think I’m dead, so they’re after my guardianship!" Nolan was stunned: "Do you think they’ll harm her?" Bob sighed, maintaining his cold demeanor: "I don’t think they’ll harm her physically, but they might ruin her career to take everything away and expose themselves more." Nolan, in a serious voice: "I have an idea to keep them away, but it might take time. I just need some information about them, and with some help from someone, I’ll be able to protect her!" Bob handed a document full of papers to Nolan: "This is all I have about them at the moment." Bob, keeping a serious face: "Someone—do you mean Steven Hoods? He helped us a lot last time with Estelle. I wanted to thank him, but I’m trying to avoid too much attention. He’s quite a capable young man." Nolan, with a confident look: "Yes, he’s very helpful." Bob smiled, keeping his cold expression: "If Estelle would accept, I’d gladly arrange an engagement for the two of them. He’s a very brave-looking man with a good background and has shown interest in my granddaughter! But I know she’ll refuse." Nolan shrugged with a serious look: "Isn’t that up to her, after all?" Bob sighed: "Yes, it is. I guess my granddaughter has poor taste in men." Bob put on a gentle smile:" Before I leave, I would like you to show her a room at Michael's house, it was a gift i prepared fr her with her father's help and even your mother participated in it" Nolan answered him shrugging: "Wouldn't be better if you showed it to her yourself?" Bob returned to his cold voice: I have no time for this, I should leave immediately, so I entrusted you with it Nolan showing a determined look: Alright, if that what you want! Meanwhile, at the hospital, Estelle was having her last check-up to be discharged and return home. As she gathered her belongings and prepared her suitcase, there was a knock on the door, followed by a familiar voice. Familiar voice: "May I come in, please?" Lisa got frustrated and wanted to dismiss this person and close the door in his face, but she was stopped by Estelle, who showed her an expression of easing up, indicating that she could deal with it on her own. Lisa let the person enter and left the room. Estelle smiled with a surprised expression: "It's very unexpected to see you here after a long time, Lucas." Lucas, showing a concerned look: "I was informed very late, that's why I couldn't come in time. I was worried, but now that I see you, I feel relieved!" Lucas, with concern: "How do you feel right now?" Estelle answered coldly: "I am in good condition." Lucas tried to hold Estelle's hand, but she moved her hand away. Estelle smiled in a tender tone and looked at the window as a tear dropped from her eye: "You know, something I realized when I was unconscious is that our relationship is in the past. You are not the Lucas I knew, and I am not the Estelle you had known either, and I will gladly end this awkwardness between us. Being friends might be a choice, but in the future!" Estelle continued speaking: "We shared such beautiful memories, but that's the end of it. Thank you for being a wonderful part of my past, Lucas." Lucas kept looking at Estelle sadly, then forced a smile: "I am glad I was able to provide you with a happy memory. Take good care of yourself, Estelle. I wish you a fortunate life because you were always the sunshine in my life!" On the other hand, Lisa was sitting outside, curiously wondering what they were discussing in Estelle's room. Nolan arrived in a hurry and met up with Lisa. Nolan, out of breath: "Where is Estelle?" Lisa annoyingly answered: "She is having a serious conversation with Lucas and sent me away!" Nolan was surprised: "Lucas?" Suddenly, Lucas came outside with an upset expression, then noticed Nolan and Lisa's presence and smiled. Lucas, in a gentle tone: "I guess Estelle is lucky to have both of you on her side." Lisa, in an annoyed low voice: "Not exactly, because she has you who bother her all the time." Lucas, with guilt: "You are right. Have a good day." Lisa rolled her eyes while Lucas left. She hurried to the room to check on Estelle, finding her wiping her tears with an upset smile. Even Nolan, who entered the room and realized her state, felt his heart pressing on him. Lisa, in a gentle concerned voice: "Estelle! What did that bastard do to you? Should I hunt him down?" Estelle, with a smile in a cracked voice: "I guess today Lucas and Estelle's relationship reaches its end. I feel a bit relieved!" Lisa rushed to hug Estelle tightly while Nolan just watched from afar. After that, they gathered everything and headed to Jefferson's empty estate since Layla and Michael were on their honeymoon trip. When they arrived home, Estelle, still in the car, noticed the abnormal number of bodyguards present. She showed an exhausted look, and Lisa noticed her expression, so she asked her: Lisa, concerned: "What's wrong, Estelle?" Estelle: "I’m sure it's my grandfather's doing. All these bodyguards make it feel like I'm a president or something. I feel very uncomfortable like this!" Lisa reassured Estelle: "It's better to be safe. I know everything has ended, but no one will be able to ruin your peaceful time for the moment. Isn't that great?" Nolan smiled near Lisa: "She’s right!" All of them got out of the car, and Lisa faced Estelle with an excited smile. Lisa, with a happy tone: "I have many plans for us tomorrow and the day after." Estelle, annoyed: "You seem so excited about me not being able to work." Lisa ignored Estelle's words and continued speaking: "Right now, I’ve prepared for you a small party with healthy meals and a relaxing bath with flowers. I couldn’t call the massage therapist because you still haven’t fully recovered." Estelle was surprised: "You sure prepared things! Have you invited anyone?" Lisa answered with an amused smile: "No, just the three of us. Simon will be mad at me even if he’s working with beauties!" Lisa changed the subject and started clapping her hands in excitement: "But what I prepared is nothing compared to the gift some people set for you!" Estelle, confused: "What gift?" Nolan smiled in a gentle voice: "Well, it is very extraordinary! But before that, can you close your eyes? I will be holding your hand and guiding you." Lisa held Estelle's hand: "If you can manage to close them just for a few seconds, both of us will be near you. But if you can't, we won't force you!" Estelle clenched her fists tightly, then took a deep breath: "I think I can while holding your hands. If it's extraordinary, I want to surprise myself too by keeping my eyes closed until I arrive." Nolan and Lisa smiled and gave their hands to Estelle. She grabbed them tightly and closed her eyes, and they guided her to a room near the garden in the Jefferson mansion. They opened the door, and both Lisa and Nolan smiled when they took a look at it, then asked Estelle to open her eyes, saying the word "surprise." Estelle opened her eyes, astonished by the lovely room decorated with the words hanging on the wall saying, "Welcome back, Estelle." It was a room to practice and make ceramics and crafts, full of tools and beautiful paintings that induced creativity and productivity. All the ceramics Estelle had made years ago were organized by date, documenting her history. The room was filled with words of encouragement like "Good luck" and "Well done," and there were letters from everyone who participated in setting up the room. Estelle's tears started falling one by one down her cheeks, showing a happy, satisfying smile as she said in a cracked, surprised voice: "This is more than extraordinary, Nolan." Nolan patted Estelle's shoulder and smiled, indicating that she should go in and read the letters. Estelle took a step forward and started with her grandfather's letter, which read: "Welcome back home, my dear granddaughter. I am not able to show you this magnificent room, which will become bright with your presence, but since I have known about your love for crafting and ceramics, I decided to build something suitable for your sake. I am also giving you an old building that needs to be renovated. I wanted it to be your gallery for showcasing your talent, so you should work harder. I have faith in you!" A pretty grin appeared on Estelle's face, her eyes filled with joy and tears, as she continued reading Michael's letter: "Estelle, I don't know if you will forgive me for my actions toward you, but you are my daughter, and I value you so much. I hope this small preparation we made will help you realize your dreams. I know the first sculpture you made was a gift for your mother, so I have given it a special place. I hope it will be a source of inspiration for you. I am sure you will succeed because you are my daughter." Estelle started sobbing while Nolan and Lisa remained silent, respecting her moment. Then she read Layla's letter: "Sweetheart, I hope you succeed in your life. I know I caused you much suffering lately, but you didn't hate me, and I truly appreciate that. Having you as my daughter, even if we are not related by blood, makes me such a proud mom. You being near me and Nolan will make us happy. Thank you; I am blessed to have a daughter like you. I adore your work; you are such an artist." Estelle gathered all the letters together and hugged them tightly while crying. Lisa and Nolan left her alone in the room to give her some privacy. Estelle sat on a couch and began looking at the pieces of art she had made years ago, wondering if she still had some happy memories from the past. The moments she spent creating those ceramic sculptures were very pleasant in Estelle's memory. In the meantime, while they were outside, Lisa looked at Nolan out of curiosity and asked him, Lisa: Nolan, can I ask you a question? Nolan answered indifferently: Sure. Lisa looked at him inquisitively: What are your feelings toward Estelle? Nolan was stunned by her question and replied: What do you mean, my feelings? She’s my stepsister. I value her, care for her, and want to protect her. That’s all. Lisa showed a nosy expression: You didn’t convince me. You answered nervously, which means there’s something more to your feelings! Nolan ignored her words and said: You’re just imagining things. Lisa, frustrated: No, I’m not. Do you like her in a different way? Nolan avoided answering: You should stop inventing scenarios in your head. Lisa smiled sarcastically: Do you think I’m stupid? The way you act is obvious, and now that I’ve asked, I’m certain—you have feelings for Estelle! Nolan, out of worry, covered Lisa’s mouth and said annoyingly: She’ll hear you! Stop saying nonsense! Lisa looked at Nolan determinedly: You shouldn’t keep these feelings inside because you won’t be able to control them. If you love her, say it. Be straightforward, and forget about the promise to your family and being stepsiblings. Nolan sighed: Please lower your voice; we’ll discuss it later. Someone might misunderstand you. Lisa, in a low, provoking voice: If you won’t act, I’ll match her with Steven. At least he’s an honest person. Nolan pretended not to listen to Lisa but clenched his fists tightly. Lisa noticed his hands and smiled mischievously. A few minutes later, Estelle came out of the room, smiling. She took Nolan and Lisa’s hands and said in a joyful, calm voice: Even if you weren’t the ones who made this room, I’m happy both of you were by my side, showing me such a wonderful surprise. Sharing this delightful moment with you two made me pleased. Thank you. Both of them smiled back at Estelle, and then Lisa suddenly spoke up. Lisa: We should go to the meal table. I don’t want to cry at this moment, so let’s hurry! They all headed to the decorated meal table. Lisa had prepared a cake with "Welcome back home, Estelle" written on it and asked her to blow out the candles. They exploded party poppers and enjoyed their time together. Then, Nolan went to the piano in the living room and started playing. Estelle was captivated by the beauty of his playing and watched with love and interest. Lisa noticed Estelle's expression and tried to find an excuse to leave. Lisa smiled at Estelle and said: I have to go prepare your bath; it will be very relaxing. You can wait for me here. Lisa waved at Estelle and left the living room excitedly. Nolan approached Estelle and asked how she liked his piano playing. Estelle clapped her hands, saying "fascinating" with a large smile. She felt awkward being alone with Nolan. Nolan broke the silence: Well, Lisa is pretty excited about you coming back home. She’ll make you do everything she wants! Estelle smiled with a nostalgic expression: Yeah, she is. Lately, we haven’t had our girly time. Even if we weren’t close before, we didn’t miss any activity. It was fun being around her, but I was mostly focused on myself. Nolan took a deep breath and spoke determinedly: I guess I can’t keep it up like this. Lately, don’t you feel awkward about our situation? Estelle was surprised: What? What do you mean? We’re stepsiblings. Nolan looked deeply into Estelle’s eyes: If we weren’t stepsiblings, what would you feel? Estelle’s heart started racing. She was at a loss for words and said: I don’t know. Nolan moved closer to Estelle, looking into her eyes seriously: I think I made a mistake by... Nolan’s words were cut off by a glass breaking near Estelle. She had thrown it on the floor out of nervousness. Shocked, Nolan was concerned and checked her everywhere. Nolan: Did you hurt yourself? Are you okay? You’re not injured, right? Still in shock, Estelle nodded her head, reassuring Nolan that she was okay, but he didn’t get it. So he carried her away from the broken glass. Lisa rushed into the living room, panicking. Lisa, out of breath, raised her voice: Is everything alright? What happened? Nolan, still carrying Estelle, who was in shock: I’m taking Estelle to her room. I think she needs rest. Lisa was confused: What about the wonderful bath I prepared for her? Nolan, with a serious tone: You can take her after she comes back to her senses. In Estelle’s room, Nolan put her on her bed, said goodnight, and left, though he was a bit annoyed. Lisa curiously asked Estelle: He left just now. You can speak—tell me! Estelle lowered her head out of guilt: I made the glass fall on the floor. I was so anxious, worried, and afraid of his words, so I did it to stop him from saying anything...abnormal. Lisa sighed and facepalmed: The only abnormal person is you. How could you do that? What if one of you had gotten injured? Estelle, feeling guilty: I feel guilty, but I didn’t realize my actions. I was scared! Lisa, in a scolding voice: How can you be scared of someone confessing his feelings? Estelle, confused: His feelings? What are you getting at? I thought he noticed my uncomfortable state and mixed feelings! Lisa rolled her eyes, frustrated: How can you be so clueless, Estelle? I thought you were the smartest of us! Estelle, annoyed: What are you implying this time? If he knows I feel uncomfortable around him, he’ll disappear and leave! Lisa took a deep breath: What if those feelings are mutual? Estelle, in denial: No way, he can’t. We’re stepsiblings. Lisa shouted in a furious voice: You’re not related by blood! Even if you develop romantic feelings for each other, it’s not impossible. Forget about that promise you made to your families. If you keep this up, you’ll both end up living in guilt, separated from each other. Luckily for Lisa, Nolan was wearing earbuds, blasting music loudly, and focusing on making a tool to protect Estelle from the other Jeffersons. Estelle, in shock: Have you lost your mind? What if he heard us? Lisa took a deep breath, calming herself: I’m sorry, but I can’t stand seeing both of you so awkward around each other! Lisa showed a serious expression: So, answer me before I shout again. Have you developed romantic feelings toward Nolan? Estelle, confused: I’m not sure. I feel comfortable around him, but sometimes when he gets close, my heart races non-stop. I feel safe and happy with him. I want him to be happy and never suffer. When he’s sad, I share that emotion with him. I’m afraid he’ll leave me behind and never return. What if I lose him? But I’m worried I might be confusing him with Lucas since I shared so much with him too! Lisa sighed with a smile: This has nothing to do with Lucas! Since you ended everything with him today, I saw it in your eyes. Congratulations, Estelle Jefferson, I announce you have fallen in love again—with Nolan Smith! Lisa started clapping her hands in joy. Estelle couldn’t grasp the situation and was left speechless. Estelle, coming back to reality: What, I’ve fallen for Nolan? Estelle headed to the bath, which was decorated with flowers and roses. She entered to clear her mind; she even put her head underwater to come back to her senses, but she couldn't. When she finished, she headed to the ceramic and crafting room and started working on something new to organize her thoughts, focusing solely on what she was making. Lisa was staying in front of her lying on the couch Estelle finally realized her hidden feelings for Nolan. She started panicking and felt guilty as if she had committed an unforgivable mistake. Who knows what the future holds? She is not even aware of Nolan's feelings, will they accept them or keep them to their selves?
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