Chapter 2
Julian’s brows furrowed as he responded quickly, “I’m on my way.”
Without sparing Estelle a second glance, he strode away and left.
She watched his retreating figure with no expression. Estelle had lost count of the nights he rushed off after yet another call about Susan’s “critical condition”.
…
The next morning, Estelle pulled her packed suitcase with her and got ready to leave. As she passed Tobias’ room, her footsteps faltered for a moment. After some contemplation, she decided to check in on him before she left.
When Tobias was born, Estelle went into early labor. As a result, he had been frail and sickly since birth. She took care of everything related to him herself and never entrusted him to anyone else.
Tobias resembled Julian so much that even their distant nature was rather similar.
It was the weekend, and Tobias wasn’t at school. He was in his room doing homework. When he saw her walk in, he greeted her with his usual “Good morning, Mom” before lowering his head and continuing to write.
Estelle looked at Tobias’ face, which looked so much like Julian’s, and said, “Tobias, I’m leaving. Take care of yourself.”
Without even looking up, Tobias replied with a simple, “Okay.”
Ever since Susan showed up, Tobias had become increasingly colder to Estelle.
Once, Susan had posted a video on her Instagram. In it, Tobias was eating cotton candy. His words were muffled as he said, “I love being with Ms. Susie. I get to eat all kinds of delicious food.”
Susan had asked, “Doesn’t your mom treat you well, Tobias?”
“Mom is always bossing me around, telling me what I can’t do and what I can’t eat,” Tobias grumbled.
“Then, who do you think is better? Me or your mom?” Susan asked.
“It’s you, of course! If Mom treated me half as well as you do, I’d be so happy!” Tobias said.
Estelle knew that a strict mother could never compare to a pretty woman who indulged and spoiled him.
To take care of his health, she made sure he went to bed on time every night. Since he had a weak stomach, she wouldn’t let him eat unhealthy foods from outside.
Under her meticulous care, Tobias finally regained his health and no longer fell ill so easily. But at the same time, he grew more distant from her.
Just as Estelle was about to step out the door, Tobias suddenly called out to her, “Mom.”
She turned to look at him.
Tobias said, “Mom, you said before that you’d like whoever I liked too. I really like Ms. Susie. That means you’ll like her too, right?”
Estelle froze for a moment, and the last thread holding her together finally snapped. She closed her eyes slowly, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
“Haven’t you always wanted to protect Ms. Susie? From now on, you and your father can protect her together,” Estelle said.
There was a trace of confusion in Tobias’ eyes as he did not understand what she meant.
Estelle said nothing more. She turned and walked out of the villa.
…
Estelle’s good friend, Zara York, was already waiting at the villa’s gate.
After loading Estelle’s suitcase into the trunk, Zara looked at Estelle and asked, “Essie, are you really going through with the divorce?”
Estella nodded lightly. “Yes. I’ve made up my mind.”
“Then… What about Tobias?” Zara asked.
“Even if I were to fight for custody, I’d never win against the Grants. Besides…” A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Estelle’s lips. She continued, “Tobias might not even want to come with me. To him, Ms. Susie is the best now.”
Zara frowned disapprovingly. “You nearly lost your life after enduring a full day and night of difficult labor to bring Tobias into the world. You raised and cared for him, sacrificing so much of yourself. How could he possibly think some homewrecker is better?”
Estelle replied flatly, “That just proves they’re father and son. Even their tastes in women are the same.”
“What about Julian? Does he know you’re leaving?” Zara asked.
Estelle shook her head. “He’s probably with his true love right now.”
Before marriage, Estelle had her own apartment, though she hadn’t lived in it for years. After tidying up the place, Zara invited her out.
“Essie, we haven’t gone out together ever since you had Tobias. Shall we do some shopping later?” Zara suggested.
It was true. Ever since Tobias was born, Estelle’s life had revolved around her child and family. She had completely lost herself, sacrificing her own life and time.
Looking into Zara’s bright, lively eyes, Estelle suddenly remembered that she had once been so full of life as well. But five years of marriage had left her dull and weary, and she was now a shadow of her former self.
Her eyes suddenly stung as she replied, “Okay.”
Just then, Zara’s phone rang. Whatever the caller said made her frown. After a brief silence, she replied, “Okay, we’ll be right there.”
After hanging up, Zara turned to Estelle. “Essie, someone is offering a high price for Summer Starlight, the violin you consigned to Linden Music Store. The store manager said that the buyer is someone important, and he doesn’t dare to refuse them. Since you’re free today, let’s go check it out.”
It had been five years since Estelle played. She had been so occupied with caring for Tobias that she left everything related to the violin in Zara’s hands. Hearing about it now felt like it was something from another lifetime.
…
The moment Estelle and Zara walked into the music store, Estelle froze in her steps.
A tall, handsome man was standing beside a delicate, fragile-looking woman in front of an exhibition-only display.
The woman’s soft, gentle voice drifted over. “The legendary Summer Starlight really is beautiful! Jules, didn’t you always love listening to me play the violin? In my final days, I want to hold a concert using Summer Starlight. What do you say?”
Julian’s deep, cool voice responded almost immediately, “Okay.”
The store manager followed behind them nervously, wiping sweat from his forehead. When he saw Estelle and Zara, his eyes lit up as if he had just been thrown a lifeline.
He said, “Ms. York, you’re finally here! Mr. Grant wants to buy Summer Starlight. You can set the conditions as you like. See…”
