Chapter 7 She Was Unworthy
Finished
After putting away the things she had bought in her new home, Estella tidied up a bit before returning to Hartwell Residence.
When she turned on the lights, she saw Nathaniel sitting on the couch, his face dark as he stared at her.
She changed her shoes and walked past him without any intention of speaking to him.
But Nathaniel suddenly grabbed her hand and flung her onto the couch.
Her injured arm hit the surface, and pain shot through her instantly, turning her face pale.
Yet Nathaniel had long forgotten about her injury. As usual, he coldly reprimanded her, “What’s with you today? Estella, have you grown bold enough to block me on WhatsApp? And I told you to go to the hospital, why didn’t you go?”
For the past three years, whenever he was in a bad mood, he took it out on her.
Verbal scoldings were the least of it. Sometimes, when he lost control, he would push her.
The worst time, she had slammed into a cabinet, leaving her back bruised. She had been bedridden for three days.
Afterward, he would apologize, saying he hadn’t meant it.
She knew he was sick, so she tolerated him.
But now, he could stand again. He was no longer the man who had given up on himself. She would no longer endure this from him.
Her voice was cold. “You can block my number, but I can’t block your WhatsApp? And I’m not Isabelle’s babysitter. Her injury has nothing to do with me. I have no obligation to take care of her.”
Nathaniel didn’t understand why she said he had blocked her number.
He opened his phone’s blocked contacts list and saw her number there.
Only then did he remember that he had indeed blocked her before.
But he had already forgotten why.
Irritated, he ran a hand through his hair and looked at her, exhaustion in his eyes.
Estella had always been obedient. Lately, she had been making too much trouble.
He suddenly realized that it had been a while since he last ate her cooking. He missed it.
He wasn’t incapable of reflection. He quickly realized he had been neglecting her lately.
To make her refocus on the family and resume her duties, he softened his tone. “We’re even now, blocking each other. As for Belle, you don’t have to go to the hospital to take care of her, but you need to prepare three meals a day and send them to her.”
He took out a secondary card. “If you’re feeling upset, go buy yourself some clothes, I don’t mind. But don’t argue with Naomi or say things that make a fool of yourself. I never planned to divorce you, so stop bringing it up. This card has a monthly limit of 28,000 dollars, think of it as your allowance. Your mom may not need medical expenses right now, but she’ll require nutritional support later. With this card, you won’t have to ask me for money anymore.”
He knew she was short on money. As long as he gave her more, she would surely behave.
Estella looked at the card and found it utterly ridiculous.
For three years, whenever she asked him for money, he always acted high and mighty, making her feel humiliated.
Now, he was offering her a secondary card.
She didn’t want it anymore. Their three–year contract was ending, her mother’s health had improved, and she no longer needed him.
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Chapter 7 She Was Unworthy
Finished
All she wanted now was to leave him.
She pushed the card away and mocked, “No need. I don’t want it.”
Nathaniel frowned. “28,000 dollars isn’t enough? How much do you want?”
He felt he had been more than generous.
Even though he didn’t love her, he was still willing to cover her living expenses and her mother’s medical bills.
She should be satisfied.
Estella’s voice was cold. “I don’t want anything from you. I just want a divorce. You already signed the divorce papers, so let’s end things peacefully
“What divorce papers?” Nathaniel asked in confusion.
When did I ever sign those?
Estella sneered. “You don’t remember? Last time…”
Before she could finish, Nathaniel’s phone rang.
He answered, and Naomi’s anxious voice came through. “Nathaniel, something’s wrong! Belle fainted.”
Nathaniel’s expression changed instantly. “What? Wait there, I’ll be right over.”
Without sparing Estella a glance, he turned and walked out.
Estella had expected this.
Isabelle was always his priority.
Once she left, he would finally get what he wanted and to be with Isabelle.
And she would finally be free.
Nathaniel had not returned home for a week.
Of course, Estella wouldn’t bother asking about his affairs and make a fool of herself.
She unlocked her phone and browsed through social media.
Suddenly, Naomi posted on social media with a picture of a plane ticket.
The caption read, “I’m so happy! I get to tag along with my brother and sister–in–law again and enjoy their perks. Off to Chilland to see the aurora!”
Only then did Estella realize that Nathaniel and Isabelle had gone on a trip. No wonder he hadn’t asked his assistant to remind her to bring meals to Isabelle.
She wasn’t jealous. She just felt that Isabelle’s previous fall had been too mild.
At that moment, Madeline called her. “Stella, my birthday party is next week. You’ll come, right?”
Estella was silent for a moment before agreeing. “Alright, I’ll be there.”
Madeline had never treated her poorly. Before the divorce, she was willing to attend her birthday party one last time.
Madeline immediately smiled, but then sighed. “To be honest, Stella, I really like you. It’s a shame Nathaniel doesn’t know how to cherish you.”
In Madeline’s heart, although Estella’s background was lacking, she was more composed than Isabelle and more suited to be Nathaniel’s wife.
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But she couldn’t go against her son. Since he couldn’t let go of Isabelle, she had no choice but to let Estella leave.
The day after Nathaniel and Isabelle returned, they happened to arrive just in time for Madeline’s birthday party.
Since Nathaniel hadn’t gone home, Estella went directly to Hartwell Mansion.
As she stepped into the hall, she saw Nathaniel in a sharply tailored suit and Isabelle in an off–shoulder champagne gown.
The two stood arm in arm, intimate and affectionate, like a picture–perfect couple.
Guests gathered around them, showering them with praise, many commenting on how well they matched.
Hearing their words, Isabelle’s smile grew even brighter.
Estella stood quietly in the corner of the hall, making no move to step forward.
Just then, Nathaniel noticed her.
He frowned and walked over. “Why are you here?”
Tonight’s party was attended by Javerton’s most prominent figures, and Nathaniel had no desire for anyone to know that Estella was his wife.
Estella replied flatly. “Your mom asked me to come.”
Nathaniel’s impatience showed. “After you wish her a happy birthday, leave early. Don’t let anyone find out who you are.”
With that, he strode away.
Someone asked him who Estella was. Nathaniel glanced at her briefly before answering, “An assistant.”
Estella curled her lips slightly.
In his eyes, she was unworthy of the title Mrs. Hartwell.
He would only acknowledge her as his wife at private gatherings among close friends and family tied to the Hartwell family.
But at major parties like this, where many guests were present, he would never admit it.
At that moment, Isabelle took the stage and played a piano piece.
The melody was graceful, earning admiration from the crowd.
When she finished, she stepped down and hooked her arm through Nathaniel’s..
Someone praised her, saying, “Ms. Isabelle graduated from Edinland Regal School of Music, didn’t she? Such remarkable talent!”
Isabelle smiled shyly and leaned closer to Nathaniel.
The compliments filled Nathaniel with pride.
In his mind, the privileged, beautiful, highly educated, and artistically gifted Isabelle was his ideal match.
As for Estella, she was only fit to serve him at home. Bringing her out would be an embarrassment.
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