Babel Novel
Chapter 261
It was not quite what she was thinking?
Estrella just stared at Keith.
With her clear-eyed gaze, Keith found himself even more at a loss for how to begin.
Ever since Keith had set up Jason with that blind date, Keith’s life at home had become unbearable. Amber always looked at him without contempt, and everything he did seemed wrong to her.
Just the other day, Amber actually asked Keith if he had been dreaming of changing wives and, therefore, had placed this great ideal on his grandson, encouraging the grandson to
create trouble and seek a divorce.
Keith was so taken aback by her accusation that he nearly wanted to kill himself to prove
his innocence.
He didn’t support Jason’s remarriage, and he had his reasons. But how had it turned into him being the one obsessed with divorce?
It was just that, now, Amber had him so twisted he didn’t dare bring up the subject of Jason dating again. At home, Keith was walking on eggshells.
These past few days, Amber hadn’t scolded or lectured him. Instead, she gave him the silent treatment, not even dignifying him with a glance. She was even hanging out with a few other old timers.
Amber said if Keith truly had the heart to replace her, she wouldn’t utter a word of objection.
Keith felt utterly speechless.
So, after several days of brooding at home, Keith had come to Estrella. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Unsure where to begin, Estrella said, “Grandpa, you watched me grow up. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about anything.”
In Estrella’s eyes, Keith had always been decisive and authoritative. No one in the Nelson family would dare defy him. Well, no one but Grandma, that was.
Even as a child, she knew Keith was.henpecked. If Amber showed the slightest
displeasure, Keith would turn the world upside down to cheer her up. Fear of the wife was his reputation.
With Estrella offering an open ear, Keith looked her in the eye and said, “Estrella, I came to you hoping you’d give Jason another chance, that the two of you could reconcile your marriage.”
Before Estrella could respond, Keith continued “Sure, Jason wronged you in the past, but
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you grew up together. To say there’s no affection would be a lie. That’s why I’m asking you to reconsider.”
Over the past few days, aside from Amber’s cold shoulder, Keith had reflected on Jason’s words from the other night. He had initially opposed their reunion because Estrella had a child, fearing it would make Jason-and by extension, the Nelson family-the talk of the town. It was all about caring what others thought.
Later, he had figured it out for himself. The most important thing in life was to live for oneself, not for a few words and judgments from others. Otherwise, with so many people in the world, trying to please everyone would have been too exhausting.
Estrella was stunned by Keith’s words. It was unlike him to say such things, but there he was, pleading on behalf of his grandson.
Estrella watched Keith incredulously and said, “Grandpa, are you sure about what you’re saying? Besides, you know my situation.”
Keith responded, “You mean Isaac, right? Jason has brought him home to play. Your grandma, your mom, and I all adore the child.” He added, “Jason has waited and been faithful all these years. He truly knows his mistake and will cherish and treat you well from now on. The entire Nelson family will treat Isaac as Jason’s own son, as the eldest grandson. So, please reconsider it. I have put aside my pride to come to you, even if it is for me, please think about this.”
Keith’s plea touched Estrella, to claim otherwise would be a lie.
As she had gotten into the car, she had prepared for the worst and had thought of how to respond to Keith. But here was Keith, advocating for a reconciliation with Jason.
When she had first returned, Landon had also approached her with the same hope. Now, Estrella was somewhat moved. After all, for everyone in the Nelson family, Isaac was unrelated and could even be seen as an embarrassment.
After a thoughtful silence, Estrella said, “Grandpa, I will seriously consider what you just said.”
Keith had come all this way, and the conversation had reached this point. It would be rude not to offer a way forward. Besides, if there were issues between her and Jason, they could address them without involving the family.
With Estrella’s assurance that she would consider his words, Keith breathed a sigh of relief.
They continued to chat, with Keith advising her to influence Bryce when she could, encouraging him to sort out his love life.
When the conversation turned to Keith’s recent attempt to get Jason to date again, Keith could only shake his head helplessly. “I’m old, nobody listens to me anymore. I mentioned
to Jason the other day that if you truly weren’t willing to consider it, he should go on
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Some dates.”
“That boy had the nerve to tell me, that even if I die unhappy about it, he won’t go on those dates. He said I’ve had too smooth a life, and if this is the one thing that doesn’t go my way, then so be it.”
Keith, his brows knitted with frustration, added, “Estrella, listen to this-can you believe that kind of talk? Is that the attitude a grandson should have towards his grandpa?”
As Keith vented about Jason, he didn’t spare Amber and Kristin, lamenting how they showed him no respect at home.
Listening to Keith’s domestic gripes, Estrella couldn’t help but laugh heartily. She was wondering why Keith suddenly came to advise her to reconcile with Jason, and it seemed like there was a commotion at home.
Estrella was well aware that Keith had given the matter a lot of thought before he decided to come see her. He wasn’t the type to show up without a good reason.
They were in the midst of a lively conversation when Estrella’s phone rang. It was a call from one of the locals at Glimmering Lake, eager to update her with the latest news.
After hanging up, Keith suggested that Estrella join him for dinner back at the family home, but she politely declined, citing unfinished work.
As they were saying goodbye, Keith made a point of reminding Estrella that if she ever found herself in a bind or needed someone to run errands, she shouldn’t hesitate to call
on Jason.
Estrella agreed.
She watched Keith’s car drive away, her mind painting a vivid picture of the potential commotion Jason and Keith might be stirring up at home.
She had thought that by bringing Isaac back, her ties with the Nelson family would be severed cleanly. Contrary to her expectations, the entire Nelson clan had welcomed Isaac with open arms, declaring that as long as she and Jason were together, Isaac was Jason’s own flesh and blood, their very own grandson.
It wasn’t until Keith’s car was out of sight that Estrella finally let her gaze
drift away.
The warmth of family affection was a powerful balm for the soul. Setting aside whatever Jason’s attitude might be, the kindness shown by Kristin, Landon, and Keith filled Estrella’s heart with a comforting warmth. Bearing Isaad had nearly cost her life, but in that moment, it all seemed worth it.
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