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 . 1/3 3.18 PMP P 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 . 2/3 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 . Send Gifts 546