After a little pause in which they were both silent and Estel made no effort to break it, Mrs. Jensen proceeded, her tone more forceful and her stance more upright. "Fortunately, in those days, it wasn't easy to find someone willing to break the law that way, and I ended up going to a midwife who was less than effective." She cracked a wry grin without amusement. "When I stepped into that room and saw the primitive, unsanitary conditions..." She simply chuckled. "Well, I turned right around and walked out again. And I've never regretted doing so." After that, she shifted her attention to Estel while sitting in her chair with a thoughtful expression. "I tried to be a good mother to Michael, and I did love him, but he was always such an exuberant, affectionate boy, and I've never let my feelings show. Perhaps he interpreted my reserve as indicating that I didn't love him. But it wasn't and isn't true. The trouble is, I don't know how to let him know that since I find it as difficult now
Michael faced her, staring down with a sardonic and caustic attitude that made it clear that he was now a man... Estel sees him as a man in every sense of the word. After that, a serious look came over his face, and he again turned his head aside. He stated it with a strain in his voice, "I'm canceling our agreement, Estel," and the tone of his voice was harsh. Estel found herself suddenly gasping for air, and she began to shake where she was standing until she noticed a log that had just fallen nearby. She quickly moved to sit down on the log to prevent herself from falling. She questioned him, "What exactly do you mean, Michael?" with a lack of expression that belied the riot of sensations that was going on inside of her. "What exactly do you mean?" He stepped closer to her but refused to look into her eyes, even as he did so. "You're free to go," he said gloomily. "You don't have to give me a child... and you don't have to stay married to me." Estel momentarily suppressed her exp
Afterward, Michael felt more at ease and continued with his explanation. "When I saw you in Hendrick's office that day, I knew I couldn't leave things as they were. I'd been thinking about you for months, wanting you, and hating myself for what I'd done to you and for what I'd ruined. I had already chosen to write The Essence of a Woman. When you stepped in, I realized I had the ideal opportunity for a second chance. It was your sort of book; it had the potential to gain your respect, and while you were working on it, I believed I could win you over. Estel's mouth scrunched up in response to his statements about earning her respect. Still, Michael did not allow her an opportunity to respond to his statement. "Only I kept repeating myself with you," he said with regret, "making the same mistakes repeatedly." "I couldn't keep my hands off you, and I couldn't keep from trying to break through that shell of yours and get at the woman I sensed was there. As a result, I ended up making you
The expression on Michael's face conveyed a mix of chagrined amusement and annoyance at her choice to bring up his prior actions that he deeply regretted, as well as her timing in doing so. But suddenly, his mouth twisted up in a sneaky smile, and his eyes gleamed with the same naughty mirth dancing in Estel's. After a split second, he had her held hopelessly beneath him, and he glared menacingly down at her during the entire ordeal. He muttered in a frightening tone, "You're right, woman," as she resisted and laughed while being held down by him. He held her wrists while he lifted himself slightly to cast a leering, appraising view over her body. He said, "Taking you to court might be a little drastic, but I am entitled to some revenge for the torture you've put me through these past months, and I think I know just how to go about it." He said this as he raked a leering, appraising eye over her body. He asked the question in a tone that suggested he was a prosecuting attorney with s
Estel, who was eight months pregnant, sat at her desk, engrossed in editing manuscripts. Michael enters the room, a mix of excitement and hesitation evident on his face. “Hey, love.” Michael was grinning widely “Hi there. What brings you by?” Estel Looks up, smiling at the sight of Michael. “I have something to tell you.” Michael takes a seat opposite Estel, fidgeting nervously. “Is everything alright?” Estel looks concerned. “Oh, everything's fine, more than fine actually. Next month, I'll be heading to Canada to promote my books.” Michael clasped his hands. Estel's expression changes, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Canada? But Doctor Jill advised against traveling, especially now.” Estel’s brows furrowed. “I know, I know, but this is a big opportunity. Nancy Wilson, the literary agent, is organizing everything, and she wants me there for a series of events.” Michael explained. “And who else is going
Estela Bremmer brought the glass of sparkling wine to her lips as she studied the shocked guy across the table with an enraged gaze, planning the next delicate spike she intended to launch at him. What had gotten into her tonight—that she felt the need to puncture his façade with such vigor—was beyond her comprehension. However, she had been giving in to the temptation all night, and it had grown more robust with each glass of wine she had consumed.Perhaps it was because this day was the death anniversary of her husband, and Michael Jensen was the polar opposite of Peter. She felt oppressed by resentment over fate's decision to deprive the world and herself of the gentleness and pleasantness of such a pious man. Fate allowed this one, a tainted sensualist, to live and sit opposite her, emphatically vibrating with a practically disgusting reputation.It was borderline farcical. Estela needed to get used to thinking more clearly. What did Michael Jensen bring to the table for anybody o
She smiled wickedly, winked lazily, and almost laughed at his frown, even though she couldn't say she blamed him. Tomorrow morning, she would have to reconcile with him, but right now, she just didn't have the energy. When Lars suddenly came to her elbow and asked her to dance, Estela let out a muffled sigh since she knew she wouldn't have time to calm down around him.Estela, expecting the reprimand she knew was coming, rose up to accept his offer, then felt a little worried at the knowledge that she was on the verge of intoxication. Even though she rarely drank and probably knew her limit, the fact was nonetheless mildly bothersome. She had no idea why she had become so drunk so quickly this evening, but she suspected it had something to do with being bored to tears by the endless praise for Michael.Estela paid Lars's expected reprimand for her misbehavior scarcely any attention. She felt lightheaded and disoriented, and it was everything she could do to keep up with his simple dan
Michael grabbed her arm in a painful grasp and steered her in the direction of her flat despite her protests. I don't care what you're feeling," was his equally icy response. "I want you to sober up; this is as good a way as any."Instead of responding angrily, Estela bit her tongue and let him drag her down the street. In fact, she didn't have much of a say in the issue, as breaking his grasp would have required someone far stronger than she was. Estela failed to consider it challenging to go home without his help. Her mind was clearing slightly in the night air, but the rest of her body was still in the grasp of the booze she'd consumed, and her legs were a very wobbly support for the time.The journey was completed in eerie stillness, and by the time they arrived at Estela's building, she couldn't wait to get inside and escape Michael's presence. She attempted to free herself from his grip by pulling on her arm once again. She said coldly, "This is my building, and I can make it on