Chapter 584 Jacob, Let's Get Divorced 2
She trembled as Jacob kissed the corner of her mouth. Gradually, he melted her resistance, pressing against her slender body and kissing her deeply. Her lack of response didn't concern him; he was merely testing her compliance.
When Jacob finally released her, Serafina found herself touching her lips. Once, his kisses had made her heart flutter—that beautiful sensation that had consumed her. Now, she felt nothing.
"I'm going to shower," Jacob said, caressing her cheek.
She sat down, watching him walk into the bathroom. His silhouette was perfect—attractive to many women who would gladly have an affair with him. But few knew he was heartless, his soul barren. Serafina allowed herself a faint smile.
Ten minutes later, when Jacob emerged, she was already lying in bed.
Under the warm glow of the bedside lamp, her figure beneath the thin sheets was delicate. Having recently miscarried, she couldn't engage in marital relations, but after many days without intimacy, Jacob had needs. He slipped under the covers and held her, his hands wandering deliberately across her body.
Serafina didn't resist. Once, she had welcomed his touch; now, as his wife, she wouldn't refuse his demands. She lay quietly on the soft bed, submissive to Jacob's desires. Just as he was about to satisfy himself, Serafina's phone chimed.
It was a message from Floyd about school business. Jacob propped himself up, holding her phone for a moment before tossing it back to her and heading to the bathroom.
"Go ahead and respond to him," he called from the doorway.
A week later, Serafina returned to work. She had barely settled at her desk when she received a message from Lila, explaining how Ronan had sent his mistress and illegitimate child abroad again. Apparently, Ronan had attempted to abscond with company funds, but the money had somehow been returned to the Penrose Group.
Serafina called Lila, suggesting that Isadora should no longer serve as the legal representative and should transfer the responsibility back to Ronan.
"Isadora was naive when she agreed to his manipulation," Lila concurred.
After hanging up, Serafina organized her desk and noticed a thermos placed on it. Looking up, she saw Vivienne standing there awkwardly.
Having heard about Serafina's miscarriage from other teachers, Vivienne had brought her some homemade nourishing broth, though she worried that someone of Serafina's status might not appreciate her humble offering.
"It's delicious," Serafina said after taking a small sip.
Vivienne relaxed, rubbing her hands together. "I'm glad you like it! Beatrice has been asking about you constantly."
Serafina smiled just as Floyd entered the office. Sensing the rumors about Floyd's feelings for Serafina, Vivienne quickly excused herself, leaving them alone.
Floyd approached Serafina's desk and looked down at her gently. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly.
"I'm managing," she replied, looking up at him.
His long fingers traced patterns on her amber desk. "Take time off if you need it. We have enough staff at the moment."
As Serafina prepared to leave for class, Floyd suddenly called out, "Sera."
It was the first time he had addressed her so intimately since she became Jacob's wife—inappropriate, perhaps, but Floyd couldn't contain his emotions: his affection and his sympathy for a woman who hadn't married for love and wasn't cherished by her husband.
Serafina understood his feelings but didn't turn around, merely pausing to say, "I'm fine, thank you for your concern, Mr. Ryan."
A woman's rejection was unmistakable to a man who truly listened. Floyd's feelings ran deep, but he wouldn't pressure a married woman or subject her to scandalous gossip. He didn't pursue his affections further, simply watching as she walked out into the bright sunlight.
He thought to himself that a woman as wonderful as she deserved to live in the light.
Still, he couldn't help caring for her. Every day, Vivienne brought nourishing broths—purchased by Floyd and prepared by Vivienne, though Serafina discreetly reimbursed Vivienne, unaware of Floyd's involvement.
Time passed, and Floyd continued to care for Serafina in his own way. Occasionally, he would "accidentally" encounter her on campus and exchange a few words. Serafina remained oblivious, maintaining appropriate boundaries as a married woman, but when a man truly cares for a woman, his eyes betray him. Floyd's affection was no secret at the school.
At the Windsor Group headquarters, Jacob returned to his office after an important meeting and leaned back in his leather chair, massaging his temples. The stress was becoming overwhelming.
Anya stood before him, delivering her report. After discussing business matters, Jacob opened a drawer and tossed a stack of photographs onto his desk—images of Serafina and Floyd.
Most were taken on the oak-lined avenue of the campus. Though their posture wasn't intimate, Floyd's adoring gaze was unmistakable—something Jacob couldn't tolerate as a husband. He should have confronted Serafina directly, but their marriage had grown so distant. Though they shared a home and a bed, they barely communicated. He still kissed and embraced her as before, but Serafina rarely responded.
Was Floyd the reason?
Jacob sat up straight, examining the photographs one by one. "How are the arrangements progressing?" he asked Anya casually.
"Everything's nearly settled, Mr. Windsor," she replied, then added with concern, "If Mrs. Windsor discovers you orchestrated Floyd's transfer, won't it damage your relationship further?"
Jacob scoffed. "What relationship? She won't even touch me. She avoids me like a plague."
Anya offered a reassuring smile. "All couples have their disagreements. Mrs. Windsor is going through a difficult time. Once this passes, she'll come around. You have no engagements tonight—why not invite her to dinner and give her a small gift? No woman can resist being courted."
Jacob's elegant fingers played with the photographs as he considered her suggestion.
"Choose a gift for her," he said, then changed his mind. "No, I'll select it myself."
"A gift chosen by you personally would be much more meaningful," Anya agreed.
Determined to repair his marriage, Jacob spent time browsing fashion catalogs and selected a designer outfit from the latest collection.
When the boutique delivered it to the Windsor Group, Anya brought it in with enthusiastic approval. "You have excellent taste, Mr. Windsor. Mrs. Windsor will love this."
Jacob allowed himself a faint smile.
After Anya left, he called Serafina's mobile. When she answered, her soft voice came through: "Do you need me to come home for dinner? I'm sorry, but there's an urgent matter at school. Could I join you next time?"
Jacob paused. "I was thinking we could dine out, just the two of us."
There was a moment of silence on the other end, as if she hadn't expected this.
"There's something important at school," she finally said. "I'll try to come home early."
Her humility was palpable, bordering on fearful caution.