Chapter 537 Jacob, Let's Break Up 2
"Isn't it true?" Nicole forced her eyes wide open, though beneath her gaze lay a profound sadness and terror—sadness that they were finally ending, terror at the thought of surviving without him. Yet she believed she could manage alone somehow.
She'd never attended school, but her paintings could earn her a living, and she even spoke two foreign languages fluently. Without Jacob, she thought, she could still find her way through the world.
Nicole lifted her chin to meet the eyes of the man she'd loved for six years and spoke those words again, "Jacob, we're breaking up."
Jacob loomed over her, his stare unrelenting.
A gentle knock interrupted them, followed by Sarah's voice from the hallway, "Jacob, open the door. It's me."
In the dim light, Jacob and Nicole's eyes met in mutual horror. This was Nicole's bedroom, yet Sarah had called Jacob's name. Nicole's lips trembled as she whispered, "She knows."
Suddenly their quarrel and pain seemed insignificant compared to the panic of discovery.
Jacob's gaze remained fixed on her as he straightened her disheveled clothing. Leaning close to her ear, he murmured, "From the day we got together, this moment was inevitable—sooner or later. Don't be afraid."
When Sarah entered, her expression remained remarkably composed. The foster daughter's bedroom told its own story, rumpled bedsheets, the faint scent of masculine cologne lingering in the air, Jacob's suit jacket casually draped over the sofa back—all evidence of their intimate relationship.
Nicole sat at the foot of the bed in her white silk nightgown. Jacob retrieved his jacket and gently placed it around her shoulders, his hand remaining protectively on her as he addressed his mother, "Nicole and I have been together for six years."
Sarah studied them both—these two children she cherished. Rather than responding immediately, she walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and gazed at the moon outside.
The moon was setting in the west. Memories flooded back—of Lester and Alyssa in Vesper City, of her own complicated history with the Moore family. Deep down, she'd hoped Jacob and Nicole would remain siblings, not lovers. Family bonds endured forever; romantic love could fade.
But the children had fallen in love.
After a long silence, Sarah spoke softly, "Keep this private for now. If you're still in love after two years and still want to be together, I'll handle your father. Whether he approves or not, the Windsor family will host a magnificent wedding."
"Mom." Nicole's voice shook with emotion. She'd never expected such immediate acceptance, not even a word of reproach.
Sarah's heart ached. She approached Nicole and gently stroked her hair. "I should have noticed sooner. I failed you. I'm the one who should apologize."
As a woman herself, Sarah understood the loneliness Nicole must have endured these six years.
Sarah embraced Nicole, then turned to Jacob. "Wait for me in the small parlor. We need to talk."
The night was still as water. In the third-floor parlor, moonlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting pale shadows across the floor.
Jacob prepared tea himself, the fragrant steam rising between them. Sarah didn't touch her cup but stood by the window, watching the waning moon as she told her eldest son a long, painful story—about Lester, about Alyssa, about Nicole.
"Jacob, she was never meant to be your sister."
Sarah closed her eyes, tears falling for those lost souls and buried memories. "Even now, I dream of Alyssa searching everywhere for Lester. She carried little Nicole through the hospital, calling his name over and over. Each cry haunts me with guilt toward that couple."
"Jacob, your father and I are different. His heart holds grand ambitions, but I only want simple meals and happy children. If you truly love Nicole, you must make her happy. Otherwise, I'll have failed both Lester and Alyssa in heaven, and Nicole here on earth."
The tea grew cold as Jacob and his mother talked until dawn.
The following two months would remain, in Jacob's memory, the sweetest of his life. No more arranged dates interrupted their happiness.
But all good things must end.
In December, a financial crisis struck. Jacob was recalled to headquarters as Executive President of Research and Development. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he'd inherit the Windsor Group within two years.
That evening, while Jacob remained in meetings, Nicole packed alone in their second-floor master bedroom. After years in Vesper City, the task proved overwhelming—his belongings alone filled six large suitcases.
She folded his last white dress shirt, unable to resist stroking the fabric once more. She longed to accompany him back to Evergreen City, but two paintings remained unfinished. She calculated she could complete them before the New Year and surprise him then.
Nicole closed the final suitcase and sighed. As she stood, strong arms encircled her from behind. His heated breath tickled her sensitive ear as he reported the change, "Flight's been moved up. I have to get back tonight for an emergency board meeting. Nine o'clock departure."
Nicole lost her balance, gripping his arm. "Why the sudden change?"
Jacob didn't answer. His blue eyes burned into her face with unmistakable intent.
Afterward, the predatory man straightened his tie, once again impeccably dressed. She struggled to sit up. "I'll see you off at dinner."
Jacob stopped her, kissing the corner of her mouth while his hands wandered possessively. "No time. I'll eat on the plane. I'll have the staff bring you something. Rest now."
Nicole said nothing, disappointment evident.
Jacob kissed her again, coaxing, "Be good. I'll call as soon as I reach Evergreen City and pick out a Christmas present. I should ask my secretary what girls like these days."
Nicole's smile felt forced. After six years together, he still needed to consult his secretary about gifts, but she didn't want to spoil the moment.
The bedroom door closed softly, dividing the world in two—Jacob's world and Nicole's world.
Soon, sounds of luggage being moved echoed from the living room. All six pieces accompanied him to Evergreen City. He'd forgotten to take Nicole.
Later, Jacob would torment himself with regrets: if only he hadn't been so busy, if only he'd paid her more attention, if only he'd invested some effort in their relationship. Then Nicole wouldn't have grown disappointed. Perhaps he wouldn't have lost her.
But he was genuinely swamped—taking over the Windsor Group, expanding his network, building his empire. He practically forgot about Nicole, forgot about their home in Vesper City, forgot she'd once been the most important thing in his world.
He rarely called. When he remembered, it was usually past midnight, and he'd decide against waking her. When she called him, he was either in meetings or entertaining clients.
On Christmas Eve, he attended a crucial dinner party and secured a massive contract. "Young and successful" perfectly described Jacob—he was born for business, naturally gifted at navigating complex relationships, sharp and decisive.
In his drunken stupor, he murmured Nicole's name. He dreamed of expanding the Windsor Group fivefold, ensuring that even if Elliot inherited it, fifty years wouldn't be enough to squander the fortune.
"Nicole."
In the hotel suite, Jacob tossed restlessly on the white sheets, still wearing his dress shirt, his body burning with need.
A young woman approached, kissing from his cheek to his chin, finally pressing her seductive lips to the hollow of his throat. He caught her wandering hands.
Though drunk, Jacob wasn't senseless. He pushed the woman away and stumbled into the bathroom, his voice ice-cold through the closed door, "I didn't call for a prostitute. Get out."
The woman was a B-list actress, young and proud. As she dressed to leave, Jacob's phone rang, the screen illuminating with the caller ID: Nicole.