Chapter 574 Serafina's Hidden Unhappiness 5
After their lovemaking ended, the bedroom was bathed in dim light, the air heavy with the lingering scent of their intimacy.
Jacob lay catching his breath, his lean chest glistening with perspiration from their exertion.
When he'd recovered somewhat, he turned to face Serafina, his voice dropping to the intimate murmur reserved for pillow talk. "It's been months now. Why haven't you conceived yet?"
His hand moved to rest on her flat stomach, his desire for a child unmistakable.
Serafina was still breathing softly, her chest rising and falling in the aftermath.
At Jacob's words, she stared up at the darkened ceiling, swallowing the bitter taste in her throat before responding. "Perhaps fate hasn't blessed us yet."
"Perhaps," Jacob accepted her explanation readily. He suggested they shower together to save time, but Serafina declined, claiming she wasn't comfortable with shared bathing.
Jacob didn't press the matter.
They took separate showers—he in the master bathroom, she in the guest bath—before settling into bed together. Jacob fell asleep almost immediately, but Serafina lay awake beside him, staring into the darkness.
Her mind wandered through memories of her upbringing, recalling Lila's suffering over her inability to bear sons, and contemplating her own marriage to Jacob.
Was a loveless marriage truly a good fate? Living in dependence on her husband, turning a blind eye and deaf ear to his indiscretions, enduring humiliation while still having to read his moods—how was she any different from Lila?
Yet everyone told her how fortunate she was. Jacob came from good family, was handsome, and even his performance in bed was beyond reproach. If she voiced her doubts, people would only think her ungrateful.
In the darkness, Serafina turned away from Jacob, facing the wall.
By year's end, Jacob was leaving early for the office each morning, while Serafina had only a few days of classes remaining at school.
As she prepared to leave for work, Elton had already brought the car around, cheerfully announcing, "Mrs. Windsor, I'll drive you to school today."
Though Serafina was fond of Elton, she decided to drive herself and politely declined his offer.
Elton looked surprised. "Mrs. Windsor, you can drive?"
"I always drove myself to work before marriage," Serafina explained. "After the wedding, Jacob seemed to prefer I use the family car, so I haven't driven in a while. That white Bentley in the garage is mine."
The white Bentley was perhaps her most prized possession—a gift from Isadora.
When Serafina brought the car around, Elton admired it with genuine appreciation. "This suits your style perfectly, Mrs. Windsor. If you ever need maintenance or anything, just leave it to me. I'll handle all those details."
"Thank you," Serafina smiled softly.
As she was about to start the engine, one of the household staff approached with a wrapped sandwich, passing it through the car window. "You only had two bites at breakfast, Mrs. Windsor. In case you get hungry at school."
Serafina reached out to accept it, her fingers curling slightly around the package. "Thank you."
The staff member stepped back, waving. "Drive safely, Mrs. Windsor."
Serafina started the car, watching in her rearview mirror as Elton and the staff member grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared entirely.
After driving for about ten minutes, she pulled into a pharmacy parking lot.
She walked into the store and had barely approached the counter when the female clerk, a woman in her forties, immediately understood and reached for a box of large condoms, launching into an enthusiastic sales pitch.
"Strawberry flavored—no man can resist these."
Serafina shifted uncomfortably, pushing the box back across the counter. "I need emergency contraception," she said quietly.
The cashier's ears perked up immediately. "Got fooled by some bad man? There aren't any good men left these days—most of them just want to sleep with you and avoid responsibility! Consider it a lesson learned."
She retrieved a box of a well-known brand and even gave Serafina a five percent discount.
As Serafina paid, she said softly, "I'm married. I just don't want children right now."
The cashier cleared her throat. "Your husband won't use protection? It really doesn't affect the sensation—you should try this brand, ultra-thin. Guaranteed to satisfy both husband and wife."
"No, thank you," Serafina took the medication and left.
Sitting in her car, she was about to take the pill when she noticed the sandwich beside her—the one the staff member had thoughtfully packed.
Serafina held the small pill, staring at it in contemplation. This marriage wasn't entirely without warmth. There were Jacob's kind parents, his straightforward younger brother and sweet sister, and the staff who genuinely cared for her.
Because of them, she hesitated.
In the end, both the pill and the box were left in the car's door pocket.
She hadn't taken the medication, but she still couldn't bring herself to go home.
Though Serafina could leave work after four in the afternoon, she preferred staying in her school office rather than returning early to face Jacob. She found herself unconsciously avoiding contact with him, and at night she began evading their intimate moments.
How could Jacob not notice Serafina's growing coldness?
Three days later, Jacob's company began its New Year holiday.
At five in the evening, he finished work early to pick up Serafina, thinking she might still be upset about the actress incident. Tonight he would clear the air so they could at least enjoy the New Year, and with his free time, he could take her on a short trip to improve their relationship.
For Jacob, this represented considerable effort. He had no complaints about Serafina, and since they were married, he had no intention of divorce. When he noticed cracks in their marriage, he was willing to make repairs during his leisure time.
As dusk fell, a gleaming sedan pulled into the school grounds. The winter air was bitter cold, and along the school's main walkway, two rows of banyan trees stood bare, their skeletal branches casting mottled shadows under the yellow streetlights.
Serafina stood beneath one of the trees, speaking with a female student. After a brief conversation, she handed something to the girl, who bowed gratefully before departing.
Jacob watched for several moments before getting out of the car, instructing his driver, "I'll ride back with Serafina. Take the car home."
The driver nodded in acknowledgment.
Jacob stepped out with his long stride, the streetlights growing brighter as darkness settled.
He observed Serafina from a distance, noting her gentle, serene expression as she stood beneath the tree. Just as he was about to approach, a tall male figure appeared beside her.
It was Floyd.