Chapter 589 Jacob, We Have No Chance Anymore 1
When Serafina finished packing, Jacob approached her. He closed the suitcase and gazed at her with penetrating eyes. "I'll pick you up at the airport when you arrive."
It was perhaps the most tender exchange they'd shared in weeks.
Serafina's delicate fingers traced the contours of the luggage, either in a gesture of attachment or lost in thought. Jacob didn't interrupt her reverie.
After a moment, she offered a faint smile. "All right."
Jacob continued watching her. Nearly half a year had passed with this cold distance between them. Now that Nicole had given birth and everything had settled, Jacob was inclined to mend their relationship. As a businessman, divorce wasn't appealing—starting over carried too many variables. Better to stay with Serafina.
The crystal chandelier cast a brilliant light, accentuating his chiseled features.
Seated in the armchair, he gently took Serafina's hand and pulled her toward him. She fell into his embrace, her silk robe sliding against the fabric of his charcoal gray trousers—the contrast of textures and colors creating a visually arousing tableau.
Jacob lowered his head to kiss her. Serafina didn't resist.
Under the sparkling chandelier, they engaged in that ancient, exquisite rhythm of married life. This time, Jacob forgot to use protection.
Afterward, they showered separately and went about their individual affairs.
Early the next morning, he drove to Windsor Mansion to join Oliver and Sarah for their trip to Sovelan.
The Windsor Group's private jet touched down in Rainforest City, one of Sovelan's three major metropolises.
As the Windsor family exited the airport, Theron's driver was waiting to escort them to the estate.
Seated in the sleek black car, the driver explained, "Mr. Voss set up a premium delivery suite in the mansion and brought in Rainforest City's finest obstetrician. Mrs. Voss delivered right at home. Mr. Voss's parents arrived early to help with preparations as well."
Oliver and Sarah felt reassured. Nicole's marriage to Theron had truly given her the best possible life. Oliver couldn't help thinking that even his own son Jacob might not be as attentive to his wife.
Jacob gazed out the window, watching the scenery pass by. Being in Rainforest City, about to see Nicole again—so many chapters had finally closed.
An hour later, two gleaming Lincoln town cars pulled into the sprawling estate.
Rainforest City's climate was particularly pleasant this season.
Nicole had delivered naturally and was recovering remarkably well. Though still slightly pale, she was already able to move about. The newborn was robust and beautiful.
When Sarah saw little Ben Voss, she couldn't hold back her tears of joy. "He looks just like Theron."
Nicole nestled against Sarah and glanced toward Theron with a soft smile. "I think he resembles Dad more. I remember Elliot looking just as adorable when he was born."
Sarah studied the baby more carefully and had to agree.
Though Nicole had no blood relation to Oliver and Sarah, Ben somehow resembled Oliver, while also clearly taking after his biological father, Theron.
The family doted on the newborn while Jacob stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Outside stretched a perfectly manicured emerald garden. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and intimate. Nicole's tender gaze as she looked down at her infant was profoundly moving.
Jacob briefly remembered once fantasizing about Nicole bearing his child, becoming a young mother—but the thought vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Between them, he had always been the one at fault.
Suddenly, Jacob's eyes grew moist. He thought of Serafina and imagined she would be equally gentle and loving as a mother. Unfortunately, they had lost their first child.
When Nicole nursed the baby, everyone else gave them privacy except for Theron.
In the temperature-controlled bedroom, Nicole unbuttoned her top to feed Ben. The strong little boy nursed eagerly, his eyes fixed on Nicole with remarkable focus despite his limited vision.
Theron leaned against the bed. He wore a crisp white shirt, looking as handsome as ever, though a hint of fatigue had crept into his expression.
He gently played with Ben while speaking to Nicole in a tender voice. "How is Diana doing these days?"
"She's fine," Nicole replied, resting her head against Theron's shoulder. "But I can tell she hasn't forgotten Dwayne. I'm not trying to convince her otherwise, Theron. You can't talk someone out of their feelings—they either move on themselves or they don't."
Theron embraced her shoulders without pressing further.
The bedroom was peaceful, with only the sound of Ben's swallowing—a perfect moment of domestic tranquility.
Nicole's delivery hadn't been entirely smooth. Naturally delicate, she began hemorrhaging two days after giving birth. Despite numerous medications, the bleeding wouldn't stop. Eventually, the doctor determined she needed a blood transfusion.
Nicole had a special blood type—not extremely rare, but often in short supply at blood banks. Fortunately, Jacob shared her blood type, so if he remained in Sovelan for two weeks, that would suffice.
Because of this blood donation, Theron had developed a modicum of goodwill toward Jacob. Now that Ben was born, Jacob's past with Nicole seemed increasingly insignificant.
After his first 200ml blood donation, Jacob buttoned his shirt cuff and suddenly remembered that Serafina was due to arrive in Sovelan today.
Recalling their intimate night together, he felt a softening in his heart. Perhaps their marriage still had room for reconciliation.
He called Serafina's phone. She didn't answer.
Jacob found this strange. He checked her flight status—no delays. Why wasn't she answering? Concerned, he went to Rainforest City Airport to wait for her, but after two hours, there was still no sign of Serafina. Another check confirmed she hadn't rebooked. She should have arrived in Rainforest City.
What Jacob didn't know was that Serafina was in trouble, for the Penrose family was in crisis.
Ronan had attempted to secretly transfer company shares to his mistress's child. Lila discovered this and confronted him, demanding to know what this meant for their daughter and for all of Isadora's years of hard work.
"Daughters are worthless investments," Ronan had sneered, determined to leave.
Lila wouldn't accept this. She clung to Ronan, refusing to let him go until he snapped, his eyes blazing with rage as he wrapped his hands around her throat. Lila's face turned purple as her legs scraped desperately against the floor.
Serafina had returned home just in time to witness this. She grabbed a vase and smashed it against Ronan's head with all her might.
Afterward, her hands wouldn't stop trembling.
Ronan collapsed to the floor.
Lila froze, looking from Serafina to Ronan. Suddenly realizing something, she snatched a knife from the coffee table and plunged it into Ronan's chest. Blood pooled across the floor.
Lila stumbled backward. She was hemophobic.
She frantically wiped the blood from her hands, muttering, "I killed him! I killed him."
The knife clattered to the floor, but she quickly retrieved it.
Looking at Serafina with trembling lips, she pleaded, "I killed Ronan! You need to leave—this has nothing to do with you. Serafina, go now!"
Serafina's legs gave way. She fell to her knees, blinking slowly. "Mom, I can't leave you."