Chapter 616 Jacob: I Did It for Serafina 1
Serafina shook her head gently. "Nothing!"
Jacob reached over and took her hand, his voice low and husky. "Nothing? The milk's about to overflow."
Serafina looked down—he was right.
Jacob wrapped his arms around her slender waist, holding her close for a moment before murmuring, "My security team told me Chloe's parents came to see you?"
Serafina gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.
She couldn't help but remember what Chloe's father had said—that she was a mother too. She understood their desperation, but the car had hit Jacob. She had no right to forgive, no ability to intercede.
Jacob had been married to her long enough to read her every expression, every gesture, but he didn't call her out on it.
They held each other in silence until he suddenly spoke, "Before we leave for Evergreen City tomorrow, I want to see Chloe. Would that be alright?"
Serafina responded instinctively, "Why are you asking me? You can see whoever you want."
Jacob buried his face in her neck, chuckling softly. "You're my wife. I should check with you before meeting other women. I don't want you upset."
"I'm not your wife."
"You will be soon."
From anyone else, such confidence would seem arrogant, but from Jacob it felt natural—especially after these past days when they'd rekindled their old intimacy, their relationship warming with renewed affection.
Surrounded by his purely masculine presence, Serafina found herself unable to refuse.
She didn't refuse the idea of returning to Evergreen City either.
Jacob didn't elaborate on the Chloe situation—discussing an ex-fiancée was sensitive territory that would make no one happy. Smart men knew when to stop.
Ending the conversation, Serafina tested the milk's temperature—perfect.
"I'll go feed Abigail."
As she turned, Jacob caught her delicate wrist.
He pressed her against the counter, kissing her passionately, his hands exploring her body. He'd been without a woman for so long that his need felt urgent, almost desperate.
Serafina pressed against his shoulder, wanting to push him away but afraid of hurting him, leaving her caught between resistance and surrender.
After a long moment, Jacob gripped her waist, burying his face in her neck as he caught his breath. "Since that last time in our walk-in closet, I haven't been with anyone."
He lifted his face to kiss her softly. "What about you, Serafina?"
Heat flooded Serafina's cheeks.
Of course she hadn't been with anyone, but she couldn't bring herself to answer—the topic was too intimate.
Even without her response, Jacob clearly knew the answer. He chuckled softly, a deep satisfaction warming his chest.
Jacob didn't press further, releasing her gently. "Go feed Abigail. I have some documents to review."
When Serafina walked out, her face was flushed and her legs unsteady.
She knew she had forgiven too easily, but as Isadora had said—when a man was willing to sacrifice his life for you, everything could begin again.
In the hospital room, Serafina cradled Abigail while feeding her.
Nearby, Jacob reviewed documents while Anya cooed over the baby. Abigail gazed at Anya with wide, adorable eyes while drinking her milk.
Anya couldn't resist reaching out to touch the soft, bouncy little cheeks.
Jacob glanced up from his papers, speaking casually. "Get too attached and she'll never let you go. Don't come crying to me."
Anya didn't believe him.
Sure enough, when Abigail finished her bottle, she stretched her arms toward Anya, wanting to be held.
How could Anya refuse such a sweet, soft child?
Once she picked her up, she couldn't put her down.
By three in the morning, Anya was applying several pain relief patches to her aching arms.
The next day, Oliver and Sarah came to pick them up from the hospital.
After Jacob completed the discharge paperwork, he brought Abigail and Serafina back to the apartment.
Abigail had woken early and was now taking a nap in Serafina's arms.
Jacob leaned down to touch the baby's face. Then he spoke to Serafina, "I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back. Our private jet leaves at two this afternoon."
Serafina guessed he was going to see Chloe and couldn't help calling out softly, "Jacob."
Jacob paused at the door, turning to smile at her. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
The autumn sun cast a gentle warmth.
They looked into each other's eyes, and even without words, they felt their hearts growing closer.
Half an hour later, Jacob met Chloe at Crystal City's detention center.
They had once been engaged, but now they faced each other as strangers.
Jacob, having survived his brush with death, remained mature and handsome in his impeccable suit, his masculine appeal enhanced by newfound love. Chloe, however, looked haggard with dry, lifeless hair and a gaunt face.
She stared at him, her first words sharp. "I suppose I should congratulate you. You two finally got back together."
Jacob didn't deny it.
Chloe's emotions flared. "So what was I to you, Jacob? Some kind of intermission in your love story?"
Through the rusted bars, Jacob studied Chloe quietly.
After a moment, he pulled a crumpled cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a drag.
Pale blue smoke drifted between them, blurring their vision and bringing tears to Chloe's eyes.
She had never truly gotten over Jacob.
Finally, Jacob crushed out the cigarette, his voice low and gravelly, "I don't want to discuss what's between Serafina and me. Let's talk about us, Chloe. Deep down, you've always known—we were always a transaction. When we got engaged, when we broke up."
Chloe froze.
She couldn't deny it because it was true.
Jacob looked up, his deep eyes locking onto hers. "I was the same way with Serafina at first. Every relationship moved forward because of transactions. But then things changed. At least when we divorced, I had developed real feelings for her. So our reconciliation isn't just because we have a child together. The main reason is that I fell in love with her."
Chloe's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling, "If she can make you feel that way, why couldn't I?"
Jacob smiled faintly. "If love could be measured by logic, it wouldn't be love. Chloe, let's make one final deal."
Before Chloe could recover, Jacob continued coolly, "I'll sign the settlement agreement, but I have conditions. When you're free, you and your parents must leave Evergreen City. I don't care where you go, just don't live in Evergreen City anymore. You know my character, Chloe. I only forgive once."
Chloe buried her face in her hands and wept.