Chapter 4
Jacob's car pulled up in front of a luxurious private villa.
Bodyguards were posted out front, and the place looked gorgeous.
As soon as Jacob stepped out, a couple of servants rushed over, looking scared out of their wits.
"Mr. Paisley, Ms. Bartley..." one of them stammered, panic written all over their face.
To get a better listen, Serena slipped around the side door and hid behind a big tree.
Jacob's face was stormy as he started chewing out the servants.
The servants didn't even dare to breathe, just stammering out their apologies.
"Sorry, Mr. Paisley, it was our fault. Ms. Bartley insisted on cooking for you, and that's how she ended up cutting her finger," one of them mumbled.
Jacob's face was so dark that it sent a chill through everyone there, his voice sharp as a blade.
"From now on, no matter what she says, she is not to do anything risky. If something like this happens again, you're all fired!" he barked, his tone icy.
Hidden behind the tree, Serena felt tears falling before she even knew it, her heart aching in silence.
She'd seen firsthand what it was like when Jacob loved her.
Back when she'd passed out with a 104°F fever and the nurse was just a little late changing her IV, Jacob lost it, demanding the nurse be fired on the spot.
But now, Cecilia had just accidentally cut her finger, and he was chewing out the staff, like they'd committed some grave offense.
Serena had to wonder if Jacob really loved her now.
Soon, a woman in a skimpy silk robe skipped over and snuggled right into Jacob's arms, acting all flirty and cute.
"Jake, don't blame them, okay? It's my fault for being so clumsy. I just wanted you to try my cooking," Cecilia cooed, her voice sugary sweet.
Jacob used to say that only Serena could call him that.
But now, a girl seven years younger was calling him that, too.
Jacob reached out and brushed Cecilia's forehead, his voice dripping with indulgent affection.
"You need to rest. You're pregnant. Why are you still working in the kitchen? Just leave that to the staff from now on," he said, sounding both gentle and protective.
A cool breeze passed, and Jacob took off his jacket, draping it carefully over Cecilia's shoulders.
"Seriously, look at you, dressed so lightly when it's this chilly. You'll catch a cold," he chided, his tone full of pampering concern.
She looked up at him, flashing him a sweet smile, her lips forming a slight, pleading pout—the kind no one could refuse.
"Jake, will you stay with me tonight? This place feels so big and empty when I'm alone. I'm really scared," she cooed, her voice soft and pleading.
Jacob paused for a moment, then pulled out his phone, as if to make a call.
Serena was hiding nearby, quietly watching his every move.
Suddenly, her phone started ringing.
The shrill ringtone startled her, and she instinctively hit mute.
For reasons she couldn't explain, she just couldn't bear to face him now. No matter how hard she tried, she wasn't ready.
Jacob seemed to notice something. He looked around, but didn't see anyone.
What he didn't know was that Serena, hiding behind the tree, was crying so hard that she could barely breathe, her throat burning with pain.
She let her phone buzz, ignoring Jacob's call.
But almost immediately, he texted her.
The message read: [Serena, I have to handle something for work tonight. Don't wait up. Get some sleep.]
Serena watched as he lied to her face. Her fingers trembled uncontrollably, and tears splashed onto her phone screen. Still, she typed out a single word in reply: [Okay.]
Under the streetlights, Jacob and Cecilia stood close, their shadows merging like a pair of lovers wrapped in their own world.
Jacob gently brushed Cecilia's forehead with the same hand that had once held Serena, a soft, affectionate smile playing on his lips.
"Really?" Cecilia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
Hearing that he was staying for her, she happily stood on her tiptoes and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.
Jacob's ears instantly flushed red, like a young man newly in love.
As she watched them fade from view, Serena limped away, her body heavy with exhaustion.
Seven years of love—she knew it was time to let go.