Chapter 5
Serena spent the entire night packing up her things.
She didn't know if she'd caught a cold or what, but her head was pounding and felt stuffy.
The next morning when she woke up, all she wanted was a glass of warm water.
As soon as she walked into the living room, she heard a familiar voice call out, "Serena."
She turned around to see Jacob, his face bright and energetic.
He was holding a cake and a gift and came running over with a big smile. "Serena, happy birthday."
Serena stood there stunned, and before she could even process what was happening, Jacob stepped forward and slipped a pink necklace around her neck.
"So, do you like it?" He looked at her expectantly.
She never expected he would actually remember her birthday.
But the pink necklace felt a bit too youthful for her, almost girlish for her age.
Before she could say anything, a group of guys in uniforms strolled in, playing violins and singing.
They were singing the same song Jacob had used to confess his love to her all those years ago. "Happy birthday, Ms. Wright!"
Behind them came a few of Jacob's closest friends.
They looked drowsy, some with their hair still a mess, grumbling under their breath.
But each of them was carrying a gift.
"Happy birthday, Serena!" one of them called out.
"Jacob really went all out for you. He woke us up bright and early on a Saturday just for this," another guy joked.
"Yeah, Serena, next time, tell Jacob to throw your party after sunrise. Don't give us such an early 'surprise'," someone else chimed in.
Jacob shot a sharp glare at the last one, his tone sharp.
"If you can't speak nicely, don't speak at all," he said.
They fell silent.
At that moment, the whole scene looked like something out of a romantic drama.
There were flowers, a cake, violinists playing, and a bunch of friends gathered around.
To anyone watching, Jacob looked completely devoted.
But Serena just couldn't feel happy at all.
Just thinking about that torn marriage certificate tucked away in the study drawer made her heart clench painfully. She couldn't help but feel like a complete fool.
Jacob noticed her low spirits and steadied her gently by the shoulders.
"What's wrong, baby? Not feeling well?" he asked softly.
He placed his hand on her forehead.
The instant he felt her skin, his expression turned anxious and alarmed. With a single look, he signaled everyone to leave.
"I'm so sorry, baby. You're burning up. I should've been there for you last night. Now look at you, sick because of me," he said, guilt heavy in his voice.
He snapped at the staff, "Get the car. We're taking Serena to the hospital, now!"
Serena shook her head, not wanting to go, but Jacob swept her up into his arms, cradling her protectively as he rushed her out the door and into the car.
Watching him fuss in panic, she just found it ridiculous.
*****
At the hospital, the doctor came over with Serena's medical chart and told the nurse to start an IV drip.
"Ms. Wright is pretty weak. She'll need to stay in the hospital for treatment. And..." The doctor paused, glancing at the report.
He pointed at the report. "There are also numerous old, clustered needle marks on her body. I'm worried it might be..."
Serena didn't want Jacob to worry, and she definitely didn't want him finding out about the IVF.
She'd poured her heart out for him. The thought of all that effort turning into a cruel joke was more than she could take.
She quickly interrupted the doctor, "It's nothing. Just marks from dry needling I did to stay healthy, that's all."
"Jacob, I really don't want to stay here. Can I just go home?" she said, her voice shaky, trying to hold back her fear.
Hospitals had always freaked Serena out.
Just being inside one brought back all those awful memories.
This was the place where she'd lost both her parents.
But Jacob squeezed her hand, his voice gentle yet leaving no room for argument.
"Serena, you need to stay. I won't be able to rest unless you're properly cared for. Don't be afraid. I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here for you," he promised.
As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant, Bruce Tucker, his tone commanding.
"Bring some of Serena's clothes to the hospital," he ordered.
Serena didn't argue anymore.
The pain was just too much to bear. Maybe it was best to get well before she walked away for good.
But just 30 minutes later, the last person she ever wanted to see showed up.