The love we keep

I didn’t ask for an explanation!

As they drove, Serena expressed her gratitude, "Thank you!"

Jacob brushed it off, "Don't thank me."

Serena insisted, "You bought me a dress, so why won't I thank you?"

Jacob simply said, "Don't worry."

Serena fell silent, and Jacob considered filling the awkward gap. He decided to reveal more about Adriana, "That's Adriana, the lady who snatched your dress. She's my ex-girlfriend. I have nothing to do with her."

Serena smiled, "But I didn't ask you."

Jacob explained, "I just think you should know."

Serena's lips curled up with a smile, and her heart melted. She couldn't understand her feelings; she had just met him yesterday. She thought to herself, "Ugh, what's wrong with me?"

Serena and Jacob returned home after a long day of shopping. Exhausted, Serena went straight to her room to freshen up. She unpacked the dress, laid it on the bed, and admired it. "He sure does have good taste," she said to herself, smiling.

As she prepared for the meeting, she realized it was already past 4 pm. She headed downstairs to meet Jacob, asking, "Hey, aren't you getting ready?"

Jacob replied, "Yes, they changed the meeting; it's happening next week."

Serena let out a sigh of relief. "Really? Wow, thank God."

Jacob smirked, "But we will go to a friend's party instead."

Serena refused, "No way, I swear I won't come with."

Jacob warned, "Stop swearing, and make sure you're ready by 7 pm."

Serena looked at him in disbelief, asking, "Why do I have to come with you?"

Jacob reminded her, "What did I tell you yesterday? I own you. Not in a slavery way, but you will always stick around with me."

Serena smacked her lips, saying, "But I won't try to kill myself again. I promise!"

Jacob took a deep breath, standing up from the couch and walking into the kitchen. Serena followed, saying, "Hey, I'm talking to you."

Jacob ignored her, opening the fridge to grab an orange juice, intentionally tuning her out.

Serena demanded, "Listen, stop acting dumb now! Huh, listen to me, please. I don't want to go with you. I'm not used to all this."

Jacob insisted, "Serena, you will come with me. You need to learn."

Serena looked away, attempting to walk out of the kitchen, but Jacob grabbed her wrist, saying, "Sit down!"

Serena refused, "No, I won't!"

Jacob teased, "Oh wow, you stubborn woman."

He gently pushed her onto the couch. Serena smirked, "Huh, this hurts."

Jacob reminded her, "I told you politely before, didn't I?"

Serena looked away, avoiding eye contact. Jacob moved closer, raising her chin to make her look at him. Serena's heart racing, she locked eyes with him. His deep, ocean-like eyes were captivating, and she couldn't help but be drawn in. She remained silent as Jacob whispered into her ear, "Miss Serena, you will come with me to the dinner party. Whether you like it or not."

He released her chin and walked away, orange juice in hand. Serena was still lost in the moment, finally snapping back to reality. She blinked several times, saying, "Oh, he left?"

She stood up and headed upstairs to her room. Lying on her bed, she replayed the encounter in her mind. A smile spread across her face as she remembered she had a phone. She picked it up, scrolling through it for a while before setting it back down.

At 7 pm, Serena descended the stairs, dressed and ready. Jacob was already waiting for her, looking dashing in a black designer suit that accentuated his physique. Serena smiled, "I'm ready!"

Jacob smiled back, "Shall we?"

Serena chuckled, "Yes."

As they prepared to leave, Ma Ruth intervened, "Hold on, you two! My good wishes be with you both. No evil eyes shall come upon you two. You are both so perfect together. I love the way you both got along with each other in just a day. I love this."

Jacob thanked her, "Thank you, Ma Ruth. We will go now. See you later."

He gently held Serena's wrist as they walked out to the parking lot, where the driver was waiting. As they settled into the car, Serena sat closer to Jacob than before. She looked around, avoiding eye contact with him. Jacob remained silent, aware that they might end up arguing.

Upon arriving at the party entrance, Serena gasped in amazement, "Wow, it's so beautiful."

She glanced at Jacob, who commented, "Hmmm, to you, right?"

Serena pouted, "Isn't this beautiful?"

Jacob revealed, "I don't like white! I love red and black."

Serena's eyes widened, recalling the red gown he chose for her earlier. She asked, "That means?"

Jacob looked at her, and she paused. He explained, "That's why I chose the red gown for you."

Serena's face lit up with a smile as she looked away. As they entered the party, they exchanged pleasantries, blending in with the other guests.