As Jacob drove Serena home, she sat beside him in the front seat. The silence between them was palpable, with Serena gazing out the window at the passing scenery. Jacob didn't mind the quiet, his eyes focused on the road ahead.
Before long, they arrived at Serena's house. Jacob got out of the car and walked around to open the door for her. "You're welcome," he said with a smile. "No need to thank me."
Serena's face lit up with a warm smile. "You're really nice to me. Thank you."
Jacob handed her his business card. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be here."
Just then, Serena's eyes widened in alarm. "My bag!" she exclaimed.
Jacob chuckled. "Oh, I forgot it's here." He opened the back door and retrieved her bag, handing it over to her.
As they stood there, Jacob couldn't help but notice the run-down neighborhood. The houses were dilapidated, and the streets were lined with trash. The neighbors, curious about the stranger in their midst, began to gossip among themselves.
Serena noticed the commotion and turned to Jacob. "Here's my number," she said, handing him a piece of paper. "Thanks again."
With a final smile, Serena turned and walked away. Jacob watched her go, his eyes drawn to her slender figure. He smiled to himself as he got back into his car.
For a moment, Jacob just sat there, lost in thought.
As Jacob drove away, Serena entered the house, where Jack awaited her. His eyes blazed with anger.
"Who was he?" Jack demanded.
Serena hesitated. "A friend."
Jack sneered. "Lies! So, after I kicked you out of the hospital, you went to spend the night with some man? You even had the guts to have him drive you back home?"
Serena protested, "No, it's not what you think at all. I was going to—"
But before she could finish, Jack slapped her, sending her crashing to the ground. Serena yelled out in pain.
Jack's face twisted in rage. "You little slut. Before you tarnish my reputation in the neighborhood, pack your things and leave my house."
Serena cried out, "I said I didn't spend the night out! I was at the hospital."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "Doing what? Oh, you're pregnant?"
Serena struggled to stand, wincing in pain as if she had injured her waist. She cried softly.
Jack stormed into her room, grabbed her luggage, and threw it out.
Serena pleaded, "No, brother, please don't do this! Where will I stay? Please hear me out."
Jack sneered, "That's you and your boyfriend's business. Get out now!" He grabbed her wrist and pushed her out.
Just as Serena thought she would fall again, she landed on someone's chest. Her heart racing, she looked up to see Jacob.
Jack froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, he's here to save her!" he mocked.
Jacob helped Serena stand up and walked slowly towards Jack. "How shameful it is that you, her brother, treat her this way?"
Serena intervened, "Sir, please don't worry about me. Just leave. I don't have anywhere to stay. Don't cause me more problems!"
Jacob countered, "I'll take you home."
Serena's eyes widened. "Home? I don't even know you."
Jack snickered, "Oh, was it a one-night stand? How much did he pay you?"
Jacob's anger flared. "Enough! I'm not like you. I'm sure it was because of you that she tried to take her own life yesterday."
Jack's expression turned sinister. "Kill herself? You slut, I'll kill you myself and go to jail for it!" He lunged at Serena, but Jacob punched him in the face, sending him crashing to the ground.
Stella shouted, "How dare you come to our house and get us beaten? Who are you?"
Jack, still on the ground, growled, "I won't spare you, Serena."
Jacob stood tall. "I punched you. You should face me, not Serena. You always use your power over women, not men?
Jack stood up, his face twisted in anger. "I don't know who you are, I'm sure not in your class, but I won't spare you, Mr. Man."
Jacob smiled calmly. "I'll watch you do that."
He turned to Serena, cupping her cheeks in his hands. "Are you okay?"
Serena nodded. "I'm fine. What brought you back here, Sir?"
Jacob replied, "I found your scarf and thought you might need it, so I brought it back."
Serena smiled weakly. "Thank you. You have to go now."
Jacob countered, "You're coming with me."
Serena refused, "No, I'll find my way out."
Jacob chuckled. "You're so stubborn."
As Serena reached for her luggage, two men in black suits approached. Serena recognized one of them. "Hey Collins, what are you doing here?"
Collins explained, "Serena, Mr. Smith was worried about Sir Jacob, so we traced him and found out he was here."
Jacob's eyes sparkled. "Serena?"
Collins smiled. "Yes, she's the one, Sir."
Serena looked stunned. "He...he's the boss's son?" Collins nodded.
Serena's eyes darted to Jacob, her voice nervous. "Huh, I had no idea."
Jacob smiled. "I had no idea you were the pretty chef my dad was all about."
Serena urged, "You should go now. It seems Mr. Wayland is worried about you, Sir."
She grabbed her luggage and took a step to walk away. Suddenly, Jacob swept her into his strong arms.
Serena yelped in fear. "Sir? What are you doing? Everyone is watching! Drop me down."
Jacob replied, "You're struggling to walk. Look at you. I'm helping you, so keep shut."