The love we keep

I own you now!

On the other end, Jacob and his friend Paul decided to meet at the bar. They hugged each other tightly as Paul teased, "Hey, you're taller than me now!" Jacob smirked, "You i***t!" They both laughed and took a shot of alcohol.

As they sat at the bar, they gazed out the window at the deep waves crashing against the shore of Holland Beach. Paul suddenly asked, "What about your girlfriend?" Jacob's expression turned complicated. "It's complicated!" They both laughed, and Paul probed further.

Paul asked, "Really? What's going on?" Jacob shook his head. "I don't even want to remember it." Paul persisted, "Come on, are you guys still together or did you break up?" Jacob sighed. "We broke up, yeah." Paul chuckled. "I know you guys will get back together soon!" Jacob vehemently denied it. "Never, not this time! I swear."

Just then, Jacob's attention was drawn to a figure outside. He tapped Paul and said, "Hey, look at the end, what is she trying to do?" Paul's curiosity was piqued. "Let's quickly go and check!" They both rushed outside, and Jacob dove into the water.

Serena's head was already submerged, but Jacob managed to grab her waist and pull her out. Paul stood there, looking confused, as he didn't know how to swim. Jacob shouted, "Don't just stand there, call an ambulance!" Jacob gazed at Serena's pale face, thinking, She's such an angel. She's so pretty.

Soon, the ambulance arrived, and they rushed Serena to the hospital. Paul observed Jacob's worried face and swore he had never seen Jacob so concerned before. "Hey, calm down, she'll be fine," Paul said. "Did you know her?"

Jacob said, "It's not about knowing someone, Paul. At least, let's save a life! Only God knows what she's going through to make her consider suicide."

Paul replied, "Just chill, okay?"

They arrived at the hospital, and Serena was rushed to the emergency room. Jacob stood with Paul as the nurse asked one of them to fill out a form.

The nurse inquired, "Are you related to the patient, sir?"

Without hesitation, Jacob replied, "Yes."

Paul looked at him, surprised, but remained silent.

Jacob added, "She's my friend."

The nurse nodded, and Jacob signed the form. As the nurse walked away, Paul reassured Jacob, "Don't worry, she'll be fine."

Jacob nodded, and they waited patiently until the doctor emerged.

The doctor addressed Jacob, "Sir?"

Jacob responded, "Yes? Is she fine?"

The doctor replied, "Yes, she'll be fine. She just needs rest. She might wake up in the next few hours."

As the doctor walked away, Jacob turned to Paul and said, "Hey, you can head back home. I'll stay here until she wakes up."

Paul nodded and left the hospital.

Jacob proceeded to the VIP wardroom where Serena was being treated. He sat on the couch, unable to take his eyes off her. "She's too damn pretty," he thought.

As the night wore on, Jacob's exhaustion caught up with him, and he fell asleep.

The next morning, Serena gently opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. She exclaimed angrily, "Why am I still alive, goodness?"

Her gaze fell upon Jacob, standing beside her. She yelped in fear, "Who are you?"

Jacob replied coldly, "You don't need to know. Hope you're well now. Tell me your home address, and I'll drop you off."

Serena hesitated, "I don't have a home."

Jacob chuckled, "What do you mean you don't have a home? Huh?"

Serena asked, "Were you the one who saved me?"

Jacob replied, "I don't know. You need to get arrested for attempted murder."

Serena's eyes widened in fear, "No, no, please don't."

Jacob's expression turned stern, "Only God gives and takes. Why would you try to end your own life?"

Serena whispered, "My life isn't worth living, so..."

Jacob's voice took on a possessive tone, "I own you now."

Serena looked at Jacob, confusion etched on her face. "Own me?" she repeated.

Jacob nodded. "Yes, I brought you back to life. I saved you from killing yourself."

Serena's expression turned skeptical. "Huh?"

Just then, Jacob's phone rang. It was his father.

"Hello, Dad?" Jacob answered.

Mr. Smith's voice was laced with concern. "I've been trying to reach you for ages. Where are you?"

Jacob replied, "I'm at the hospital."

Mr. Smith's tone turned surprised. "Hospital? What happened?"

Jacob brushed it off. "Dad, it's a long story. I'll be home soon."

As the call ended, Jacob turned his attention to Serena. "What's your name?" he asked.

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Jacob was taken aback by her stubbornness. He hadn't met a girl like her before. "I just wanted to know your name, that's all."

Serena smirked. "Oh, well, my name is Serena."

Jacob's eyes widened as her name registered. He looked at her again, and a spark of recognition flashed across his face. "Wow, Serena."

Serena's eyes narrowed. "Yes!