Chapter 615 Heartfelt Confession
Serafina wanted to deny it.
But the redness at the corners of her eyes betrayed her, and she couldn't utter a single word of denial. She tried to pull her hand back, but Jacob gently caught it, tenderly pressing it against his face.
Words became unnecessary—only their deep, lingering gaze remained.
Jacob's grip tightened, then he slowly guided her hand down along his face, pressing her palm against his chest where his heart thundered beneath her touch.
His eyes darkened as he spoke words that could move any woman: "I know this marriage and relationship have been unfair to you. I had a long romantic history before you, while I was your first. And then I hurt you again when we divorced.
"But Serafina, I'm asking you to give me a chance—a chance to build a life with you again. I believe this marriage has made me more mature, more aware of what you need. I want to take proper care of our daughter too."
Serafina's cheeks flushed pink.
She pretended nonchalance, changing the subject, "Are you hungry? The doctor said you can have some liquid food now. Zoey just—"
Jacob didn't answer.
He held her hand, imperceptibly drawing her closer, his deep eyes revealing that unmistakable masculine intensity that made Serafina look away.
Jacob persisted, "If you don't say yes, I won't have any appetite tonight."
"Jacob, you're shameless," Serafina said, torn between embarrassment and anger.
Jacob's voice was rough and husky, "Serafina, I don't know what 'till death do us part' really means, but I think when someone's willing to sacrifice their life, there must be love involved."
He had never said he loved her.
Even now, he only hinted at it through metaphor, but it was enough to make Serafina's heart race like thunder.
Just as he was about to say more, the hospital room door opened.
A nurse wheeled in her cart, smiling at Jacob: "Mr. Windsor, you have two more IV drips tonight. Once they're finished, you can rest properly. By the way, you're looking much better."
Jacob reluctantly released Serafina, feeling frustrated.
Five more minutes, and he could have drawn out Serafina's true feelings—something crucial to him. Once he was discharged, he was determined to bring both Serafina and Abigail back to Evergreen City. Leaving them here made him uneasy.
As the nurse inserted the IV, he continued watching Serafina.
His gaze was utterly unguarded.
Serafina couldn't bear such intensity. She rose and walked to the small dining table, ladling oatmeal porridge into a bowl.
As she wondered how to face him, Jacob's voice came from behind, "No need to hide—the nurse has left."
Face burning, heart racing, Serafina returned to help him wash his face, rinse his mouth, and feed him the oatmeal porridge.
Throughout the process, Jacob stared at her unblinkingly.
He couldn't bear to look away.
Jacob spent two weeks in the hospital, with Serafina caring for him most of the time while Oliver and Sarah looked after Abigail. Serafina would nurse Abigail two or three times throughout the day.
Occasionally, she would bring Abigail to spend the night in the hospital room.
Abigail rarely cried or fussed—she was remarkably well-behaved. She often nestled in Jacob's arms, listening to him read fairy tales. Though Abigail couldn't understand a word, she would grin afterward, showing her adorable little gums.
Jacob would stare at Abigail constantly.
For the first time, he realized how endearing children could be.
He had mentioned several times wanting to take her back to Evergreen City, but Serafina never gave a direct answer. Jacob didn't get angry—he simply brought it up whenever the opportunity arose.
Serafina noticed his temperament had improved considerably from before.
The day before Jacob's discharge, Serafina drove home alone to get Abigail's formula. She parked outside the apartment building, and as she opened the car door, a couple confronted her.
They were Chloe's parents.
Serafina had never met them before and didn't recognize them, but when Chloe's mother introduced herself, Serafina understood their purpose.
"Chloe's situation isn't something I can help with," Serafina said quietly. "You should speak with the prosecutor's office."
Chloe's parents knew this.
But they needed Jacob's personal signature on a settlement letter. Since the Windsor family refused to see them, they could only approach Serafina. No matter how much they despised her, they had to beg her now.
Chloe's mother gripped Serafina's hand desperately, pleading, "Ms. Penrose, please have mercy on our Chloe. If you're willing to show compassion, Jacob will surely sign the settlement. Chloe still has a chance at probation."
Serafina tried to pull her hand free, but Chloe's mother had a surprisingly strong grip.
Chloe's mother's words grew increasingly harsh as tears streamed down her face. "I'm sincerely asking for your help, but you keep making excuses. Serafina, if it weren't for you, how would my daughter have ended up like this?"
They pushed and shoved.
Serafina was no match for them, especially with Chloe's father standing nearby.
Suddenly, two men in black suits emerged from a dark sedan, flanking Chloe's parents and pulling them away.
They spoke respectfully to Serafina, "Ms. Penrose, we're here to protect you on Mr. Windsor's orders."
Serafina was momentarily stunned.
Chloe's parents were equally shocked.
Jacob cared this much about this woman.
The men asked Serafina how to handle Chloe's parents. Serafina shook her head gently and walked toward the apartment entrance. Behind her, Chloe's mother's hysterical voice rang out, "Serafina, you're a mother too! You should understand how we feel as parents! If it weren't for Jacob, Chloe would still be a successful lawyer instead of a prisoner! I'm begging you—please spare Chloe!"
Chloe's father added in a heavy voice, "Ms. Penrose, please take pity on Chloe."
Serafina paused for a moment, then quickly stepped into the elevator.
Chloe's mother looked at her husband with vacant eyes. "Do you think she'll soften?"
Chloe's father didn't know.
Based on his life experience, Serafina would probably want to destroy Chloe completely—that way, her position as Mrs. Windsor would be secure.
His heart heavy with worry, he thought about finding another way to meet with Oliver and Sarah.
Serafina returned to the apartment for the formula but didn't immediately go back to the hospital. Instead, she stood quietly on the terrace for a while.
At three in the afternoon, Serafina returned to the hospital.
In the small kitchen attached to the VIP room, Serafina prepared Abigail's bottle alone while Jacob's voice drifted from outside as he played with their daughter.
At the peak of his vitality, his body was recovering quickly.
Serafina's thoughts drifted to Chloe's parents, and she became distracted.
Strong arms encircled her slender waist from behind as Jacob's chin settled against her shoulder, his voice low and seductive, "What are you thinking about?"
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