Jacob felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard but it wouldn't go down. At that moment, his lips
were quivering. Jacob wanted to hold onto Sara and cry his eyes out. He didn't care about the popular
saying, "Real men don't cry." He just wanted to curl up in the embrace of his beloved woman and shed
a river of tears.
Sara also felt that Jacob was battling with his emotions. She reached out her hand and rubbed his
head affectionately. He was still expressionless. He didn't move an inch.
Sara sighed heavily. Just when she was about to sit next to him, Jacob raised his head. Then, she saw
his face.
She noticed that his eyes were filled with tiredness and worry. He was obviously fatigued with all that
was happening. Sara had never imagined that Jacob would feel this way because he was separated
from James. This made her heart ache. She hated seeing the love of her life this sad.
"Sara, let's go back home," Jacob said softly. It was as if he had already frustrated. And he had
accepted his ill luck.
He didn't want to tell Sara the truth about what was happening. Actually, Jacob didn't want her to worry
about anything. He was tired of bothering her with his problems every now and then. Lately, Sara
worried about him a lot. Because of this, Jacob chose to keep this away from her. He preferred to suffer
alone, than to let Sara suffer with him. He just wanted her to be happy.
Jacob's eyes suddenly brightened. He looked at Sara lovingly.
At that instance, he finally understood why he had lost many things as he grew up. In the past years,
Jacob had lost things and the people he held dear to his heart. He never wanted to lose them but life
had other plans for him. Sadly, he couldn't dictate what he could keep and what could be taken away
from him.
As he grew older, Jacob understood that there were things he just couldn't change. He felt helpless
towards those things. They would happen anyway so what's the point?
Now, Jacob didn't want to count his gains and losses anymore. He was convinced that it was best if he
didn't think about it. Jacob stood up and hugged Sara tightly. He was happy that she was by his side.
The people in the waiting room continued to look at him. They had been paying attention to his
movements for a long time. The women giggled and drooled because of his appearance. Many of them
thought that Jacob was a perfectly created work of art. Although he was oblivious to this, strangers
were drawn to him everywhere he went just because of his handsome features.
Jacob never acknowledged the fact that someone could make a living just by looking good. He saw
modeling as a frivolous job. And not something that could pay bills. However, a good-looking person
was always delightful to watch. Jacob ignored the onlookers. Then, he locked arms with Sara and they
walked out of the airport.
'This airport must have witnessed many people depart every day. Is every departure this sad? If the
airport was a human being and it had a heart, then it wouldn't be able to bear the pain. Watching
people leave wasn't something that was pleasing, '
Jacob thought. He remained silent as he continued to walk out with Sara by his side.
Before he didn't regard Sara his "whole world". This was because he had thought he had other people.
But now, she was the only person he had left. So, she was technically his whole world.
Besides, with James' departure, Jacob had only a few relatives left. But he didn't consider them as part
of his life now because they never were. He never really got along with any of them.
Jacob suppressed his inner thoughts. He didn't want to continue thinking about what just happened.
Even though he tried to figure out what James had been thinking, he just couldn't.
But there was one thing that was crystal clear to him now. It was that from now on, he would become
more tolerant of the world. He would no longer blame life for dishing out bad luck to him. Neither would
he blame other people. After all, no one is perfect. Humans are filled with flaws. And the world is a
beautiful place. Jacob was finally ready to see it. He wanted to see life in all its beauty.
Sara felt that Jacob was pushing her out of the airport. They were walking so fast. When they got to the
gate of the airport, the night breeze was blowing gently. The breeze seemed to whisper sweetly into
their ears. This was part of the beauty of life Jacob had just thought about.
As it was already nighttime, the whole city didn't look as busy as it used to be during the day. It was
quieter. However, the place was still noisy. Pedestrians and commuters were still plying the roads. Sara
finally sighed heavily. She was already out of breath.
Although she still had doubts in her mind, she could tell that something serious had happened. Jacob's
expression showed that the matter wasn't trivial. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hidden it from her.
Somehow, she felt that his silence was because he didn't want to burden her.
After they got into the car, Jacob said that he was feeling hungry and he wanted to eat something.
Sara nodded in agreement. She was also famished and tired. The search for James had drained her
energy. Also, she felt that it would be awkward for them to go home at this time. But Sara didn't say
anything. She just leaned her back as Jacob started the car. He navigated his way to somewhere they
could eat.
Minutes later, Jacob parked the car in front of a hot pot restaurant. The reason why he chose such a
restaurant was because Sara relished that kind of food.
Sara absolutely enjoyed food fresh from the fire. She loved to eat everything. Despite the fact that she
was a native northerner, she relished spicy food. That was very surprising! This was probably one of
the reasons Jacob loved Sara. She was uniquely different. And she was also full of surprises.
Jacob heaved a sigh of relief. He looked at Sara who was sitting elegantly across the table.
"What do you think? Well, I felt you would like the warm atmosphere of this restaurant. Besides, this
place is so full of life," Jacob said after he composed himself.
Sara replied, "It depends. I like the restaurant. But as long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we
are."
Jacob stared at her affectionately. He was grateful that she remained by his side even during trying
times. He wanted to thank her for her support. But he kept mute.
'True love isn't about imaginary things and just words. It is about actions, ' Jacob thought. He knew that
Sara's love was beyond all the words that she said. She proved her love with her actions.
Sara's presence alone made things seem easier. She made him happy just by staying beside him.
Whenever he thought of her, all his troubles seemed to fade away.
Sara went to make the orders. She also chose some of the meals that Jacob liked.
In the past, Sara was very intent on keeping good health. So, there were many foods she stayed off.
These foods were probably packed with minerals that weren't so good for her. However, it turned out
that she was actually a foodie. And she felt a little shy that Jacob already knew that she loved food.
Sara was thankful that now she could eat without getting worried that she would add weight. No matter
how much she ate, she never gained a pound. Her body remained slim and perfectly shaped.
Sara had seen many people who ate a lot and as a result, they became obese. She always felt sorry
for them because they whined about putting on so much weight. Fortunately for Sara, her case was
different. The genes from her parents were perfect. And she was super grateful for this because she
knew how painful it must be for those who were overweight.
Now, she wasn't just living extravagantly. She was just living life to the fullest. Besides, it was best to
enjoy since her genes permitted her to. After she happily placed the dishes on the table, she began to
question Jacob about what transpired between him and James. She felt it was about time she knew all
that was going on.
"Jacob, what happened between you and Uncle James? I still don't understand what is going on. Are
you afraid that I would worry too much if you tell me?" Sara was smart. She tried to persuade Jacob
into telling her what happened without making him upset. Actually, she wished that Jacob wouldn't have
to face problems alone every time. But she needed to know what was going on.
"Yes, you guessed right. Uncle James is my real father. But now, he has chickened out. He didn't have
the courage to wait till I begin to love him as a father. He is running away from his responsibility. I just
want to believe that he desires to live a happy life. Otherwise, my mind can't come to terms with the
fact that the man who calls himself my real father doesn't want to face me."
Jacob's expression was calm. And the words that he said made sense.
For a moment, Sara was shocked by his words. She then regretted asking the question. Her heart
ached as she saw how sad his eyes were. Jacob looked at the Mandarin duck pot in front of him. It
contained a two-flavored dish.
"If I could only afford to take you to a hot pot restaurant in the future, will you feel wronged?" Jacob was
thinking about another thing in his mind. The hot pot offer connoted something else. He was using it to
illustrate that he might not have enough money to take Sara out to those exquisite restaurants in the
future.
"No, I would love that. I won't feel wronged. I love hot pot restaurants. In fact, I'm looking forward to it."
Of course, Sara understood what he meant.
Perhaps Jacob didn't want to stay in the business circles. He was planning to leave and do his own
thing. Or maybe he was scared that he no longer had business prowess. This was because he was no
longer as financially stable as before. But Sara didn't care about his financial state. She just loved
Jacob for his personality. And not his money.
Even if the same thing happened to her, she wouldn't care. Sara wasn't materialistic. She believed
there was more to life than material things. Hot pot meals were never inferior to Western food. In fact,
anyone who said that didn't know what he or she was talking about.
Hearing Sara's response, Jacob nodded his head involuntarily. It was as if he already knew what her
reply would be.
"I know, Sara. I won't let you down. I will make you proud. In fact, I used to hate the Shi Group. I felt as
if I was the sacrificial lamb for the running of the company. Inheriting it wasn't a blessing to me. It
seemed like I sacrificed myself to fulfill the wishes of others. Previously, I had my preferences. I knew
what I wanted to do with my life. But everything was thwarted."
As he spoke, Jacob used his chopsticks to pick a piece of lamb tripe. Then, he placed it carefully in the
hot pot.
"Now I understand. It wasn't a sacrifice, but a responsibility. I've learned that I can't protect those who I
love without protecting myself first. It is only when I become strong that I can protect my loved ones.
Then, I can do whatever I want to do."
Sara nodded in agreement. As she looked at Jacob, she envisaged that he would become a strong
man in the future. She knew that he would come out of this challenge stronger than ever before.
In the same vein, Jacob was convinced that what didn't kill him, would only make him stronger. He
could feel it deep in his guts.
But what was more tasking was having to pass through the problems now. Although he knew that he
would come out victorious, things were hard presently.
As tears welled up in her eyes, Sara praised Jacob for his words. She admired that he had so much
courage despite all the odds. 'Maybe people were naturally brave and strong. But they remained at the
battlefield because of one thing or the other. For Jacob, it was because he wanted to protect all that he
loved. And I was part of what he loved.'
Thinking of this, Sara propped up her head with her hand. She stared at Jacob with admiration in her
eyes.
"I think you are now a better person than before. You have changed a lot and I like it." Sara blinked her
watery eyes as she stared at him warmly. She was indeed proud of him.
As Jacob looked at her, he felt very shy. Perhaps this was because he was getting this compliment
from the woman he loved. Staring at her watery and enchanting eyes, Jacob's heart leaped in
excitement.
"Do you know what I love about you the most?" Sara asked suddenly. She wasn't done with showering
him praises.
Jacob was yet to get over what she had just said. He was still mesmerized. But it appeared that she
had more in store for him. "What?" he simply asked.
"I love your sincerity and realness. You never try to fake anything. You are such a straightforward
fellow," Sara said seriously with a smile. She still wanted to say more but Jacob stopped her.
"That's enough, Sara. When did you become someone who flattered others? Your praises are making
my head swell. While I'm happy that you are telling me these words, I'm afraid that I would become
arrogant."
Jacob blushed. Sara's words seemed to have made his moodiness disappear. He was now smiling
from ear to ear.
When Sara saw that her words were effective, she continued to tease him, "I learned the art of flattery
from you. You're the master. Have I ever been so glib in your presence before? Answer me!"
Jacob shook his head. "We still have a long way to go, Sara. Although the encounters may be
unfavorable, we need to find enough reasons to be happy."
Sara nodded as she smiled at him. She picked up a slice of hot beef and gave it to Jacob. With this
gesture, he smiled affectionately. And Sara grinned shyly.
"You look more handsome when you smile. Well, don't carry a long face anymore. I don't want to catch
you frowning ever again," Sara scolded him with concern in her voice.
Although people in the restaurant were speaking loudly, Jacob had already turned a deaf ear to the
noise. He couldn't hear their voices. This was because his attention was on Sara. No matter how noisy
the world was, Jacob always believed that he could withstand any obstacle as long as Sara was with
him. She was his source of strength and motivation. All that he did, was for his future with Sara.
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