Chapter - 52
Angela and Lily received the news about the new house with the same excitement Elara had shown, their eyes lighting up at the thought of having a true home again. For Angela, the house symbolized a new chapter, a place where she could watch her daughters grow and rediscover a life of stability and happiness. Lily's reaction was even more enthusiastic; she had practically danced around, envisioning how they might arrange the rooms, imagining all the little things that would make it feel like theirs.
The only one who took the news with a bit of reluctance was Thorne, who put on a mock pout when Jacob shared the plan with him. "You're abandoning me, Jacob! After all I've done for you," he grumbled with exaggerated sadness.
"Thorne, I'm just a few doors down. You'll see me so often you'll get tired of it. Besides, it's not like Angela and Lily are leaving you high and dry," Jacob said, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Angela nodded, a warm smile on her face. "I'd still like to work at the inn, at least in the mornings. It gives me something to look forward to, and I enjoy seeing the regulars. And don't worry—I'll still keep adding new dishes to the menu," she teased, seeing Thorne's grin return at the thought.
Lily chimed in eagerly, "I can help too! I've enjoyed getting to know the customers and helping around the place. It'll keep us busy whenever Mr. Jacob and Elara are off on missions, and it means we'll still see you often."
Thankfully, that settled the matter.
--
Thorne eyed Jacob with a look that hovered between exasperation and amusement as Jacob adjusted his cuffs, now clad in a sleek black suit that was sharp enough to turn heads. Thorne shook his head slowly, arms crossed as he muttered, "Buddy, you 'definitely' don't want to be doing this."
Jacob raised a brow. "I really don't understand what you're getting at," he replied. "I'm simply going out for dinner with two women who have been immensely helpful to me. I want to show my appreciation. That's all there is to it."
Thorne pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly restraining the urge to give Jacob a long-winded lecture. "Appreciation? That's what you're calling it? All dressed up, taking two stunning women out like it's some special night?" Thorne sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. "I'm too old for this nonsense, Jacob. If you don't realize what you're getting into, I can't help you."
Jacob chuckled and adjusted his collar. "Thanks for the suit, though. I owe you."
"Yeah, yeah," Thorne muttered, waving him off and disappearing back into the kitchen. "If they come back heartbroken, it's on you. But at least you'll look good doing it."
---
Jacob soon made his way back home. Entering the house, he was greeted by the delicious aroma of something simmering on the stove. Angela, with her hair tied back in a simple ponytail, looked up from her cooking, her face registering mild surprise when she saw him.
"Oh…" she murmured, momentarily taken aback as her eyes took him in. He was a sight to behold in the tailored black suit, the dark fabric contrasting against his rugged, sun-bronzed skin. Her cheeks warmed, and she couldn't hide the appreciative glimmer in her gaze.
"So… how do I look?" Jacob asked, holding his arms out and turning slightly. "Thorne picked it out for me."
Angela's lips parted, though no words came out immediately. Coming closer, she placed her hands on his chest, smoothing a small wrinkle on his lapel. "You look… quite handsome," she murmured, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she bit her lip briefly, trying to control the unexpected rush of attraction she felt.
Jacob grinned, oblivious to the effect he was having on her. "Glad to know I don't look ridiculous."
Angela's gaze softened, her hand lingering just a moment too long against the fabric of his suit. "Elara and Seraphina are fortunate women," she said, catching herself, then clearing her throat as she went back to her cooking.