Chapter 39

**Sarah**

"Just kidding!" Jakob's grin widened as he spoke.

My immediate impulse was to kick him. "You nearly gave me a heart attack with that joke! I'm not in the mood, and I'm sleepy," I grumbled.

Jakob chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. "You get laid lately?" Before I could protest, he added, "Don't deny it; I can read you like a book. Your cheeks always give it away when you lie. And those marks on your skin? Pretty incriminating."

I hastily adjusted the car mirror, scrutinizing my neck and arms for any signs of love marks. Alas, nothing but smooth skin! "You're such a jerk."

He laughed, seemingly delighted with himself. "Who knew catching you red-handed would be this easy, doll? But seriously, didn't you say you were done with your husband?"

I let out a tired sigh, gazing out the window. "Philip and I... it's just impossible."

"Why's that?"

"Because he hurt me," I explained, a tinge of sadness creeping into my voice. "He treated me disrespectfully as his wife and woman. Philip doesn't love me; he's just content with my company and our sexual chemistry. Plus, it's like trying to bring together oil and water, especially with his manipulative mother stirring the pot!"

"Did you know Philip locked me up in Serenity Pines on my first day at the villa? Then, I heard the regret in his voice when I had a panic attack. It felt like a twisted game, reminiscent of my experiences with my ex-husband. Perhaps I amused him," I continued.

"Did he harm you?" Jakob's voice carried concern.

"No, he confined me in the wardrobe."

"Tsk! I'm genuinely surprised you stayed after that," Jakob's tone shifted to a mix of annoyance and disbelief. "I could've picked you up if I knew. Why didn't you call me then?"

"Because it's only now that I've had real conversations with Philip. When we were married, it was more like a Q&A-one question, one answer... But now, there's banter, and strangely, I enjoyed it. That's why I stayed longer. Furthermore, I feared I wouldn't escape him if I left immediately."

"You two had quite a fetish as a married couple!" Jakob's astonishment was evident.

"It's more his fetish!" I retorted, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks.

"But you seem to enjoy it," Jakob pointed out.

I shot him a glare. "Let's move on from him, alright? What's the latest on our work?"

"Things are wrapping up, but we must finalize the budget and launch date with BM Technologies. Oh, and surprise, you'll be heading back to Highland Hills next week!" Jakob announced.

"What? Why me? Why not you?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening. I had barely escaped that place, and now it seemed fate was dragging me back to that rascal's home!

"I'm sorry! LoveLogic requires funding, and I negotiated with BM Technologies to lead their security software team. There's some trouble brewing in Team Avenger, and Bronn offered me the position," Jakob explained.

"It sounds like BM Technologies is taking advantage of you. Should I speak to Bronn and let him know you're not their puppet?" I suggested.

"I'm making good money, doll! BM Technologies is a big deal for me," Jakob defended.

At his response, a deep furrow formed between my brows. It meant I was returning to Luminary Productions to handle ChronoGrafix for a project.

Just as I was on the brink of surrendering to the exhaustion of an impending arduous journey with Jakob, the insistent ring of my phone abruptly jolted my world. There, glaring at me from the screen, was Philip's name!

"Missed you already? Didn't you say goodbye to your husband?" Jakob teased.

"I ran away! And why on earth would I bid him farewell? After all, he's no longer my husband!"

I flung my phone onto the dashboard, unintentionally hitting the answer button. Philip's irate voice suddenly filled the car as it connected to the Bluetooth navigator.

"Sarah! Where on earth are you?!"

Jakob couldn't contain his amusement as he drove, barely stifling a laugh.

"Philip, let's keep it cool, okay? You're tracking me down like I'm some lost pet!"

He echoed Jakob's sentiment. "Because you neglected to tell me where you were headed!"

"Oh, come on! I made my great escape, didn't I? Why would I bother giving you a heads-up? You practically didn't want me back to Henderson!"

Trying to reason with me, he said, "Because it's not safe there! Remember that run-in you had with those thieves?"

"Quit whining, Philip! Anywhere is dangerous! Serenity Pines is even more dangerous than Henderson!"

Philip let out a heavy, aggravated sigh, clearly irritated. "Sarah, if you don't return, I'll prove to you just how unsafe Serenity Pines Estate can be!"

"Sure, sure, I'm shaking in my boots," I quipped, rolling my eyes. Philip's mansion in Highland Hills was probably the most secure place around. I was simply annoyed at his 'tsundere' attitude!

"I'll bite your clit, and I won't let you cum until you're the one begging for it! And I'll make you beg five times!" Philip declared.

Philip's outrageous comment left Jakob slamming the brakes, as if trying to escape the sheer audacity of it. My poor clit prayed a vigil for a swift escape from such verbal assaults!

"Y-you're such an ass!" I exclaimed at Philip, my face burning with embarrassment. "Anyway, I appreciate your hospitality and the meals, but it's time for me to head back to work and attend Amir's wedding!"

And that uncouth brute! He dared to hang up on me like a sulking child. I was utterly perplexed. Jakob remained bewildered, unable to fathom the sheer audacity of what he had just heard.

"Geez! Next time, could you spare me the full drama of your marital disputes? My ears are feeling thoroughly abused over here!" he interjected.

"Ex! He's overly dramatic!"

"Probably just jealous of Amir, or maybe Bronn being included!" Jake added.

I rolled my eyes and powered off my phone. "Forget about him! Hmph!"

Sinking back into the car seat, exhaustion washed over me, prompting me to close my eyes.

I returned to apartment number 5, embarking on a day consumed by preparations for Amir's engagement banquet. Jessica's remark about me donning a white, floor-length gown lingered in my mind. The festivities were set to kick off later today, with the wedding following tomorrow.

Though I knew the notion of me wearing white wasn't accurate, I erred on the side of caution and ordered a long chiffon dress in that shade. With my luggage and a duffel bag inside the vehicle, I went to Amir's opulent mansion. Cars streamed in continuously, signaling the arrival of guests. The entrance exuded grandeur, and notable figures from Amir's social circle had already congregated.

As I stepped out of the car, I was cloaked in a long, flowing white dress. Yet, rather than admiration, a palpable unease emanated from Amir's assistant, Mr. Reynolds, who appeared stricken with fear at the sight of me. His wide-eyed gaze mirrored the apprehension that seemed to ripple through the guests, casting scrutinizing looks in my direction.

"Miss Sarah, what are you wearing?" Mr. Reynolds stammered.

"A dress," I replied nonchalantly.

"But, Miss..."

Before he could finish, Amir's voice rang out, calling my name. "Sarah!"

With a smile, my brother enveloped me in a warm embrace. "I've missed you!"

"You too, Amir!"

It appeared that Amir had no remarks regarding my attire, leading me to assume that perhaps Jessica's bridal party was expected to be white.

"You seem like you've had a rough night," I observed, noting his tense demeanor. He exuded a more mournful presence than a groom on his special day.

"We had a disagreement last night-Jess and me. I hadn't anticipated the extent of her plans. We clashed over certain details. The wedding planner withdrew yesterday. Jess no longer wishes to collaborate with her!"

"And I presume that's your girlfriend's doing!"

Amir winced at my remark. "Jess simply has her heart set on certain things. Anyway, I should go greet the other guests!"

I knew Amir was merely evading the possibility of me pressing him further about his relationship issues.

Amir's assistant approached me. "Allow me to accompany you, Miss Sarah."

"Thank you," I replied, walking alongside the assistant.

"Miss Sarah, forgive my curiosity, but why are you wearing a long white dress?" Mr. Reynolds inquired

"Jessica mentioned that her bridal party should be dressed in white. But what has that woman done to Amir this time? The exhaustion in your boss's eyes is evident, and it's clear he hasn't slept," I observed.

The assistant glanced around cautiously before leaning in to whisper in my ear.

"Ms. Jessica has suddenly replaced the wedding planner. She's accusing the planner of seducing Boss Amir. Ms. Jessica has barred Boss from communicating with the original planner. On top of that, it seemed Ms. Jessica had already splurged half a million dollars on this party alone! She's even invited some notable figures solely for her social media presence," Mr. Reynolds divulged.

She's a scam!

"Anyway, Miss Sarah, I don't think Ms. Jessica's bridal party will wear white," he added with a frown.

In response, the assistant retrieved his phone and presented me with a dress from Jessica's couture supplier.

It was black. That conniving bitch!

"Give me the wedding planner's number," I demanded from Mr. Reynolds.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed the audacious act I was about to commit.