Surrounded by Beauty

Chapter - 53

As Jacob and Angela were talking, the soft click of a door opening drew their attention. Elara stepped out of her room, pausing for a moment before she approached them.

In the world of Mirntha, women often wore flowing, elegant dresses that accentuated their figures. These dresses featured intricate designs and were cut to reveal just enough to highlight their femininity. Elara's dress was a stunning shade of blue, adorned with delicate pink flowers that added a touch of softness. The dress was designed to hug her body gently, showcasing her modest bust and supple curves in a tasteful yet alluring manner. The fabric flowed gracefully around her legs as she moved, emphasizing her newfound confidence and beauty. Her blonde hair cascaded down in soft waves, framing her face and highlighting her bright, brown eyes.

Angela's gaze softened as she looked at her daughter, pride and awe evident in her expression. "You look lovely, dear," she said warmly.

As if perfectly timed, a knock sounded at the door, and Angela went to answer it. Seraphina stepped inside, filling the room with her graceful presence. Her dress, similar in style to Elara's but in a rich, deep red, was cut to emphasize her fuller figure. The dress accentuated her ample breasts and highlighted her curves, making her look every bit the striking vision she was known to be. Her black hair was elegantly styled, with a few loose strands framing her sharp, captivating eyes.

Angela excused herself with a smile, leaving the two women alone with Jacob. Looking at Elara and Seraphina, Jacob found himself momentarily speechless. His eyes widened, and a faint blush crept across his cheeks—something both Elara and Seraphina noticed with a mix of amusement and pleasure. They exchanged a brief, icy glance before turning their attention back to Jacob.

Elara, smiling shyly, asked, "How do we look?"

Seraphina, standing beside her, echoed the question with a playful glint in her eye. "Yes, do tell us."

Jacob, still somewhat flustered, managed to stammer, "You both look… stunning. I didn't expect anything less."

Elara and Seraphina exchanged another glance, this one less icy and more intrigued. It was rare to see Jacob blush and stammer, and the sight of his vulnerability brought a surprising amount of delight to both women. They felt a surge of warmth and satisfaction, knowing that they had managed to elicit such a reaction from the normally composed and stoic man.

"Thank you, Jacob," Elara said softly, her eyes shining with happiness.

Seraphina nodded, her lips curving into a sly smile. "It's not often we see you like this. It's quite endearing."

Jacob cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Well, let's get going, shall we?"

Both women moved closer, each taking one of Jacob's arms. Elara slipped her hand into the crook of his left arm, while Seraphina did the same on his right. They guided him out of the house. As they walked together, Jacob couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast between the daring, elegant dresses of Mirntha and the more modest attire of women back on Earth. 

Jacob guided Elara and Seraphina to one of the most prominent restaurants in Ironhelm, a place frequented exclusively by nobles and powerful mages. He had paid quite a sum to reserve their seats, knowing that while he might not value such luxuries, women often appreciated the finer things. He hoped that this gesture would please them both.

As they approached the elegant establishment, Seraphina's eyes widened in surprise. "Jacob, you brought us here? This place is... incredible."

Elara, equally taken aback, nodded in agreement. "I've only ever heard of this place. I never thought I'd step foot inside."

Jacob shrugged modestly. "I thought you both might like it. A change of scenery."

They were led to their reserved table, and after settling in, the conversation started with light topics. As they sipped their drinks, Seraphina said, "Jacob, Miss Althea asked if you could meet her tomorrow."

Jacob nodded. "Sure, I can do that."

The conversation then shifted to the happenings in Ironhelm. Seraphina mentioned the upcoming royal wedding. "One of the princesses of Avele is marrying the son of the Minister of Finance. The ceremony is a few months away, but the city is already bustling with preparations. It's going to be a grand event."

Elara chimed in, "Yes, I've heard quite a few people at the inn talk about it as well."

From there, the topic naturally transitioned to love and relationships. Elara and Seraphina exchanged knowing glances before Seraphina asked, "Jacob, have you ever been in love?"

Jacob hesitated for a moment, then silently reached beneath his shirt and pulled out the metal locket. He opened it, revealing the small photograph inside. His gaze softened as he looked at it, memories flooding his mind.

"Yes," he said quietly, a smile spreading across his face. "I loved once, deeply and faithfully."

The smile that blossomed on Jacob's face was unlike any expression Seraphina and Elara had ever seen from him. It was filled with genuine warmth and tenderness, a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor. Both women felt a pang of jealousy, wondering who the lucky woman was who had captured Jacob's heart so profoundly.

"Who was she?" Elara asked softly, unable to hide her curiosity.

Jacob's eyes remained on the locket, his smile bittersweet. "Her name was Eliza. She was everything to me." There was silence for a few moments after Jacob said that.

"Unfortunately, I lost her," Jacob continued softly, his voice tinged with pain. 

Both women looked at him with profound sadness. Seraphina reached out and placed her hand gently on Jacob's. "What happened, Jacob? You can share it with us," she said softly.

Jacob closed the locket, placing it back beneath his shirt. "My past caught up to me. She was killed in front of my eyes," he said with difficulty, the words coming out slowly. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Jacob felt he could share this deep pain with Elara and Seraphina.

Both women gasped at his revelation, their expressions mirroring his sorrow. Jacob continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "She was pregnant when she was killed. I often wonder how different my life would be if I had been able to hold my child."

A tear slipped from Jacob's eye, and Elara and Seraphina's eyes brimmed with tears in response.

"Try as I might, I can't seem to forget," Jacob said, his voice cracking slightly.

He wiped away his tear and forced a smile. "I guess that's enough of this sad topic. How about we talk about something lighter instead?"

Elara and Seraphina composed themselves, both nodding in agreement. They began discussing lighter topics, sharing stories and laughter. Yet, the bond between them had deepened with the evening's revelations.

In the back of their minds, both women realized they had fallen even more in love with Jacob, moved by his vulnerability and the strength he carried despite his past.