Chapter 135: Chapter 135

As Sean and Andrea arrived at Jacob's residence, they found Elena busy cooking dinner in the kitchen. The aroma of roasting vegetables wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of sizzling meat on the stovetop.

Elena turned to greet them, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, guys! Come on in."

Andrea followed Elena into the kitchen, taking in the cozy atmosphere as she began to help with dinner preparations.

"Sean," Jacob said, his eyes locked on his friend, "do you think Carmen will defend her cousin in court?"

"I don't think so," Sean replied thoughtfully. "But Carmen, I know, is smart and calculative. I'm sure she wouldn't do anything stupid to spoil her career."

As they continued their conversation, Sean glanced around the kitchen, his eyes lingering on Elena, before returning to Jacob. "So did you tell her how you feel?"

Jacob nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, I did after the accident. And I even asked her to marry me."

Sean's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What did she say?"

Jacob's face fell, but only for a moment. "She turned me down, but she agreed to be my girlfriend instead."

The room fell silent for a moment before Sean broke the tension with a hearty laugh. "Well, congratulations are in order!"

Jacob smiled foolishly, his eyes crinkling at the corners, as he thanked Sean for his well wishes.

......

FLASH BACK****

Sean walked out of the dimly lit bar, the neon signs outside casting an eerie glow over his figure. Jacob followed close behind him, his eyes fixed on Sean's back.

"Sean, wait!" Jacob called out, his voice carrying across the deserted alleyway. "Look, I'm sorry for choosing Megan over you. I made a big mistake, and I hope you can forgive me for it."

Sean stopped dead in his tracks, his shoulders slumping under the weight of Jacob's apology. He turned around slowly, his eyes searching for sincerity. "It's fine," he said finally, his voice tinged with resignation. "I'm just glad the truth is out."

Jacob approached him cautiously, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. "So, are we okay now?"

Sean snorted loudly, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "It was all a misunderstanding, and your reasons were sound." He extended his hand forward, and Jacob took it tentatively.

As they shook hands, Jacob eyed him suspiciously. There was something about Sean that didn't quite add up.

"It's all in the past now," Sean said finally, turning away from Jacob.

But just as he reached for his car keys, he paused. His eyes locked onto Jacob's face, and his expression was serious. "You should tell Elena how you truly feel."

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? She's already my girlfriend."

Sean's gaze intensified. "You can fool others, but not me. We both know that you two are pretending to be in a relationship."

A faint flush crept up Jacob's neck as he realized Sean had uncovered their secret. It had started when Elena arrived in New York from New South Wales, and Jace had been there too. For some reason, Sean hadn't told anyone about it.

"Hey," Jacob said finally, his voice strained. "Do you think she likes me back?"

Sean smiled wryly. "There's only one way to find out. Good luck, friend." And with that, he got into his car and drove off into the night.

**Flash Back Ends**

Andrea set the table with Elena, shouting, "Boys, dinner is ready!" Jacob and Sean responded in unison, "Coming!" as they made their way over to join the group.

As they sat down, Jacob couldn't help but compliment the spread before them. "Wow, this looks amazing!" he said, his eyes scanning the array of dishes.

Elena smiled shyly as Jacob reached under the table to take her hand, his gentle touch a comforting reassurance in front of their friend.

The group began to dig in, and Jacob found himself lavishing praise on Elena's cooking. Andrea didn't mind; in fact, she was relieved that Sean and Jacob were finally getting along after all these years. Who would have thought that they'd be sitting down to dinner together without a fight?

"Whoa, Andrea, slow down or you'll choke!" Jacob warned, his voice tinged with amusement. Andrea pouted, her lips stained with pasta sauce, as she protested, "Worry about your girlfriend, not me, and stop watching me eat. It's creepy!"

Jacob chuckled and replied, "I'm trying to concentrate, but you've devoured everything Elena prepared for me. I'm just wondering how you fit so much food in that tiny mouth of yours."

Sean smiled at Andrea's antics and gently wiped the sauce from her lips with a napkin.

"Hey, why don't you blindfold yourself while I eat?" She suggested it, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Andrea poked her tongue out at him, her face scrunched up in a playful pout. "You're just jealous of my speed-eating skills," she teased.

The group was still in the early stages of their meal, but Andrea was already making quick work of her food. "That's just our little one reminding everyone he's healthy," Elena chimed in, her laughter echoing around the table.

Jacob raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed over his chest. "He? Or do you mean my little niece?"

Andrea leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Oh, Jacob, I think it's quite a pity you're going with Sean's opinion. Let me tell you, boys, it's definitely a boy this time. My motherly instinct is screaming it; I can feel it in my bones."

"Andrea dropped the cutlery and folded her arms around her chest, her eyes flashing with anger. 'What did you just call me? Fat?' she asked again, her voice trembling.

'Of course not. He's only teasing you because he's jealous of your appetite. You look stunningly beautiful today, just like the first day I met you, my love.'

Andrea's eyes filled with tears as she felt a familiar pang of hurt. 'The first day you met me, I was heavily pregnant with the twins,' she reminded him, her voice low and even.

'I can never lie to you, baby,' Sean said, his tone smooth as silk. 'There's this glow on your face, and you look breathtakingly gorgeous today. Now get back to your food before it gets cold.'

Andrea's anger flared again as Jacob spoke up, saying

"Sean is right! I was only joking with you—who knew you couldn't take a simple joke? Carry on with your food before you tell everyone that I starved you when you came over to my place.'

She glared at Jacob, her frustration boiling over. 'You should be given the worst big brother title of the year,' she poured out in an aggrieved tone.

Elena, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. 'I'm not going to intervene, but I do have your back if things escalate.' Andrea nodded gratefully.

As Jacob turned to Elena and kissed her hand, Andrea rolled her eyes at their public display of affection."

As the doorbell rang, the room fell silent. Elena turned to Jacob with a raised eyebrow. "Expecting someone?"

Jacob shook his head. "I'll check."

"I got it," Sean offered. He unlocked the door and stepped aside, revealing Carmen's shocked face.

"Sean!" Carmen called out, still in shock.

Carmen's eyes darted around the room, taking in Elena, Jacob, and Andrea. Her gaze lingered on Sean before she shook her head. "What are you doing here?"

Sean held the door open for her, and she stepped inside. The tension was palpable as Carmen took in the group's dynamics.

"It's been a while," she said awkwardly, waving at each of them.

Elena's expression remained neutral, but Jacob's eyes narrowed. Carmen cleared her throat.

"Can I have a word with you two?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

Elena exchanged a glance with Jacob before nodding. "How can we help you?"

Carmen took a deep breath before launching into her request. "I know this is unconventional, but I was wondering if you could find it in your hearts to forgive Megan... I promise I'll make sure she never bothers you again."

Jacob's expression turned skeptical. "Ms. Wallner, I don't have time for this conversation. And I think it's unhealthy for you and your career to get involved in this."

Carmen sighed. "I know it's a lot to ask, but Megan is my cousin. I'm just trying to help her out."

Jacob snorted. "What do you think would happen if I lost my girlfriend because of her? I would have destroyed your entire family and made sure you all suffered."

Carmen flinched at his words. Sean spoke up then, his tone casual. "I think that's enough for now."

"Alright, it's fine." Carmen turned around to take her leave when she suddenly paused in her movement.

Carmen turned around to take her leave, but suddenly paused in her movement.

"Before I go, can I just say one more thing?" Carmen asked Sean with her eyes locked on his. "I came from your parents', and I realized I owe them an apology since I'll be leaving a day after tomorrow."

Carmen turned to Andrea and looked at her with a sincere expression. "I'm deeply sorry for how I treated you in the past and for trying to drive a wedge between you and Sean countless times. Over the past two years, I've come to realize that the two of you were meant to be together, and I wish you all the best."

Her gaze drifted to Andrea's bump, and she swallowed hard as she realized they were expecting their third child—something she could barely handle herself, given her own struggles to find a stable boyfriend.

"Let's just put the past behind us," Andrea said confidently. "I'm just glad you finally know where you stand."

Carmen nodded at Sean one last time before looking at him once more. "I'll be leaving for the UK soon and won't be coming back. I wish you a safe delivery, Andrea."

With that, she turned and left, leaving everyone speechless. Sean turned to Andrea and muttered under his breath, "What's wrong with that pretentious vixen?"

Andrea shrugged her shoulders. "It seems like she's finally turned over a new leaf."

....

After Sean and Andrea left, Elena cleaned up the whole kitchen and decided to spend the night here, knowing it was already late. "I'll be in the guest room if you need me."

"Why guestroom? My bed is big enough for the both of us to share, like we did back at my parents' house.