Chapter 2 A Wounded Heart

The days following Anastasya’s death were a silent sea that swallowed Jacob’s will to live. The man who had once been known for his energy and enthusiasm was now nothing more than a shadow of his former self. His face was pale, his eyes were empty, and his words were barely audible.

In the backyard garden, Jacob sat on a wooden bench, staring aimlessly at the sky as it glowed with the colors of dusk.

Hazel stood in the doorway, watching Jacob with tears welling in her eyes.

“Dad,” Hazel whispered, turning toward Dustin. “We have to do something. For five days, Jacob has done nothing but sit there in silence.”

Dustin slowly shook his head. “Leave him alone, Hazel. A loss like this cannot be healed through force. Jacob needs time to let her go.”

“But, Dad...” Hazel bit her lip, her heart aching at the sight of her older brother, who had always been the family’s pillar of strength, now as fragile as a dry leaf caught in the wind.

Ignoring her father’s warning, Hazel walked toward Jacob. The sound of her footsteps disturbed the silence, but Jacob remained motionless, like a statue hardened by memories.

“Come with me,” Hazel said, trying to pull Jacob to his feet. “You can’t keep doing this. I know this is hard, but Anastasya wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

Jacob finally turned to her. His eyes were dull but filled with pain. His breathing was heavy before he answered, “I know... But my heart isn’t ready, Hazel. Losing her hurts too much.”

Hazel let out a long sigh and knelt in front of Jacob. “I know, Big Bro. But you have to keep fighting. I’m sure Anastasya wants you to move forward with your life. You always made her laugh, and she would want that to continue, even after she’s gone.”

Jacob’s eyes shifted toward Hazel before he exhaled deeply. The weight in his heart was obvious. He still could not bring himself to accept that the woman he loved was gone forever.

“You’re right,” Jacob said, lifting his gaze toward the evening sky, which was beginning to darken. “Anastasya wouldn’t want to see me grieving over her, but I can’t control my feelings enough to simply let her go.”

Hazel gave him a faint smile, her heart aching as she watched Jacob spend his days sitting in the backyard like this, lost in thought. She helped him to his feet, then wrapped her arms warmly around her brother.

“You’ll heal your heart. I know you will. Maybe, for a while, you need somewhere peaceful, somewhere that will help you accept that the person you love is gone.”

Jacob returned Hazel’s embrace, unaware that he was crying again. His heart ached all over again whenever he remembered that the woman he loved was gone, taken from him on the very day they were supposed to be married.

Hazel gently rubbed his shoulder. She knew how deeply Jacob had loved Anastasya. Now, Hazel understood that a love capable of bringing such happiness could also cause such unbearable pain. Before this, she had never seen Jacob cry, nor had she ever seen him look so broken and vulnerable.

“Hey, come on! You can get out of this fog you’re in,” she said, gently pushing Jacob’s broad frame and helping wipe the tears from his face.

With a smile, Hazel said, “My big brother is an amazing man. Anastasya must have been incredibly lucky to be loved by you this much.”

After that, Jacob finally managed to form a faint smile. Gently, Hazel led him back into the house.

The following morning, Jacob’s footsteps echoed from the upper floor. He came downstairs carrying a large suitcase, his face looking more determined, although grief still lingered in his eyes. In the dining room, Dustin, Elsa, and Hazel all turned toward him at once.

“Jacob, where are you going? Just stay here for a while,” Dustin said, immediately leaving his breakfast and walking toward him.

Jacob placed his suitcase in the corner of the room before sitting down with them for breakfast. Dustin returned to his seat, waiting for Jacob to explain where he was going.

“Jacob, I know you’re devastated by the loss of your future wife. But don’t punish yourself like this. It worries me,” Elsa said.

Jacob gave her a faint smile, although the pain was still visible on his face. “Mom, I have to do this. Staying here only makes me keep remembering Anastasya and that day... I need some time to make peace with myself.”

“I’m sorry for making all of you worry, but after thinking it over, I’ve decided to take some time away to clear my head,” he continued.

“Where are you going?” Hazel asked quickly, concern evident in her voice.

Jacob looked at her gently. “To Dad’s private island. It’s far away from all these painful memories. I’m sure I can find some peace there.”

Dustin nodded after thinking for a moment. “If that’s your decision, I won’t stop you. You’re not a little boy who needs constant protection anymore. I’ll arrange everything so you can leave safely.”

Hazel, who had been silent until then, suddenly stood and wrapped her arms tightly around Jacob. “I’m going to miss you so much, Big Bro,” she sobbed, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks.

Jacob smiled faintly and stroked his sister’s head. “I’m only leaving for a while, Hazel. If you miss me, you can always come visit me.”

Hazel shook her head, her voice trembling. “But I know you. You’ll isolate yourself for too long, and that scares me.”

Jacob held Hazel even tighter. “I promise, Hazel. Once I’m able to let everything go, I’ll come back. You don’t have to be afraid. I just need some time.”

“That means I won’t get to see you often. I’m going to miss you all the time,” she said through her sobs.

Jacob embraced Hazel lovingly, but his decision was already final. He would leave all his wealth behind for a while. In his current state of mind, even working would be pointless.

“I just need some time alone, Hazel. Once I’m able to accept her death, I’ll come back,” Jacob whispered.

But in truth, Jacob had no idea when this feeling of loss would finally heal. He could only hope that everything he had been through would teach him that the things he loved could not always belong to him.

As painful as it was, perhaps this was only the beginning of the troubles that awaited him in life. Jacob had no idea what kind of fate was waiting for him in the future.