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Chapter 12: Tender Wounds
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2026-01-22 21:25:43By the time they got back to Serenity's apartment, the twins were fast asleep in the backseat. They had played too hard.
Jackson carried Alex, and Serenity carried Mia. They tucked the children into their small beds and tiptoed out of the room.
The living room was quiet. Only the dim light from the hallway spilled in.
Serenity let out a long breath, leaning against the wall. "You should go, Jackson. It's been a long day."
She tried to take a step towards her bedroom, but a sharp pain shot through her heels. She grimaced and stumbled.
"Ah."
Before she could hit the floor, a strong arm caught her waist.
"You're hurt," Jackson said. It wasn't a question. He frowned, looking down at her feet.
"I'm fine," Serenity tried to push him away. "Just new sneakers. They need breaking in."
"Stop being stubborn," Jackson scooped her up into his arms effortlessly. He carried her to the sofa and placed her down gently, as if she were made of glass.
He then disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, he returned with a warm wet towel and the first-aid kit.
What he did next made Serenity hold her breath.
Jackson Sterling, the man who controlled half of New York's economy, knelt on one knee in front of her.
He gently lifted her right foot and placed it on his knee.
"Jackson, no... I can do it myself," Serenity blushed, trying to pull her leg back. Her feet were sensitive, and this position was way too intimate.
"Stay still," Jackson ordered, his voice husky. His hand gripped her ankle firmly but not roughly.
He slowly peeled off her sock. Her heel was red and blistered, raw from walking miles in the theme park.
Jackson's eyes darkened. "Why didn't you tell me you were in pain?"
"Because seeing the kids happy was more important," Serenity whispered.
Jackson didn't reply. He carefully wiped her skin with the warm towel. The contrast between his rough, callous fingertips and her soft skin sent shivers up Serenity's spine.
He applied the antiseptic ointment. It stung a little, and she hissed.
"Sorry," Jackson blew gently on the wound. The cool air mixed with his warm breath tickled her skin.
Serenity stared at the top of his head. His black hair was slightly messy. He looked so focused, treating her foot like it was the most precious diamond in the world.
"Why are you doing this?" Serenity asked, her voice trembling. "Why are you being so nice suddenly? Is it guilt?"
Jackson froze. He finished applying the band-aid and looked up. His dark eyes trapped her gaze.
"Yes. It started with guilt," Jackson admitted hoarsely. "But Serenity, look at me."
He moved his hands up from her ankle to her calf, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on her skin.
"When I saw those photos today... us, the kids... I realized something."
"What?"
"I realized I wasted five years of my life," Jackson said. "I lived in a big, empty house, making money that meant nothing. Today was the first time I felt alive."
He leaned forward, his face inches from hers. Serenity could smell the cotton candy scent lingering on his shirt mixed with his masculine musk.
"I don't just want the kids, Serenity. I want us."
The atmosphere was thick with tension. Serenity's heart pounded against her ribcage. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to lean in.
But the scars of the past were too deep.
She pulled her leg back, breaking the connection.
"One day at the amusement park doesn't erase three years of a cold marriage, Jackson," she said, her voice guarding her heart. "You broke me once. I won't let you break me again easily."
Jackson saw the fear in her eyes. He didn't push her. He understood.
He stood up slowly.
"I know," Jackson said softly. "I broke it. So I will fix it. I will court you, Serenity. Properly this time. I will chase you until you run out of reasons to say no."
He bent down and planted a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight, my wife. Sleep well."
He turned and left the apartment, closing the door softly behind him.
Serenity sat alone on the sofa in the dark, touching the band-aid on her heel.
For the first time in five years, the wall she built around her heart developed a crack.
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