Forever and ever 2. The adventure starts now.

Part 115.

Y/N's pov~

On Thursday afternoon then, I found myself back home earlier than usual. My reflection mirrored the black bodysuit paired with jeans, adorned with just two rings on my hand—one of which was my promise of loving Tom forever, while the other served as an accessory along with the gold necklace around my neck. Light makeup adorned my face, not too heavy, and the casual look reassured me amidst the dilemma of choosing between a tight dress or Tom's sweater. Unsure of whether the bar was upscale or the vibe of Wayne's friends, and with Clark cancelling our plans for the evening to watch a football game with his father, I was even more reluctant to risk looking out of place when I couldn't rely on anyone to have my back.

Y/N:
On my way now!
07:23 pm.

I sent the message to Wayne and left the hotel. It was just an 18-minute walk to the bar, conveniently located for me. Wayne had made sure of that, and I couldn't quite imagine the casual atmosphere until I arrived. It was like any pub in London, but with booths along the window wall, giving it an American touch. Already seated at the bar were the young ones, here for pre-drinks. There was plenty of space to move around, unlike some other bars I knew, and at one of the back booths, I found the familiar dark curls that guided my way. Wayne and across from him sat a redhead whom I wouldn't have guessed belonged with Wayne had I met him on the street. He had short hair, wore one of those flannel shirts, and sported a beard that completed the look. Without a word, I could guess he was probably from Scotland, but his smile could bring a dead flower back to life.

"Y/N!" Wayne stood up, his black shirt casually unbuttoned over a white t-shirt as he hugged me.

"This is Kenneth. Kenneth, meet Y/N." I shook Kenneth's hand, feeling the dampness from the beer can.

"Pleasure to meet you," I smiled, and he smiled back.

"Oh, and Jay should be back soon. I think he's getting another beer, or something?" Wayne raised his eyebrows at the question, while Kenneth just shrugged.

"Well, anyway. Did you find your way here okay?" Wayne slid back into his seat, and I took my place beside—who Wayne referred to as—Kenneth.

"Pretty much. My favorite breakfast spot is just down the street." I engaged in conversation with the two of them, telling them about how Clark and I occasionally grabbed breakfast after our tennis matches on weekends and unintentionally did some promotion for their matcha, which Wayne had never tried.

"What a shame," I chuckled, grimacing as Wayne's eyes wandered behind my back. And they wandered far up, made me catch the shadow of the person on the wall across from me.

"Took you quite a while. Where were you?" Wayne asked, having noticed, I assume, that the person behind me—whom I presumed to be Jay—wasn't carrying a drink as Wayne had thought. A shiver ran down my spine before I turned around, and when the person spoke, I could have sworn my heart stopped.

"Said I needed to make a call," he remarked.

When I say I turned around slowly, I meant slowly, fearing I had heard that voice before, until my fear was confirmed. Standing at a towering 6'3 was Jay, looming over me like the empire state building of persons, but the only name that came to mind for him was Jacob.

Jacob, who helped me when I was at a loss and protected me when he thought I was in danger.

Jacob, who was beaten up by my husband, and Jacob, who despite it all, didn't press charges.