In Summer’s eyes, Ignatz was the epitome of the perfect man and exceptionally suitable for me. I knew that she just wanted me to find happiness quickly and had my best interests at heart, but it felt like something crucial was missing between Ignatz and me."I get what you're trying to say. I’m even more eager to get married than you are right now. Look at me, I’m not getting any younger. I’ll soon be labeled an old spinster." I sighed helplessly, preferring not to dwell on this subject. I was acutely aware of my advancing age and the looming shadow of spinsterhood.Hearing my tone of resignation, Summer lowered her head and resumed eating, offering no further argument. It was then that Ignatz returned."I'm sorry, Rina, but an unexpected issue came up with a case I’m working on. I need to discuss it with the client. I will not be able to stay with you for the rest of dinner," Ignatz said with an apologetic look."It's okay. Work comes first. Go ahead," I responded. Somehow, his im
As the couple drew closer, I noticed that the woman with him was dressed rather provocatively, and her fashionable attire hinted at wealth. Likely in her thirties, she was clearly older than Claude."And why would I care about that? You're my girlfriend, so it's natural for me to want to kiss you. Why should we worry about others?" Claude proclaimed before attempting another kiss with a sleazy grin on his face."Oh, stop it," the woman protested in a playful tone. Despite her verbal resistance, she tilted her head, offering up her red lips.Their public display of affection was surely painful for Summer to watch, and a flicker of hurt crossed her eyes. She had only recently ended things with him, and witnessing the couple’s intimacy stirred her emotions."Hey, you done with your meal? If so, let's leave," I suggested, knowing the scene would only cause Summer more pain. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” seemed fitting for her own good."I'm not done yet. Why must I be the one
Claude froze, clearly shocked by Summer’s slap. It was a while before he reoriented himself. He looked furious when he turned back to her.Summer had always been gentle and accommodating during their relationship and had never so much as raised her voice at him. This sense of disillusionment and unforeseen aggression must have caused him a great shock."You slapped me?" Claude’s expression was as dark as a storm cloud. The gaze he fixed on Summer made it clear he was the type of man who would strike a woman."I hit you because you deserve it, Claude! You cheated me and betrayed me! Hitting you is the least you deserve! I wish I could do more!" Summer screamed as she spiraled out of control.As she spoke, her tears finally broke free and ran down her cheeks. She was in pain, and her heart ached. I didn’t approach to comfort her, knowing this was her moment to vent. Once she released all her hatred for Claude, the anguish would subside.Claude was dumbfounded by Summer's emotional t
“She started all this. They should be the ones worrying about being thrown into jail, not us," Summer said, her characteristic optimism showing. "I hope so." I frowned, thinking I should put more faith in the law. When we got to the station, two cops led Summer and me to the interrogation room while Claude and that woman were taken aside. We took our seats as the cops watched us. They didn't look like they wanted to ask questions. "Sir, the woman started it. What we did was self-defense—" Summer started."Quiet! It's not up to you to decide the truth of how it started!" one of the cops snapped. "But aren't we here to give our accounts? Why else are we in the interrogation room?" she retorted. "This is a police station. You're in the presence of the law. I urge you to stick to the rules and obey authority instead of trying to be a Karen," the cop shot back coldly.Summer might not look it, but she had a rather explosive temper, and this certainly sparked her fuse. She leaped
I recalled the look on that woman's face when she called the cops. God, why had her let her do it when that obviously smug face said everything?!"What are we supposed to do, Rina? We can't admit to guilt we didn't do," Summer murmured anxiously."I don't know either. Our phones were confiscated. If they weren't, we could’ve called Ignatz for help. He is a lawyer after all. He could’ve come up with something."I was exasperated. We had been cut off from the outside world, and we did not have any contact or connection within the station either.Summer was completely demoralized, and her eyes brimmed with regret. "This is all my fault. You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me…"'What are you talking about? You're my best friend! I’d never just sit by and watch you being mistreated, especially not when you were the one who helped me when Liam betrayed me."I’d rather be thrown into a cell with her than to see her here alone. At least we had each other right now.Summer leaned her
The woman then directed her malice toward me, and honestly, I could see why. What I said must have hurt her ego."And who the fuck are you? This shit ain't even remotely about you. Do you want to get some of this action too, bitch?"I had never faced someone this shitty before. It made me want to even things out with my fists, even if it meant diving into the pool of muck with her. I thought Julia was the worst woman this world had to offer, but goddamn did this woman break that record. She made Julia look like a fucking saint!"Fuck you!" I shouted.The woman slapped me as hard as she could for my bravado. It was the second time she had done this to me, and I felt my blood boil. Everything about this was unfair! This woman got to strut around like she owned the place while innocents like us were terrorized and brutalized!"What are you even trying to achieve?! You hit us, you made the cops detain us despite us committing no crime, and you're the one who started this! You're the o
Claude’s hesitation then vanished, and he strode toward us. His eyes settled on Summer. She looked up and met his gaze defiantly. Claude, being weak-willed, seemed a little panicked. "What are you waiting for?" the woman snarled. Like a lapdog obeying orders, Claude immediately slapped Summer. Her cheek became swollen and reddened within seconds. A man was much stronger than a woman, and looking at this sight, it was clear he had not held anything back.Summer froze for a second, then turned back to glare at Claude. She never expected Claude to actually do this. They had once been a couple, after all, but this slap changed everything.Her expression was horrible, and furiously she yelled, "This slap proves everything about you, Claude!"Summer had never been anything less than gentle when she was with Claude. It was why her steely eyes and defiance shocked him into a panic. "One more, honey! One more!" the woman urged. Claude snapped out of his trance and avoided Summer's ey
Jethro sounded so matter-of-fact despite doing something so sketchy. I had always hated men who hit women, but with Jethro, what he did only moved me and made me like him even more.I had no idea why he was at the station, but I knew he was here to save me. Just looking at his cold but heroic face made my heart shudder. "Y-You hit me! Do you know who I am?! Do you know who my cousin is?!" the woman yelled after recovering from her shock. This station was her home base."Who the hell are you? And why the hell should I care who your cousin is?" Jethro snarled.He seemed to have reserved a particular kind of hate for women with excessive make-up—this was something I realized. And this woman had just added being a Karen into his reasons to hate her."My cousin’s the deputy director of this station! I can tell him to lock you up if I want to!" Jethro snickered. He was always the kind of guy that was one on top—always the king while others were little more than peasants."What are y
I knew that nothing I said to the contrary was going to convince Jethro otherwise. All he cared about now was protecting his little princess. "Okay then, I'll be waiting for you at home. Don't work overtime tonight, okay?""Got it! I'll be home soon," he agreed smilingly. I was sure he’d have gone home with me straight away if it weren't for work.Doris was already waiting by the time I got home. She looked both excited and assured. "So? Pregnant, right?""You nailed it!" I laughed."Oh dear! Seren’s going to get a sibling soon!" she chirped. I shook my head helplessly. I should’ve been the happiest one, but the Willows were just one-upping me one after another right now. I smiled at Doris. "I'm a little tired, so I'll be in my room.""Go, go. I'll get the housekeeper to make something nutritious for you," Doris replied. Jethro came home a lot earlier than usual. He had a large bouquet of roses with him too. I couldn’t recall when was the last time he gave me flowers."Is thi
Mason chuckled dryly. "Well, well. Working hard, huh? You’re expecting again."I felt guilty for having asked him for help now. It was as if I was putting salt on his wound. I avoided his gaze and decided to go around him. "Umm, if it inconveniences you, then I wouldn't mind joining the line. See ya."He frowned and stepped in my way. He smiled. "I've already made the arrangements, Serena. Just go."Despite his smile, I could tell Mason was simply hiding his feelings. I sighed. I didn't want to hurt him, but he never seemed to change. He kept doing things for me, and I was simultaneously moved and frustrated by his loyalty. But I could only ever love Jethro. I could never reciprocate Mason’s feelings. I silently followed him into the consultation room. A while later, the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant. I felt as though I had soared to the sky, and I wondered how Jethro would feel about this. Mason was by my side the entire time, so naturally, he was privy to the news. I fa
I woke up the next morning feeling like a well-wrung-out-rag. I had gotten home late, and Jethro kept me up till the wee hours of the morning. I had only fallen asleep just before dawn.Restless, I turned to look at Jethro who was deep asleep and felt slightly resentful. He had worn me out last night, yet here he was, sleeping peacefully without a care. I sat up and gently nudged him awake. Even though he had exhausted me, he was the one who had truly exerted himself, so he was certainly even more tired than I was.Jethro opened his eyes groggily, asking sleepily. "What’s wrong?""Do you even have to ask?" I retorted."Did I not satisfy you last night? Well, are you up for more then?" he teased.I stared at him, dumbfounded. Why was he always thinking such thoughts? When had I ever hinted that I wanted another round?Irritated, I shot him a glance and decided to get out of bed to wash up. While I brushed my teeth, I suddenly felt a wave of nausea. I found this strange. I hadn't e
Jethro’s anger ebbed away upon hearing my words, though his face continued to carry a trace of annoyance."That's more like it. Remember, if this happens again, you’re never leaving the house ever again," he warned.I wasn't upset that he was angry. I understood it was because he cared about me. I would’ve felt the same if the roles were reversed. After all, worry was a byproduct of care."Were you waiting up for me?" I asked, realizing Jethro was still up in the living room though it was well past two in the morning."What else would I be doing?" he replied in a mix of irritation and relief."Geez, I've already apologized. Let's not dwell on this," I responded playfully, trying to defuse the tension. "Let's head to bed. I'm exhausted," I suggested, more than ready to end the evening. Taking his hand, I led us toward the bedroom.Sensing my weariness, Jethro followed without further comment. After a soothing shower, I felt much better despite the physical exhaustion. My mood, how
"You just implied that it wouldn’t matter if you faced such trauma again. If that's what you think, I might as well help it happen!" I said to Jolene, purposefully using harsh words to instill fear in her. My goal was to shock her into realizing the gravity of her actions. My real concern was for Evelyn—Jolene’s recklessness was causing Evelyn undue stress."Let me go, Serena! You’re insane!" Jolene protested, but I continued to tug at her, undeterred by her panic and anger. I wanted to teach her a lesson for her lack of empathy and respect."I'm the crazy one? It seems like you’re the one who has lost your mind, Jolene! Can’t you see what you’re doing to your mom? If you can’t handle life's challenges, then stop causing her pain!" Driven by frustration, I dragged her outside.Jolene then managed to break free, retreating and glaring at me fearfully. "Get the hell away from me! I don't wanna see you!" she yelled, visibly shaken.Seeing her sufficiently alarmed, I stopped, fixing he
"Seeing Jojo like this is breaking my heart.” Evelyn held my hand, her face marked by deep sorrow."I know you're upset, but don't worry, I'll talk some sense into her." Seeing Evelyn's distress, I felt uneasy. Though I was reluctant to interfere in Jolene's life, I couldn't ignore Evelyn's pain.I waited at Evelyn's house until late at night before Jolene finally returned. It was almost one in the morning, and my irritation surged upon seeing her. Jolene, reeking of alcohol, was a far cry from her former self. Her transformation was stark. Dressed provocatively and caked in heavy makeup, she resembled a hooker more than a member of a respectable family.I marched over to her "Jolene," I called out, unable to hide my annoyance.She stopped and faced me. She asked in a hostile tone, "What are you doing here at this hour?""Waiting for you." I faced her with a frosty demeanor."Waiting for me? I'm tired and have no interest in talking to you." Impatiently, Jolene turned to head ups
Lianna stared at Jethro tearfully, her voice laden with pain. "But I still love you. You once promised to love me forever. Why has that promise changed?""I might still harbor those feelings if we hadn't parted ways. But time changes emotions, and what we had can't be rekindled," Jethro replied, his tone reflecting a seriousness I hadn't seen in him before."Don't leave me, Jethro, please. I know I was wrong to leave you for money. Give me another chance. I can bring back the love we once had,” Lianna pleaded, clutching at Jethro's arm.Standing by the sidelines, I watched the scene expressionlessly. I wasn't worried because I knew Jethro would never return to her. His heart belonged to me now.Jethro withdrew his arm, and his gaze toward Lianna was cold and distant. "I’ve said all there is to say. Our relationship ends here. From now on, please stay out of my life. Stop bothering me," he stated firmly, then took my hand and walked out of the room, leaving Lianna behind.In the ca
The blood test was swiftly completed, but we had to wait three days for the paternity test results. Mason assured us he would notify us as soon as they were out.As Jethro and I were leaving the hospital, Lianna suddenly called out, "Jethro!” Her face was pale and her eyes filled with sadness."What else do you want?" Jethro asked in a detached tone.Lianna glanced at me, then continued, "I just want to ask you one thing. If Robin is your son, will you acknowledge him? Have you ever considered accepting us back into your life?""If he's my child, I'll take responsibility. But if not, please stay out of my life forever."Jethro was extremely serious as he spoke, his gaze toward Lianna emotionless. Her tears flowed as she listened to him, her expression becoming even more pained."Fine. If he isn’t your child, I’ll leave with him. But I’m certain he’s your child because you're the only man I've ever been with!" After saying this emotionally charged statement, Lianna sped off.Watc
"Are you being completely honest, Rina? You're not covering for this brat, are you? If he has an illegitimate child, I'll break his legs!" Raymond's gaze shifted to me, his disbelief apparent.I was taken aback by Raymond's words but also felt a sense of solidarity. It was clear he was supporting me."It’s the truth, Grandpa. I guarantee that the child Lianna has isn’t Jethro's. If you doubt him, surely you’ll believe me, right? If that boy were Jethro’s, would I be calmly discussing this with you now?" I said."Then we'll wait for the test results.” Seemingly somewhat convinced by my assurance, he gave Jethro a cold snort and looked away.Jethro frowned, clearly unhappy, but he remained silent. Witnessing the family's united front against him was oddly gratifying for me. Back in our bedroom, I felt pretty upbeat and couldn’t help humming a tune. Though Lianna's child wasn’t Jethro's, the recent tensions had weighed on me heavily. Seeing the family rally around me felt like a small