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
My heart raced again. I could not stop staring at Jethro’s face. He made me feel safe. Director Fox balked. "Umm, what would you like us to do, sir? See, this woman is the deputy director's cousin. I don't think we should give her an overt punishment…""That’s none of my concern. It's your job to decide, so decide on something that's fair. As for me, I’m biased toward my own people, especially when said person is innocent," Jethro replied placidly, though the edge of warning in his tone was clear."I see... Rest assured I'll resolve this as fairly as possible." Director Fox relented. Jethro's aggressive attitude was not making things easy for him. Jethro turned away from him and approached me. He glared at the handcuffs. "How long till you people are ready to remove these handcuffs?!" Director Fox quickly yelled to his men.The cops immediately released us. Man, those things were really searing my wrists. Without saying a word to Jethro, I quickly helped Summer up. "It sho
“Summer, please… Forgive me this one time. We can be together again." As she sneered, Summer turned away. She wouldn't even look at him. "Shifting every goddamn blame onto a woman so you don't have to shoulder anything, huh? You just keep reaching for rock bottom.”Claude's character was on full display, and Summer was rightfully disappointed. I knew she was never going to give him another chance. He desperately cried, "But Summer, I—""Shut the fuck up! You're the most disgusting man I've ever had the displeasure of knowing! You slapped me, remember? I'm not gonna let that sort of thing happen to me ever again!" Jethro, impatient with this draggy back-and-forth, frowned.Director Fox immediately caught this and yelled, "What the hell are you waiting for? Get them out of here!"The interrogation room quietened down."I trust that you'll resolve this justly, Director Fox. Now, please excuse us,” Jethro said."You have my word, sir. I'll be fair and just."Satisfied, Jethro
His comment reminded me of the slaps. I hadn't had a chance to look in a mirror, but I could tell I looked terrible. My cheeks were still burning. I suddenly felt like hiding my face from Jethro.I covered my face with my hands and felt my urge to flee become stronger. Jethro took a cream out of the kit. "Your audacity surprises me, Serena Hart. Getting yourself detained at a police station? Really?"I dodged his hand."Don't move," he ordered.There was something in his attitude and tone that made people instinctively obey him. I immediately sat still, even though I had no idea why. Our partnership was over. I had no obligation to keep obeying his orders.Jethro applied the cream to my cheeks with cotton swabs, and the medicine’s coolness relieved much of the burning sensation. He did it very gently too, as if he was worried he might accidentally hurt me. My heart quivered at his touch. "I-I can do it myself," I muttered.We were getting too intimate and we were now little m
Just when I was about to try sneaking out of there, the bedroom door opened. I turned to it in panic.Jethro appeared in the doorway in his sleeping robe and a mop of bed hair. He looked groggy. Upon seeing me, shock flitted through his eyes, but he quickly recovered and crossed to the kitchen as if he hadn’t seen me at all.He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and asked, "What are you trying to do? Cosplaying a ghost?"What? Me? A ghost? Did he even know what he was saying?"Have you ever seen a ghost as pretty as me?" I retorted."Pretty? Really?" He snorted.My mood soured. What was his problem? Had he forced me to stay here just so he could hurl abuse at me? I wanted to argue with him, but then I remembered the state of my face. Okay, so maybe he was right, but would it kill him to have the civility not to mock me for what I went through?"Mr. Jethro, you should go back to sleep instead of wasting your time here. Good night," I said and laid back down on the couch.
Jethro’s hands began to move. Kissing was clearly no longer enough. My breathing quickened. I snaked my arms around his neck as I enjoyed his kiss. I didn't know I’d respond to him this much. It had only been a few days since we stopped seeing each other, and yet deep down inside, I could feel my desire for his touch. Had I really fallen in love with him? But how?This man had helped me, but for the most part, he treated me like shit. I couldn't possibly have fallen in love with him unless I were a masochist. Moreover, I was already with Ignatz now. I should be loyal to him on all counts—including this.At that thought, I pushed Jethro away before hastily tidying my clothes. He wasn’t expecting this, and his rage came after his initial shock. Any man would hate being rejected in their advances when their desires were running high, and Jethro was worse because his sex drive was so strong."Serena…" he growled."We can't do these things anymore. I just can't." I hung my head to
Jethro’s current state verged on fury, and I couldn't help but fear his fist might find its way to me in the next moment.I thought this man possessed a gentleman's grace. Despite his volatile temper and icy exterior, I believed he wouldn’t resort to violence against a woman, or so I believed. My illusions shattered today at the police station when I witnessed him hit a woman with my own eyes. His words, "There's no such rule about not hitting women in my books," echoed in my mind, stirring up a genuine fear within me.The intensity of his anger was more than I'd ever imagined. To say I wasn't frightened would be a lie.I looked at Jethro with terror, too petrified to speak. My only response was a silent, numb shake of my head.Although my relationship with Ignatz was official, the idea of rushing into physical intimacy with him, particularly sex, hadn't even ventured into my thoughts.Observing my reaction, the rage in Jethro's eyes subsided a little. Yet, the intimidating atmosp
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