Despite taking Jethro’s call, my reception toward him was still very poor. I now saw him as my greatest enemy."Serena, is there a need for such a cold reception?" Jethro's deep voice was laced with irritation."Mr. Jethro, it's after work hours. If there’s nothing urgent, please refrain from calling me. I value my private time," I responded coldly, poised to end the call without giving in to his anger.At this moment, I wanted nothing to do with Jethro. I vividly remembered the things he had done against me at the office recently, and I was not one to just forgive and forget."I’m aware of your family situation," Jethro interjected calmly just as I was about to hang up.At his words, my finger hovered over the end call button. Instead, I brought the phone back to my ear and asked angrily, "Jethro, are you digging into my family issues? We're nothing to each other now. What gives you the right to do this?"I didn't want Jethro poking around in my family affairs. We were little mo
Though I thought I hid it well, Summer would always notice whenever I was in a bad mood."Is it because of your family issues, right? By the looks of it, you've gone soft again, haven't you?" she asked.Although I never revealed what was troubling me, perceptive Summer guessed it right away. It was true that only my family’s issues could rattle me this much.Since Summer had figured it out, I decided not to hide it anymore and shared what was on my mind."I know the best solution is to ignore the situation, but they’re my family. I can't be heartless toward them. If anything serious were to happen to my brother, it would devastate my parents."I sighed with a look of helplessness. I despised myself for not being tough enough. If I had been firmer before, maybe Sean wouldn’t be in the state he was in now."Your parents have always seen you as the responsible one, so they leave every problem to you to solve. I don't understand what goes through their minds. Why is there such a diff
"Don't stress yourself over this. It’s unlikely they’ll go to such lengths. Intentionally inflicting such harm is a criminal offense," Ignatz said as he saw the concern etched on my face. He then held my hand, a gesture that brought me comfort."Really? They wouldn't?"With Ignatz’s expertise in law, his assurance carried weight. It lifted some of the heaviness from my heart, yet a shadow of unease lingered. We were talking about a significant debt, and there was no telling how ruthless these creditors were."Stop worrying, Rina. Look at yourself. You're frowning so much. You’ll start looking like an old woman before your time." He squeezed my hand a little tighter, his eyes looking into mine with unwavering support."Thank you," I said softly.Warmth flooded me at his comforting words, and I gave him a weak smile. I was deeply thankful for Ignatz. Although he could not fully come to terms with my family's issues, he hadn’t walked away from me because of them. That proved his broa
This sum was insignificant for Jethro, but my heart fluttered at seeing those numbers. I’d be lying if I claimed the money didn't tempt me. I desperately needed it but my pride forbade me from accepting further financial help from Jethro. It was abundantly clear that I should no longer depend on his generosity."I can't take your money. I'll resolve my family issues on my own. No need for you to worry," I said icily, swiftly exiting his office and cutting off any chance for Jethro to respond.Why was Jethro still willing to offer me money? Was it out of old affection or were there other reasons?My thoughts swirled. I tried to shake off his words but to no avail.The day dragged on, but my concentration was fractured. I hadn't secured any funds, nor did I know the current situation at home. Was Ignatz correct in assuming the creditors were merely intimidating my family? Surely they wouldn't follow through with their threats.I spent a day fraught with anxiety. When it was finally
"Do you really think they would go as far as to break Sean’s legs? You know my parents. They put Sean’s well-being above their own lives. If anything happens to him, they'll lose their heads.""I think it'll be fine," Summer reassured me, "Even if your family doesn't have the money, what can the debt collectors do? They won’t commit murder, so try not to worry so much. Your parents aren't helpless. If those collectors did anything, your parents will just call the police." She patted my shoulder in her attempt to comfort me.Summer’s reasoning seemed sound, and it quelled some of my fears."It's getting late. Go to bed. I’m gonna wait for my mom to call back. She said those people were coming to get the money within the hour. I'm worried something might actually happen.""No way. I can’t sleep knowing you’re this upset. I’ll stay with you and wait," Summer declared, draping her arm around my shoulders. She chose to keep me company rather than retiring for the night.And so, we both
My heart pounded wildly and my legs felt as heavy as lead. The sight of my mother weeping so deeply filled me with dread. I feared Sean's injuries were dire. With each step into the room, my apprehension grew.Seeing Sean in bed, his body marked with blood and his legs encased in thick plaster casts, a wave of sharp pain washed over me. Despite my grievances against my younger brother, he was still my flesh and blood. Witnessing him in such a state was heart-wrenching.I rushed to Sean’s bedside. Not only were his legs injured, but his face was also marred with bruises. Though unharmed physically, my parents looked utterly disheveled. The extent of Sean's injuries was shocking. Did those people not fear the consequences of their actions?"Mom..." I began, but the words choked in my throat as tears streamed down my face. I looked at her, feeling a profound sense of guilt.Even though Sean’s troubles were his own doing, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for not being able to
"Mom, I'm really sorry. I know you're upset right now, and my friend has angered you," I said softly as I lowered my head. Despite the sting from her slap, I understood that her worry for Sean was driving her actions."Just get out of my sight. I can't bear to look at you!" Mom's tone had softened slightly, but she remained firm in her demand for me to leave."Sean needs care, Mom. Please let me stay."It was painful being repeatedly asked to leave by my own mother."Get out. And remember, you're responsible for your brother's medical bills.”My pleas went ignored as she pushed me out of the ward and slammed the door shut, locking it firmly.Standing outside, tears welled up in my eyes. I knew Mom was angry, but I never imagined she'd have the heart to cast me out like this."Rina, let's just go home for now," Summer suggested, gently taking my hand."I want to stay and look after Sean. But how can I if my own mom drives me away?"The idea of leaving while my family was in tur
Hearing I hadn't secured the funds, my mother's frustration boiled over. "Why are you here if you don’t have the money?" she snapped, shoving me aside with a steely glare."I came because I was worried about you and Sean. I wanted to be by his side." I said in a whisper, my tone conveying my sorrow. Being pushed away by my mother intensified my sense of loss."You'd find the money for Sean's surgery if you truly cared. If he doesn’t get the surgery soon, his legs will be ruined. Sean’s your brother. How can you stand to see him suffer like this?" My mother’s belief that I was intentionally withholding funds was evident in her words."Mom, please don't make this hard on me. If I had the money, why wouldn't I give it to you?" I let out a helpless sigh and stared earnestly into my mother's blazing eyes."If you still consider yourself my daughter, find the money for Sean’s surgery. If he becomes disabled because of this, I’ll never forgive you," my mother declared.Her ultimatum was
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