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
Though I was exhausted and had little energy for small talk, I knew I had to find the strength to ask for Jethro's help. It was crucial for securing my brother's surgery funds.Jethro gently nudged me aside and keyed in the code on the lock. When had he switched to a combination lock?Once inside, he seated me on the sofa. He then sat opposite me and crossed his long legs, exuding nobility and grace."What's up? You're not asleep in the middle of the night, so what do you need from me?" he asked, his voice detached.Jethro was sharp, surely guessing I hadn’t come here without a good reason. I'd been avoiding him lately, and he was well aware of that. His probing gaze swept over me, causing me to bite my lip and grapple with my conscience. This wasn't the first time I’d been with Jethro, but this time it was different. This time was purely about money. I had despised myself for a long time after our first encounter, vowing never to be in this situation again. Yet, here I was, driven
Jethro had always been a man of passion. With me unclothed and astride him, his desires were easily aroused. I let my physical yearnings take over. Today, my goal was clear: to seduce Jethro. Any hesitation or denial on my part like those in the past wouldn't achieve the fulfillment he sought.Pleased with my proactive approach today, Jethro released my lips and traced a path down my neck with his fingers. He paused where my body curved in and said, "Go on."At my momentary pause, Jethro cast a look of mild discontent my way. Gently, he guided my hand to his manhood. The mix of kisses and caresses incited his desire."Serena, you're the seducer today. Be sure to give it your all."Jethro's energy was undeniable, and it took a significant amount of time before he reached satisfaction. When we were done, I found myself completely exhausted and yearned to go back to sleep.Laying beside me, Jethro smiled contently. "You did well today. Maybe we can try some new positions next.”Hear
I bit my lips in hesitation. I knew I could only say yes to Jethro's proposal, but still…"You don't have the luxury of time you seem to think you have," he urged impatiently. "Can I ask you a question?"He straightened up and looked down at me apathetically. "What?""Why me? I mean, you must have a whole nation of women who would happily be in this arrangement with you, right? Why me?" Mind you, those women were all gorgeous queens in their own right. And yet, Jethro never seemed to notice them, let alone say a word to them when they flirted at him. He loved projecting this aura of aloof coldness yet insisted on tying me down with this partnership. Little old me! I couldn’t even measure up to half of the women who tried to hit on him.Jethro smiled devilishly. "Would you believe me if I say it's because you have perky, squeezable breasts and a space that’s just the right mixture of tension and receptivity?" At these words, I was filled with the desire to smack him with a pil
Jethro did not seem interested in chatting with me and simply continued eating. After his meal, he put on his shoes and left without even a glance at me. Honestly, it hurt. Why wouldn't it? He was so gentle when we were in bed. But once that was over, he flipped a switch and turned back to the stone-cold man who was perpetually disinterested. I lost my appetite. I cleaned up the table and left for the hospital. The fact that Jethro left meant I had little reason to stay. Besides, I needed to see my brother.Sean was awake when I got there, and Mom was feeding him chicken soup. He looked really frail. Everyone in the room stopped and glared at me coldly. No one spoke. I tried not to be hurt. Sean had gotten into a terrible situation and it was no wonder they were still processing their anger.I approached Mom and said, "Here, let me do it. You must be tired from taking care of Sean the whole night."Mom suddenly shoved me to the floor. I raised my head, heart aching. Before I c
Sean might be frail, but his hostility was as strong as ever. "Fuck off! I don't wanna see you!"I didn't expect Sean himself to be so hostile. I was stunned, and then, I was hurt. My whole family was against me. I tried to mask my pain with a smile, telling myself that sick people had the worst tempers. Sean and I might not see things eye-to-eye, but I wasn’t the type to hold a grudge against someone in his condition."I know you're not in your best mood, but I'll take good care of you, okay?""I said fuck off! Didn’t you hear what I said?! Why even bother caring for me when you're the reason my legs are gone?!"I froze. What else could I possibly say to make them stop hating me so much?"It's not what you think, Sean. There's no universe where I'd leave you to your demise if I had the money. I really wasn't capable at that time. I had no money when you asked. Do you really think it doesn't pain me to see you like this?" My eyes watered as I looked at his legs. "Save your a
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