“Oh, please. It's not like you've ever had sex with him before, right? He looks hard, but that doesn't mean he can get hard," Misha argued. I sighed and decided to let this slide. If I kept talking, she might start to piece out my real relationship with Jethro.After work, I went to the supermarket for some grocery shopping before heading back to Verdantia to prepare dinner. While I was at it, Summer called to know where I'd been over the last two nights. I told her the truth about being at Jethro's place. Summer was shocked. She kept badgering me about our relationship, but I skirted her questions and told her I would explain another day. Jethro came back just as I finished up. He looked pleased. "Wash your hands and come eat," I said.He sat across from me and ate his food as gracefully as he always had, and my mind suddenly recalled what Misha told me. A laugh escaped me. Jethro frowned. "What are you laughing at?""Nothing. Just thought of something funny," I tittered
“But—" I began, only for Jethro to cut me off mid-sentence with a kiss that was wild and domineering, fueled by an undertone of anger.It was understandable. Any man would lose composure over the words I had spoken tonight, and the fact that Jethro had restrained himself until now was already a miracle.He persisted in his kisses, maneuvering me onto the bed. My eyes widened with a mixture of alarm and frustration. A surge of anger rose within me, and I wanted to push him away. Yet, his presence was overpowering, immovable like a boulder.Jethro held my wrists with one hand while his other trailed along my skin. In a low and seductive voice, he whispered in my ear. "It’d be best if you don’t resist tonight. Your defiance will only provoke me further."His words halted my attempt at resistance. I knew he wasn't joking. Seeing my surrender, he smiled smugly.*"Jethro, are you done? I can't take it anymore..." I weakly pressed against his chest, raising my eyes to his with a look o
I had made a conscious effort to push Jethro away over the past few days, striving for some distance in our increasingly complicated relationship. He must’ve noticed my evasion.Avoiding his intense gaze, I nervously said, "There are too many people at the office. If they find out about us, things could get messy. I think it's better if I take the subway.""Suit yourself." Jethro's response was curt, laced with a tinge of frustration. Accustomed to the company of women vying for his attention, my persistent rejections seemed to strike a nerve.After Jethro departed, I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat inexplicably disappointed. I was puzzled about whether he kept other women by his side. Where did those traces of perfume and lipstick come from? I knew it wasn't my place to question him, yet my heart refused to stay silent. The thought of falling for Jethro was terrifying.What was I going to do if I actually fell in love with him?Summer called me before the workday had
I peered at the large sunglasses on his face and was a little confused.The man slid off his glasses, revealing eyes that glimmered with surprise. "We crossed paths at the hospital, remember? I thought I’d be more memorable."I stared at the familiar face now unveiled before me. He was over six feet tall with an athletic build, accentuated by the black sportswear he wore. His flaxen hair, styled impeccably, complemented his clear, bright eyes that sparkled with youth. His features were sharp, bearing a straight nose, smooth skin, and rosy lips.This face was indeed familiar...Right! He was the man I'd accidentally bumped into at the hospital after being thrown out of Sean’s ward."I remember now. I bumped into you at the hospital."Both times we met were under such unflattering circumstances that I felt a bit awkward. I averted my gaze from his."I knew you'd remember me." He smiled smugly."So, where are you off to now?" he asked, his eyes reflecting a mix of interest and amu
Mom’s words sliced through me like a knife, and I looked at her with a mixture of sadness and disbelief. I couldn’t believe she would think so little of me. Was I not her daughter too? Didn’t she know I truly cared for Sean?"Mom, if that’s really what you think of me, then there’s nothing more I can say. I know you don’t want to see me, so I’ll leave." With a heavy heart burdened by her harsh words, I turned and walked toward the door.Despite the pain and the yearning for her forgiveness, I held back from pleading. I sought her heartfelt understanding and forgiveness, not just a reluctant tolerance."Rina…" My mother began to speak again, but I continued on my path.I walked out, leaving behind the ward and its oppressive atmosphere.Reaching the ground floor of the hospital, my restlessness grew. I wondered what it would take to earn my mother's forgiveness. She knew the root of Sean's issues wasn't my doing, so why did she persist in blaming me? Was it truly my responsibility
Engrossed in cooking, the fatigue from my long workday ebbed away as I made dinner for Jethro. Despite the exhaustion, it felt rewarding. Jethro had helped me a lot with my family situation. Regardless of his motives, his assistance was genuine. Stirring the soup, I couldn't help but smile as I stood by the stove.Suddenly, a pair of hands wrapped around my waist, and Jethro's chin rested on my shoulder. The warmth of his breath tickled my neck."What are you doing, Jethro? I'm in the middle of cooking.”He held me quietly, making no further advances. This was the first time he had embraced me without underlying desire, and this stirred an odd emotion within me."Come to think of it, we've been together for quite some time but have never done it in the kitchen. How about we give it a shot tonight?" Jethro teased.His suggestion, both bold and impish, left me momentarily speechless. Had he ever thought of anything beyond these playful pursuits?I didn't know how to respond, vividl
The anger in Jethro’s eyes grew, and I knew he was on the edge of fury."Whether you're promiscuous or not is something only you know. It's none of my business," I said, averting my gaze and my voice tinged with unease.After speaking, I closed my eyes and laid down to sleep. I didn't want to discuss this issue any further. But even with my eyes closed, I could feel Jethro's stare. I lay still, hoping silently he'd soon succumb to sleep. Time passed slowly until Jethro finally turned away, his breaths deepening into slumber.Perhaps he refrained from touching me because of what I had said earlier, choosing instead to sleep facing away from me. Although it hurt, it was better this way. It was preferable over being tormented by him again.Over the next few days, Jethro was distant. Two days passed since he last came to Verdantia. I wondered if he was with another woman. On the third day of Jethro's absence, restlessness gnawed at me. I feared that he was with someone else. I longed t
I smiled scornfully as I looked at my mom with disappointment. It turned out my family's kindness wasn't genuine after all. At the root of it, their actions were still all about Sean—about securing funds for his medical expenses."Mom, I'm really starting to wonder if I'm your biological daughter. Why are you so cruel to me? What have I ever done wrong?!" I roared as my body shook.I had held these words in my heart for so long that I couldn't hold them back anymore. I truly wanted to know why I was so different from Sean in my mother's heart.Without waiting for a response, I turned and fled the room, unable to bear any more harsh words."Rina! What are you talking about?!" My mom's voice trailed after me, but I didn't look back, hurrying away with a heavy heart.I found refuge on a bench in the hospital garden, and my tears streamed down uncontrollably. I now understood that my mom would do anything for Sean. Why couldn't she spare just a little of that love for me?I collapsed
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