Like the day before, Mom dropped off breakfast and left as soon as I was finished. Shortly after, Mason surprised me by arriving with a lavish breakfast, leaving me somewhat bewildered."Didn't expect to see me, did you? And I brought some delicious food!" Mason placed an array of dishes before me, beaming widely."Why are you here? Don’t you have work?" I asked, perplexed yet moved by his gesture."Work? Do I look like the type who needs to work?" Mason replied nonchalantly.I frowned at his response. Mason's affluent background suggested he was one of those wealthy scions with no need for employment, and I wasn't fond of idle rich young men."I already had breakfast. There was no need to get me food," I told him.The meal he brought looked tempting, but I had already eaten."What your mom brought you isn't adequate as a patient’s diet. You need more nutrients, especially when you’re not eating much. Try a bit of this," he urged.Despite my insistence that I had eaten, Mason's
After my final IV treatment, I was all set to leave the hospital. However, Mason lingered in my room, showing no inclination to leave."Um, I'm about to be discharged. Maybe you should head out now."While I appreciated Mason's company, it made me somewhat uneasy to have a man care for me like this as it implied a closeness between us."Let me drive you home. You've just recovered and shouldn’t be straining yourself," Mason offered calmly."No, it's not necessary. I can take the subway. It's convenient, and you've already done so much," I swiftly declined.I was staying at Jethro's place and couldn’t risk Mason finding out. Jethro’s reputation in Arrowdale was widespread, and any revelation could cause trouble.Mason’s face clouded with confusion and disappointment. "You’re refusing me again. Are you that afraid of me knowing where you live?""It’s not like that. I just think it’s too much trouble for you. I appreciate your care over these past few days, but I feel like we shoul
The woman accompanying Jethro browsed through the clothes near me. Close up, her stunning beauty was undeniable. Tall and fair, with finely chiseled features, she radiated elegance with every gesture."Rina, I'm all set. Let's go," Summer called out as she emerged from the fitting room.At the mention of my name, a jolt of anxiety hit me. Jethro had surely realized I was here.Jethro approached, his towering presence casting a shadow over me. His eyes, filled with a mix of surprise and something indecipherable, rested on me.Frozen in place, I debated acknowledging him. He had insisted we behave like strangers in public. Standing face-to-face with him, the silence that hung between us grew awkward and heavy."Jethro, what do you think of this dress? Does it suit me?" The woman beside him posed with a dress, seeking his opinion.His response was absent. Instead, his attention remained fixed on me, unyielding.The woman's expression turned to one of puzzlement. She moved closer, e
I returned to Verdantia. Unable to shake off the image of Jethro and that woman, I lingered in the living room well into the night, but Jethro didn’t come back.Was he spending the night with that woman?I was in turmoil, even more so than when I had discovered Liam betraying me with Julia. It was clear to me now that I had fallen for Jethro.The next morning, I confronted my tired reflection. A bitter smile crept across my face, filled with self-scorn."Serena Hart, don't flatter yourself. In Jethro's heart, you're nothing but a mere secret fling. What right do you have to feel upset?" I said to my reflection, my voice laced with self-reproach.I hated feeling like I was unable to control my emotions. I knew that loving Jethro would only lead to my own hurt. Why couldn't I just rein in my heart?Skipping breakfast, I arrived at the office. Jethro's office door was still closed, unusual for this hour. Was he still in her embrace?I sat at my desk, unable to focus on work. My gaz
"Are you going to deny it?" Jethro's gaze bore into Lily with a sharpness that left no room for evasion.Under his intense scrutiny, Lily’s trembling intensified. Everyone stared at her, their suspicion mounting."Mr. Jethro, I swear it wasn’t me. I'm innocent. Please investigate this thoroughly," Lily implored, her eyes brimming with tears, pleading her innocence."Not going to give up until the last moment, huh?" Jethro then signaled to his secretary, who plugged in a USB into the laptop connected to the projector.The room's attention shifted to the screen, which showed clear footage of Lily outside the restroom, locking me inside after I entered. The surveillance footage left no room for her denial.Lily’s defense crumbled upon seeing the evidence. "Mr. Jethro, I—""There's more," he interjected sharply.The footage continued, revealing Lily setting the air conditioning to freezing levels. She had not only trapped me, but she was also responsible for the drop in temperature
The woman spent a long time in Jethro's office. When she emerged, she was beaming. As she passed my desk, she paused and eyed me curiously. "Do I know you from somewhere?"Her question caught me off guard. "I'm not sure. I don't think so," I replied, feigning indifference despite my discomfort.Her memory of our brief encounter at the mall was remarkable. I remembered her only because of her link to Jethro, which left a deep impression."Oh, I remember now. We met at the mall yesterday. So, you work in Jethro's company, huh?" Realization dawned on her face as she spoke with implied meaning. Though she was smiling, I sensed from her the same hostility from yesterday."We did? I don’t recall," I replied, forcing a laugh and pretending to be unconcerned.As she was about to continue, Jethro emerged from his office and noticed us talking.“What's going on, Anna?" he inquired casually as he approached me and the woman named Anna Sartre."Nothing. I was just leaving and happened to
“So what if she’s my girlfriend? How does that concern you?" Jethro's voice was sharp, his gaze icy as he scrutinized me.His attitude had been exceptionally cold since yesterday, making me believe it was because he had a girlfriend. The pain of this realization was sharp, but I knew I couldn't stay in this situation."If she's your girlfriend, we need to end our arrangement. You have someone else to fulfill your needs now. I suppose you don’t need me anymore." I kept my voice steady.Even if Jethro had a girlfriend and no longer needed me, couldn’t he at least be upfront about it? Why treat me with such coldness? What had I done to deserve this?Jethro's expression hardened further. He stood up, towering over me. "Is this why you're here? To question me about this?"His deep gaze was turbulent, and I felt an immense pressure. I wanted to look away, but I forced myself to meet his eyes. I hadn’t done anything wrong, so what did I have to feel guilty about?"Yes, that's why I’m he
Jethro glanced at the pasta on my plate, his tone subdued."I forgot to prepare your dinner, but it’s still early enough for you to eat out." I kept my eyes on my food."You’re doing this on purpose, Serena!" Jethro saw right through my act. His expression hardened, and his voice was laced with a hint of anger."You're overthinking it," I countered, imitating Jethro’s tone when he told Anna he didn’t know me."Don't test my patience, Serena. It has limits," he warned, his deep eyes harboring a sinister light, as if ready to devour me.Jethro’s anger was frightening, more intense than I had anticipated. I had always danced on the edge of his patience but never dared to push too far."Here, have mine. I'm going to bed," I offered, suppressing my anger. Confronting him further was a risk I wasn't willing to take.To my surprise, Jethro's anger faded as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a disarming smile. His smile was as enchanting as ever, but I was in no mood to appreciate
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