When Jethro said we were heading home, my heart fluttered. I looked up at him in surprise, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.The thought of being in Jethro's car, after he’d possibly been with other women, filled me with discomfort. But drained from the day, I didn’t have the energy to resist. Silently, I got into his car, feeling at a loss for words."Did you miss me while I was gone?" Jethro asked softly, breaking the silence."You've been in the company of a beautiful woman these past few days. Would you even care if your lover missed you?" I asked back sarcastically, feeling bitter.Had this guy really expected me to yearn for him while he enjoyed the company of another?He asked me if I had missed him in the past few days, but what about him? Had he missed me?"Who told you I was with someone else? Are you jealous, Serena?" Jethro's response came with a teasing smile, as he leaned in.Feeling his breath on me, I instinctively moved away. I maintained a calm expression, yet u
"Jethro's brow furrowed as he asked, "What have you been eating lately if the fridge is so empty?"I caught a glimpse of concern in his eyes. Was I imagining it, or was he genuinely worried about me?"I..."I had eaten instant noodles or nothing at all over the past few days. The thought of Jethro embracing another woman had consumed me, leaving me with little appetite. His image haunted me, even invading my dreams. I was mentally and physically drained, feeling on the verge of collapse."You've lost weight," he said softly.Jethro’s comment caught me off guard. He had noticed such details about me? Had he really noticed the change in my weight?"Let's eat and head to bed early tonight. You look exhausted."Jethro's words tonight stirred emotions in me that I struggled to hide.I handed him his noodles and began eating. His gentleness tonight was unprecedented, leaving me feeling confused and overwhelmed. Jethro simply started eating without making things difficult for me as he
After some time, Jethro lay on me, panting heavily. I could feel his heart racing from the intense session we had just shared."Did that please you?" he asked, propping himself up, a playful glint in his eyes.Jethro’s handsome face was still flushed with lingering passion, and his voice dripped with innuendo.My cheeks blazed with embarrassment, and I quickly turned away. He had a knack for making such explicit comments, always leaving me at a loss for words."No," I replied, unable to admit the truth. The thought of voicing such intimate feelings was too embarrassing."Really? But you were pretty vocal earlier. Were you just pretending?" Jethro teased, his eyebrows raised suggestively.Jethro’s bare upper body exuded a deadly combination of seductiveness and wildness. His teasing deepened my blush, and I found myself too embarrassed to look at him. Who would pretend to moan during such moments?"It's getting late. We should get ready for work," I said, gently pushing him away.
I knew Jethro was messing with me, so I kept silent. He frowned and rolled down the window. "Fine. I'll throw it away.""Don't!" I cried out.Nothing was ever an empty threat with this guy. He would throw something this valuable when he said he would. Jethro stopped and tossed the box back into my lap. "From now on, the only response you can give to any of my gifts is unconditional acceptance," he declared without giving me a look. There was no one in this entire world who could possibly turn gifting into a tyrannical move, but he managed to do that anyway. There was never a moment in his life when he ever had to think about how others might feel, did he?I was really happy, actually. I just felt a little embarrassed to accept it. "Thank you,” I mumbled.When the stop light turned red, Jethro suddenly turned to me and grabbed the jewelry box. He took out the diamond necklace and put it around my neck. The gesture was so intimate, and my heart raced. I felt…blissful. Jethr
Feeling annoyed, I turned off my phone. I did not want to think about this. When it was time for lunch, though, I found myself heading to the cafe just as she told me to. I didn't want to stick my head in the sand like an ostrich, I guess, and I didn't think Anna would let me go if I sat this out. Arriving at the cafe, I spotted her sitting next to the window. In her fashionable clothes and artisan-level makeup, she looked like an elegant little doll sipping her coffee. I had to admit, she was really beautiful.I took a deep breath and walked toward her. I pulled out a chair and sat. "Would you like a coffee, Ms. Serena?" she asked."I don't have time for coffee, Ms. Anna. Please get to the point."Anna reeled for a millisecond before recovering with a smooth smile."Like to take things head-on, do you? Good. Suits me fine,” she said, “I know you and Jethro have a thing going on, but surely you know who I am to him, right? I'm his girlfriend."I already expected her to say t
When I got into the elevator, I bumped into Jethro. I was quite surprised to see him on his way out, but I kept quiet to honor his "no one should know about us" deal. I waited for him to come out so I could go in, but instead he pulled me into the elevator and pressed the close-door button. It was so weird."Aren’t you heading out," I questioned. Instead of answering, he suddenly pulled me close, lowered his head, and kissed me. It came without a warning.My eyes widened in shock and my mind went blank. His kiss was so tender. It almost felt like he was cherishing a woman he genuinely loved. Jethro pinned me to the wall, his lips exploring mine.My heart raced. What would happen if the door opened and someone found us like this?Then, for some reason, my worry made me just a bit more thrilled.He didn't overextend the kiss. He pulled away despite clearly not getting his fill. His gaze seemed more consciously reserved.I was too stunned to say anything.There was a faint
"Why leave when we haven’t even bought anything yet?" Jethro tugged my hand.I glared at him. If I knew he was coming here for some such unholy items, I never would’ve come with him. I couldn't believe he decided to leave the comfort of home at night, after work, just to buy these things."Go on your own!" I'm staying right here!"He let go. "Are you sure you want to be out here?""You bet your money I am!" I declared firmly."Fine. I'll deal with you later tonight after I finish my shopping."Jethro went inside the shop alone. I stood there and gradually felt the urge to leave. He had once again proved what a combination of tyranny and shamelessness looked like. He certainly spent his sweet time in there. When he came out, I saw the cashier looking at him with goo-goo eyes. He got close to me and gave me a smirk. "Wanna see what I got for you?"I caught him sizing me up with that lecherous look and snarled, "No! I don't want to see your loot!"I stopped. Did he say he got so
I opened the door when Jethro's countdown reached one. It was really hard to convince myself to show up in this. I knew he had seen me naked already, but this? This trumped being naked. It was embarrassing!Jethro's eyes shone in surprise, and I could see the lust pooling in them. He lurched toward me, swooped me in his arms, and marched to the bed.That night’s session lasted until midnight.I saw satisfaction brimming in Jethro’s eyes. I was worn out, but for some reason, seeing him pleased made me happy.Jethro lay on his side, his slender finger tracing invisible circles on my breast. "This looks incredible on you. Let's do this again tomorrow. I'll buy you a dozen of 'em. You can rotate through them every night for me."I wished I could slap him. "No, this is the first and the last time you'll ever see me in this!" Jethro was not the least bit mad. That grin never left him. "You don’t have much say in this though, do you? I'll find ways to make you do it. You're my sex pa
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