“So, you're set on breaking up with a stunning woman like Giselle? If you're having second thoughts, maybe you should consider forgiving her.”Old wisdom always told us to make peace, not war. Though I myself would never stand for betrayal, openly agreeing with Jethro's decision might raise his suspicions. Nudging him toward reconciliation was a safer move."Do you think I, Jethro Willow, would forgive a woman who cheated on me?" His handsome face darkened, and anger flashed through his eyes.I let out an uneasy chuckle, uncertain of my next move. Hey, you were the one who broke up with your woman, and what could I possibly say about that? I just happened to overhear you guys. Was it necessary for you to make things so difficult for me?"Our relationship isn't what you think. It was a relationship of mutual benefit. She was after fame and fortune, and I was just satisfying my physical needs," Jethro said, casting me a sidelong glance. His tone was so flat that it was tough to read
I glared at Jethro as my heart hammered with frustration. What was this man thinking? It was not like I eavesdropped on purpose. Was it necessary for him to intimidate me like this?"I want you."I shot him an angry look, but he didn’t reciprocate my feelings. Instead, his cold face wore a warm, affectionate smile. As if he wasn't attractive enough, his smile transformed him into an utterly captivating sight. I was not one to swoon over a pretty face, but damn was he stunning. His aura of elegance was downright magnetic.I was completely spellbound until his hand brushed against my chest. The touch jolted me, and I shot him a furious glare. "You're insane! Let go or I'll scream!"I was livid. His actions had crossed a line. I was a reserved woman by nature, and his audacity outraged me."Playing coy as we? Is this some kind of game to you, Serena? Do you find this amusing?" Annoyance flashed through Jethro's eyes, subduing his earlier warmth.Men like him were probably used to ha
The seriousness in Jethro's eyes was unmistakable, but the more eager he appeared, the more my instincts screamed for me to run away. The reason I got hammered that day was to get back at that scumbag Liam. Once sober, I regretted everything, so why would I want to go another round with this man?"Can we talk about this? I’m willing to do anything but that," I said as I laughed nervously. I backed away, attempting to put space between us. My instincts told me this man would devour me."Do you really think you have a choice in the matter, Serena? No woman can deny my desires," he proclaimed as he advanced toward me, his voice tinged with arrogance.Though I was irked by his smugness, there was no denying his good looks and wealth. Still, what gave this narcissistic man a pass to assume every woman would be thrilled to sleep with him? I retreated further, debating whether to just turn and run and what were my odds of escaping."You told me I was good in bed and well-endowed. How abou
"Feeling shy now, Serena? You were quite the opposite that night. Honestly, I liked that version of you better," Jethro whispered seductively. He grinned mischievously, and his breath warmed my ear.Hearing those words, I wanted to slap him. But before I could even start to berate him, he silenced me with another kiss. As time passed, my energy was slowly drained. Jethro was unrelenting in his advances on my body. Finally, with a low growl, he found his release. He lay atop me heavily, trying to catch his breath. I could feel his heart racing from the ordeal.After a few minutes, Jethro casually put his clothes back on while I was too exhausted to move. He glanced at my exposed skin, frowned, and covered me with his suit jacket."Where do you live? I'll drive you home," he said, breaking the silence. His tone was flat, detached."I need to go to the pharmacy first," I said in a tone that matched his indifference.Though what Jethro did had distressed me, I couldn't show it. Feelin
“Excuse me.”Having had enough of Jethro, I pushed open the door and exited the car. He didn’t say anything—he just frowned. As soon as I closed the door, he drove off and left me in the middle of nowhere.Yeah, that pissed me off a little. It was like being gentlemanly would kill him. Not that this was a problem to me. We were strangers from today onward, right? I took a cab back to Summer’s place. Along the way, I realized I was still wearing Jethro’s coat. I would rather return it to him, but we hadn’t exchanged numbers. Besides, he was the Mr. Bigshot CEO, right? He wouldn’t notice that one of his many coats was missing. I could return it to him some other time. Summer got home at the same time as me. She noticed my messy clothes and the man’s coat and put the two together. “Tell me the truth, Rina,” she said, her eyes settling on the hickeys on my neck. “What happened, and was it with him?”Summer was my best friend in the entire world, but being asked about something lik
Summer wrapped me in a tight hug. She was even more elated than I was. Starting tomorrow, I was going to be a Titan Ads employee. This was a cause for celebration, and Summer was going to enjoy it for free. She deserved it after putting up with me for the last few days.“Tonight, dinner is on me. We’re gonna have a feast!”“I’ll choose the venue!” Summer proclaimed. “Invite your boyfriend too. I haven’t met him yet. Now’s the perfect time to do that,” I suggested. Summer agreed and called him. She then made reservations at a fancy restaurant and the two of us went there by cab. Her boyfriend arrived half an hour later. Naturally, I studied him. Lanky and bespectacled. A bit on the…wimpy side, if I was being honest. Summer rushed up to him and clung to his arm. Someone had switched to girlfriend mode.“Claudeybear! You’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you!” I couldn’t stop smiling. I wonder if this guy knew what Summer was like at home. “I got stuck in traffic, s
Claude looked relieved after hanging up, but his smile instantly froze when he saw me. “S-Serena! Wh-What are you doing here?” His eyes dodged my gaze, telling me everything I needed to know!“I heard everything, buddy,” I said. I got straight to the chase. I wasn’t going to mince my words for a piece of shit. He started panicking again. “Serena, I can expla—”“Hush. You don’t want others overhearing our conversation, do you?” I pointed to the window at the far end of the corridor. “Let’s talk over there.”Claude fell silent, but he followed me nonetheless. I glared at him. “You were calling another woman, weren’t you? And she’s your lover, isn’t she?” I demanded.“...Yes,” he admitted. He knew I knew, so he made the smarter choice. “Please don’t tell Summer about this,” he added pleadingly. “Tell me, who do you actually love? The woman on the phone or my best friend? ‘Cause I’d like you to kindly get the hell away from Summer if you’re not interested in her,” I snarled.C
“Yeah, let me drive you home, Claude. I’m really worried about you,” Summer repeated, pulling his arms into hers and cooing. After what I had said, Claude couldn’t wriggle out of this one. If he rejected her offer again, even she would start suspecting him. He accepted her offer of a ride.After watching them leave and settling the bill, I went back to Summer’s home. I had to prepare myself so that I wouldn’t fumble on my first day on the job. I eyed the clock and noted it was 9. It was likely that Summer would be home late. I was about to retire when the front door opened. Summer was back so soon?I frowned. “You’re back early. Why didn’t you stay with him and enjoy your peaceful time together a little longer?” I teased. “He said he was tired. He shooed me home before I even entered his house. Rina, did I do something wrong? He was pretty cold to me today,” she said sadly.My fury returned in full force. Another excuse to hide his sins? And now Summer thought she had done som
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