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 panicked. Even the way Misha was looking at me had changed. She was the only one in the entire office who wasn't out to get me, so if she was looking at me that way…"I-I'm g-going to buy lunch now!" I stammered and fled. The whole process was marked by suspicion and panic. Was this another of Jethro’s power moves? Making himself seem close to me at work, right in front of everyone—what the hell was his ulterior motive? He could’ve just texted me if he needed someone to buy him lunch.I tried to look as calm as I could when I dropped his food on his desk and turned to leave. "Have you eaten?" Jethro asked. I froze. "No, but I’m about to."I hope he wasn't planning to make my life harder by dumping new tasks on me during my lunch break."Good. We can have lunch together then. I don't think I can finish this alone, so I'd appreciate an extra mouth," he said flatly.What the hell?!"Umm, how about no? You're the CEO of this company and what you're suggesting is waaaay too in
People get cranky when they’re sick, and I was no different. Jethro touched my forehead and noted I was running a fever. He frowned. "You were just fine in the day.” "And it's impossible for someone to be sick at night despite how well she was in the day because…?" I grumbled.I didn't want to tell him about being dumped with water because I knew Jethro was going to launch an investigation into it immediately. When that happened, my coworkers would definitely think that Jethro would do anything for me."You weakling. Catching a cold from nothing? Terrible. You should get more exercise."I rolled my eyes. "As if I can get any while working behind a desk for most of my days.""So exercise at night," he said, suddenly smirking. "Sex is one of the best cardio workouts.”I was enraged. I was sick, and all this asshole thought about was sex?!"Go and do your cardio on your own, Jethro. I won’t be joining you tonight!""The workout takes two though," he protested while taking a sea
They must be the ones behind this! I marched toward them with a glare. Yesterday's harassment had already tried my patience, but dragging my work into this petty shit? I spent days designing that proposal! "Fess up. Who has it?" I demanded."What’re you talking about? No one took anything of yours. Do you always blame other people for your own problems?" one of the women retorted."Don't play coy with me. I know one of you did it. You’d better give my damn proposal back right now! It's important and urgent!" I raised my voice at the sight of their smug satisfaction."And I told you we didn't do jackshit, girl! Chill out!" "She's just trying to frame us for not finishing the work she was supposed to do for Mr. Jethro. What a bitch!"They were all in it together, weren't they?"So you people know Mr. Jethro wants it. Do you know how pissed he'd be if he found out you guys stole my proposal?" I said, waving Jethro as a threat.They might admire Jethro, but that didn't mean the
"Serena Hart, I am your superior, and you will show me respect!" Timothy shouted."I'm only speaking the truth!" I snapped back and met his glare with my own.I was so pissed. Fuck if I cared about the consequences of disrespecting my superior."If you know what's best for you, don't say anything that will cost you your job further, Serena!”I was about to sling another retort when Jethro's voice suddenly rang out, "Is this your way of begging for a mass firing? This company wasn't founded so that I can listen to reality TV shows live."Everyone lowered their heads as Jethro scanned us coldly. Any ounce of arrogance we had earlier was gone. Even Timothy suddenly turned submissive.I looked at Jethro, eyes red from bitter frustration. I didn't cry, though."What happened?" Jethro asked me.I told him everything.He then shot daggers at the women. "You swear none of you took her proposal?"They visibly quivered. One of them took a deep breath and answered, "Y-Yeah. Serena's mak
By the time I stepped inside Jethro’s office, Lucina already had her hand on his shoulder. The distance between them was way too close for my liking. I couldn't believe Jethro was letting her do this. He rejected her the last time, so why wasn't he doing it now? Couldn't resist her anymore? "This is the design proposal for Baker-Mae,” I announced and placed the document on the desk.Jethro passed the proposal to Lucina and pushed her hand away from his shoulder. "Look over it, Ms. Lucina. If there's anything else you need added in, please let us know.”"I don't think I need to look over it at all, Mr. Jethro. I'm that confident in Titan Ads," Lucina replied, leaning in close to him.I was seething but I couldn't do anything. I was just a normal employee with "no relation or relationship" to Jethro. The man himself seemed unfazed. Maybe he had gotten used to this sort of treatment."Good. Then I suppose you may leave now. I have much to attend to for the day. Thank you for your
"Hello?""Hey there, beautiful. Are you free this evening? How about dinner with me?" Mason's voice—always playful and carefree—came from the other end of the line."I…"As I hesitated, my gaze shifted toward Jethro's office. He had plans tonight with another woman, and I was about to answer Mason when he interjected."You've turned me down countless times already, Ms. Serena. Are you planning to reject me again today? You should know that I’ve never been refused by a woman before. Don't you think I deserve a chance?"Mason sounded a bit aggrieved. His support during my hospital stay made it hard to continually reject him despite his frivolous nature."Okay, let's do dinner. I'll call you after I get home to change after work," I relented, deciding to give Mason a chance. His flirty manner aside, he seemed genuine."Fantastic! I'll be waiting for your call!" Mason replied, his voice brimming with excitement.After hanging up, I glanced once more toward Jethro's office. Initiall
Mason gazed at me, his face etched with concern.My mind was in turmoil, consumed by thoughts of Jethro, making me oblivious to Mason’s words. With a heavy head, I wondered how I could possibly have bumped into Jethro here."Rina?" Mason called out again, noticing my distraction. His expression was marked by worry."Sorry, what were you saying?" I responded, a little disoriented."You look troubled. Is everything okay?" Mason's expression paused as he looked at me, his eyes filled with confusion."I-I’m fine, I just need the restroom." I glanced at Jethro and saw he was also staring at me. Panicking, I stood up and fled to the restroom. Inside, after washing my hands, I looked at my flustered reflection in the mirror."Serena Hart, what are you afraid of? He’s dining with another woman. You’re just having a meal with a friend. Why are you so afraid?" I chided my reflection, frustrated that Jethro’s actions had unsettled me this much.After washing up, I stepped out, only to be
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