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
Frozen in place, it took several moments for me to regain my composure before heading back to my table. Upon returning, I couldn’t help but notice Jethro seated opposite the alluring woman, who seemed to be trying her best to captivate him. This irked me, stirring an impulse to get rid of her."Why were you gone so long, Rina? Are you feeling unwell?" Mason's voice carried a hint of worry and confusion over my delayed return."The restroom was a little crowded," I responded, quickly diverting my eyes to mask the real reason for my absence."The dishes are here, so let’s eat," the oblivious Mason said as he gently placed a piece of salmon on my plate.Mason’s gaze on me was gentle. Was he looking at me like I was more than a friend? I assumed I was imagining things.With a slight shake of my head, I told myself not to overthink it and started eating. Despite my efforts, my gaze involuntarily drifted toward Jethro. Our eyes met, and his face was stern and cold.Feeling unsettled, I
"You pervert! Let me go!" I fought back with all my might, the urge to slap him rising.Yet, I dared not."Listen to me, Serena Hart. You are my woman—Jethro Willow’s woman. I won't tolerate you getting too close to other men, do you understand?" Jethro's voice came out as a harsh growl, his stern gaze piercing through me.My heart quivered. For a moment, a thought flashed through my mind. Was it possible that Jethro was acting out of jealousy? Was he angry because I had dinner with Mason? The idea excited me, and I hoped it was true.I ceased my struggles, meeting his gaze intently. After a long pause, I stated firmly, "I understand, but he's really just a friend. I’d never sleep with another man before ending things with you."In my eyes and heart, there was only room for Jethro. How could I be intimate with another? Even if we ended our relationship, it’d be hard for me to accept someone else so soon. The path I was on with Jethro seemed lined with inevitable pain.Noticing my
Mom’s voice, filled with disappointment and anger, echoed through the phone."That's not what I mean, Mom. Renting a large house in Arrowdale is just really expensive. My current finances are tight, and my next paycheck is still a while away," I hurriedly explained when Mom misunderstood my point.I was in a difficult position. Of course, I wanted to provide Sean with a better recovery environment, but I simply couldn't afford it right now."I'll look for a smaller place for now. Once I'm paid next month, I'll try to find something more suitable, okay?"Negotiating seemed like my only option. I knew my mother wouldn't want Sean's needs overlooked, but I was stretched thin financially. If I were capable, I’d certainly find a better place for Sean."I think you're just stingy with your money. You've been working for so long. Can't you even afford to rent a house? Serena, I really raised you in vain. You’re reluctant to spend even a few thousand on us." Despite my explanations, Mom s
Jethro had already spent so much money on my family. How could I on top of that let him handle the housing for them?Tens of thousands might be trivial to him, but for someone like me, it was an astronomical figure. My indebtedness to him was mounting, and I wanted to avoid further obligations."Do you think you can afford it? If I'm not mistaken, all your savings are already spent, right?" Jethro's tone was calm, not a hint of displeasure against my refusal. He knew me well and even realized that my money had run out.I found myself speechless under Jethro’s perceptive gaze. My resources were stretched thin, yet I was adamant about not deepening my debt to him."I'll figure it out. I hope you won't interfere in this matter," I requested earnestly.My reluctance stemmed from two reasons. First, I didn't want to owe him, and second, I didn't want to give my family any opportunity to ask him for more money. Jethro owed nothing to them, and they had no right to keep asking him for mo
Mom was utterly deaf to my explanations, and she assumed I was selfishly withholding funds."Can you please be reasonable, Mom? If I had money, I’d give it to you, but I don’t!"I felt increasingly agitated. Constrained by my limited resources, I couldn't fulfill her demands. How was I supposed to make her believe that I was truly broke?"I don’t care. You have to find a place for Sean's post-surgery rehabilitation today. I refuse to believe you can’t afford to rent a house!"Mom’s disdainful stare was like a cold blade. Was she really forcing me without a shred of sympathy for my struggles? I was her daughter. Even amid her disappointment, shouldn't there have been a hint of understanding for my situation?"Let's go to the bank, Mom. I’ll show you my account balance, and you can see for yourself whether I have money or not." I approached her, intending to take her to the bank.My frustration boiled over. If words failed, perhaps the stark reality of my empty account would speak
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