Jethro wasn't on the living room couch. I searched the apartment, but he was nowhere to be found. It looked like he hadn’t gotten home yet.I started preparing dinner. I reasoned that he must be bogged down by work. He was a workaholic, after all.I whipped up something simple—that he nonetheless liked—and laid it out on the table. Sometimes, I wondered if he had gotten so bored of gourmet food that common foods had become more delicious and novel to him. He never seemed to mind how mundane my cooking was.As it got late, Jethro had yet to return, and I started feeling antsy. He could’ve called at least, right? I knew he was in no way obligated to report to me, but I was still mad that he made light of my time and effort.After waiting around a bit longer, I couldn’t stand it any longer and decided to eat without him. I just picked up my spoon when my phone rang. Jethro’s name flashed across the screen. So, he remembered to call me after all.Feeling much more appeased, I answer
"You're right about that. I didn’t get a chance to rest last night," he said unsuspectingly before seemingly going back to sleep.The fact that this explanation was deemed sufficient for him stung me. "You spent the night with Anna, didn't you?" I was hoping Anna lied to me, but I knew it was a false hope before I even said the words. She couldn't possibly have called me using Jethro's number if he hadn’t been with her. "How did you know?" he asked warily. Why was he so wary? Was it because he…?I couldn't believe he had the balls to sound surprised. Didn't he already know what kind of person I was? I closed my eyes and said nothing as tears ran down my cheeks. Unhappy to not get an answer, Jethro turned me toward him. "Don't you dare leave me hanging, Serena—"He then saw the tears. He froze mid-sentence and corrected himself, "Why the hell are you crying? My temper has hardly flared yet.”Jethro sounded almost sympathetic, but I couldn't tell if I was hearing things t
I didn't react, and for a long time, we both remained silent—Jethro’s fiery silence against my indifference.Then, finally finding the air too suffocating for me, I tried to get out of bed.Jethro grabbed me by the shoulders in rage. "Explain yourself! What’s going on in your head?!""Nothing. I just feel like getting up." I looked at him emotionlessly.There was nothing to explain. The only love he had for me was of a sexual nature."It's Saturday today!" he growled.I was a little stunned. I had forgotten about that, but I didn't care. I just didn't want to be here with him."I'm going to see Sean,” I said as I quickly got changed.I didn't care what excuse I had to dredge up—I just wanted out. Thankfully, Jethro didn't try to stop me. I could sense the rage emanating from him, and his eyes followed me like a hound’s. I couldn't care less though. Stepping out of Verdantia, I deeply inhaled the fresh air outside. My mood lifted, but I didn't know what to do or where to go. I
I didn't sleep despite how tired I was. I couldn't.An hour or so later, Mason finally stopped the car. I silently opened the door and stepped out, walking toward the beach. The water was sparkling blue today, and the sea looked endless. The sun's rays shone on the pearly sand that stretched for miles. Seeing this scenery, much of the dark clouds in my head faded."What do you think? Pretty, isn't it?"Before I knew it, Mason was standing next to me, smiling at me."Yeah, it is."We walked side-by-side along the sand as the sea breeze kissed our faces. Mason told me jokes and funny stories as we walked to make me laugh, and he succeeded. Mason and I stayed at the beach till the evening came. The sun was setting, and the journey home would take at least an hour. While on the journey home, the combined fatigue from last night and today's trip finally made me doze off.At some point, I opened my eyes groggily to see a handsome face just an inch or so away from mine. Mason's lips
“So what? How is having a boyfriend who's younger than you remotely a problem? The real point has always been compatibility and love, not some weird thing about age," Mason rebutted matter-of-factly. I had never seen him so determined before. It was weird to see him lose that usual cavalier attitude. It made rejecting him hard."I've made myself clear, Mason. I see you as the little brother I’ve always wanted and nothing else. I had someone else in mind. I'm sorry,” I said.Mason froze. A hint of pain from the rejection flitted across his face. Honestly, I would’ve believed this was all a part of an elaborate practical joke from him if it weren't for that genuine loss in his eyes.Could he really have fallen for me that hard?It felt so unreal. We had only met each other a few times by this point. I wouldn't call us "close friends," let alone think it was possible for us to like each other so soon. "I wouldn't have confessed if you didn't tell me you believed nothing was going
His fury fanned my fury."Do I need to tell you everything I'm doing even when I'm not at work, Mr. Jethro?!" "Your attitude is suspect, Serena! Your phone has been off all day and you didn't come home until now! Everything you've been doing is suspect, so don't you dare act like there's nothing wrong with you!"I knew Jethro’s rage was fueled by how I'd always been obedient to him, but I just refused to accept any more of this power imbalance bullshit."I am my own person, Jethro! A person with all the freedom and agency everybody else has! Are you telling me I can’t hang out with my friend?!" Why the fuck was he demanding an explanation as though I was his girlfriend or wife who jilted him?! I could see my vision fogging up, but I refused to cry in front of him.Jethro's expression darkened, and his grip on me tightened. "You forget yourself, Serena Hart. You're mine. Mine. And as my woman, you have to explain to me who this friend of yours is,” he growled.In the past, th
"Look, I believe you now, but I really thought you were…"I faltered. I suddenly couldn't bring myself to say it again.Jethro's expression softened after knowing I believed him. "I'm not interested in her in any way. There's no way I'd be screwing her."I was surprised. "But she's your girlfriend! Don't you like her?""When have you ever seen that from me?" Jethro retorted as he looked down at me.His answer made things as clear as day, but it also stirred up the muck."If you don't like her, why make her your girlfriend at all?" "Family arrangement.""Why don't you reject their suggestion if you don't like it?"Yes, this was a bit personal, but I had a motive. I didn't want him to be having sex with absolutely anyone while our partnership was ongoing. "That’s none of your business." My shoulders drooped a little, but I said nothing. He had never liked divulging his personal matters to me. Besides, just knowing that he felt nothing for Anna made me feel a lot happier.M
I really hated her though. She was always on my ass.Days went by.Jethro kept me company after work. The nature of our partnership still pricked me like a fishbone in my throat, but for the most part, I was happy.Then today, Anna showed up just as I was leaving work. She blocked me while I was on my way out. Jethro had long left the office for a meeting elsewhere, so she could only possibly be here because of me."Ms. Anna, could you kindly get out of my way?" I began coldly."I think we need to talk about the elephant in the room, Ms. Serena," Anna retorted frigidly. "There’s nothing for us to talk about, Ms. Anna. I thought I made myself clear the first two times. Wouldn't it be better if neither of us wasted any more energy on this?""Ms. Serena, would you like me to discuss your relationship with your CEO right here, right in front of the entrance of the company where you both work? I’d love to be the fly on the wall to see what your colleagues will think once they learn
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