"Just friends? I’ve never seen Mace being this serious about anyone in his life." Jethro sneered."Look, you can believe whatever you wanna believe," I relented. All I wanted to point out was that I was innocent and that was it. "We should head back to the table before your cousin suspects there’s something between us."Jethro looked was about to add something, but I ignored him, circling him and returning to the private room. I mean, I already knew what was going to be said. Jethro never stopped doubting me no matter how hard I tried to explain myself.For fuck's sake, he was all I could think of. How could I fall for anyone else?Not that he knew that.Jethro and I returned to the room at almost the same time.Mason looked up from his phone, surprised. He grinned. "Oooh, don't tell me you've fallen for Rina too, Jett!" he quipped. "Would you let me date her if I had?" Jethro replied uncharacteristically sincerely. Mason froze. Even I felt my heartbeat quicken. "...Kidding
I knew Jethro was still simmering from our shared meal with Mason, but it wasn’t my fault, and I wasn’t about to be made to feel guilty for something I wasn't guilty of! "Your disrespect toward me is rearing its head," Jethro said coldly.I felt pressure welling up in the air, and I started to feel fear. I hated being misunderstood by the very person I liked. That exasperation and desolation were just indescribable."What would it take for me to prove that nothing’s going on between Mason and me?"The only reason why Jethro was even this enraged by what Mason said was because he never trusted me."Mason’s a playboy. You’d better stay the hell away from him," Jethro said flatly. It was strange. I could tell he was mad, and yet he was suppressing his rage. In the past, he would’ve loudly reminded me that I was his woman and all that jazz, but he was a lot more reserved this time. "I don't know, but I think you shouldn't make your cousin sound like a plague behind his back," I r
Jethro drove me to the office. I didn't decline the offer because, hey, it saved me the subway fare.I glanced at the hickey had left on his neck and felt smug. Revenge was sweet. Look at how large and unmissable it was. Everyone would surely notice, and I couldn’t wait to see him embarrassed."Enjoying the view? Do you want to plant more?" he suddenly asked."Nah. This is perfect. Less is more."When we reached the parking lot, I quickly got out of the car.We arrived in the office almost at the same time. Since Jethro was the dream man of the entire workplace, everyone immediately turned their attention to him. I watched from behind. As he emotionlessly crossed the office space to his private one, everyone stared at the hickey on his neck.They gasped. They were shocked. This was unprecedented.The pot exploded after he went inside his office."Holy shit! Did you see what was on the boss’s neck?!" "It was huge! As clear as day!""Mr. Jethro was busy last night. And it mus
"Okay, okay! I'll stop. Geez. Other women wished they were the ones accused of being Mr. Jethro's secret lover.”Misha thought of my incessant need to disprove any connection between Jethro and me as cowardice, but really, I couldn't give a damn. I’d rather be seen as a coward than be bullied for being close to Jethro."I just don't want to attract any abuse, okay? I want to work in peace. The boss and I? That's absurd."This was a half-truth. I wanted to be with Jethro, but I didn’t know if that was even remotely possible. Maybe our relationship would just simply end one day. "I think not a soul here has a chance with Mr. Jethro, but when has reality ever stopped people from being delulu, eh?" Misha said.I didn't answer her and got to work. The hickey on Jethro's neck was gradually forgotten, much to my relief.After a whole day of work, I was exhausted. I wanted to head straight back home and get in a nice long night of sleep. Jethro was so wild last night that it had cost my
"But I sense something more than that. I'm your mother, Rina. You think I can't tell?" I avoided her gaze, tongue-tied. What was she hoping me to say? That Jethro and I were fuck buddies? She’d kill me!"Jethro’s not my boyfriend, Mom. Really," I insisted.I had to make them believe that he and I weren’t in a relationship, or they’d surely exploit it and ask for more money."So you're saying you’re a man-stealing loose woman?” Mom said bluntly.I froze, stung. Anyone else describing me this way might not hurt as much, but to hear it from my own mother? Certainly no mother spoke about their own daughter in such a way, right?"How could you say such a thing, Mom?""No, how could you do such a thing?! We didn't raise our daughter to be a slut that steals someone else's boyfriend! What do you think the folks back in our town will say if they hear this?""But I didn’t do any such thing!""Then stop seeing him! I don't care what term you use to justify yourself with, but you're not
My protest was a strong one this time—maybe because it involved Jethro.My parents were exasperated and looked a little guilty, but what I said ultimately did nothing to change their minds. "We’ll never pester you about anything ever again once you leave Jethro, okay? You don't even need to send us money anymore. Isn't that better for you?" Dad said.He had always fancied himself the big man of the house and the ultimate decider—unsurprising, considering my family's conservatism."I’m not leaving the job, and I’m not letting you guys take that money," I insisted, though my tone softened.Sean then joined in. "How much do you want our parents to spell it out for you till you finally get it through your head?! Why stay with this guy if he's not gonna throw money at you?! If he does, though, fine. Mom and Dad will back off.""Is money the only thing that matters to you people?!" "It's the only damn thing that matters in this whole world, you snowflake! This society runs on money.
I knew Anna wasn’t going to stop there. I returned to Verdantia, planning to tell Jethro this, but he hadn't returned. Frustrated and sick of everything that had happened, I needed an outlet, badly. I took a bottle of red wine Jethro stored in the cabinet and began drinking.A drunken person had no worries, right?I was no wine expert, so I couldn't tell how good or bad the wine was. I just kept drinking despite how much of a light drinker I was. A little while in, I started feeling drowsy and my vision blurred. I had finished half the bottle, and yet the things I wanted to forget kept coming back to haunt me more and more vividly.Why the hell was this happening?!By the time Jethro returned, I was shit-faced drunk. Seeing him suddenly made me feel so, so wronged. "You're back?" I smiled, burped, and struggled to my feet before walking to him. Jethro frowned, then spied the almost-empty bottle on the table. "Have you been drinking?"I slipped and fell to the floor. I didn't
"You're all I have." I hugged him tightly. I was so terrified that everyone would abandon me the way my parents did. Jethro shuddered, then hugged me back as if to comfort me. "I'll handle this,” he said firmly.I didn't know what he meant by this, but it made me feel safe and wanted. "My life is tiring. I work my ass off and have to keep solving my family's problems. I feel so suffocated by it and I just… I wish my life were easier. Am I asking for too much?" Maybe it was the booze. Maybe it was my desolation. Either way, I was becoming painfully frank. I just wanted my parents to love me—for my family to live in harmony. "That's it? That's your wish?” Jethro frowned in both pity and ire. "Yes, that's it. What? Do you think I deserve more?"My wish was already as simple as it was, and yet I couldn't make it happen. Even the simplest wish seemed like a luxury. "Yes, you absolutely deserve better," Jethro argued stubbornly. I was touched. Only Summer had ever been this k
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