"The past? That’s easy for you to say. We were so close to getting 250,000 dollars. And now, it's gone all because of you. How can you expect us to just let this go?"My words only fueled Mom’s anger. She held me responsible for the lost money as if it were my duty to secure it for her. Her image in my heart had turned utterly unreasonable. No matter what I said, she wouldn’t listen."Mom, my relationship with Jethro is my own business. I was never under any obligation to secure that 250,000 dollars for you. You have no right to dictate my decisions. I’m an adult with the right to make my own choices."Had it been the past, I might’ve tried to appease her, but my current emotional state was too fragile. I couldn’t bear to say things against my will."So you're saying you won’t listen to me anymore? Don't you have any sense of gratitude after all I've done to raise you? You’re nothing but an ungrateful freeloader! My biggest regret is ever raising you!" Mom’s anger reached a boiling
Summer didn’t share my perspective. To her, life's choices were straightforward. If you like someone, be with them. If you don’t like them, don’t be with them. If I could be as brave as her, maybe things with Jethro would be different."Enough about me and Jethro. Let’s talk about you instead. How are things going with Ignatz? Are you two officially an item now?" I steered the conversation away, my mood slightly subdued.Summer’s expression shifted at the mention of Ignatz, her eyes showing hesitation."Come on, we’re best friends. There shouldn't be any secrets between us, right?” I nudged her, a bit irritated but mostly just showing concern for her love life."I’m not sure about my feelings for Ignatz. I like him, but I'm not entirely sure if it's in a romantic sense." Summer’s previous heartbreak with Claude had made her cautious, understandably so. Despite her composed exterior, that experience had deeply affected her."If you don’t dislike him, why not give it a shot? You can
"Why the cold response, Rina? Earth to Rina?" Mason's voice, tinged with confusion and displeasure, reached me again as he saw my indifferent reaction.A deep frown settled on my face, reflecting my mounting irritation. I wasn't in the mood for his banter and just wanted some solitude."What's wrong with you today? Why are you ignoring me? Have I upset you somehow?" Mason's concern was evident as he leaned out of his car window, his expression one of genuine worry.Not even bothered to look at him, I said in a detached tone, "It's not you. I just need some time alone. Please, don’t follow me." I hastened my stepsUncharacteristically, Mason respected my request and refrained from following me. This small mercy brought me a bit of comfort.Seeking refuge, I found myself in a tranquil grassy area beside the Trenton River. Spacious and quiet, it was the perfect spot for solitude. Here, I could immerse myself in my thoughts, isolated from the rest of the world.The news of Jethro's i
By the time I regained my senses, Mason had already walked some distance away. He had the audacity to steal a kiss from me. It seems his boldness was on the rise. Perhaps I had been too accommodating with him lately, despite being displeased, my reaction wasn't as strong as I might’ve expected.Mason soon returned with a pack of beer and sat next to me again. He opened a bottle and offered it to me. I didn’t take it but instead fixed my gaze on him.I questioned in a dissatisfied tone, "What was that about just now?"Mason seemed surprised by my question but quickly slipped back into his playful mode. "I was kissing you, of course. Didn’t you notice?"His smug expression irritated me further. I felt the urge to slap some sense into him for his brashness. His brazen acknowledgment only fueled my annoyance."Have you forgotten what I told you before, Mason? How could you just steal a kiss like that? Are you asking for a beating?""I've had feelings for you for so long, so a stolen
I frowned, feeling a little annoyed. When had Mason become so cold?I intended to protest, but feeling dizzy and disoriented, I couldn't muster the energy to speak. I closed my eyes and fell back into a deep sleep.Waking up the next morning, the bright sunlight felt jarring. It took me a moment to adapt to the light. As I got out of bed, I realized I was in my room. How had this happened? Hadn’t I been out drinking with Mason by Trenton River last night? How had I ended up at home? Was it Mason who had brought me back?But then, there was the memory of seeing Jethro last night. Could it have been him?My mind raced with possibilities, but I immediately dismissed Jethro's involvement. He was likely preoccupied with his engagement. How would he have time to bring me home? Besides, he had no idea I was drinking with Mason by the riverside, so it couldn't have been him.That left only one possibility. Mason must’ve sobered up and brought me home. I was surprised by his ability to rec
Jethro observed me silently, his face betraying no emotion as I vented. His brow creased, and his penetrating gaze lingered on me for a long time.I met his eyes unflinchingly. What he thought of me—whether he believed I was after his money or genuinely wanted to be with him—didn’t matter to me anymore. I just wanted to release my pent-up feelings. How dare he speak to me in this way?"What do you mean by saying this now, Serena? Are you suggesting you want to renew our relationship?" Jethro’s gaze was dark and unreadable, and his words left me unsure whether he was angry or pleased.He had warned me countless times that our relationship was nothing more than physical, urging me not to harbor any illusions or feelings for him. My confession had clearly indicated my feelings for him.My heart raced, and I was uncertain of how to respond to his question. Deep down, I knew I had fallen for him, and denying it would be lying to myself.I opened my mouth to answer but said nothing as a
After a long moment of indecision, I turned off my phone, lacking the bravery to call Jethro. The idea of his reaction upon learning about the pregnancy terrified me. He might even think I had planned it.That night, my mind was a whirlwind of worry about the pregnancy, leaving me restless and sleep-deprived.I arrived at the office in a terrible state the next day. Knowing I was pregnant, I couldn’t focus on my work. During lunch, while everyone left to grab a bite, I stayed behind, lacking the appetite for food.Alone in the office, I delved into researching abortion procedures online. I had no choice but to terminate the pregnancy. Reading about the dangers of abortion intensified my fear, leaving me more anxious than before.While engrossed in reading, the sound of Jethro’s office door opening startled me. Quickly disguising my activity as work, I pretended to be engrossed in a task. Jethro stepped out, his eyes briefly registering surprise before he walked toward me."Why hav
"Where are you?" Jethro asked just as I was on the verge of ending the call.His question sent a jolt through my heart. I hesitated, about to answer, "I’m at…"Suddenly, Anna's voice interrupted from his side, "Come on, Jethro. We need to finalize our engagement arrangements."A wave of sadness washed over me. He was with Anna, discussing their wedding plans. It felt like salt on an open wound. I couldn’t bring myself to respond and abruptly hung up.There I was by the roadside, laughing bitterly at my folly. Jethro was about to be engaged to Anna, and yet, I couldn’t let go of him. Reaching out to him at such a moment, I was no better than a woman trying to break up someone else’s relationship.It seemed that I'd overestimated my significance in his world. His commitment to Anna signified the end of any significance I once held. Curling up, I succumbed to an overwhelming wave of loneliness and helplessness.As night fell, I just sat by the roadside, attracting curious glances fr
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