I honestly didn't care about what other people thought now, and the look that Anna shot me just pissed me off so much. Why the hell must she always make everyone else sound like dicks and bitches?"I'm here for a health check-up," I replied coldly. "Are you unwell? Mason here’s the owner of this hospital. If you need a discount, just tell me. I’ll make my soon-to-be cousin-in-law help you out." Anna smiled smugly. Ah, throwing me a reminder that she was Jethro's girlfriend now? I didn't know what went through the men's heads when they heard her, but now was not the time for me to wonder about that. One thing was for sure—she planned to humiliate me the moment she stopped me in public. "I don't need a discount. Goodbye now.""Our wedding is next Sunday, Ms. Serena!" she called out, grinning. "We'd love to see you there if you're free to join!"Wanting to see me suffer and knowing exactly where my weaknesses lay, she dug in mercilessly. "You're out of line, Anna." Jethro snapp
"It's not you. It's me. I knew that I was never going to be with Jethro no matter how I felt, so I didn't want anyone to know. It was why I could never say yes to you."I had to tell Mason everything. Just one look at him right now made that very clear. I knew his love for me was genuine—which was why seeing him in this state alarmed me. I was once Jethro's bed partner. Even if I didn't like Jethro now, I could never fall for Mason, who was Jethro's cousin on paper but acted more like his kid brother."Enough! I don't need any more explanation from you. I'm just glad I finally know the truth after all this time. I don't… I don't have to be this idiot any longer."It was too late. Nothing I could say could help him process the hurt my secret had caused him. He probably hated me.Mason shot me one last pained look and turned away. I watched him go.He looked so abandoned, so alone.I didn't know today would come to this. I was already saddened by Jethro's latest development, and no
"Just friends?! Who do you take me for, Serena? Do you think I'd believe you?!"Jethro was agitated, and his demanding glare worsened. I was furious. "Why should I care if you believe me or not?! How is it even any of your business? You're in no position to control me in any way!"Jethro understood that what I was really trying to say was that he had no right to dictate how I lived my life as he was marrying Anna. His rage intensified, and his glare became even harder, but I defiantly met his gaze.Just when I thought he was going to erupt, he suddenly collapsed on me and was fast asleep. It was as though the man who was just inches away from flying into a rage wasn't him.I watched him sleep, stunned. He was so close right now. So quiet. I might never have the chance to see him this closely anymore. I wanted to caress his cheek. I wanted to feel—I stopped myself. No matter how much I desired to be with him, I knew I couldn't. It took me so much effort to finally rein in my hea
Anna pointed a shaking finger at me before I could speak after struggling to my feet.And I was shaking too. I was only human, not a saint. Her provoking me over and over had consequences, and my fury burned as I glared at her. "This is my house! Jethro came to me! Instead of calling me names for seducing him, maybe it's high time you recognize the fact that you're shit at holding his attention or affection! I'm sure you already know at the back of your head that he doesn’t love you!"Anna's eyes widened. She shook even harder, finding the words to throw back at me."You… Do you know the weight of what you're claiming? He was the one who agreed to the wedding! Do you think he’d fucking say yes if he doesn't want to be with me?! You, ending up with Jethro? Get a hold of your delusion, bitch!" she finally countered.That was enough. I wanted her out of my goddamn house."I called you here so that you could haul Jethro out of here. I didn't force myself to call you just to hear you
"That’d better be the truth. For your sake, not mine."Anna left, hauling Jethro with all her might.I slammed the door after they were gone. No one could have bore the brunt of Anna's abuse and not feel incensed. I knew it’d be hard for anyone to accept someone like me given what I had done with their partner, but Anna was a different kind of get-back bitch. My blood boiled because of her. And Jethro! He knew but had said nothing. No news. No information. Nada. He then proceeded to marry the psycho who orchestrated it all. Was I really that insignificant that my suffering did nothing to change his impression of Anna? It was enraging, and also hurtful.*My morning sickness worsened, and I confined myself at home on most days. I hadn’t expected being an expecting mom to be this tough.There were ten days left before the wedding. Each day closer guaranteed more mental agony. I grew more and more forlorn. I had a haphazard breakfast today and decided to lie down in bed. My app
Mason probably thought I’d use my pregnancy as a means to get Jethro back to me, right? Most people would think that was viable."Mason, things between me and Jethro are over, and I've already decided to take care of the kid alone," I replied pleadingly, "If you still think of me as your friend, please don't tell Jethro anything about this."I wanted Jethro to be with me, that was true, but I wanted him to do so out of genuine love for me. Mason opened his mouth, then closed it again. In the end, he nodded wordlessly. I was relieved. I knew Mason had a habit of running his mouth. He could’ve easily told Jethro."Thank you, Mason. I mean it." "Are you sure? Are you sure that you can never be with him?" I nodded despite the ache the admission caused my heart.Mason looked down. I had never seen him wear such an intense expression before. Then, suddenly, he got up and approached me. He drew closer and closer, and my heart started to hammer. I was panicking a little. "M-Mason?"
Mason was so animated that it clued me into the fact that he had misunderstood me."Mason, listen. We can only be friends. We can't be more than that. Please, stop pushing for something that's not happening, okay?"I really appreciated how much he was willing to tolerate. All that made him a great friend, but it still didn't mean I was going to be his girlfriend.Mason's expression fell and said nothing. The atmosphere became awkward again, so I decided to ask him to leave."If that's all you're here for, you should go. I'm tired and would like to rest."He stared at me for a long time before finally leaving, slumped in disappointment.I breathed a sigh of relief, and yet at the same time, I felt guilt welling up in me.The days went by too quickly for my liking. Jethro and Anna's wedding day loomed closer and closer. And then, just like that, the wedding day was tomorrow. I cooped up at home, and it wasn’t a good thing for my mental well-being, admittedly. I felt as if I was
I rarely saw Mason have such an expression, and anxiety began to gnaw at my mind. "The man who tried to hit you was a local hooligan who goes by the name Dragnet. He's your standard trash-of-society type—does nothing but gets into fights," Mason began flatly.I was confused. None of these seemed particularly related to me."And then? Is there something else?" I asked. Mason was hesitant. "There is one more…” he trailed off. I rarely saw him like this. Something wasn’t right. "What is it?""I had a few of my people investigate Dragnet. A few days ago, he suddenly received a huge sum of money from…"He stopped again."Anna Satre, isn't it?" I finished coldly.No one else in this entire world hated me enough to do this."Correct."I had suffered from that bitch’s schemes for a long time. I tried to maintain some semblance of peace and tolerate her, but to hurt my unborn child along with me?! She had kicked the hornet's nest!I hated her! I wanted to watch her be destroyed!
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