Sean looked at me with surprise. "Thank you, Rina."This was the first time my brother had ever thanked me.The conversation then shifted, and Mom broached a delicate subject. "Rina, you and Jethro are about to get married. In our village, it's customary for the groom to present a dowry. Have you discussed this with Jethro?"I knew about the custom of dowries in rural marriages, but I didn’t want such traditional practices to dictate my relationship with Jethro. Our union was about love, not about financial transactions.I frowned slightly, not responding to Mom’s question. The truth was that I had never brought up the topic of dowry with Jethro and had no intention of asking him for one. Of course, Jethro could easily afford it, but asking for money from the groom felt like I was selling myself, and I despised feeling that way.Mom’s gaze intensified as she waited for my response. "Haven’t you talked to Jethro about this? You should know that this is a very important custom." Her
As Jethro and Anna left the restaurant together, I watched helplessly, struggling to grasp the scene unfolding before me. Anna’s apparent joy contrasted sharply with Jethro’s stoic demeanor. I just couldn't decipher his feelings.They both got into his car, which soon drove off, but not toward Verdantia where he and I lived. As his car disappeared, I ran after it for a few steps, but how could I possibly catch up with a car?I smiled bitterly. Had all my perceived happiness been an illusion? Was his love for me genuine?I slowly made my way home, haunted by the image of them together. Compelled by a need for answers, I stopped and called Jethro. It felt like the phone rang forever before he picked up. His voice, deep and sexy, conveyed no signs of anything amiss, and his calmness only deepened the chill in my heart."Where are you?" I asked, fighting to keep my voice even."I just finished dinner with a client. I’m on my way home now. If you’re tired, go to bed first. Don’t wait u
"Why are you angry then?" Seeing me dismiss his guess, Jethro grew more puzzled. He had no idea that I had caught him having dinner with Anna.I looked into his eyes. My mouth opened to ask the burning questions in my mind, but the words wouldn't come out. I had no idea where my courage had gone."Serena, if you have something to say, just speak up." Jethro’s expression grew dark, visibly getting impatient."Who were you with tonight?"The words finally escaped me. I needed the truth, no matter the cost to our relationship. Though just an ordinary woman, I couldn't tolerate deceit in my life.Jethro paused, taken aback by my question. He didn't answer right away, and his expression grew colder. "Why are you suddenly asking me this? What do you know?" His response, laced with a hint of wariness, suggested he had guessed my suspicions."Just answer my question," I said, bypassing his question. I was waiting for him to tell me the truth, hoping for no secrets between us.Caught off
A warmth surged through me as his fingers brushed my face. My heart quivered, and I looked at him through the mist in my eyes. I still couldn't help but feel scared."Is that really all that meeting was?" I asked.Once bitten, twice shy. I had been betrayed right before my wedding, and I was now terrified of a re-run.Jethro wasn’t the slightest bit angered, probably understanding the root of my anxiety. "You don't believe me?""Y-Yes, I believe you. But I'm also…scared."God, I hated how much I clung to him right now. If he left me one day, I’d crumble.Jethro hugged me tightly, saying, "I will never betray you, Serena. Never! Because you're the only woman I've ever loved!"That night, we slept in each other’s arms. I wondered if I had grown more reliant on him because I now understood him. The next morning, I woke up without Jethro by my side. I checked the time and realized it was nine. I had been sleeping more since becoming pregnant…I checked the date and recalled that
I might not have felt any romantic feelings for Mason, but it didn't discount the platonic feelings I had for him. I certainly didn’t want our friendship to die. As Mason smiled, I could tell my answer relieved him. He had always been very easy on the eyes, but a smile like that made him look even more handsome. I liked seeing him smile, but it ultimately didn't reach his eyes. The essence of our relationship had changed. We had become gingerly with each other. The elevator doors finally opened. I stepped out first, knowing that the crowd would dispel the awkwardness I felt around him. "Let's go," Mason said and tugged me toward the ultrasound room. "Wait, I haven't paid or taken my appointment number.” "You don't need any of that while I'm around."A nurse watched our interaction, wide-eyed, before regaining her composure and smiling.Mason let me go and ordered, "Please pen her in first.""Right away," the nurse replied and ushered me to a room. I was a little against
That easy smile stopped me from complaining about him not telling me. Honestly? I didn't feel too bad if my little folly made him happy. I even began to wolf down the steak he cut up for me.The air between us relaxed. Halfway through the meal, I noticed Mason frowning. He was looking at something behind me. I turned questioningly.My appetite instantly disappeared at the sight of Anna.I didn't want to fight her. I had won, hadn’t I? Jethro chose me. Nothing this bitch pulled could change that fact now, so why give her any time of my day?"Serena! I can't believe I'm seeing you here. Having lunch with Mason too," she intoned, barely suppressing the hatred in her eyes. "It’s none of your business who I dine with, Anna. Move along," I retorted. I didn't want to argue with her in public, especially not in front of Mason. Anna turned to him instead. "I heard you were previously vying for Serena’s heart, Mason. I heard you two are pretty close. Is that true? Way too smart to fall
"Why are you so protective of her, Mason? Is it because she fucked you before or what?!" Anna snarled, her rage so ridiculously blazing that she even managed to keep up with her umbrage against me.Maybe I should’ve slapped her even harder. The Lord knew that this bitch needed more than one lesson."Watch your mouth, Anna! I've been controlling myself since you showed up, so you better not make me snap!" I returned fire. "You make it sound as if I've done something wrong. But no! You're just using bluster to cover up your guilt because I found you trying to get into Mason's pants! You two have screwed each other before, haven’t you?!" she retorted smugly as if she had found something to her advantage. "I said stop challenging me, Anna! You have no idea how close you are to being slapped again!" "How close am I? You're nothing without these men you spread your legs for. You're nothing compared to me. I just wish I knew what black magic you used to fool these two into becoming yo
Mason sped down the road, never speaking the entire time. I was alarmed by this restless silence. It hurt to see him like this, and yet I didn't know what to say to comfort him. What Anna said had been the truth. And the baby, well, Jethro was the father."Mason?" I finally said softly."You don't have to explain anything," he replied immediately as though he had already guessed what was on my mind. "That bitch was lying through her teeth, I know. You're not the slut she makes you out to be."I sighed, hanging my head. I didn’t know what to say in reply.Mason pulled up by the roadside. "Rina, I know you love Jett, but I just wish you’d give me a chance. If you're unhappy with him—if you ever wanted a fresh start with someone else—can the first person in your mind be me?" he asked.The sincerity in his words made me feel even worse. Mason did so much for me, and yet all I gave him was heaps and heaps of anguish in return.I didn't want to answer him. I didn't want him to hold ont
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