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
He hadn’t forgotten after all! And this was the exact design I liked!Seeing me near tears softened Jethro’s expression. "Do you like it?" He took the ring, got on one knee, and slipped it onto my finger.I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I couldn't process it. Was this a dream?I never thought this day would come. I had always thought becoming Jethro’s wife would be the pinnacle of happiness, but I now realized this was only the start. Jethro knew I was still too stunned by joy. He took a seat next to me and pulled me into his arms.He whispered into my ear firmly, "I’ll give you anything and everything other women can only ever ask for.”I felt treasured, like the most precious jewel in the world. Being the sentimental creature I was, my tears fell even harder as I burrowed myself into his embrace. I buried my face on his chest. "I love you, Jethro,” I admitted.Jethro had always known how I felt about him, but I had never made it this explicit before. I sensed him fr
My hands wrapped themselves around Jethro’s neck. I couldn't think straight.I heard myself whispering, "Jethro, please... I can't take it anymore…""You asked for this, Serena. I won’t entertain any pleas for mercy."…Our session lasted for over an hour.Jethro laid on top of me, breathing hard. Seeing how flushed I was made him beam smugly. "How was that?" he asked.I rolled my eyes and looked away sheepishly, determined not to give my very obvious answer. He already knew how I felt. Hadn’t he heard how loud I was?"What's with that face? Are you unsatisfied? Should we go at it again?" he teased, deliberately reading my expression wrong.If I weren’t dead exhausted, I would’ve slapped him.When Jethro noticed how tired I was, he felt bad for me and carried me to the bathroom, placing me in the bathtub. He then proceeded to give me a gentle wash. It felt nice, if I didn't count him massaging my most erotic part while he was at it. I couldn't stop it even if I wished I coul
Failing to sense my worries, Jethro hung up, leaving me feeling even more alarmed.I quickly called my mom, and she rejected me after a few beeps. I called again, frowning.Same thing.What the hell was Mom thinking?! The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became.Noon came, and Jethro came as he promised. I had put on a floral dress Dylan had sent to me just earlier. Its simplistic design belied the price it must’ve cost. I was antsy throughout the ride, my mind kept harping on how reluctant Mom was to answer my call. We arrived at a 5-star hotel—just another one of the businesses Jethro owned—where we had sex that one time. "Your parents should already be here. I told the manager to show them to the VIP lounge," Jethro said, squeezing my hand. I nodded. He could tell I was nervous, but he completely mistook its source. I wasn't worried that my parents would be ill-treated. I was worried about what my parents were going to ask of him!We arrived at the lounge he me
“You were trapped in a traffic jam, weren't you? It's okay. Jethro explained it to us earlier,” Mom explained, oblivious that Doris was faking her confusion. The anxiety in my head went wild. Doris' first words had already set the tone for how bad this meeting was going to be. Even Jethro was visibly upset. "What traffic jam? That's just an excuse Jethro came up with." Doris tidied her hair a little. "The truth is I forgot all about this meeting and agreed to a spa trip with my friends."Mom finally caught on to Doris’ real attitude, and a glare came over her. Jethro's expression darkened too. "Please watch yourself, Mother," he chided. Doris might not like me very much, but she certainly wouldn't embarrass her son too much. So she shot me a glare but said nothing. I had to do something, so I said, "I’m sure we’re all starving. Let's eat, yeah?"The servers began bringing out the food, which at least thawed the atmosphere a little.Doris didn’t speak, so Jethro decided to
"You're insane!" Doris shouted as she rose to her feet. Even Jethro frowned for a second. This made my heart sink. The money might not be much to someone like Jethro, but it was the fact that Mom used me as a new way of demanding money that upset him. "Mom! That’s way too much!” I said. "Too much? Rina, we raised you over the years and suffered a lot because of it. Do you think you'd be here with your lovely fiance if it weren't for us? 500,000 dollars isn’t a big deal for them. They wouldn't feel a thing even if I asked for 5 million!" Mom snarled, obviously offended that I was against my own family’s wishes.I couldn't see how any of this was justified. Not even the folks back in our village asked for anything beyond 10 thousand."Don't make me laugh. Do you think your daughter is worth that much money? I’m afraid you're a master of over-valuing," Doris retorted.She had never liked me since the beginning and always suspected I was only with Jethro for his money. It hurt, bu
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