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 was still upset by the time we got home. I knew my parents didn’t care about me or my happiness, but to hear them use my marriage as an easy windfall? That was just chilling.A call from Jethro’s mom came in as soon as we reached Verdantia. There was nothing much to it, just a cryptic request for him to go home. I could guess that it was about what happened in the hotel though, and that made me nervous. Jethro was wearing an awkward expression—he had to be thinking about what to say to me. "Go. Don't worry about me," I said and feigned a smile.Pretending not to care hurt. I really wasn't the kind of person who could face these hurdles completely unfazed.He smiled and planted a light kiss on my forehead. "I'll be back sooner than you know it."My smile vanished the moment he did. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I needed to talk to my mom. I hailed a cab to the place where my family was staying. The door only opened after I knocked for a good while. Sean
50,000 was the maximum I'd allow my parents to ask from Jethro. Sure, the man was rich enough to give more, but that wasn’t the point. I wasn’t going to let them bully him this way. "50,000 dollars?! That's too little even for charity! We raised you for decades, Rina! How dare you lowball us like that, you ingrate!" Mom yelled. She surely would’ve hit me if it weren't for the baby.Ungrateful? Me?I didn't show it, but it hurt to hear her say that after so many years of one-sided contribution."Say whatever you like if it helps you swallow this fact, Mom, but this is settled. 50,000, take it or leave it. I don't mind not coming back if you don't understand how important this is for me," I shot back.If Mom wasn’t going to listen to her better angel, I just had to play the devil.Sean then approached me with a limp and a glint in his eyes. "Whoa, chill the hell out, Rina. I know you can't wait to pretend you never knew us after marrying into a wealthy-ass family. We're just some
I raised my head to stop my tears from falling. "I know you don't mind losing money, but you know what my parents are like. If you give in to them this time, they'll ask for more next time. I don't want them to drag you down.”Jethro looked bewildered, probably surprised to see me take a stance against my family. "Okay, we'll go with your decision," he said after a moment. He had been listening to me and honoring my every decision ever since we got back together.The next day, Jethro went to give them the 50,000 dollars. I didn't tag along to avoid another conflict, but I asked him how it went when he got back. He answered me rather perfunctorily, but I could tell that my parents hadn’t shown him the best of hospitality. He was used to being respected and obeyed, and yet my parents treated him like he was below them. I was honestly impressed by how much he was willing to swallow for me. There were now three days left before the wedding. I was excited and nervous. Three more days
Doris caught her son's gaze and knew he was worried that his mother had been bullying his fiancee. Naturally, this upset her. Her son was now standing with this other woman instead of with his mother."It’s okay, we can handle it. It's just a trivial task. You shouldn't sweat about it. Rina can settle everything on her own. This is gonna be her home, after all. This is her rightful duty,” Jethro said."Please, save your silver tongue for someone who doesn't know you. Serena is more important than me now, is she? I can’t say anything against her now, is that it?" Doris snapped. I hung my head and kept quiet. Jethro frowned. He was never the type to sugarcoat his words. He had never even sugarcoated anything for me. "Stop before you push my buttons, Mom," he said in a low tone.With Jethro's renowned temper, Doris knew better than to push her luck, so she simply shot me the stink eye.I sighed. Did Jethro know the complexities of the relationship between a man's wife and his moth
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