"You should stop letting work consume you. You're a young lady, There’s no need to push yourself so hard."My mom knew how seriously I took my job and didn't doubt my excuse, simply looking at me concernedly."I know, Mom. I'll take care of myself, don’t worry." I offered my mother a faint smile, feeling slightly guilty inside.The surgery was scheduled for the afternoon, so I spent the morning chatting with my dad. Seeing his graying hair made my heart ache.After I had talked with my dad for a while, my mom pulled me aside and questioned, "Rina, what really happened between you and Liam? Why was the wedding suddenly called off?"I had merely told them the wedding was called off without diving into any specifics. I didn't want to upset them."It's nothing. We just realized we weren't a good match and decided to cancel the wedding."Liam's name made my heart quiver, and I avoided looking at my mom. I had ended things with him, and I didn't want my parents to fret over that unwor
"That slap was on behalf of Rina. She thought of you as her best friend, and you seduced her fiance in return. How does someone as cheap and shameless as you exist? And after all that, you parade around without a shred of guilt. Your skin is truly thicker than a brick wall.” Summer looked fearlessly at Julia, her tone icy cold.As her words echoed, the curious gazes of bystanders settled on Julia and Liam. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Already at a disadvantage, Julia grew even angrier at the murmuring around her and her face contorted in rage."I'll make you regret slapping me!" Pushed to the edge, her reactions bordered on manic.And all this while, Liam had remained silent. Noticing the surrounding onlookers, his frown deepened in irritation. Always one to care about his image, he clearly felt embarrassed to see his girlfriend acting so brazenly in public. There was no doubt he was displeased with her.Just as Julia was about to have another outburst, I shoved her away. Pa
"I don't want anything. I just wanted you to know that Liam is now mine. He's in love with me!" Julia declared with a triumphant smirk.Her words were meant to salt my wounds. Once upon a time, such words would’ve stung, but now, they barely registered."Whether he loves you or not doesn’t concern me. Though, I do have to thank you. It's because of you that I’ve seen Liam’s true colors. If it weren't for you, I would’ve unknowingly walked into a disaster, so thanks for saving me in the nick of time," I said to Julia, my voice dripping with false gratitude.Yeah, Julia caused me pain by seducing Liam, but from another perspective, she helped me see him for what he truly is—a despicable man unworthy of my lifetime commitment. Despite the emotional toll, I stood firm, knowing my decision was right.Julia became even more livid. Liam, too, frowned slightly, looking at me disappointedly as if I had betrayed him. I shot him a mocking, sarcastic smile. Despite his cheating and having a ch
"What do you mean? When did I ever become involved with Liam again?"Being questioned by Jethro right off the bat reignited my already volatile mood. As if it wasn’t bad enough that I had been upset earlier, now this man was prying about that scumbag."Rina, you must clarify this. I won’t accept a tainted woman." Jethro’s voice grew colder. Although he wore sunglasses, I could feel the frosty stare he shot my way."Didn’t you look into my relationship with Liam? He’s my ex-boyfriend. We've broken up. You should know this. If you can't accept that I had a past relationship, then I don’t know what to do." My emotions were currently a chaotic mess. Faced with Jethro’s sudden interrogation, my patience wore thin, and my tone sounded rather harsh.Jethro’s face screwed up in anger. I could feel his irritation. But, why should he be the only one angry? I too was upset, and rightfully so. Why was he even questioning me about this?"Is that any way to talk to me?" Pulling off his sungla
Jethro’s masterful kiss blew me away, and I uncontrollably responded to his advances. The car's interior was quiet but charged with an unmistakable air of lust.It took what felt like forever for him to release me. When I opened my eyes, I was lost in his vortex-like gaze. Up close, he radiated an impeccable charm that seemed to eclipse everything else. I had once placed Liam on a pedestal, but encountering Jethro made me see the true disparity between them.But no matter how outstanding Jethro was, he had little to do with me. Our relationship was nothing more than a secret fling, and there was no possibility of us officially getting together. Considering his elite background, I would never dream of entering his world."I can wait if you aren’t done staring." Jethro's deep, seductive voice reached my ears as his lips curled into a teasing smirk.Jolted back to reality, I became aware of my distraction. This was the second time today he had caught me staring at him."If there's no
Ricardo got out from behind his desk and approached me, his gaze lingering on my chest. I possess curves, and my snug business suit accentuated them. That might explain why he was always ogling me.I fumed internally, wishing I could slap him right across the face. But given that he was my superior, I held back. "Thank you for your kind words, sir. However, I’d prefer to rely on my own capabilities, not other...factors." My tone was even, hinting at my discomfort without being overly confrontational."Young ambition is commendable, but when a great opportunity presents itself, you should seize it, don’t you think?" Ricardo's greasy hand rested on my shoulder as he grinned.Disgusted, I swiftly moved away from his touch. My anger was fully ignited. "Mr. Ricardo, please conduct yourself properly. Actions like these could damage your standing if word gets out." My tone was icy, and my stare clearly conveyed my distaste.I hoped my firm stance would deter him, but it seemed I had misju
“Really? Serena looks so diligent and innocent though. How could she do such a thing?""People these days will do anything to succeed. From the moment Serena got here, I sensed she wasn't genuine. She puts on this hardworking facade, but behind the scenes, she seduces an old man like Mr. Ricardo. She’ll stoop to any means, no matter how low.""Exactly. Mr. Ricardo is over forty and is so ugly. Serena must be really desperate."Their gossiping reached my ears. When have I ever seduced Ricardo? There was not one part of their story that was true. It was astonishing how people could concoct entire narratives from mere glimpses. It was Ricardo who tried to force himself on me, but they had painted me as the seductress in their twisted tale.I felt a strong urge to confront them right then to set the record straight, but I knew even if I explained things, they wouldn't believe me. Instead, they'd disdain me even more.Their hurtful words, though I tried to ignore them, brought me to te
I tried to call out to the driver, but he hurriedly zoomed away.I watched the cab disappear and turned to confront Liam. After the long wait for a ride, I now had to figure out another way home. Did he expect me to walk home at this hour?"What are you doing, Liam? Why did you send that cab away?" I glared at him, visibly frustrated."Let me drive you home, Rina. We can talk on the way." Instead of showing annoyance at my reprimand, he approached me with a calm demeanor."No need. Even if I have to walk home, I don’t want to ride with you. And like I said earlier, we have nothing to discuss.” I shot back, clearly still upset."You've changed, Rina. You used to be so gentle." Liam’s voice conveyed irritation and disbelief. My attitude clearly bothered him and he frowned at me."You said it yourself, 'used to.’ I reserve my gentleness for people I care about. Why should I extend you that courtesy since I no longer care for you?" I blurted out. He still expected kindness from me af
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