I frowned, feeling misunderstood and constrained by Doris. Despite the turmoil within me, I longed for peaceful relations. Jethro had consistently supported me, but Doris was his mother. It must have pained him to have to defend me time and time again. I didn't want to be the source of his distress."You think I'll accept you just like that? No matter what you do or say, I’ll never acknowledge you. I don’t believe he’ll oppose me repeatedly because of you as I’m his mother," Doris snarled. Her eyes darted between Jethro and me, searching for any hint of dissent in his expression. But Jethro stood by quietly, allowing me to handle the situation. His show of support toward me infuriated Doris even further."Fine. The two of you are going to gang up against me, huh? Neither of you have any respect for me. And Jethro, I’m so disappointed in you. You’re siding with someone else over your mother!" she shouted before turning to leave.Every confrontation with Doris ended unpleasantly, le
Jethro had provided me with a chauffeur and a car. I could summon them and have them arrive within ten minutes, but I grew up doing things by the bootstrap. Rural folks like me never had a driver or anything.When I got to Sean’s place, the door wasn't even locked properly. I knew he had to be at home. He should have been at work at this hour, yet here he was. I was getting seriously pissed off. All the advice I had given him had fallen on deaf ears.I walked in and was immediately greeted by a thick stench of beer. Pregnancy had made me even more sensitive to smells, and this had to be one of the most nauseous scents ever. A few men were sitting in the living room without a care in the world, empty bottles surrounding them. Their punk-style, gravity-defying, pour-a-bucket-of-paint-all-over hair was telling me exactly what kind of people I was dealing with. Worst of all, Sean was right among them. A guy with red-dyed hair raised his beer bottle. "I ain't leaving till I throw up!" h
Drac Dog was losing his patience with Sean. Honestly, I was getting pretty annoyed with how much of a wimp Sean was. How the hell had I ended up with a brother this goddamn useless? "You guys are just a bunch of hoodlums. Talk about being a boss all you want, but you're just gonna whimper when the police come,” I snapped."Say that again, bitch. I dare you." The guy with the red hair rose and approached me menacingly with a bottle in his hand. He looked like he was going to punch me at any time. I was scared, but I was no coward. I wasn’t going to cower to these pieces of trash. "I said, you guys are just a bunch of hoodlums, so I suggest you get out of my brother's place before my husband arrives,” I repeated.I was scared, and the only thing that could stop me from being scared was the thought of Jethro."Could you please shut the fuck up?!" Sean grumbled in a low voice as he turned to me, looking beside worry. "At this rate, you're gonna get yourself into trouble before he
"You'll pay for touching my wife," Jethro growled, his fists tightening. A possessive man like him could never possibly be okay with his wife being almost sullied by a bunch of low-life assholes. "You talk big for a twink. Don't you know who I am? I’m Drac Dog!" the man himself retorted, a little incensed at Jethro's lack of deference."No clue who you are,” Jethro snapped back.Drac Dog trembled in rage. "So that’s how you wanna play, huh? All right, class is now in session. I’m gonna ingrain into your muscle memory just who you're dealing with!"His men released their hold on Sean and began to surround Jethro. I had seen Jethro in action before and I knew he was good, but he had just suffered a wound on his arm. Not even a week had passed since then, and I was sure he hadn’t had enough time to fully heal yet."You people are just begging to be taken out of here in body bags," Jethro growled and kicked the closest guy, sending him flying and crashing into his friends. Drac Dog
Jethro's expression turned stormy. "I didn't give you a job in Arrowdale to bring trouble to your sister, Sean!" he shouted in cold fury. Sean visibly panicked, but he forced himself to smile appeasingly. "Yes, I know that now. I didn't mean to trouble Rina, I swear." "Your sister ached so much over your well-being. You're one of her most constant stressors, and what did she get in return from pouring all her care onto you? You're having fun being a good-for-nothing leech who skips work to kiss some hoodlums' boots!" Jethro sneered, not buying Sean's words.Sean had never given a damn about what I said, but boy, he turned into an obedient puppy when faced with Jethro. "I know. I really mean it when I say I'm sorry. I swear I’ll never see them again. Please just give me one more chance. I had defended Rina earlier..." Really? Sean defending me and his mixing with bad people were mutually exclusive, and his defense had been utter shit really."Oh, don’t worry about not seeing the
After a long beat of silence, I decided to go for the truth. Mason knew exactly what I meant, and the twinkle in his eyes died a little. It took a while before his smile returned. He climbed out of his car and opened the door for me. "I was just on my way there. I'll give you a lift,” he said.I didn't want to get into his car. He hadn't gone past his crush on me yet. "It’s okay. I can get there on my own."He looked a little dejected. "What's wrong? Have you become so worried about getting close to me that I can't even give you a lift anymore?" he asked quietly.I sighed. No, I was worried about what my presence would do to him. Mason was always so forlorn when I was around, and that affected me too. "I don't mean that, I just…"As I faltered, he suddenly broke out an impish grin. "That was a joke, man! You fell for it!" For a second, I thought the old Mason had returned.He was still waiting for me to get in, so I did. Being so close to Mason in such a restrictive setting
Listening to Mason’s playlist of blues and brokenhearted ballads just made things worse. When had he started taking a liking to such songs? Shouldn't he be vibing to something more upbeat? He had changed so much that I hardly knew him anymore. And honestly, I didn't like the change.Mason quickly turned off the radio when he realized his playlist was a little questionable for the mood. He looked just as uneasy as I was. "I think I prefer the old you," I commented. After a brief moment of stun, Mason looked conflicted. "If Jethro hadn’t existed, would you have fallen for me instead?"As he waited for my answer, he slowed the car. He had asked me something like this before, and I had chosen to sidestep it. I didn't expect him to so stubbornly insist on an answer. Well, Mason was a really good person. He brightened up my life. He looked like he didn't care about most things, but that was just a facade. He was clever and reliable—he wouldn't own such a large private hospital otherw
I became alarmed. Mason wasn’t planning to gimme that mash, right? Jethro was right beside me!Jethro then chuckled. "Here, take one of my pork ribs. You should eat a bit more for the two of you." Mason froze. Then, slowly, he placed the mashed potatoes on his own plate. I then understood why Jethro had invited Mason to dinner. He had wanted to show Mason just how intimate and close Jethro and I were.I looked down at my food and ate in silence. It was one of the most difficult meals ever. Mason immediately left when he was done. He had gotten the memo—hard not to when Jethro made it plain as day. Jethro looked pretty damn pleased with himself once Mason left. I could tell from his smile as he sat on the couch.I, on the other hand, was pretty upset. "Did you really have to do that?" "Of course. My cousin needs to be reminded who you belong to.""He knows, Jethro. For God's sake, he knows," I replied helplessly. I wasn't mad—just annoyed. I knew Jethro had only engaged in
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