"You look so tired, so I'll let you off the hook for now. After our baby is born, you're paying me back with interest.” He grinned. I exhaled a breath. Thank God he wasn’t forcing himself on me. "Okay. I promise I won't deny you once the kid is born. For now, though, please just put in a little more restraint."To be honest, I didn't intend to completely do what I promised. It’d be a few more months before the baby was born, and by that point, Jethro would’ve already forgotten all about what I said. I could make him restrain himself a little longer…Jethro pouted as though he didn't believe me. "Nu-uh. Get up and get dressed already. I don't think I can hold out much longer. This is torture!" He yanked the blanket away from me, exposing my naked self. My cheeks burned, but I was more worried about Jethro losing control than my own embarrassment, so I quickly dressed.Jethro smirked. For some reason, I felt like I was being—"You were pulling a fast one on me, weren't you?!" I d
“Now that you understand how much I’m holding back, how about you…satisfy me a little?" Jethro grinned devilishly and tugged me by the hand. I knew what he was asking, and I recoiled from him as though I just stuck my finger into a socket. Was I just done in by my own petard? "Ah, umm… Oh, we should get up! We have to head for our honeymoon in Lucetia, right? Time is ticking!" "Serena, you just aroused me even more than before with that ploy of yours. Do you think you can get away with it?"His grip tightened, and I was trapped. Jethro pulled me in, and his kisses began to rain on me.*We rested for a bit, took a shower, and finally went downstairs. Boy, was I hungry. And after we had some food, it would be honeymoon time. I was so stoked! I had never been abroad, and I finally had the chance now.I could smell breakfast. Guided by it, I went down the stairs, passed by the living room, and saw Doris sitting on the couch.My heart almost leaped out of my chest. I quickly s
Doris showed no concern for me, and I suspected she came here today just to pick a fight with me. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," I said sincerely.It was my fault for not learning the rules earlier. She was right to educate me on this, at least.Just then, Jethro’s voice came from atop the stairs. "If you're going to find someone to blame for your bad mood, at least blame it on me. Why are you bullying Serena? I was the one who didn't tell her about such a rule.” He had finished changing and getting ready. Doris was bewildered to see Jethro. "Why aren't you at work?""Because I just got married yesterday. Do you think it's remotely appropriate for me to get back to work so soon?""You have a pile of work to go through at the office, but somehow you think getting married means you don’t have to work anymore?" she retorted.Doris shot me a quick glance. I could tell she thought I was the one holding him back from work.Jethro came to me and pulled me into his arms. He looked at me
Most men simply hoped their wives would endure and let things slide. However, Jethro was a remarkable exception."Wouldn't you be upset if I frequently stood up to your mother?" I remained uneasy despite his advice not to mistreat myself. If I confronted his mother too often, he might start defending her instead."Why would I be? You’re my wife, and I don't want you to be mistreated. As for my mother, she's the only woman in the family and usually doesn't have anyone to challenge her petty quips. She can be quite pushy, so maybe you could be the one to cure this nosy nature of hers."As Jethro spoke, I gazed into his eyes, surprised. To openly describe her as pushy and suggest that I could “cure” her, I began to wonder if he was Doris’ biological son. I was certain he was the only person who would ever encourage his wife to stand up to his mother.But since Jethro said so, I no longer needed to worry. If his mother unfairly targeted me in the future, I might not confront her direct
One day, Doris visited the villa again, and I got a bad premonition. It had been over a month since our last encounter. Surely, she wasn't here to settle scores about that, right?"You’re here, Mother. Would you like something to drink?" I asked politely as I approached Doris."No need. I didn't come here for a drink today," she replied curtly. Her hostility was less than before, but her expression was still stern."Is there something I can help you with? Jethro isn't home today. He's at the office. Maybe you could call him?"Doris' attitude seemed unusually polite today, a stark contrast to her usual angry demeanor."I didn't come to see Jethro. I came to see you," she said, looking at me with an underlying dissatisfaction.Perhaps she had really softened a bit after I stood up to her last time. If that was the case, it was a blessing in disguise."What is it about, Mother?"I couldn't think of any reason for her visit, but it didn't seem like she was here to chastise me."Yo
After my lengthy outburst, Doris glared at me in silent fury."Are you refusing to listen to me, Serena? You will do well to remember that I am your mother-in-law! How in the world did the Willows ever accept a woman like you?!" Doris pointed an accusatory finger at me, unleashing her frustration with harsh words."It's not that I won't heed your words, Mother, but you're making unreasonable demands. This child belongs to Jethro and me. What gives you the right to insist on a gender test? I understand your desire for a boy, but what if it's a girl? Would you make me terminate the pregnancy then?"I dreaded the intricacies of high-society family politics, fearing that if the child in my womb turned out to be a girl, she might not be able to safely enter this world."If it's a boy, he will naturally inherit the Willows’ fortune. Serena, if you wish to remain part of this family, that baby has to be a boy. If they turn out to be a girl, it’s best if you leave the Willow family immedia
As soon as I entered the mansion, the aroma of cooking hit me. Being pregnant had made me unusually sensitive to food smells, and now that my bouts of morning sickness were over, my appetite had increased significantly.Sitting in the living room, I chatted away with Connor and Raymond. Despite them being elders, Raymond's progressive thinking made the conversation feel unrestricted. Jethro sat beside me, his gaze lingering on my face. Whenever I smiled while talking to Raymond, Jethro smiled warmly too, his eyes filled with affection for me.My pleasant conversation was interrupted when Doris came downstairs. Seeing her made my smile fade as I held no fondness for her."You're here, Rina," she said, smiling as she approached."Hi, Mother," I greeted, surprised by her lack of hostility and even a hint of warmth in her eyes. Was this real, or had the world turned upside down today?"Rina, I regret my words last time. They were too harsh. I'll try to be more mindful in the future,
Each time Doris mentioned “grandson,” a wave of unease washed over me. Her conviction that my unborn child was a boy gnawed at me. What if the baby turned out to be a girl? Would she be disappointed?Jethro intervened, "Let's table this discussion for later. There's still plenty of time before the baby arrives," he said, giving Doris a pointed look before swiftly changing the subject.Feeling the need to speak up, I said, "Mother, the baby I’m carrying may not be a boy. It could just as well be a girl.""That's impossible. I'm positive it's a boy, and he will be the heir of the Willow family," she replied immediately, her eyes sparkling with certainty.Hearing her certainty made me uneasy. Looking at her smiling face, my heart sank, but I maintained my composure."But how are you so sure?" I pressed gently, staring back into Doris' confident eyes.She appeared utterly convinced as if she had already concluded that the child in my belly was a boy. But I hadn't undergone any gender
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