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
"Serena!" Jethro's reply and creased brows showed his clear annoyance at my harsh words. His gaze was filled with blame and dissatisfaction.I responded with a sarcastic smile. Then, I opened the car door and stepped out. The thought of spending another minute with Jethro at that moment was unbearable. His actions had profoundly disappointed me.Jethro quickly got out as well and called after me. However, I had no desire to engage with him and continued to walk away."Where are you going?" he asked sharply as he grabbed my arm.Since we had gotten back together, Jethro had never gotten angry with me or spoken to me in such a cold and distant tone. My heart, already heavy, felt even more burdened by his harsh words."I don't want to see you right now. I need some time alone," I said as I tried to break free from his grip."It's late, and you're pregnant. What if something happens to you?" Jethro insisted, refusing to release me."Is your concern only because I’m carrying a boy? W
Seeing Summer at ease, I took a seat beside her, linking arms with her playfully. "You and Ignatz sure are moving quickly. I had no idea things had gotten so serious between you two!"I remembered from my last conversation with Summer about Ignatz that she was still hesitant about it. In just under two months, their relationship had blossomed into intimacy."You know full well how busy you are. Must I detail every aspect of my life to you?" Summer retorted, unbothered by my mock complaint."As your best friend, I think I should’ve been the first to know about your new boyfriend," I said, feigning a pout, mildly annoyed she hadn't confided in me about their relationship."I wanted to tell you, but I was worried it might upset you," Summer admitted, looking conflicted."What are you talking about? You've found happiness. Why would I be upset about that? Besides, didn't I explain it very clearly to you last time? I had no romantic feelings for Ignatz. Looking back, it seems almost co
Determined to stop thinking about Jethro, I got into bed and tried to sleep. Suddenly, the ringing of my phone broke the silence as Jethro's name flashed on the screen. After pondering for a moment, I declined the call. He didn’t attempt another call, and I shut my eyes, feeling a twinge of disappointment.Having enabled his mother's actions, surely he owed me a proper explanation? His single call, now unreturned, hinted at a lack of seriousness on his part. As I was wallowing in my upset, a text came in.Unsurprisingly, it was from Jethro. [Let’s talk.]Just two words, no pleasantries. Even his attempt at an apology seemed forceful. I had expected more from him, but this dismissive approach only solidified my resolve not to engage.Knowing me well, Jethro only sent that one message and didn’t follow up. The night passed in a whirl of restless thoughts, sleep only claiming me in the wee hours. I woke up to find Summer gone, but her thoughtful note alongside a prepared breakfast tou
In the quiet of Summer's house, the absence of any calls or texts from Jethro felt profound. It was like he had disappeared from the world, and I hadn’t seen him around Summer's neighborhood since he left. I couldn't help but wonder if he had moved on and forgotten about me.The weekend came, and Summer stayed home with me. We lounged on the couch, watching a comedy playing on the TV, but laughter eluded me. My initial anger had faded into melancholic sadness. Maybe I wasn’t as important to Jethro as I had thought.Summer sensed my gloom. After munching on a chip, she sighed and said, "Come on, no more frowning. How about a smile?"I met her gaze, acknowledging her effort to cheer me up. But with Jethro dominating my thoughts, smiling seemed like a distant possibility. I wanted to know what he was thinking."Jethro hasn’t come to see me, and it’s been a few days now. No calls, no texts, nothing. Do you think he has forgotten about me? Did I misjudge my place in his life?" I confide
"Don’t jump to conclusions. Maybe it’s not what you think. Jethro loves you so much, and I'm sure he wouldn’t betray you," Summer consoled, gently squeezing my hand.She looked regretful about bringing me out, realizing that if we hadn't, we would have avoided this painful scene."There’s no need to comfort me, Summer. If you were in my shoes, seeing Ignatz like that, wouldn't you feel the same way?"I appreciated her efforts, but I needed more than words of comfort. If things were as I feared, no amount of consolation would help.My question caught Summer off guard, her expression filled with concern. "How about we confront Jethro and ask him about the girl? Maybe we're misunderstanding the situation," she proposed, pulling me toward Jethro's direction.I followed her for a few steps, but the closer we got to Jethro, the more frightened I became. Finally, I stopped, unwilling to proceed any further."What’s wrong? Why aren’t you moving?" Summer turned, looking puzzled and anxiou
I yearned to confront Jethro, to demand why he was here and not with the other woman. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to voice these thoughts. Deep down, I feared that pushing too hard might extinguish any hope of mending things between us. It pained me to admit, but my feelings for Jethro have grown beyond my expectations.Betrayal was something I always thought I’d never tolerate, thinking that if Jethro ever betrayed me, I’d leave without hesitation. But faced with the reality, I found myself hesitating. The thought of leaving him was unbearable."Betrayal? Have you lost your mind, Serena?" Jethro's voice betrayed his impatience, his expression a mix of confusion and rising temper."Yes, I've lost my mind. Do you know what I regret the most, Jethro? Falling in love with you!" I uttered in a fit of frustration and pain to vent my bottled-up feelings.I had already experienced betrayal with Liam, a memory that remains vividly painful. Being betrayed was my greatest fear, and I had ne
I sat on the sofa, my gaze fixed on the ground. I was fully aware that my eyes were red and puffy."Did you talk to Jethro about what you saw this afternoon? What exactly is going on?" Summer asked after setting down the groceries on the kitchen counter."I couldn't bring myself to ask him. I'm afraid I can't handle the answer." My love for Jethro was profound. I was terrified of losing him, especially to another woman, which meant the end of our relationship."Why are you so stupid? You have to clarify things with him. What if it's all a misunderstanding? You can't let this fester, Rina. I believe Jethro isn't the kind of man who would cheat," urged Summer.But I was too afraid to shatter the last bit of hope I held. I remained silent with my head still lowered. Summer sensed my reluctance and simply sat beside me, offering a comforting embrace as we both got lost in our thoughts.A week passed, and Jethro seemed to have disappeared completely, leaving no trace of our once-inte
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