Despite my reluctance, Jethro wasn't ready to give up. After a moment of silence, he said, "I'll be careful."Before I could protest, he leaned in and sealed his promise with a tender kiss.Moments later, Jethro's expression became strained. "I need your help," he pleaded."Help? How am I supposed to help?" I was taken aback, not quite understanding the implication of his words."With your hands, of course. Or would you prefer to use your mouth again? I certainly wouldn't mind," he said, his gaze lingering on my lips. It was evident that the images playing in his mind heightened his libido.Jethro's request left me speechless. Asking for me to help him in this way, could he be any more shameless? Just thinking about the situation made me feel awkward. Though we had shared such intimacies before, it was never something I was entirely comfortable with."Do I have to?" I asked in barely above a whisper."Do you really want to leave me in this state? What if my member gets damaged b
Despite my lingering resentment, I had to forgive them. After all, they were Jethro's family. Dwelling on grievances would only make me look petty.As I entered the living room, I noticed everyone was already gathered. Doris was eating the fruits the housekeeper passed to her. Her glance toward me was as cold as ever, a stark contrast to her previous warmth when the baby's gender was revealed. Her indifference had returned, and it upset me. However, I preferred her coldness rather than her changed attitude because of the child's gender.I approached Raymond, who seemed engrossed in his newspaper, and greeted, "Hey, Grandpa."He acknowledged my presence with a nod and a simple, "You're here.""Yes, I’m sorry, Grandpa," I replied awkwardly, aware of the weight his words carried."What’s there to apologize for? It’s normal for young people to have conflicts. Don't treat me as an old-fashioned coot," he replied, his demeanor relaxed and understanding.Within the Willows, only Raymond
"Just be yourself. You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are. You’re Jethro Willow’s wife, and that alone is more than enough," Jethro said smilingly, holding onto my hand.I nodded as I gazed into his deep, dark eyes. All I needed was to be a good wife to Jethro. All that mattered was that we were happy together.After starting the car, Jethro said softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, "There's a charity gala in a few days. It'll be your first public appearance as my wife since we got married.""A gala? I don’t think I'm cut out for such events. I've never attended anything like that," I confessed.The idea sent ripples of anxiety through me. Such events seemed reserved for high society and were something I had never experienced before. The thought instinctively made me want to resist."You're my wife now. What’s inappropriate about a gala? You belong there as much as anyone," he countered, his gaze filled with encouragement.Yes, marrying Jethro had changed how oth
A well-dressed gentleman then approached Jethro, smiling ingratiatingly. “Mr. Jethro, it’s a pleasure to see you again. It's been quite a while, and you look even more handsome and distinguished after getting married.""Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Lionel," Jethro replied with a measured coolness, lightly clinking glasses with the man.The moment one person engaged Jethro, others gravitated toward him too, seeking a moment in the spotlight. I found the flurry of attention overwhelming."And this must be your charming wife. I only caught a glimpse of her at your wedding, but now it's clear that Mrs. Willow is an absolute beauty."The businessmen, quick to notice Jethro's glances at me, seamlessly transitioned their praises my way. Their words were smooth, their flattery practiced to a tee. The compliments caused me to inwardly scoff. I was here without any makeup, yet they acted as if they were awestruck. I had to admit, their ability to flatter was top-notch. Jethro, thoug
Seeing my hesitation, Eleanor grew anxious. She peered into my eyes and hurriedly explained, "Lionel already approached Mr. Jethro, but it seems Mr. Jethro isn’t interested in collaborating with us. I was hoping you might influence his decision. Mr. Jethro clearly holds you in high regard.”Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with a glint of hope, but I didn’t reply. I was unfamiliar with her or her husband’s business, so how could I ask Jethro for any favors on their behalf?Jethro's discerning approach to business meant he engaged only with partners that met his meticulous standards. His lack of interest in Lionel’s company simply meant it didn't meet his criteria. Since Jethro wasn’t even considering cooperation, I couldn’t possibly intervene."Mrs. Eleanor, I'm afraid I can't help you. I'm not involved in Jethro's business affairs, so I can't speak to him about any collaboration," I responded, trying to maintain a polite yet firm stance.I loved wealth, but I was by no means greedy. I woul
Someone then approached our group with a clear intent to engage Jethro. Knowing my dislike for such superficial conversations, Jethro stood up and whispered to me, "Just wait for me a moment. I'll deal with this and be right back." He then strode off to meet the newcomer."Wow, what's your secret, Rina? How did you make Jethro so affectionate with you? Is this even the same cold-hearted cousin I knew?" Freya exclaimed, her eyes wide as she watched Jethro leave.I responded with a gentle smile, amused by Freya's dramatics. Jethro's cold demeanor was reserved for those he disliked. As his wife, he would never treat me that way.After hearing Freya's words, Mason glanced at me with a calm expression but chose to remain silent. An elegant young woman then approached him. Dressed in designer clothes, she looked like a wealthy heiress."Hi, Mr. Mason," she greeted him with a slight blush, her demeanor a mix of nerves and admiration.Freya and I shared an understanding glance. Who would’
Caught between the squabbling siblings, I felt a wave of dizziness threatening to overtake me."Must you two be so dramatic? To those in the know, you're siblings, but to onlookers, you're like enemies. I think I’m gonna be sick just by listening to you two." I still wasn’t entirely over my morning sickness, and their antics were making me feel nauseous.Mason, catching the distress in my voice, immediately stopped trying to grab Freya. "How are you feeling?" he asked worriedly."I’m fine, but if you two keep it up, I’ll get sick." While their playful bickering was entertaining, being caught in the middle was more than I could handle."We'll tone it down. Here, have some water and sit down." Mason offered me a glass of water.After taking a few sips, the nausea subsided."It’s all your fault that Rina feels sick, Mace!" Freya chided, her concern colored with her usual habit of pinning blame on Mason."Enough, Fae. We’ll settle this later!" Mason glared at her, clearly still upse
"I can’t wait even a minute longer," Jethro asserted with a nonchalance that was almost disarming. He sounded as if he were discussing the weather.Jethro's words left me speechless. I blushed awkwardly and stole a glance at the driver. It was one thing to be impulsive in private, but I wondered how Jethro could be so unabashed with someone within earshot.The driver—a picture of professionalism—kept his eyes on the road. Upon reaching a small fork, he turned off and drove for a while. Once we were a good distance from the main road, he brought the car to a stop. Silently, the driver exited the vehicle and distanced himself with practiced discretion. I was speechless at how well the driver understood the situation. How many times had Jethro done something like this for the driver to act so efficiently?"Now that there’s no one to disturb us, we can start," urged Jethro as he grinned devilishly. In the next moment, he moved closer to me, his jacket already off.I put my hands agains
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