“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 gave Liam a smirk, deliberately using these words to provoke him. Liam had always been a proud person who thought highly of himself. Hearing my comparison of him to Jethro visibly irritated him, and his expression instantly soured.Men were creatures with strong pride, especially when measured against one another. Liam simply couldn’t compare to Jethro in appearance or wealth. After all, he was just a mid-level manager in one of Jethro’s vast arrays of companies. He was not even worthy of being compared to Jethro."Rina, I realize you're saying this out of anger. Fine, but do you even understand who Jethro is? Are you aware of how many women are around him? Do you think someone of his caliber would settle for someone like you? Don’t be naive," Liam said as if he was concerned about me.His facade was laughable. With an icy smile, I snapped back, "No matter what Jethro is like, he's better than you. He may have countless women around him, but I know he’d never go after my best frie
I saw Liam standing a little ways away and noticed his eyes burning with rage. He was too afraid to say anything while Jethro was around though. I couldn’t believe it took me this long to realize he was a cowering little wimp. Jethro walked toward Liam. With his arms still around me, he shot Liam a frosty glare. "How many times must I catch you harassing my girlfriend before it stops, Mr. Liam?" he questioned so flatly that even I felt suffocated by his tone.Liam had been a little fidgety since he saw Jethro, and now he was positively panicking. There was no trace of that attitude he had with me earlier. He was now acting like a spineless bootlicker. I despised how easily he flip-flopped from being a bully to a pussy. "No, Mr. Jethro! Th-This is a…misunderstanding. W-We were just hashing things out!" Liam stammered. God, could he get any more disgusting? He was just yapping about me being his one-and-only or some crap like that. It was unbelievable that all it took for his clai
There was no one in the living room, and it was quiet. Too quiet.I looked toward Jethro anxiously and returned to his side. "I can't believe you brought me home… To your home! We… You… I… Wh-What if your, uh, p-parents find out?"Call me old-fashioned, but I did not want to be caught by the parents of my friend-with-benefits. It would be too embarrassing."They don't live here," he replied curtly and shoved me to the couch. I sometimes wondered where his patience went whenever it came to sex. He was always so excited about it. Nonetheless, that reassurance was nice. And those bedroom eyes he was giving me… I’d be lying if I said I didn't feel butterflies.I then thought of earlier and said, "Thanks for helping me."Jethro was a little stunned. Then, in a low, magnetic voice, he replied unhappily, "Thanks? You're mine, Serena, and I don't share my partner. As long as you're mine, you can never be with anyone else. Never. Do I make myself clear?" He always sounded so possessive
Jethro seemed pretty ticked to see me wrap myself up. Or at least, what he said gave me that idea. Panicking, I avoided his gaze. I felt as if he could see through me, and that made me anxious. "I gotta go. I have to get to work before I’m late."I expected him to flirt or tease me again, but he suddenly asked a rather normal question. "You work in Titan Ads?"I was stunned. "Uh, yeah." I saw him frown and started getting worried. "I’m not working there because of some ulterior motive, okay? I was just looking for a good place for my career. It has nothing to do with you and never will."Men of his status and wealth hated it when their partners tried to creep into their social circle. I did not want him to think that was what I was doing. I needed this job. I could not afford to lose it over our relationship. My dad was not in any shape to bring home the bacon, so I had to fill his shoes. Jethro cocked an eyebrow in amusement. "Whoa, that's one long explanation. Why so jumpy?"
I stared at him, eyes wide in disbelief."I said," he repeated impatiently, "Spread your legs."I did the exact opposite and clamped my legs together tightly. It was bare down there! I didn't want him to just…see it all!"W-Why?" I asked warily. "To apply medicine. What else? Unless you want me to bang you again," Jethro replied with his one brow raised.Oh. He just wanted to apply medicine…right? I thought he was going to… My cheeks burned as I protested, "I wasn't thinking about that at all! Maybe you should stop imagining me as someone like that!"I looked away even as I said this as that was definitely what I was thinking about. He pouted. "'Imagine?’ Please. Don't confuse fact with fiction. You're not as innocent as you wish you were, Serena," he said. He didn't believe me after all."Wh-Whatever! It's a waste of time explaining myself to you. I just wanna get dressed and get ready to work."I rose to look for my clothes, but he wouldn't let me. With a shove, I was ba
“Fired over being late? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Jethro frowned and looked at me in confusion."You don’t get it. I could very well be the first! It’s because I offended my department head and everyone in the department now hates me. Any little mistake and I'll be fired, I'm sure of it."I hung my head. God, I had wanted to skip out on work for a while now. The animosity was everywhere—everyone was against me. Ricardo had been shoving me pile after pile after pile of work since I rejected his creepy advances. He even assigned me tasks that weren't part of my job scope, like logistics. Jethro cocked an eyebrow as intrigue brimmed in his eyes. "And what did you do to offend your department head?"I didn't want to tell him about it, but this harassment had been a thorn in my side for too long. Everyone believed I was the one trying to seduce Ricardo when it was the other way around. I hated being seen as someone I was not. I hated it!And then, just like that, I told Jethr
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