I was agitated, but Mom didn't seem angry. Instead, she was quite amicable. I had expected this from her though."How much do you think you’ll need?" I asked, grappling with my displeasure toward Sean's girlfriend.The wedding date was set, and despite my reservations, I knew backing out wasn't an option. I decided to help, considering a rural wedding wouldn’t be too costly. My savings should cover it."Probably about 100,000," Mom stated a number that staggered me."100,000 dollars?! Are you joking, Mom? What kind of lavish wedding requires that much?"In the countryside, a wedding costing 15,000 or so would be more than adequate. The leap to 100,000 was bewildering and excessive."It's not solely for the wedding. It includes a car purchase as well." Mom’s voice lacked confidence, probably realizing she was asking for too much."A car? If the wedding costs 15,000, why the need for an 85,000 dollar car?" I frowned, feeling a surge of anger.Every time Mom asked for money, it wa
"Hi guys! Nice to meet you," Tiffany greeted.I smiled at her while Jethro nodded placidly. Tiffany’s eyes sparkled at the sight of Jethro, and that inadvertently attracted my attention. She had been clearly excited to dine in a 5-star hotel, but ever since seeing Jethro, she had been all googly-eyed. Looking at how excited she was—to the point of seemingly forgetting my existence—my impression of her started to crack. "Let's sit for a bit," Sean said and tugged her toward a seat. I smiled politely and asked, "So, how old are you, Tiffany? What's your family like?"Tiffany hadn't even replied when Sean interjected, "Come on, you guys literally just met. Did you have to ask about those sorts of things so soon?”I shot a glance of quiet exasperation at him. Couldn't he tell? I was trying to test his girlfriend's sincerity here."I was just starting a conversation with the most general topics, Sean. It's not the end of the world, right, Tiffany?""R-Right. I'm 21 this year. My pa
"Th-That's not what I meant! You’ve misunderstood me!" Tiffany said in alarm."If you're genuinely in love with Sean and want to be with him, then that's great. We welcome you to the family. But if you're with him for some other reason other than love, then you should make your exit now. My husband may be rich, but he's not Santa Claus. We’ll help if Sean's ever in genuine trouble, but that doesn't mean we’ll acquiesce to ridiculous demands. Do you understand me?" One should never say yes to even the first of a gold-digger's requests. People like her wouldn’t just stop there."What the hell, Serena?! You can't talk to Tiffany like that!" Sean raised his voice and rushed to her defense as Tiffany turned pale. "Hey, don't take this to heart, okay? Rina’s got this annoying temper so it's not a you-thing. It's a her-thing. But you don't have to worry, okay? She always listens to my parents, and my parents listen to me.” "Sean, let me repeat myself: I'm not buying you a car and neithe
"That’s no way to think, Serena. If you back down, you’ll only invite more trouble. Do you really want a sister-in-law who preys on you like the rest of your family?" Jethro pointed out, disagreeing with what I was thinking. "But—""No buts. You have to be firm. You need to learn how to say no!" he cut me off sternly.I swallowed whatever I wanted to say. Jethro was right about this, and I knew it. Just as we arrived home, before I could even get out of the car, Mom called. It wouldn't take a psychic to know what this was going to be about. I shot a quick glance at Jethro, who looked apathetic.I answered the phone. "Mom?""What did you do, Serena?! You said you wanted to get to know Sean’s girlfriend, but all you did was insult her! In front of Sean too!" Mom shrieked, "You just love making your brother's life miserable, don’t you?!"I pulled the phone away from my poor ear. Ugh, I knew Mom was going to be apoplectic."I’m protecting him, Mom. That girl was up to no good. Th
While I was anxious about how Mom would receive Jethro's rebuttals, I still sighed in relief. She now understood why thoughts, right? Jethro had made my stance clear, and he squeezed my hand as though he had sensed my anxiety. Mom stopped calling, and Sean was radio silent, too. It was as if they had faded from existence. This uneased me a little, and at one point, I wondered if I should call Sean and ask about Tiffany. I didn't do it, though. I still thought it was better for them to break up. I was not opposed to my brother starting his own family, but I wanted him to be with someone who truly loved him, and Tiffany was not that person.I thought that was the end of the drama. Little had I known how wrong I was.*I was out on a walk. It was good for a pregnant mother to get some exercise in. The majordomo was on a day's leave that day—she had something important at home to attend to.My phone then rang with a call from Doris. I honestly wished I could just decline her call—not
"Calm down, Jett. We can wait only for the doctor's prognosis," Connor said, despite being even more outwardly panicky than Jethro was. He kept pacing around.It took a long time before the light over the ER door was off. The door opened, and we swarmed toward it."How’s my wife, Doctor?" Connor asked."She's not out of danger yet. Even if her condition is stabilized, there’s a chance of her being trapped in a long-term coma," the doctor replied with a sigh. Connor grabbed the doctor's hands tightly. "No, this can't be happening! Please, save her, Doctor! You have to do whatever it takes! She has to be okay!"Jethro frowned. My heart raced. We all wanted Doris to be okay. "I'll do my best, sir. I give you my word. The patient's operation just finished. She’s being transferred to the ICU as we speak."The doctor said he’d do his best, but he couldn’t guarantee her recovery. Doris was wheeled out of the room on a bed before Connor could say anything more. Her forehead was wrap
No one was in the living room. Maybe he wasn't at home after all. Then, I caught it—a flitting figure behind the crack of his bedroom door. He was hiding inside!I stormed toward the bedroom and pushed the door. Sean was inside—along with my parents. "Mom? Dad? Why didn't you open the door for me?" I asked, my suspicion growing. "Wh-Why are you here, Rina?" Sean blabbered, his eyes avoiding mine. He had never been this mousy before. "Ex-Exactly. Shouldn't you be at the hospital taking care of Mrs. Doris?" Mom added gingerly.Dad just stood to the side, frowning. "I'm here to ask for the truth. Were you there during the accident, Sean? Were you at my house?" I asked ominously. Sean shuddered as he dodged my gaze. "What are you saying? How could anything that happened be related to me? I didn't go to your house yesterday morning!""I didn't tell you the time of the incident. How did you know?"Not even the news knew about this, so how did Sean?"I guessed, okay? How could
"I know I did something bad, Rina, but I hadn’t expected things to happen the way they did! I just wanted to make you apologize to Tiffany and then, well, talk about the car thing again. But you weren't there and Mrs. Doris was, and she just kept insulting me! Over and over and over! You have no idea about the nasty shit she said to me, and I lost control of my temper, okay? I pushed her a bit, and…" Sean explained.I knew he had been hiding the truth from me because he was scared, but fear was hardly a justification for a cover-up."It doesn't matter what she said to you. Words can't send someone to a coma! You did! This is a crime and you have to be in jail for this! Don't you know just what sort of things Jethro is capable of? He’ll use all of his resources and power to punish whoever harmed his mother!"Jethro already treated everyone outside his limited circle with apathetic pragmatism. But my brother? He hated Sean to the core. I didn't think Jethro would hold back any punches
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