"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
Dad then broke his silence. "Rina, please, I'm begging you too." He made his way next to me and dropped to his knees too. I felt myself plunging into the abyss of despair. I was shaking. I was furious. I couldn't believe any of this shit. I couldn't believe how little I mattered to them."Y-You're agreeing with Mom? Is that what you're doing, Dad?!" I yelled."We're both begging you, Rina! It was difficult raising you given our lives, but we did, and you owe us at least this little thing, right? After this, we'll never make you suffer anymore, okay?" Mom pleaded.She was still holding onto my hand, but I felt cold. I had been abandoned. My resolve then collapsed. I had given up. I took a deep breath to keep tears from rolling out of my eyes. "Fine! Fucking fine! I'll do it! I'll fucking do it, and from that moment on, neither of you are my parents anymore! You're not my mom, and you're not my dad! My real parents… They wouldn't… They wouldn’t treat me like this!" I ran away as t
“You said you have something to tell me?" Jethro suddenly said softly as though he was worried he would frighten me. "Now's a good time."I gazed into his eyes which were brimming with concern and realized I couldn't say it. So instead, I asked, "If I had done something grave—something horrible, almost like a sin—would you forgive me?"I wrung my hands. I wanted to hear his answer, but yet, I couldn't meet his eyes.Jethro reached out and grabbed my hand tightly. "My wife can do any kind of wrong and it wouldn't bother me. I will always be here for you."I was touched, but his words didn't help. The "wrong" this time was something he would never expect. I returned to silence. I hadn't yet found the best way to confess my "crime," and I honestly rather not ruin one of my precious last few moments with him.We returned to the villa soon enough. He parked the car and smiled at me faintly, but I made no move to get out."Are you okay? You haven't been acting like yourself.""I…I'm s
The sound of the door slamming pounded on my heart. It hurt.I was left alone in the car, my fingers clutching at my hair. I hated myself for being so easily manipulated. For being a doormat. For doing the stupidest thing possible. "I'm sorry, Jethro… I'm so sorry…"I sobbed in the car for a long time. I had never cried this much in my entire life. My phone then rang, and the screen read "Mom." This word had never carried this much irony before. What kind of mother would force her child to go through this?I took a deep breath and forced myself to sound cold. "What?""Rina, I just want to know if you remember your promise. You didn't rat Sean out, right?"That was all she fucking cared about! She didn't even ask if I was okay!"Save your breath. I don't need your useless reminder. I always do what I promise, and it has nothing to do with you. Do yourself a favor and don't ever call me again. I consider myself an orphan from now on!" I hung up the phone before she could say
Jethro looked like he wanted to step in before the slap hit, but he was too late. The slap hurt, and not just my face, but also my heart. Connor had been so nice to me all this time, and now he was the one slapping me. "We’ve been very kind to you, Serena! Doris might have gone overboard at times, but you didn't have to do this to her. How could you?! You're nothing like you've shown yourself to be. You're not the daughter-in-law I thought you were," Connor snarled in disappointment. It felt like a knife was being twisted into my heart. Connor had supported Jethro and me being together, after all."Connor! She’s pregnant! If anything happens to my great-grandchild, you're not getting away with it!" Raymond bellowed.I was sure Raymond was just as disappointed in me as Connor was. He was only protecting me because of the baby."I’m sorry for acting out, Dad, but my wife's in a coma in the hospital, and it's all her fault! How do you expect me to give a damn if she’s pregnant or
I hung my head and hoped he would stop prying.Mason suddenly grabbed my hand, looking concerned. "Can you please not lie to your best friend, Rina? You know you can trust me, so why not the truth?"His hands were warm, and the warmth reached my cold, tired heart. But I removed my hand from his. I couldn't be caught dead in such intimacy with someone who wasn’t my husband."I don't know what you mean, Mason. Why would I say it was me if it weren't? You don't seriously think I'm that stupid, right?" I chuckled dryly, my eyes warming despite my placid tone.Mason glanced at my retracted hand. "I don't believe one bit of it. I know you and trust you. I will never believe you'd do such a thing against Aunt Doris." I was touched. If I stayed any longer, I feared he’d figure things out. "Please excuse me. I have things to do.""Wait, I’ll go with you," he said calmly but firmly, "It's dangerous for a woman this late in their pregnancy to be walking around alone.”I didn't reject Maso
Mason's answer annoyed me. He had no concrete proof, and I had just supplied him with it! I mused quietly over how to respond. It took me a long time before I finally said, "Please help me keep this a secret from the Willows."I hated everyone in my family, but I wanted the last thing I did for them to work out. "That's the stupidest thing you could’ve possibly said to me, Rina! Sean hurt someone, and he should get his just desserts! I know the Willows won’t do anything against you, but you're still dooming yourself by shouldering a crime you didn't commit!" Mason cried out, shocked."I know that, but you also know that if Sean admits to his crime, the Willows will screw him as hard as they can. The best solution is to have me shoulder his crime."Rage flashed across Mason's eyes. "You can't keep defending him! What are you going to do if he actually kills someone?!" he yelled. "There won't be a next time. I've left my family behind. But please, Mason, I'm begging you. Please
I laid out the food on the dining table and went to the study. Just thinking about Jethro being inside made my heart race. I stood outside for some time before I knocked. "Come in."I entered and saw Jethro looking at some papers. I suddenly didn't know what to say. He looked up after hearing nothing from me for a while. "What?""I…I prepared some food." "Oh."I was a little disappointed. He used to be so sweet…"I’ll head down first then." It felt as if Jethro and I had lost the conversation commonality we once had. We ate together across the table, but there was none of the feelings between us anymore. All that was left was silence. "Have you been busy? I mean, with work," I said, casting for a topic. "Yes."That was all Jethro said—as if any more words would’ve been a waste of his time. I looked down at my plate and felt glum. I couldn't bear it anymore and looked up, asking frankly, "Is this what we’ve become? Have you ever wondered how we're supposed to continue
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