Jethro breathed these words into my ear, his breath warm and ticklish.I let out a whimper and grimaced. "Look at you! You're starving," he whispered, "Nathan hasn't been feeding you well. Or is he incapable of that?" I felt like punching Jethro in the face. Nathan and I never had sex. Why must Jethro always delight in insulting me? Well, I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction."You wish! He's leagues better than you!" I snarled.He just loved insulting others, didn't he? Well, we would see how he felt when I threw the same thing right back at him.Jethro's arms suddenly caged me between them. His gaze had changed. "Better than me? Better than me?!" he growled through his teeth.I was alarmed. What would he do next?No! I didn't want to lose to him all the time!"Yes! He's better than you!" I shouted as boldly as I could. As Jethro went mad, I regretted saying those words. There was no pause in between. No break. I screamed and screamed until my throat couldn't scream
Jethro felt the change in my mood. Suddenly, he looked more conflicted than angry. "Do you like Nathan that much?" he asked, his voice audibly disappointed."Does it matter? You and I are over. That's the real matter."I just wanted my son back. That was all I cared about. Jethro stopped washing me. "You don't have a say in that I will decide when it's over, not you! You're mine until the day I say you're not—and that hasn't happened yet!" he declared like the little tyrant he was. My heart used to quiver upon hearing this sort of thing. But now, I felt nothing. Maybe my heart had died, after all. I couldn't care less about what Jethro proclaimed. Nothing he said could change my mind."Do you even love me, Jethro? Do you resent me for what happened to your mother?" I asked pointedly. He frowned a little. "That's all in the past," he finally replied after a long beat of silence. "Don't you know if I loved you or not?"Oh, I knew. He didn't love me, that was what I knew. If h
Jethro marched toward me in quiet fury. "Are you daft, Serena? Do you honestly think Nathan will ever succeed in Arrowdale?" His looming over me alarmed me, but I quickly recovered. "Why not? He's not inferior to you in any way."I had been watching Nathan for a year and knew how capable he was in business. He was nothing less than Jethro, in my opinion. I honestly had no idea which one of them would come out on top, but I would stand with Nathan all the same. He was my only hope to reclaim Seren."Your confidence in him is laughably premature, Serena. Fine, I'll show you. I'll show you which one of us will laugh last!" he snarled, no longer hiding his fury. I didn't fire any retort. This verbal sparring was pointless—no one ever won the battles of business by being good at quarreling. "Hmph, good luck with that!" I turned away."Wait.""What?""Friday," Jethro suddenly said, "Every Friday, if you want to see him."My heart trembled. Was he giving me the chance to be Seren?
I changed my clothes after returning to my place and left for the office. Unfortunately, I was walking funny. Jethro had left quite irreparable damage to my gait enough that my colleagues noticed. Most of them had boyfriends and some were already married. They knew what it meant.It didn't take me a long time to become the topic of the day. While I was in the bathroom, I overheard people gossiping by the sink. "Did you see Ms. Serena? The way she walked, I mean.""I think everyone saw.""What's with that? She broke her foot or what?""Break her foot? Girl, are you a virgin? A woman walks like that after she had the best night of her life! Whoever was her partner had to be a horse or something!" I hated people gossiping about me. If this were about anything else, I would have stormed out and shouted at them, but this whole thing was embarrassing. I could only hide inside the cubicle and listen in. "Do you think her partner was…our general manager? I hear they’re pretty close…"
Nathan's expression darkened as if he was trying to suppress his rage. "So, they were right about you… Who was it? Jethro?!" he roared, his hands smacking on my table. My heart raced, but I managed to control my panic from showing. "What’s that supposed to mean? Must every man I tried to talk to be Jethro? How much distrust is that?" I snarled.He blinked. He looked like he regretted his outburst. Then he looked at me with doubt again. "Who else could it have been?" he demanded. "Excuse me, but that’s none of your business. Are you going to police me right down to the random guys I have a one-night stand with?" I snapped.Why was Nathan trying to control me when we weren't at that stage?"You went to a club and found a random guy to sleep with? Since when are you that kind of girl? You know I'm right here, right? I could’ve fulfilled you, and then some," he retorted. I was stunned. Nathan and I had known each other for a year but we had never talked about this sort of thing
I didn't have the time to deal with these rumors, especially not when my priority today was Scarlet Ventures. Unfortunately, the discussion didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. Scarlet Ventures’ representative, Lambert Fletcher, told me that terminating their partnership with Titan Ads was impossible. But I wasn’t about to give up so easily. I was here for one and one reason only—to snatch away Jethro's business partner!Lambert grimaced a little. "Ms. Serena, with all due respect, Mr. Jethro and I have been partners for years. He knows exactly what our requirements are. In fact, our contract hasn't even expired yet. You must understand why it wouldn't be helpful for my company's reputation to jump ship before our time.""If I recall correctly, Mr. Lambert, your contract is about to end in a month. Surely there's nothing wrong with our timing," I replied. I had accounted for the terms of their contract. How else was I supposed to win this negotiation?Lambert had not expected thi
"Serena Hart! Were you listening to me?!" Jethro bellowed. My mood was already boiling, and his shout broke me. "What the hell do you want from me, Jethro?! If your point is to make fun of me, congratulations! I hope you had your fill! Now, fuck off!"Jethro standing by at the front door of Scarlet Ventures made it clear that he knew I was coming. He was waiting to have the last laugh. He looked stunned, and much of his rage seemed to subside. "Do you really think I have that much time to stand here just to watch you fall flat on your face? No. But Nexus thinking it can poach my clients? Now that's peak delusion,” he declared smugly. I didn't need to hear him gloat. "This is just the beginning, Jethro. Our fight isn't over!" I swung his hand away from mine and stormed forward. I was not going to waste my breath with him. I wanted to leave, and yet, he refused to let me. He tugged on my arm again. "Did I grant you the permission to walk away?" he sneered. Permission? Fuck h
"Are you done acting like a madman, Jethro?! You've lost your goddamn mind! I'm not your anyone! You have no right to question me!" I yelled as loudly as I could while struggling out of his hold.I had never been this humiliated. Everything I did was wrong to him. He never trusted me. I loved him so much, and yet, he was acting like I left him for Nathan. How stupid was he to not sense how much I loved him? Had he felt none of it back then?"No, I'm not done! I'll never be done! You're mine and only mine! I won't allow you to be tainted by Nathan—or I will destroy him with everything I have!" he snarled, his eyes brimming with danger. My heart was quivering. What was the source of that rage? Was it for me? Or was it out of his own possessiveness over me?I didn't understand. How much was I worth in his mind? Was I just his property? And he was trying to take me back? He never seemed to care about how I felt, after all."You're impossible!" I yelled as I shook in fury.Every time
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