Before I could finish my sentence, Nathan cut me off. "I know what you're going to say, Rina. You're going to reject me. You’re going to say that we’re just business partners and friends, but the real reason is because…Jethro. It's Jethro, isn't it?"He had guessed me right at once. It made me panic. Even I didn't want to admit to that. I hung my head, not wanting to look him in the eye. After a while, I raised my head. "It's not because of that, Nathan. I simply don't feel that way about you. Please don't invalidate what I think and feel like this by drawing it to someone else," I replied. Jethro was his allergen. If I admitted that what he said was true, he would suspect me even more. The last thing I wanted was to attract more trouble for myself. "You are well aware of how I’ve treated you for the past year. You know how I feel about you. You also know that your chance of success only increases with me. Most importantly, you know it's over between you and Jethro, so why not g
Jethro stormed toward me while continuing to provoke me. I never once thought of accepting Nathan, but to hear him speak to me like that? In public, no less?!"Don't you dare insult my moral character like that, Jethro! I could get hook-ups any day I want and it will have fuck-all to do with you! In fact, get out of my sight already!" I snarled."I'm going nowhere unless you come with me," he declared and grabbed me by the shoulder. I wanted to leave this place too, but I didn't want to leave with him."Let. Me. Go. Are you really dumb enough to abduct me in public?!" I yelled and broke free of his grip. My public image could go fuck itself for all I cared; he pissed me off too much!Jethro glared daggers at me.It was then when Nathan said, "If I recall correctly, Mr. Jethro, you and Rina are divorced. She is no longer with you. She has all the agency to accept or decline my proposal—you don't play any role in it. You certainly don't have the right to pull her away against her
"Why are you such…such a stubborn, tyrannical little shit?! You're unreasonable in every conceivable way!" Everything this man said made me want to punch him in the face. He was the one who started the fight and yet he had the nerves to make it look like he was in the right! Nathan grabbed my hand. "It's all right. Let's not fight with him anymore," he comforted."We should get you to a hospital. Let's just cancel our dinner," I said quietly, ignoring Jethro as I stressed over Nathan's injury.If our colleagues saw Nathan in this state, they would surely talk."You haven't given me an answer yet, Rina. Please? I swear I'll always be by your side. I’ll never do anything to hurt you." Nathan showed me the ring again.I frowned. He was still on this topic after all that had transpired?My decision remained the same: no. All I could care about was his injuries. I calmed myself and decided to change the subject and persuade him to get to the hospital. Before I could say anything,
"These are the only things you have? Nothing else?" I asked flatly while walking out of the kitchen."Yeah, that’s pretty much it. You know how it is with bachelors. Not many men cook for themselves. I usually order takeout or dine-out. Getting food delivered at this hour though? Tough luck," Nathan replied with a casual shrug.I returned to the kitchen and surveyed the meager supply, sighing in resignation. A simple bowl of egg salad seemed like the only viable option. Though such a meal was far from adequate for a man of Nathan’s inclinations, satisfying his hunger was the immediate concern.Quickly, I assembled the salad and set it before him. Had he not been injured, I would have never lingered to cook, given the awkward state of our relationship.Nathan eyed the salad, a hint of surprise in his raised brow. "It looks great, and I bet it tastes great too." He gave me a warm smile and started eating."Eat up. I’ll clear the dishes when you’re done and be on my way.""Aren't yo
As Nathan questioned me, his voice weighed down with emotion, and his intense gaze sought answers in my eyes. My anxiety spiked, and I guiltily looked away. He was astute. My blatant refusal must have given him a hint about the reason. My silence was an implicit admission."So it's true. You haven't forgotten him. Why do you want to go back to him? Have you forgotten why you came back here? Have you forgotten how he hurt you a year ago?" My silence prompted Nathan to become agitated.He gripped my shoulders as he bombarded me with questions. I knew he must be feeling terrible. He was reminding me of the impossibility of reuniting with Jethro. And I knew the truth all too well. A future with Jethro wasn't in the cards, nor was a hasty commitment to anyone else. I didn't feel anything romantic toward Nathan, so I couldn't be with him, let alone marry him. It was selfish, yet it was undeniably the fairest approach for us both."I understand your concerns. I've closed the chapter on tha
I took a cab back to my apartment, only to find a familiar car parked nearby, and Jethro standing beside it. Seeing him there deepened my frown. After everything that had transpired tonight, his presence could only spell trouble.Unwilling to confront him and feeling increasingly agitated, I remained still and made no move to approach him. He noticed me and angrily strode toward me with a scowl. My heart fluttered with panic at the sight of his fury. I inhaled deeply, striving for composure. The day's turmoil was his doing, and I had no reason to feel guilty.Jethro towered over me, his dark eyes ablaze with anger. "Coming home this late. Were you with Nathan?"His accusatory tone irked me."And how does that concern you?" I retorted coldly.I was free to be with whoever I chose, and his questioning was unwarranted. His controlling behavior and domineering attitude were becoming intolerable.I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my path, his gaze seething with anger. "Serena,
Jethro's audacious words instantly brought a flush to my cheeks. I hadn't expected him to speak so unabashedly. Since that night, we hadn't shared a proper conversation or any form of intimacy, and his shameless comments took me aback."You shameless bastard!" I pushed against him.Despite a part of me not fully rejecting the physical closeness, I loathed being pressured. The memories from a year back still haunted me, fueling my anger."Shameless? Weren't you quite satisfied the other night? Can you truly say you felt nothing?" His response was even more unabashed, his lips now tracing kisses across my ears and neck."Get off me!" I shouted, but my efforts to repel him and my raging emotions seemed ineffective. Jethro’s weight immobilized me, making escape impossible. His hands had already started to wander over my body, his breathing growing heavy. Realizing his fervent yearning, my inner resistance began to falter."Moments ago, you were rejecting me, and now you're already s
Jethro's hands paused before he frowned, turning to look at me. He said in a deep voice, "Are you truly that eager for me to leave your side? Do you really not want to see me?" His voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction, but he wasn't angry at me."Yes, I don't want to see you. I don't want to be disturbed by you any longer. Jethro, I'm begging you. Please don't come near me again. What do I need to do for you to let me go? Are you trying to force me to leave again?"I stared into his eyes, my voice growing increasingly agitated. My thoughts were clouded by his gentle actions while helping me bathe, leaving me unsure about how to deal with this version of Jethro.He silently met my gaze, but I detected feelings of loss and hurt in him. I wondered if I was imagining these emotions."I’ll stay away from you for the next few days and give you some time to calm down. But remember this, Serena, you can only ever belong to me. No other man can have you," Jethro declared dominantly, his
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