"No need for you to worry. Nexus isn’t so incompetent that the existence of accidents becomes a certainty," I said with feigned nonchalance to hide my panic. Jethro cocked an eyebrow mockingly. "Are you sure?"It made me feel even more restless. It was as if something was going to happen soon."If your point of being here today is to mess me up, then save your breath. I'm not changing my mind no matter what you say. I know what you're here for today—you're here to poach my client back for yourself," I retorted, "It's not gonna work. Adam is my client now, and I'm not giving him up.""Please, he's so low-stakes. I could just give him to you as a charity to your company. You aren’t thinking that my company will go bankrupt because of this itty-bitty loss, right? I'm just trying to warn you, Serena. Don't get into troubles you have no idea about," he replied flatly.I shook my head. He must have cared about this. I had to stop myself from harboring any more hope for him. "Okay, cool
"No one knows you better than you yourself, Jethro. I'm gonna leave it at that," I said, "Right now, all I want to do is to work and be by my son's side. If you don't want me to hate you forever, then return Seren to me. Or else."Most of my hate had been from the Willows’ reluctance to let me see my son. If they would return Seren to me, maybe I’d stop hating them so much. Jethro stared at me emotionlessly. "That's it? If I let you have Seren, will you come back? We won't have to be enemies anymore?"My heart quivered. How I wished we could be together as a happy family, but could we?"If you come back to me, Serena, Seren will be with you every day," Jethro said again, sincerely.It was a very seductive offer, but I knew I wasn't ready to forgive yet. "I’ll never get back together with you. I'll take Seren and we'll vanish from your sight forever," I declared. I could try not to hate Jethro, but I could never love him the same way again."You're going to run away?! Do you th
Nathan held open my car door anxiously.I frowned. I was ready to reject him, and then I stopped myself. He was going to take my rejection badly and become even more clingy, so I thought I should just give him what he wanted.I nodded. "We're still friends and business partners. That didn't change."Nathan smiled, finally relaxed. This was the answer he had been waiting for. "Can I get into my car now? We shouldn’t set a bad example by showing up late to work," I added, pointing at my wristwatch. That seemed to stop him from saying whatever he planned to say. He released his grip. "See you at the office."I ignored him and drove off. Honestly, just remembering how we were going to meet each other every day was frustrating. How awkward was that?Soon after I arrived at the office, so did Nathan. I didn’t acknowledge him and went away. My first agenda of the day was to bring my secretary along to look for Adam. I wasn’t going to let him back out of the deal he promised.The dis
"Calm down, Ms. Serena. You’ve had too much to drink, so let Mr. Nathan drive you home. It’s not safe for a pretty woman like you to walk alone late at night.""Exactly. It's not like we're living in a crimeless society, and you wanna just exit a club in this state without someone to keep an eye on you? You're just gonna attract all sorts of horndogs." They began to persuade me to take up Nathan's offer. It was seriously irritating, but Nathan was everyone's boss. If I continued to rebuff him, the whole company would take it as proof that their boss was a pushover. They would probably make up salacious gossip about him tomorrow. Begrudgingly, I accepted instead of voicing my rejection. “Fine. Thank you for your concern, everyone. Sorry that I have to leave so soon. Have fun!" I said.I smiled politely and left. Nathan followed me. Outside, the nipping breeze washed over my face and made me sneeze. I didn't notice how cold and dark the night had become. I stood at the crossing a
I leaped to my feet and tugged on Nathan’s collar, agitated. These thoughts—these questions—had haunted me for a year. I had wanted to question Jethro every time we met but the words could never leave my mouth. I could not let him gain the satisfaction of knowing that I had never forgotten him. Liquid courage, however, had finally loosened my tongue. Nathan removed my hands from his collar. "I'm Nathan, not Jethro. You're drunk," he said coldly.I didn't care. I was in a state of delirium. "Answer me! Answer me, you coward!" I screamed, pulling at his collars again. "Serena!"I buried my head into Nathan’s chest, tears pouring down my face. "Do you know how painful it was for me? That one year was torture! Did you ever really love me?! If you did, how could you do that to me?!" Nathan froze. For the longest time, he said nothing. My senses were dulled by the alcohol, but even I could feel the air stiffening a bit. Then, he rested his hands on my back and patted gently. I stay
"That's enough, Jethro! If you're just here to fight, then get the fuck out of my house before I call the cops!" I yelled.I may not have liked Nathan, but Jethro was punching him in my house because of me. I had some responsibilities. "You're yelling at me because of him?! How dare you! You've forgotten the man you belong to!" Jethro yelled, grabbing my arm and dragging me outside. I followed along in a drunken stupor. My body was not exactly under my control now. Nathan hurried toward me to help me, but Jethro had managed to shove me into his car by that point and drive away. I tried to open the door, knowing that being stuck with Jethro would be very bad news for me. But he had locked the door, and I couldn’t open it.I glared at Jethro. "Let me out!""And then what? You want to run off into Nathan's arms and fuck him?" "It's got nothing to do with you, dipshit! You don't have any right to punch him or take me away!" I screamed. I especially objected to being seen as a sl
I willed myself to not think about the past. My priority was to get out of here. The fact that Jethro was in the bathroom meant this was the perfect time.I rose to my feet—"You better not be thinking about leaving, Serena. You know I'll be able to find you no matter where you go," Jethro’s voice suddenly boomed from inside the bathroom. He sounded so expectant and calm, it was as though he had predicted this from me.I glared at the bathroom door. It was not even opened. How had he known? What was he, a psychic?I hesitated. His threat had already begun to take hold. I knew how capable he was, but seeing how enraged he was had left a mark on me. I was more afraid of what he was going to do to me than him finding me later, so I quietly crept toward the bedroom door. "Playing deaf, Serena?" Jethro was right behind me!I turned and shuddered. I was alarmed to see him. Before I could reply, he scooped me up into his arms. I was so stunned that I clung to his neck. I felt the w
I looked down. I felt self-conscious to clarify that he was the reason why I was this fatigued. If it were not for him, I would not have been this tired.Jethro stopped in his tracks, and his eyebrows raised dangerously. "You're blaming me for this? Blaming me for ruining your plans with Nathan and bringing you here?""No," I muttered, pouting.He was thinking about that again? God, I was only hugging Nathan because I mistook him for Jethro. And then I let my hair down and said what I really wanted to say out of liquid courage. I was so hoping for an explanation from Jethro, but it turned out I had ranted to the wrong person this whole time. God, I was never going to say those words again."Do you know how hard I will fuck you up if I found the two of you in bed?" he snarled."But nothing happened between us! Why the hell are you pissed about something that didn't happen?!" I retorted.Jethro was more than tyrannical—he was stupidly small-hearted!He placed me on the bed, stil
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