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
Jethro's hand traveled down my breast and stayed on my abdomen, his fingertips drawing circles. I was more or less in the same shape as I was before giving birth—likely due to how active my lifestyle had been for the past year. My passion blazed, and it consumed me. I wished he would stop teasing me and start getting inside of me. I mewed out his name."Mm," he replied in a low growl.To my chagrin, he didn't sate my hunger. He just left me to writhe. He had always been excited to get to the main course in the past, so why was he suddenly exerting so much self-control? Was this deliberate? A ploy to make my lust burn all the more?"Jethro!" I breathed out again, pressing myself into him even more. "Want me inside of you?" I was no longer the shy, coy woman. Alcohol had changed me. My body was now in control of my brain. "Please," I breathed."Louder. Say the words.""I…I want you inside of me."I pulled him closer to me. He obeyed and finally granted my wish. *The nex
Jethro was smiling, his eyes twinkling.This recording was the bane of my dignity! I never wanted to hear my own moans ever again!"Where’s the copy?! I want it deleted!" I shouted."You think I'll tell you? I struggled to hold it in just to get you to say those words, and you think I'm gonna just give it up?" Jethro was smiling from ear to ear. It was as if seeing me in this state made him feel good.I was pissed. If this recording got out, my reputation would be ruined. This man was capable of using the worst kind of tactics to get what he wanted. I could not risk this."Delete it, now!" I snarled. "I told you—there's nothing you can do to make me delete it. But that's beside the point. Do you believe me now? You were the one who asked for it and demanded it. You were a freak last night, and I loved every second of it," Jethro purred, "From now on, call me whenever you need some sugar. I can give you more than a good time, Serena, and you know it. Don't starve yourself of heav
This was clearly a threat! "Are you threatening me with this?!" I yelled. "Hey, what am I supposed to do if that's what you think? It's not like you have any other choice," Jethro replied, shrugging. "It's up to you, Serena.""You’re getting more and more unbelievable, Jethro. If you release that recording, I…I will never be anything other than your enemy!" I threatened.“Fantastic. That means we'll be forever bound to each other. You love me that much to do this, huh?" He smiled. I was at a loss for words. And honestly, I hated that about myself the most. I always lost to him in these arguments."Are you done playing games, Jethro Willow?" I snarled."All you have to do is to say yes to my condition, Serena. None of this will be a problem if you do that. Do or do not; the decision is yours," Jethro said, his smile giving way to something more solemn. He was certainly not giving me a third option, and out of these two, one of them was obviously the worse outcome. Jethro was
Jethro was pretty upset. His tone was both angrily cold and serious. I frowned at him in disbelief. He really could just fuck off. He hurt me a year ago, or was that supposed to not count? I wished I could just laugh at his face, but I was in no mood to bring up the past. I didn't want to torment myself with what happened in the past every day. Those days were over. "You know what? You're the person who has hurt me the most in this entire world. I hate how you force yourself into my life. I have my own space and my own career. You have no right to interfere!" I put on my clothes. There were no fresh ones to change into, so I had to make do with what I was wearing last night. Jethro frowned, and I could tell he was mad. We were two different people who were standing and seeing things from different angles. We were no longer in sync.I left after I was dressed and returned to my apartment. I freshened up, changed my clothes, and headed to the office. Many of the staff were stari
“I chased after you after he took you away, but he drove so quickly that he lost me. I had no idea where you two went."Nathan looked so forlorn. He had been waiting for me in my office since the morning, not just because he wanted to talk about separating my private life and my workplace. It was also because of his personal feelings for me.Hearing him change the subject to his feelings made me look away awkwardly. I couldn't reciprocate even if I knew how much he liked me. Besides, I had already told him that I didn't want to talk about this topic again. "I know. No matter what happens privately, I value my work a lot. I promise I won't ever do anything that could hurt you or the company no matter what happens between Jethro and me." It was the only promise I could give. As for the feelings part, I just couldn't reciprocate no matter how much he wished I would.Nathan understood my subtext. Luckily, he decided not to press it. "Fine. Let's not talk about these things in the of
We used to be sex partners back then, and yet, he had never acted like this. Hell, Jethro would do anything in his power to make sure we weren't seen together. But now, he was suddenly advertising our relationship anywhere he could. "You don't really think I'd believe you, right? You never do anything without an angle. Admit it. You just want Nexus to make up stories about us," I rebuffed. I had gotten so angry with him that I returned to calm already. He frowned at my show of candor, but he didn't deny it. He just kept driving as though he hadn't heard me. I noticed we were going to Verdantia again. After what we did last night, I was starting to feel wary of such trips."I want to go back to my apartment," I snapped as I stared straight ahead.I didn't want to argue. I didn't want to fight. I just wanted him out of my goddamn sight. "Did you forget what you promised me?" He brought up the condition. "You should ask yourself if you've forgotten your end of the deal. You said
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