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
What was he implying? That I was too feisty for him? He could’ve just found some other girl who would gladly be all kinds of submissive for him. It should’ve been easy even though he was a divorced man. He was rich, after all."I don't want anyone else. I want you." I could feel it—his lips grazing my earlobe. I tensed up and pushed him away. "You can't do this. You promised you'd let me rest.""I agreed because you looked tired. But the way I see it, you look more energetic than not. Now seems like the perfect chance to teach you some manners so that you'll know what sort of attitude you should be using to address your man." Jethro smirked and loomed close again. I knew it. He was going to break his promise. I was wrong to have thought otherwise."You're going to break your promise? I thought you were better than that!" I demanded. "I changed my mind. You were disrespectful to me this morning. You gave me the cold shoulder. I should give you a lesson on that. I'll keep my pro
“Starting today, you’re not allowed to speak to me in such a cold tone, or I'll teach you a lesson every time you do," Jethro said while eating his food elegantly. His handsome face was expressionless, but his words made me feel uneasy."That's a bit much, isn't it? You know very well how I feel about you—" I began coldly, but he cut me off."No matter whether you see me as an enemy or a competitor, in my heart, you're my woman and I'm your man." His tone was firm and authoritative.These words unexpectedly stirred something in me, leaving me momentarily touched.Knowing that opposing him would bring me no benefits, I pretended to agree. "Fine, I'll try, but please stop with the excessive behavior. It makes it hard to control my temper."I had my limits, and if he pushed me too far, I couldn’t promise to keep my cool."That depends on you. If you're cold to me, I’ll have to discipline you more often. So, you should consider being a bit gentler to me. It's for your own good." His
A hush fell over the board members. Their eyes lingered on me, seemingly assessing the truth of my words."Ms. Serena, if there’s nothing untoward between you and Jethro, then you should have no qualms about sharing the details of your meeting last night. Full disclosure is the only way we can truly place our trust in you. We all admire your abilities, but we can't keep someone under suspicion, regardless of their business capabilities," a board member stated.The implication was clear. I had to disclose every detail about my interaction with Jethro. Failure to do so would mean losing my position within the company. As a woman with a strong sense of pride, their threat ignited a fire in me."Everyone, I understand your concerns. However, my private life is not up for scrutiny. If you doubt my loyalty, I prefer to resign immediately." I removed my company badge and placed it on the table. Working in an environment of distrust was not an option for me.The board members' expressions
Unwilling to continue the topic with Nathan, I strode out of the meeting room. Feeling too disheartened to continue working though, I left the office and called Summer, asking her to meet up for drinks. Despite being at work, she immediately took leave upon hearing my distressed tone. At times like these, a best friend's support was invaluable.We went to a nearby bar. I usually avoided such places, but today I felt drawn to it. Sitting in there with Summer, the deafening music made my head spin as I downed one drink after another. Soon, I felt dizzy."What's wrong with you, Rina? You seem so down. Did something happen with Jethro?" Summer asked."No, it's not that," I replied, shaking my head."Then what is it? Besides Jethro, what else could have upset you to this extent?" She looked at me with worry and confusion.I proceeded to tell Summer about the day's events, about how the board doubted me."Seriously, what’s wrong with them? You've put in so much effort for their benefit
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