“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
What Summer and I said took the two youths aback, their expressions darkening with surprise. The one gripping me continued, "Well, teach us a lesson then. We've got a thing for MILFs. They're so much more...experienced. Let's go, I can hardly wait."With these words, he began pulling me toward the exit. The other guy was similarly harassing Summer. Under the effects of the alcohol, I was too weak to resist effectively. I attempted to push him away, but my efforts were hampered by my unsteady state.Summer, despite her bravado, was struggling against the man's hold. Before long, we found ourselves dragged out of the bar. Our attempts to resist were futile, and alarmingly, nobody in the crowded bar came to our aid. This sort of scene was probably all too common for them.We were quickly led outside, but as we struggled, no one offered help. Then, the two guys flagged down a cab. Summer was shoved into the car first, and the guy behind me was trying to push me into it as well. Despite
"Drink," Jethro commanded.I eyed the dark liquid in the bowl with distaste. "What is this?" The thought that it might be poison crossed my mind."It's a hangover cure," he replied, his gaze intense but not overtly threatening. I sensed his irritation had lessened, probably due to my earlier compliance."Are you sure it's not poison?" I skeptically regarded the black concoction. I had never encountered a hangover remedy like this before and hesitated to drink it."Are you going to drink it or not?" Jethro’s brows knitted together tightly in annoyance.I could see he was displeased by my distrustful tone. I detected a veiled threat, but the dubious appearance and unfamiliar taste of the stew made me reluctant."Can I not drink it?" I looked up at him, probing for an alternative."What do you think?" His rhetorical question implied that I had no choice."I feel quite sober already. I don't think I need a hangover cure." I tried again, staring intently into his eyes.Jethro respo
I regained my composure and gazed at Jethro indifferently, convinced he was merely jesting."Do you think I'm joking?" Jethro's frown deepened, looking dissatisfied."Isn't it a joke? How can you expect me to believe you're serious?" I retorted with a skeptical smile.The idea of him handing over his assets to me was ludicrous given our adversarial relationship. Was he really expecting me to believe he’d hand over all his assets to me?"If you leave Nexus and Nathan, I'll give you the CEO position of Titan Ads!" His insistence, coupled with a hint of anger in his voice, emphasized his seriousness.Jethro’s sincere expression sent a rush of emotion through me. I could hardly believe what he was saying. Was he really offering me the position of Titan Ads' CEO? In his eyes, I saw nothing but earnestness. When a person was willing to give up all their assets for you, it was hard not to be moved, especially when that person was someone you loved deeply.I forced myself to look away, r
"Sorry, it's all my fault that you've been wronged..." He gently patted my back, soothing me with a tenderness in his voice that I hadn't heard in a long time.At the thought we would remain enemies forever, I cried in Jethro’s embrace for what felt like an eternity, releasing all the pent-up tears of the past year. He simply held me, saying nothing. Eventually, I pulled away. His shirt was soaked, and he looked in disarray."Enough crying?" Jethro asked softly, wiping the tears from my face.Embarrassed after such an emotional outpouring in his arms, I realized the truth—Jethro hadn't abandoned me. This revelation alleviated the heavy burden on my heart."When did you find out about this? Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.He replied after a brief pause, "I began suspecting something after you mentioned the signed divorce papers. That's when I started investigating.”"Did you confront your father about it?" My voice grew cold as I mentioned Connor."Yes, I did," he responded suc
Nathan's face clouded over, and his voice laced with disbelief. "What do you mean by that? Have you forgotten how he hurt you a year ago? Weren’t you determined to become stronger so that you could get your son back? Why are you giving up now?"He bombarded me with questions. Visibly agitated, he stared at me intensely as his voice escalated. I understood his concern. He had likely guessed something he didn't want to hear.Previously, blinded by hatred for Jethro and unaware of the truth, I was resolute in supporting Nathan to bring down Jethro's company. Now that I knew the truth, I couldn't continue on that path. I realized my decision seemed selfish, but my feelings were paramount."I'm sorry, Nathan. I just learned the truth about what happened a year ago. It wasn’t Jethro who abandoned me. His father was the one who orchestrated everything. I’ve been wrongly accusing Jethro of what happened. Now that he and I have cleared things up, I don't think I can oppose him like before."
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