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."
My face flushed at the insinuation. Jethro’s fondness for physical intimacy had been intense during our time together. His idea of “treating me well” likely meant he would just be more vigorous. Every session with him left me completely drained, and the last thing I wanted was his so-called “treat.”"No thanks, you can rest tonight. We can discuss a treat some other time,” I said.Exhausted by last night’s intense session, the prospect of another was overwhelming. I wasn't about to naively agree to it."Don’t worry, your man is quite capable. I’ll ensure you’re well taken care of tonight. After all, you’ve been so obedient and caring. How could I not reward you?" Jethro said suggestively.If he were before right now, I’d have slapped him. He was clearly eager for physical intimacy but trying to frame it as if it were my wish."I might not meet you tonight if you keep this up," I threatened half-seriously. Learning of the truth and Jethro’s enduring feelings, I was certain that my
Noticing my expression, Jethro's demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. He gently placed his hands on either side of my face, gazing down at me intently. "What’s so important that you insist on asking right now?" he inquired calmly.As my heart pounded with anxiety, I looked deeply into his eyes. The fear that his answer might bring disappointment loomed over me. For a long moment, I hesitated, trying to summon the courage to voice my concern."Did you...lay with any other women while I was away?" I finally spat out.I held my breath, anxiously waiting for his answer. I was aware that my question might seem trivial, but it mattered greatly to me.Jethro didn't respond immediately. Instead, his brows furrowed together in a way that I couldn’t read. His silence heightened my anxiety, making each passing second feel excruciatingly long."Why won't you answer me?" I asked again, forcing out a smile despite the dread building inside me.Instead of replying, he questioned in displeasu
The adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder seemed true in our case. A year apart had fueled our desire for each other. Although we had shared intimate moments a few times since my return, those instances were hardly consensual, making the emotions involved complex and conflicted.After Jethro was thoroughly satisfied, he held me in his arms. I allowed him to do so, closing my eyes and catching my breath. While I was physically drained, he seemed full of energy, even more so than before. I began to wonder if he was normal.He then said in a sexy, low voice that carried a hint of passion, "You were very proactive tonight. Are you going to question me like that again in the future?"I pouted at his remark, irritated that he was still fixated on the earlier incident. I had already apologized."No, I won't. I won't doubt you about such matters again because I trust you won’t do such things." I looked up at him sincerely, acknowledging my previous mistake. I promised myself that
This domineering statement left me speechless. Observing Jethro, it dawned on me that his overbearing nature was next to incurable. By his reckoning, I didn’t need any other male in my life other than him."Jethro, has anyone ever told you how overbearing you are?" I asked in an upset tone."It's been pointed out before. I've always been this way," he responded nonchalantly.His demeanor made it clear that no matter what I said, he would remain steadfast in his domineering ways. Sighing, I closed my eyes, opting to ignore him. After our intense session, I was too exhausted to continue this conversation and simply wished for rest. Fortunately, Jethro ceased his questions. He made some space between us, yet held me close, and we both closed our eyes.The following morning, Jethro shared his plan to visit his family. Despite my lingering bitterness toward Connor, I did not object, understanding the importance of family. I spent my day in Verdantia, feeling somewhat unsettled. It was c
"Hello, Mr. Connor," I greeted, maintaining a cool and flat tone. After all that had happened, it was impossible to regard him as family or anything close to that."Do you have a moment to meet up, Ms. Serena? I'd like to talk to you.” Connor was being surprisingly straightforward."Sure," I replied, suspecting his agenda but knowing it was vital to assert my position. I believed he wouldn't give up unless I made my feelings clear.The meeting wasn't set in a neutral place, but at the Willow residence—a place that felt both foreign and familiar. Despite my reservations, I agreed, thinking of Seren who was living there. Arriving at the Willow family residence half an hour later, I was let in without delay, likely at Connor's behest. The latter sat in the living room, his demeanor stern."Mr. Connor." I acknowledged him with calm confidence and sat down across from him."You're here," he observed, his voice matching my coolness."You said you wanted to talk. What is it about?" I as
Confronting Connor was a challenge I couldn't back down from."You’ve crossed the line, Serena. You weren't like this before," Connor remarked coldly, his eyes ablaze with fury. My boldness clearly irritated him."The person I was previously hadn't endured as much. Having gone through so much hardship, do you think I’d remain the same?" I replied sarcastically.Everyone said that I had changed and become more heartless. Yet, without this change, I'd still be the submissive girl who could not confront Connor."No matter what, I can’t allow you to continue your relationship with Jethro. Doris is in her current state because of you. You have to face the consequences. I was already lenient by not having you arrested back then. Don’t push your luck!" Connor threatened, implying that if I refused to leave Jethro, he’d take even harsher measures.Despite my concerns, I stood firm in my decision to stay with Jethro. "Why can't you show some generosity and just let me be with Jethro? This
In the days that followed, Connor didn’t do anything, which slightly relieved me. I hoped that his care for Jethro would prevent him from causing us further pain. Regardless of Connor's disposition, I had already decided that as long as he didn't interfere with my relationship with Jethro and allowed Seren to return to me, I would let bygones be bygones. For Jethro's sake, I was prepared to overlook the estrangement and avoid escalating matters.However, I soon realized this was mere wishful thinking. Connor had no intention of letting us be together. His recent silence was just him plotting other moves.One day, Jethro's nanny was over in Verdantia with Seren. I was enjoying some precious moments with him, despite knowing he would return to the Willow residence each night. Then, the doorbell suddenly rang.With Seren in my arms, I watched the nanny answer the door, only to be met by two police officers. Their sudden appearance on my doorstep was unsettling."Are you Serena Hart?"
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