"I believe you aren’t the type to do such things. I haven't been spreading these rumors, but some claim to have seen you willingly enter Mr. Ricardo's office and...hug him.”Misha's eyes quivered as she conveyed this in a hushed tone. Though she had her doubts, she hadn't mindlessly bought into the office gossip. Knowing there was at least one person who believed in me was comforting."I didn't seduce him. It was Ricardo who tried to take advantage of me. In my desperation to escape, I slapped him, and now he's making my work hell."Recalling that slimeball’s persistent advances, my anger surged. I resolved to expose Ricardo's true nature in front of everyone today."So that's what happened. Ricardo is way out of line! I can't believe someone like him is in a managerial position!" Misha exclaimed, looking genuinely angered after hearing my account."I'm glad at least you know the truth, Misha, but please keep this between us. If Ricardo learns that you know, he might target you to
I turned to her and gave her an appreciative smile. "Thanks, Misha. You were the only colleague who didn’t side against me."Even though Misha and I weren't especially close, she was the one I related to most. She never treated me with disdain or mocked me like the others.As the guards advanced, I felt a surge of indignation. Being evicted in such a manner was utterly humiliating. I shot Ricardo a defiant glare and wrestled free from their grasp."I can walk out on my own, thank you very much!" My voice brimmed with anger. I then grabbed my bag, but just as I was about to leave, a commotion stirred up at the department entrance."Oh my god… The CEO is in our department!" gasped a colleague standing near the door.The CEO?My heart raced. The first image that flashed through my mind was that of Jethro. For some reason, my heart pounded uncontrollably. Why was Jethro here? Could it be because of me?The person in question walked in, dressed in a sharp black suit that accentuated
Jethro's patience wore thin as he waited for Ricardo to answer.As the silence stretched on, I noticed that Ricardo was about to buckle. It became clear that his misconduct wasn’t limited to his lecherous behavior. He had been embezzling funds from the company too.The documents laid out financial inconsistencies spanning multiple years, adding up to a staggering sum of nearly one million. Even without Jethro spelling it out, all of us could guess the money had ended up in Ricardo's accounts in view of the tight budgets we were familiar with."Sir... I..." Ricardo stuttered, unable to articulate a coherent response as he stared at the documents."Every time a budget gets approved, a corresponding deposit appears in your account. Care to explain that, Mr. Ricardo? Where did those deposits come from?" Jethro probed further."Sir, I’ve realized my mistake. I promise this will never happen again. Please give me another chance." Ricardo trembled uncontrollably.Even without the specif
“I didn’t do it for you. Ricardo committed multiple wrongs against the company. Why would I let someone like him remain there?"Just as I was feeling the warmth of gratitude, Jethro's words doused my spirits, leaving me cold. So his intervention wasn't about me at all. He was merely setting things right within the company. I had misinterpreted his actions."I see,” I replied. Disappointment tinged my voice, and I averted my gaze.Jethro watched me but said nothing. The weight of the silence was palpable, deepening my gloom. I had wanted to express my appreciation, but now the words wouldn’t come. As I contemplated exiting the car to end the uncomfortable silence, Jethro finally spoke."Did you call me out just for this?" he asked flatly."Yes, I wanted to express my gratitude for what you did today, but it appears that it’s unnecessary,” I said in a casual attempt, trying to hide my dejection."Words aren't needed. If you truly wish to thank me, maybe some tangible actions would
At my straightforwardness, Jethro's brows creased, and he shot me an unexpected look of disapproval. He was likely thrown off by my directness, given that many men are inclined toward women who are more reserved and demure in nature.Just when I thought he would say something more, Jethro started the car again and continued driving. While relief washed over me, a lingering sadness gripped my heart as I once again thought of the nature of our relationship.I gazed out of the window, my mood somber. While irritated, I felt powerless to express my feelings without having any significant standing in his life. From the beginning, our relationship had never been anything more than transactional. It was a common belief that men could easily switch off emotions post-intimacy, whereas women tended to get emotionally invested.Our relationship was purely transactional, the day would inevitably come when Jethro would grow tired of me."You're the only woman I’ve been seeing since we got invol
I was too old for romantic fantasies, but I had my parents to worry about. They really wanted their daughter to start her own family and well, I didn't have the heart to disappoint them. The problem was that I had wasted 7 years on Liam. That was such a long time that it was as good as a marriage. All of my old friends had started families. And me? I was the only one still alone. Even Summer had a boyfriend. Sometimes, I felt like the loneliest person in the world. I had no one to share my secrets and true thoughts with when I needed it. I didn't need a guy who could make my heart pound with his breathing alone. I wasn't asking God to give me a guy I would love madly and deeply. I just wanted a decent man. A reliable one who would lend an ear when I needed it. Maybe it was time I started discussing this with Jethro. I was sure he didn't want me as his friend-with-benefit forever, right?The shower stopped, and the door opened. Jethro stood under the doorframe, his top half barre
As soon as he threatened me, I leaped to my feet, shot him my meanest glare, and stormed into the bathroom. As water streamed down my body, I wondered how on Earth I was gonna discuss leaving this "partnership." I surmised now was not a good time to talk, not while he was riding high on his hormones. He’d definitely go apeshit if I tried to bring this up. My mind became a mess the more I thought about it. I haphazardly showered and emerged from the bathroom with the towel wrapped around me. Jethro’s eyes instantly settled on my body, his impatience obvious. He strode toward me, and I felt my heart racing. This was a thing lately. Every time he got close to me, my heart raced. It was uncontrollable. He put me over his shoulders and went into the bedroom. He chucked me onto the bed and pounced on me before I could even make sense of where I was. It was another violent affair.When Jethro was done, he lay on top of me, panting. Then, turning on his back, he lay next to me and pulle
Jethro leaped to his feet, his eyes trained on me like a hawk. It was clear from his tone that he was questioning me.I averted my gaze again—and I didn't even know why. Why would my heart race every time he gave me these demanding, questioning looks? Why did I feel guilty, like I shouldn’t hurt him?"I get it, but this is about my parents. I'm old enough to start a family, and they really want to see me do that. Maybe you can't relate, but I honestly don't want them to die with regret," I hurriedly explained.Whenever my parents called me, it was always about securing a boyfriend or getting married. I didn’t fancy anyone at the moment, but I also didn't want them to stress over this anymore.Jethro silently gazed into my eyes, then finally said, "You can find yourself a boyfriend, but before that happens, our partnership stands!" I grew irritated. My retort was about to tumble from my lips when I swallowed it. I was the one who took money from him, and the sex was the trade-off.
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