Mom balked. She wasn’t expecting me to be so heartless. In the past, I would’ve tried to carry out any demands they asked of me. But I had refused to continue submitting to them, and that was out of their expectation. "I have things to do, so I’m gonna go now. If you need anything, give me a call. Mom, if taking care of Dad is too taxing on you, I'll hire a caretaker for you guys," I said. I didn't actually have anywhere to be or had anything to do. In the past, that would mean I'd stay in the hospital every day to care for my Dad. But at this moment, I just didn't want to see them. It's not like I was that cruel, I just didn't know how else to face them. They didn't care about me, so why the hell should I keep pleasing them in the hopes of changing their minds?Mom was stunned. She must’ve found my new attitude foreign. I turned away from my parents and walked out of the ward. Jethro followed silently. I was grateful that he was around. I wouldn’t have known how to face this ot
Maybe it was because I had said my piece in no uncertain terms that Mom stopped seeking me out. It was good—I felt so much more relaxed because of it. Today was Seren's birthday party. I couldn't believe he was one year old already. Time really did fly. I had no idea who to invite, so I left it up to the Willows. Most of the attendees were their business partners; very few of them were their relatives and family. The Willows were so influential and powerful that Seren's birthday party was a bit grander than I would’ve planned for. Not that I cared about it that much. I was happy just to be with my son. I thought leaving Nexus was the last time I would see Nathan, but he showed up at the party. He had managed to poach some of Jethro's clients, and in retaliation, Jethro bought a piece of land Nathan had been eyeing for a long while. Impressed, a few clients came to partner up with Jethro. One could even say that he was the one winning the battle at the moment. I wasn't too happy t
"How is it that I never noticed you're that sweet to Nathan, huh? You're actually speaking up for him!" Jethro continued as he followed me. I turned around in annoyance. "Jethro, are you really going to do this on our son's birthday?"This man had been reduced to a green-eyed monster since Nathan showed up. I knew it was out of love and care, but I didn't appreciate him being this way. I had guests to attend to and things to do, and he was just getting in my way with something so petulant."You're the one who started this. You looked really happy to see him," Jethro snarled and loomed over me.His possessiveness had always been maddening. I sighed helplessly, unsure how to even explain that it was all just decorum and nothing else. He was acting as if I had cheated on him."It was just courtesy, Jethro. I wasn’t expecting him to show up, so maybe ease off, will you? Don't make this a big deal unless you want me to be upset."People were starting to look at us. Even Nathan was st
Jethro's bold statement caused Nathan's brows to knit together tightly, his gaze toward Jethro turning colder."Your private personality seems to reflect your decisive approach to business, Mr. Jethro," Nathan commented."True capability is what matters most in business. Anyone who relies on a woman to achieve their goals is just baring their incompetence,” Jethro countered.His insinuation was pointed, implying that Nathan wanted to use my connection to Jethro to gain an advantage over him. Was Nathan thinking of extracting information from me to use against Jethro?Suspicious, I turned to Nathan, catching a fleeting shadow of malice in his eyes. It was clear now that his earlier pretense of a friendly chat, which had guilted me slightly, was just a ploy to use me. Any fondness I felt for him instantly evaporated."Let's go, Jethro. I'm tired and need some rest," I interjected, eager to end the uncomfortable encounter with Nathan.Being used was something I despised. I had held
"Jethro, can you not be so possessive? I've already said there's nothing between Nathan and me. How many times do you want me to explain?" I sighed helplessly.No matter how much I explained my relationship with Nathan, Jethro simply wouldn’t accept it. There wasn't much more I could say."Can't help it. Have always been this way. Haven't you realized this by now? I just can't stand the thought of you talking to other men, Serena. You’re mine for life!"Jethro’s possessiveness was overwhelming, a trait I had long been aware of, but it now seemed more pronounced than ever."I understand. I’ll keep my distance from Nathan and won't give you any more reason to be jealous." I closed my eyes, succumbing to my growing weariness, not wanting to continue this conversation.Satisfied with my response, Jethro didn’t trouble me further. He wrapped his arms around me, and soon, his deep breathing suggested he had fallen asleep. It seemed he was not only tired but also needed to express his fr
"Compensation is necessary, Ms. Evelyn. I did damage your car, after all. As long as the cost is reasonable, I want to avoid further complications."My insistence on involving the insurance company was to avoid the high repair cost the driver demanded. However, Evelyn's kind demeanor softened my approach."There's really no need for compensation. Meeting you today is enough for me," Evelyn said as she stepped out of the car, her eyes filled with warmth when she looked at me.Puzzled by her familiarity, I asked, "Sorry, but how do you know me?"Evelyn’s gaze was intense, almost as if she viewed me as someone significant. I had no recollection of her, yet she spoke as if our encounter was a delightful occasion. It was as if she saw me as a long-lost daughter, which made me uncomfortable considering she was a stranger to me."I knew you from a long time ago. I thought our paths would never cross again, but it seems that fate has brought us together," Evelyn said emotionally as she to
Evelyn’s firm grip on my hand unnerved me, and a glance at Jethro confirmed that he too found her enthusiasm overwhelming."Ms. Evelyn, since you’re here to visit Mom, I won’t interrupt. Please, enjoy your conversation," I said, trying to extricate myself from the situation. There was something complex about Evelyn that I couldn’t quite put my finger on."No, no, it’s perfectly fine. It’s a joy to see you, Serena. I’d be thrilled if I had a daughter like you." Evelyn’s gaze changed as she spoke these words.I was already feeling awkward, and her remark only added to my discomfort. It felt like she was treating me as her daughter.Doris observed Evelyn's warmth toward me with a puzzled frown but masked her emotions well. "Evelyn, you flatter Rina too much. Everyone knows about your beautiful daughter, the gem of your family. Rina’s just an ordinary girl." Sensing my awkwardness, she promptly came to my rescue.Realizing her overzealous behavior, Evelyn released my hand but kept her
Seeing Evelyn still at our home, I felt slightly awkward but knew it would be impolite not to acknowledge her, so I approached with a measured demeanor."I didn’t expect to still see you here, Ms. Evelyn. I thought you would’ve left by now," I said, balancing my tone to be neither overly warm nor distant."Doris and I ended up having a lengthy conversation, and it's been quite a while since my last visit here. Did you get everything you need on your shopping trip?" Evelyn's face brightened with a smile as she saw me, speaking as though we were well-acquainted."Yes, we did. The weather was quite warm, so we decided not to linger outdoors," I replied, keeping the conversation light. "I'm a little tired from the morning's activities. Please feel free to continue chatting with Mom, Ms. Evelyn. I’ll be heading upstairs to rest." Faced with Evelyn’s intense attention, I didn’t want to prolong the encounter.With Jethro’s supportive arm around me, we left the living room. Just as we reac
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