I looked at Jethro with goo-goo eyes and felt my skin crawl. I had rejected Jethro's advances for a few nights in a row because of my bad mood. He might not have said anything, but I was sure he hated it. I thought that I should at least give in to him one night even though I wasn’t in the mood."Can you please not talk to me in that disgusting tone? It scares me."I thought he would jump at the opportunity. Who would have thought he’d just look at me in disgust? This would mark the first time he had ever rejected sex. What was that supposed to mean huh? I was over here almost throwing up, and he was not the least bit seduced? And did he just call it "disgusting?”I rolled my eyes and looked pointedly away from him. "Fine by me if you don't want it! As if I want to!""Who says anything about me rejecting your offer? You rarely make an offer. But you better not complain about being exhausted later."Of course, I understood what he meant. I knew firsthand just how bridleless his ene
"I'm fine, Mom. You're the one who needs more nourishment. You haven't fully recovered yet," I said, trying hard not to cry.I felt as if all I needed was Doris. She made me feel so loved that I felt like I didn't need my real mom or my adoptive parents.I hugged her and sniffled. I was feeling so vulnerable that a single show of care from other people was enough to destroy any pretense I had. "Thank you," I croaked."What are you talking about, silly child? I know I had misjudged and mistreated you in the past, but I know better now. You're a good girl through and through. Just thinking about that makes me want to care for you however I can," Doris replied softly, patting my back. "Thank you, Mom.""I know you haven't been in the best mood lately, but I don't think that's a good reason to neglect your health. Many of us care about you," she continued, "As for your mother… You're free to accept or decline her the chance to be a part of your life. We'll be behind you either way."
I was so close to Jethro that I could feel his warmth. I could even feel his heartbeat. Before I could even gain my footing, Jethro turned into a beast.I woke up the next day feeling sore all over. I had lost count of how long Jethro had been going at it. I just knew I got so exhausted while in the middle of it that I fell asleep. My private area was hurting like hell. How maddening was his thrust last night? I was no virgin, but yet he made me feel like it was my first time.I rolled on my side. The pain between my legs was really uncomfortable. I cursed Jethro under my breath and vowed that I was never going to offer myself to him anymore.I stayed in bed for a long time, too reluctant to get up. But I had to before I was late to work. After a shower, I went downstairs. "What's wrong, Rina?" Doris asked and rushed to help me when she saw how unnatural my gait was. "Uh, n-nothing?" "You’re walking a little funny. Did you twist your ankle?" "I-I'm fine, Mom. Really!" "A
Jethro probably didn't plan to have me work today—judging from the fact that he wasn't around when I woke up. I had to drive myself to the office. God, Jethro really pushed it last night. Nonetheless, that was no reason to not work.I was so close to forgetting things about Evelyn, but I guessed things were just never that easy. She was standing at the same spot. To her credit, she didn't enter the building to look for me and remained where she was. My heart wasn't cold enough to ignore her completely. I slowed my car down; she noticed. She knew it was me. I couldn't be as cold as I thought after all. I couldn't possibly act like nothing now that I knew who she was.I parked by the entrance and walked toward her. I still had no plans to forgive her; I just felt bad for her, that was all.Evelyn broke out a smile. "You've finally come to greet me, Rina dear! You're not avoiding me anymore.""I wasn't avoiding you. I just didn't want to see you.""Does…Does this mean you've decide
"I'm your mother, Rina. We could never be strangers." Evelyn wiped away her tears. "I'll wait. I will wait for the day you forgive me."I wasn’t keen to hurt her any longer, so I decided to leave. "I have to get to work. Excuse me."I ascended the floors to my office. There, I could see Evelyn. She continued standing there for a good long while before finally getting into her car and leaving. I guess what I said must have taken effect. I knew she was doing her best and that she was genuinely regretful, but I just didn't know when I would be able to forgive her. I tried my best to focus on my work. My private affairs had sapped my energy and left me languishing at work. My superior said nothing, but even I thought I was being unprofessional.Just when I was about to get down to work, the door swung open. Jolene materialized, followed by my very alarmed secretary."I'm so sorry, Ms. Serena. I tried my best to stop her from coming in," the secretary apologized gingerly.I shot a gl
“If you hate me so much, why bother going through all this pain? You’ll be over the moon if I don’t acknowledge her as my mother, right?" I said. I wasn't the slightest bit ruffled by the words of someone I didn't give a damn about. "I wouldn't have to force myself to look at your face if Mom had been growing sicker by the day! If you have a heart, you'd come and see her!" We both hated each other's guts. If she weren’t Evelyn's daughter, I’d have given her the boot long ago. "Whether I have a heart or not has jack-all to do with you. And whether I'll visit her or not is up to me. It has nothing to do with you! Now, how about you get out of here before I call security?!" I shouted."Stop being an asshole! Stop acting like you're some fucking high-and-mighty dogshit when I'm the one who has to come all the way here for her!" Jolene roared back."Who the hell cares?! I never wanted to be her daughter! You're the one who came to me without me asking! Weren't you insisting that you
On the other hand, I agreed with Jethro. My life has been too heavy these days. This issue kept weighing me down. Could forgiveness be what I needed to make my life a little easier?"Maybe you're right. I should try to forgive her. But if I'm being honest, I don't know if I can,” I said. Jethro’s expression relaxed. He squeezed my hand. "You can do it. I know you can."I took a deep breath. I decided to stop running away from the problem. One couldn’t run from family after all. Blood would always be thicker than water. No amount of hate could change the fact that she was my mother.We arrived at the hospital to find Mason already waiting."How the hell did so many things happen all at once in the short span since we last talked? When did this woman become your mom? You mean you've been adopted all along?" he asked. I had no intention to hide anything from my friend, but now wasn’t the time to explain things. I was just worried about Evelyn. "Maybe next time, Mason. How is she?"
Evelyn shot a glance at me with a hint of regret. "I'm fine. I don't get mad over things a child says," I replied.Jolene might be in her 20s, but her mannerism was like that of a womanchild. Just the thought that Evelyn gave every ounce of her love to this one girl made me jealous. I had to admit, the fact that Jolene didn't like me was good news to me. At least I didn't have to assume the role of the kind older sibling despite harboring zero affection for her. Unfortunately, my words had provoked Jolene. She marched toward me and stared me down. "Who are you calling a child?! I'm 22, bitch!" I frowned. How rude could this girl be?"Excuse me, but can you please keep it down? This is a hospital. It's not a place for you to shout," Mason spoke up disapprovingly. Jolene hadn’t expected anyone to stand with me. She turned sharply, ready to shout at her next victim when she saw Mason. Her eyes shifted a little. Exasperatedly, she hung her head. "Sorry. I got a little emotional t
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