I had never seen Mason look so awkward before. He probably wouldn't even bother answering if this was anyone else, but because Evelyn was my mom, he had to answer. I listened to their exchange emotionlessly. Evelyn had the right to care for Jolene's welfare, yes, but I still didn't feel good seeing it. "So you're single!" Evelyn chirped, sounding very pleased."Yeah, at the moment," Mason replied slowly, his smile wooden."Jojo has a great impression of you, but she's not here at the moment. Otherwise, you two would have gotten to know each other. That would be great," she said. Her eyes showed momentary worry when she mentioned Jolene. "Good joke, Mrs. Evelyn. I don't even know your daughter though. I doubt she was talking about me," Mason replied in a roundabout way.I could tell he had no feelings or interest in Jolene. This was probably his attempt to clue Evelyn in."Nonsense. The two of you met this afternoon. But maybe there were too many people in the room, so you don
My words were harsh, and I noticed Evelyn’s face turn pale. Her eyes brimmed with panic, and her demeanor conveyed deep concern about what I had said."I know you're not fond of Jojo, but she's still your sister," she said sadly."Let's not talk about this right now. I don't wish to discuss it. Here, have some more soup. I'll leave after you've gone to sleep." I knew she wanted me to get along with Jolene, but I had no fondness for that arrogant girl, so I didn't want to continue the conversation."Rina, can I…ask you for a favor?" she asked hesitantly. Her cautious look suggested she was wary of my reaction."If it's within my power, I'll help." Given her illness, I was inclined to assist her with any reasonable request."Jojo left at noon and hasn't returned yet. I've tried calling her several times, but she's not answering, and now her phone’s off. I'm worried about her. Can you help me find her?" Worry was etched all over Evelyn’s face as she spoke.Her troubled look earlier
"What choice do we have? The thought of Evelyn worried over Jolene makes me uneasy." I understood the difficulty of finding someone without leads but still felt compelled to try."We should head back and rest for tonight. I'll get the police involved tomorrow. They have more resources and tracking systems to locate people.""All right, that sounds like the best plan for now." I acquiesced to Jethro's suggestion, recognizing the futility of a blind search tonight.Once back at the Willow residence, I was overcome by exhaustion and instantly fell asleep despite not having worked during the day. My concerns for Jolene caused me to wake up early the next morning, but there was still no news about her. I couldn't help feeling anxious as I thought about the situation.Jethro, who had already started his day, returned to the room when he noticed I was awake. He sat by my side and gently drew me into his arms. "It's still early. Get some more rest. I've called the police, and they've alrea
Jolene reacted differently upon seeing me though. Her emotions intensified dramatically. "Get away! I don’t want to see you!" she screamed, pushing me away frantically."Jolene, look carefully! It’s Serena!" I believed she was mistaking me for the men who had assaulted her, so I grabbed her arm, attempting to help her recognize me."I don’t want to see you! It’s all your fault I ended up like this! I hate you! I will never forgive you, Serena!" Jolene—her hair and appearance disheveled—shouted at me. The bruises and marks on her neck and chest only added to the pitiful sight.Though I knew she disliked me, and the feeling was mutual, seeing her in such a state, I couldn't remain indifferent. I sat beside her, trying to offer comfort."Calm down, Jolene. I’m here to take you back," I said with a frown."Why did you have to show up? If it weren’t for you, this wouldn’t have happened to me! This is all your fault!" Jolene’s voice became shrill as she grabbed my shoulders, shaking me
I intended to stay with Jolene, but considering my presence might exacerbate her distress, I simply prepared some food for her before departing with Jethro.In the car, my brows were deeply furrowed, my mind troubled by Jolene’s situation. I was at a loss about how to break the news to Evelyn. A part of me questioned whether things might have been different if I had begun searching for Jolene earlier. The guilt of not finding her sooner weighed on me."Still thinking about Jolene?" Jethro’s soft query broke the silence, turning toward me with concern."Yeah. I don’t know how to explain it to Evelyn. How could such a thing happen?" I voiced my worry."Whatever happened, it's not something you are to be blamed for." Jethro’s tone was pragmatic, though his words lacked empathy for Jolene’s plight.Although his words made sense, I felt that being a victim of such an incident was something no one could ever be prepared for."Last night's incident has damaged her reputation. It’ll affe
Throughout the day I spent caring for Evelyn, there were several moments when I wanted to tell her about Jolene's ordeal, but I just couldn’t find the right words. I was concerned that the news might overwhelm her after she was discharged. Even as I left the hospital that evening, I hadn’t mentioned a word.I told Evelyn I wouldn't be able to visit the next day due to work commitments. While she seemed slightly disappointed, she didn’t voice any complaints. She seemed to be satisfied by my presence over the last two days.Returning home that night, I felt exhausted as if I had run a marathon. The day in the hospital, though uneventful, was emotionally taxing.Jethro came downstairs post-shower and gave me a brief glance before grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and handing it to me."Thanks," I murmured, gratefully accepting the water."You still haven't had the heart to tell her about Jolene," Jethro remarked, his tone nonchalant yet perceptive."How did you know?" I was
Jethro's low, suggestive tone made me tense up. I knew what he desired, but my mind was too clouded with worries to entertain such thoughts."Go take a cold shower. You know I’m not in the mood right now…" I suggested gently, moving his hand away.Jethro's face stiffened, his eyes betraying displeasure. "I'm your husband, Serena. Don't you care about my needs? You're always thinking of others. You know I've been holding back all night, and it's getting difficult," he said in a mix of frustration and desire.I was taken aback by his reaction. It was only one night of no sex. Was it really that unbearable? His exaggeration seemed a bit much."Perhaps you can...take care of yourself?" I asked hesitantly.I wasn’t very confident in saying this. After all, I had never seen Jethro “take care” of himself. I wondered how he had managed his physical needs during the year I was away."Are you telling me to fly solo?" Jethro's face darkened, his tone deepening.His knowledge of such slang
When I arrived at Verdantia, I found Jolene sitting on the living room couch. She appeared unchanged from when Jethro and I had left her yesterday afternoon, making me wonder if she had been in that same position ever since."I brought breakfast. Please eat something," I offered gently, placing the food I had brought on the table before her.Jolen didn't even glance at me, looking as if she hadn’t heard me. Her eyes were vacant and lifeless, devoid of their usual spark. I knew she was still struggling to come to terms with what happened.Sighing helplessly, I sat down beside her. "Evelyn was discharged today, so maybe you should go home. I'm worried about you being here alone," I suggested softly.Jolene suddenly turned to face me, saying in a choked tone, "I don’t want to go home. If Mom finds out I was... How could I face anyone ever again?”This sudden statement startled me, and it took me a moment to respond. She wasn’t ignoring me. She just didn’t want to deal with me. But wh
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