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 thought I’d get to see you today. Sigh, what a bummer," Mason said mischievously, and I could tell he realized that he shouldn't have said those things the other day. He must have been feeling a little awkward about it."I was tied up today and couldn't get to the hospital. Jolene ran into some trouble," I explained casually, hoping to ease any potential awkwardness in our next meeting."What happened to her?" He perked up with curiosity when he heard me mention Jolene."It’s not something I can discuss with you. Let’s just say it’s not anything good." I chose not to tell Mason about Jolene's assault. For a girl, the fewer who know about such things, the better."Cut it out. We’ve been friends for so long, Rina, so what’s there that you can’t tell me? Sigh, I’m so disappointed." Mason sounded genuinely disappointed, probably not expecting me to withhold information from him."This isn’t something I can discuss, Mason. It involves someone’s reputation. Plus, you don’t even like
Evelyn's silence intensified my anxiety. I spoke with genuine concern, aware of the difficulty she was in from hearing such distressing news."I'm here. Jojo... How could such a thing happen to her?" Evelyn's voice broke, revealing the depth of a mother's anguish upon learning of her daughter's misfortune."It already happened. Try not to be too heartbroken. You've just been discharged, and you need to take care of your health." While I sympathized with Evelyn, I was primarily concerned about her physical well-being."Where’s Jojo now? How is she doing? Why didn’t she tell me about this? She’s going to worry me to death." Evelyn’s voice quivered with emotion."She’s emotionally unstable right now, and I decided to keep it from you. When it happened, you were still in the hospital, and I was worried about how you’d handle the news." I did my best to explain Jolene's condition and my decision to keep it from her."Where is she now? I need to see her. She shouldn’t be alone at a time
"What are you saying, Jethro?" I said, my expression disagreeable. His words had infuriated me. While we were all trying to save Jolene, he seemed to be goading her to jump.Jethro ignored me, continuing to approach Jolene. "If you're set on jumping, then just do it. Don't waste our time. If you jump from here, there’s no chance of survival. I’ll take care of your funeral, so don’t worry about that," he said coldly and impatiently.Taken aback, Jolene glared at him furiously. "You’re despicable! You’re hoping for me to jump, aren’t you?! So that Serena will become my mom’s sole daughter and you all can lay claim to Mom’s inheritance!" Jolene’s anger was evident.“Smart girl. Your mother does have quite the fortune. If you die, Serena will become the sole heir. Your legacy would just be an urn," Jethro retorted mockingly.Jolene, speechless with rage, failed to notice Jethro’s proximity."Don’t feel like jumping? Shall I help you?" Jethro reached out and extended his hand as if he
"Rina, I wanted to thank you for what you've done for Jojo. Who knows what would’ve happened if you hadn’t found her…" Evelyn sat beside me and grasped my hand, her tone filled with genuine gratitude.Her polite manner caused me a bit of discomfort. The formality in her approach felt too distant."It was nothing. Anyone would’ve done the same. Considering what Jolene went through, even a stranger would feel compelled to help, not to mention she's my half-sister. I couldn't just ignore it." I maintained a neutral expression, my gaze steady as I spoke calmly."About Jojo’s situation…" Evelyn began, her voice trailing off as she seemed unsure of how to continue."I came here today to discuss whether you should file a police report. This isn’t a trivial matter." I initiated the topic, keen to hear their thoughts.Evelyn appeared taken aback by the suggestion, hesitating and frowning. Before she could respond, Jolene's voice pierced the air from the staircase."I don’t want to make a
Evelyn’s entire attention was devoted to Jolene. Even if I stayed for dinner, I doubted she would have much time for me. Besides, I was certain Jolene wouldn't appreciate my presence."Rina…" Evelyn began, but I didn’t wait to hear more. I turned and left without looking back.Driving alone, I couldn't shake off the sadness in my chest. I understood Jolene was enduring a difficult period and deserved sympathy, yet I still felt neglected.My phone rang, displaying Jethro’s name. I answered through the car’s Bluetooth. "Hey." My tone was low, reflecting my dampened spirits."Why aren’t you home yet? Where are you?" Jethro’s pleasant voice made my heart flutter but somehow deepened my sense of injustice."I’m on my way home. I went to her place."He knew who I was talking about. Because I still didn't know how to address Evelyn, I always simply referred to her as “her.”After a moment of silence, Jethro asked, "Did something happen? You sound down.”He always picked up on my mood
As Jethro spoke, I realized my misunderstanding and was briefly at a loss for words."I didn't know you were just helping me get undressed for bed. How can I not be nervous when you've gone back on your word before? It's natural for me to be wary,” I replied with a hint of defiance as I recalled his past unpredictability."You’re my wife, Serena. It’s only natural for me to want to sleep with you. If I don't, you should be worried!" Jethro responded in frustration.I was left without a comeback. Debating with Jethro often left me feeling outmaneuvered."I'm exhausted and need sleep." Eager to avoid further argument, I quickly lay down and pulled the covers over myself.Jethro’s gaze darkened, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent as he joined me under the blanket. He moved closer, causing me some anxiety. I was apprehensive, but thankfully, he didn't pursue anything more. Instead, he simply held me close and fell asleep.Perhaps due to the stress of r
"Can you be any more shameless? How could you even say such things?" I glared at him, my face etched with displeasure and annoyance."If you want to see me be even more shameless, I can certainly oblige," he replied, his sculpted eyebrows raised, clearly not taking my words to heart. His gaze still held a hint of amusement.Dealing with someone as thick-skinned as Jethro left me feeling exasperated. Despite my anger, I felt compelled to compromise. However, his actions this morning also solidified my thoughts of separating from him. His incessant demands were overwhelming."Are you just going to lie there like a blow-up doll? Do you expect me to do everything?" Jethro pinned me beneath him, his face a mask of dissatisfaction. He seemed insatiable at the moment."What else do you expect? Your demands are getting higher by the day. You used to be satisfied as long as I complied." I knew he had wanted me to be more proactive lately, but I genuinely wasn’t in the mood to cater to his n
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