"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 don’t want to talk about this right now. You know it's hard for me to quickly get over what happened. Maybe your abandoning me will fade from my memory with time, but for now, it's a wound that hasn't healed." I met Evelyn’s gaze with a frosty expression.Internally, I was wrestling with the idea of forgiving her. But the sting of abandonment lingered, leaving me frustrated and conflicted."I know you must hate me, and I don't expect your forgiveness. I just hope you can be a little less cold toward me. It breaks my heart to see my daughter so distant from me," she responded, her eyes brimming with remorse and sorrow."I understand. I’ll try to be more mindful in the future," I replied as her tears softened my stance. Seeing her cry stirred an unexpected ache within me.After a pause, she said worriedly, "I need to return to Jojo now. She's still very vulnerable, and I fear she might harm herself. I can't stay away from her for long.""I understand. Go take care of her." My wor
"Why are you here?" Jolene demanded, clearly not wanting to see me.I was not in the mood to fight with her. "I was just shopping. I saw you throwing up and got a little worried. Are you okay?"She shot me a stink eye and turned away. "I don't need your stupid, fake worry. I'm fucking fine!" Well, no one could possibly feel good after having their goodwill shouted at like that. I wanted to leave—until I saw Jolene retch again after taking just another few steps. She seemed to be seized by frequent nausea… Wait. Could it be?I ran toward her and blocked her on her way. "I need to ask you something.""Go away! I don't wanna talk to you!" Jolene’s attitude was a sting to my pride, but it was more important to see if things were as I thought it was. So, I hardened my voice and expression. "It's just a question, and it's important!""Then get on with it and get off my back!" "When was the last time you had your period?"Jolene reeled in shock. When she came back to it, she glare
"Rina! You’re here to visit me?" Evelyn was overjoyed as she pulled me into the living room. I smiled faintly as I contemplated the words I was about to tell her. "You haven't had dinner, right? How about we have dinner together?" she continued to chirp."I'm actually here because I have something I want to discuss," I said, breaking the cheer a little with my grim expression.Her smile faded as she looked at me in concern. "What is it?""Jolene was retching nonstop when I met her earlier today," I began. Evelyn had been through pregnancies before. She knew what I was trying to say, right?And she did. The subtle change to Evelyn's expression told as much."You're not telling me…Jojo's pregnant, right?""I suspected that and told her. I asked her to get it checked out. I don't think she believed me, so I came to tell you."Evelyn’s face turned pale."This is bad. She has to decide what to do as soon as possible. It’d be for the best if it turns out to be a hoax, but we wo
"I don't care! I'm not going because I know I'm not pregnant! So fuck it!" Jolene declared, and, without giving us a chance to say anything edgewise, bolted up the stairs. Bang! went the door. Mom looked upstairs with tears in her eyes. It hurt me to see this. "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll come to the right conclusion," I said, patting Evelyn’s shoulder. Jolene found the truth hard to swallow, but in time, even she had to realize that this wasn't an issue she could banish with a shout."I can't help but think this is my fault. If I weren't so harsh on her that day, she wouldn't have run away and…" Evelyn sobbed as she sank into the couch. "This is all on me.""None of this is your fault. There's nothing you can change by blaming yourself for what happened that day. The only thing Jolene can do is accept and move on from what happened and do what’s best for herself now. We can't let her delay that check-up," I comforted, sighing.Evelyn wiped away her tears. "You're right. I
I walked toward the bed and stopped warily before Jethro. I swore that if he tried to rope me into sex, I’d immediately eject myself out of there and sleep in the guest room. "Why are you standing? Get in bed, unless you want me to embrace you?”He was putting on that expression again—the face he made when I was clearly rejecting his sexual advances. "You're not really thinking about it, right? I'm seriously exhausted, Jethro. I mean it," I muttered in dismay. He gazed into my eyes and pulled me into bed. Before I knew it, I was right next to him, my head leaning on his chest. God, I could’ve sworn he was going to begin sex in 10 seconds. I had decided that after he was done, I would go to the guest room and never sleep in the same bed with him ever again.Jethro, however, surprised me by massaging my shoulders instead. I was shocked. I thought all Jethro could think of was sex."How's this?" he breathed into my ears from behind.I relaxed. His skill was good enough that it w
"I can't believe you—"Jethro shut me up by pressing his lips onto mine. His hands began coursing all over me, and it didn't take long before I started feeling it. Well, I was sure anyone could guess what happened even if they thought with their toes.He went hard and long. By the time he was released, I was already near sleep. The next morning, I woke up to Jethro’s absence. That was just the kind of person Jethro was. He could have apocalyptic sex and still wake up the next day with full energy. Meanwhile, I would be operating at below half battery capacity all the time. When I returned home from work that day, I was one or two steps away from completely shutting down. But the thought of Jethro's relentless appetite for sex spurred me into asking the housekeepers to clean up the guest room.Doris saw me moving into the guest room and was alarmed. "What are you doing, Rina? Did…Did something happen between you and Jett?" she asked softly. She must’ve been worried because I was
"What the hell, Jethro? Since when was that remotely true?" I protested.I was getting super tired of this growing argument because—let's face it—this man would always come up with the stupidest retorts. "You have two choices, Serena. You either return to our bedroom or I'm sleeping here with you.""Or, I choose the third option. We sleep in separate rooms, and we don't disturb each other's sleep." "Do you know of any married couple sleeping in different rooms without some sort of conflict starting?! You're my wife, Serena! I want to sleep with my wife!" he began to snarl impatiently."I just want a good rest, Jethro! You've been asking for sex every single night lately! I'm exhausted and sick of it!"He glared at me for a long time before finally saying, "I won't ask for it tonight then."I stared into his eyes and wondered how much I could trust him. He had been promising to give me time and space to rest, but he never made well on his promises. "Oh really? If I'm being hone
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