"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
Evelyn and I waited in the hallway with bated breath, though she was more anxious than I was. Jolene had stepped into the ultrasound room for more than 10 minutes. The fact that it was taking this long made me anxious. "Does it always take this long?" Evelyn asked. "Let's just wait a little longer, okay? Maybe the doctor’s trying to be thorough," I replied. She nodded, but her frown did not loosen up. Sometime later, the door finally opened. Jolene, pale-faced, had her report in her hand. One look at her expression told me what was likely in that report, and my heart still sank. Evelyn approached Jolene anxiously. “How did it go?" she asked in a shaky voice.Jolene did not reply, and I wordlessly took the report from her.She was pregnant.I sighed and passed the report to Evelyn, who turned white as a sheet. As the two of them stood there in shock, we started drawing attention.Quietly, I suggested, "We should head home first before we discuss what to do next."We were
I frowned a little. I understood Jolene’s anger and frustration, but I felt a little bad for the child. I couldn't relate to not feeling a smidge of feelings for someone who was a part of you. "Let's find a doctor who can perform the procedure. We don't want it to leave complications for Jolene," Mom continued."Let me help," I offered, "I can ask Mason to select the best person for the job.""No!" Jolene yelled. I was perplexed. "What?" "No means no! Don’t you dare breathe a single word about this to him!" she screamed.I was stunned. When I recovered, I was worried. Jolene feared the possibility of Mason rejecting her, didn't she? Personally, I thought it an unnecessary consideration because there was no way Mason would fall for her, regardless of what did or did not happen. Jolene didn't think that though and was still holding out hope. But she had gone through so many terrible things in her life lately that I didn't have the heart to shatter her dream. "Listen. Mason kno
Jethro frowned harder. He walked toward me and loomed. "You're still mad at me for last night?" he asked, his tone gentler now. My heart quivered at his sudden show of gentleness. Still, thinking back on how cold he was made me feel a little wronged. I looked away and pouted. "N-No!" "You ordered me not to touch you last night and I did as you wanted. So why are you mad now?" he cocked an eyebrow, smiling."I'm not mad." I sulked. "That's now what I'm seeing. Is it because I was cold to you last night?" "No." I rolled my eyes. This idiot knew exactly what kind of attitude he was showing me last night, right? So why the hell was he making me give an explicit answer?I was just about to leave when he grabbed me by the hand. "Hey." He pulled me into his arms. "Don't be mad. I wasn't on my best behavior last night, I know. Sorry. But to be fair, you started it.""Excuse me? Are you blaming me?" I snapped. "I mean, you're the one who went to the guest room just so I can't hav
"You don’t want to take a shower with me, but I sure want to take a shower with you. So, how about we go inside together anyway?" Jethro argued and followed me into the bathroom. I was about to kick him out when he removed his clothes. Seeing his sexy, toned figure made me avert my gaze."What the hell are you waiting for? Me to remove your clothes?" he commented suggestively."Excuse me? No, thank you!" I began to take off my clothes too. I just wanted to take a bath and relax. Jolene's earlier words stung though I tried my hardest to not let them get to me. I sometimes wondered why I kept trying to help those who clearly didn't want my help.Jethro and I were both submerged in the bathtub together. He held me in his arms. "So, you went with Jolene for her check-up today?""How did you know?" I asked, bewildered. "Mace.""Damn that big mouth.""You don't have to make any calls. I already told him to get the best doctor on the case," Jethro continued to my increasing surpri
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