As soon as he threatened me, I leaped to my feet, shot him my meanest glare, and stormed into the bathroom. As water streamed down my body, I wondered how on Earth I was gonna discuss leaving this "partnership." I surmised now was not a good time to talk, not while he was riding high on his hormones. He’d definitely go apeshit if I tried to bring this up. My mind became a mess the more I thought about it. I haphazardly showered and emerged from the bathroom with the towel wrapped around me. Jethro’s eyes instantly settled on my body, his impatience obvious. He strode toward me, and I felt my heart racing. This was a thing lately. Every time he got close to me, my heart raced. It was uncontrollable. He put me over his shoulders and went into the bedroom. He chucked me onto the bed and pounced on me before I could even make sense of where I was. It was another violent affair.When Jethro was done, he lay on top of me, panting. Then, turning on his back, he lay next to me and pulle
Jethro leaped to his feet, his eyes trained on me like a hawk. It was clear from his tone that he was questioning me.I averted my gaze again—and I didn't even know why. Why would my heart race every time he gave me these demanding, questioning looks? Why did I feel guilty, like I shouldn’t hurt him?"I get it, but this is about my parents. I'm old enough to start a family, and they really want to see me do that. Maybe you can't relate, but I honestly don't want them to die with regret," I hurriedly explained.Whenever my parents called me, it was always about securing a boyfriend or getting married. I didn’t fancy anyone at the moment, but I also didn't want them to stress over this anymore.Jethro silently gazed into my eyes, then finally said, "You can find yourself a boyfriend, but before that happens, our partnership stands!" I grew irritated. My retort was about to tumble from my lips when I swallowed it. I was the one who took money from him, and the sex was the trade-off.
"Say you're not going again and our friendship is over!" There it was. Summer finally showed her trump card.I sighed helplessly. I knew it was an empty threat, yet I said, "Fine, fine! You win!"I changed into something presentable and threw on some make-up. I had put a lot of effort into my looks for the past few days, but my bet was this thing with the new fellow wasn't gonna fly anyway, so what was the point? I finally got to the restaurant—with Summer in tow. She was so worried that I’d bail on the date, so she came along. God, what a drag.I examined my date of the night. Clean-shaven, an air of politeness, a pair of golden-rimmed glasses perched on his nose… He was 10 times better than all the losers I had met prior to this. I mean, he looked good enough.Summer nudged my arm. "See? I told you tonight is a game-changer." I rolled my eyes.The man offered his hand and smiled. "Evening, Serena. I'm Ignatz Fernandes, a lawyer—wait, you already know that. Sorry, I'm just
I closed my eyes and forced myself not to think. Fatigue quickly set in and I went to sleep soon after.The sun was already high up in the sky when I woke up. Man, I loved weekends. I glanced at the clock, saw that it was still 10, and stretched lazily. I was not getting up! But my phone rang right before I nodded off.It was Ignatz. I frowned. There was at least 2 hours left before our scheduled date. Why the call?Irritated as I was, I answered anyway."Ignatz? It's time for us to meet up yet. What's up?""I just wanted to ask if you have any means of getting to the location. Would you like me to pick you up?" he replied nervously. Just the thought of him coming to drive put me off. "Thanks, but I can get there on my own.""Cool, cool. I'll wait for you there then." I could tell he sounded disheartened, but I didn't really care.After he hung up, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I decided to get up. I picked out a light-colored dress and put on some make-up. Before I left
Jethro’s icy fury was palpable as he stared down at me.I felt guilty, as though I had been found out while committing a crime.Ignatz sensed the air thickening between us and stepped closer to me while extending his hand to Jethro. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ignatz Fernandes, Serena’s boyfriend.”My heart thumped a little harder. Why did Ignatz just say? I said we could try dating, but that didn’t mean we were really, really dating. How was I supposed to explain myself to Jethro now?!And it was just as I expected. Jethro’s expression turned even stormier. He practically burned a hole in Ignatz’s hand with his stare. Ignatz’s expression fell before he withdrew his unshaken hand.My eyes shifted away from Ignatz to Jethro as I asked, “I-Is there something you want from me, sir? It’s the weekend, you know?”“Yes, I’d like a word. You’re coming with me.”I should’ve fled when I could. I replied, “C-Can we talk about it some other time? I’m occupied right now…”Jethro’s attitude was t
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked warily. Something about this man’s rage began to terrify me."Oh, so you’ve forgotten the purpose of this house too, huh? It’s fine, I’ll refresh your memory. I brought you here to fuck you."No reservation. No care for my feelings. He yanked me by the wrist and dragged me upstairs. I hated it. I hated and dreaded what was about to come. We were both at the height of our fury, and I was not in the mood for sex right now. I shook off his hand and stormed away. If he thought he was the only one pissed right now, he was dead wrong. I had relented the previous times, but not today. Not after what he had just done."You’re not getting away from me!" Jethro strode toward me and grabbed my wrist again.The pain made me grimace. I struggled, but all it did was make him tighten his grip. "Stop it! You’re hurting me!" I yelled."Serves you right for defying me!" he snarled, though he did lessen his hold. I realized how painfully weak I was compared
Summer gazed at me with suspicion. "We're best friends, Rina. I wish my best friend wouldn't hide things from me," she said sincerely.I was moved by her concern and almost wanted to confess everything. The deal. The messy arrangement. The relationship Jethro and I shared. But what if Summer ended up hating me? What if she misunderstood the sort of person I was?In the end, I chose to hide the truth. "You're overthinking it. There's nothing going on between us. You know I'd never lie to you, right?"I put up a good show of calmness, but internally, I was a panicking mess. I struggled to maintain eye contact with her just to make sure I didn't look guilty. She finally sighed after a long, long time. "Fine. If you don't wanna talk about it, I won't force you. I just wish you'd keep your priorities straight, Rina. If Ignatz is the person you want to marry, then you need to show it. You need to put a wide berth between you and Jethro."I could tell that Summer had managed to piece to
I was still upset but also breathed a sigh of relief. "I share the same thoughts about our prospects, Ignatz, but I don't like being questioned this way. I'm serious about my commitment and setting boundaries."I would end my relationship with Jethro. We lived in different worlds, and our lives should’ve never intersected. "That’s reassuring to hear. I feel the same way too," Ignatz chirped excitedly and made his own guarantees.I forced out a smile. I had agreed to continue working on us, but the way he just questioned me had made him a lot less likable in my eyes. I wrapped up the meal as quickly as I could, made up an excuse, and left. I felt not even a lick of affection for him right now, but these things could be fostered given time. I was sure that if we started seeing each other more, I’d grow to be less repulsed by him. Hopefully.Ignatz wanted to catch a movie together after lunch, but I told him I was really tired because of work lately. I knew watching movies was one of
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