"You're still at work?" I asked.Jethro was such a workaholic. It hurt me to see him work for such long hours. "No. A friend needs my help, so I'll be home late.""I see. Well, see ya then. I have to check on Jolene later."I trusted him, of course. Others would worry when they heard their spouse would be coming home late, but not me. I packed some of the bone broth I made and returned to the hospital. I shot a look at the end of the corridor. The figure earlier had been so familiar. It couldn't be Jethro though, could it?Jolene was a lot more alert and spirited than the last time I saw her. She glared at me when I arrived but said nothing. I placed the thermos on the bedside table, ignoring her. "Here. Bone broth. I'll go get some water."Evelyn was up there in age, and I didn’t want her to undertake so many menial tasks. When I got back, she was feeding Jolene."Thank you, Rina. You've helped us so much recently," Evelyn said gratefully after Jolene finished the broth."I
“I was busy last night and was finishing up my backlog of work,” Jethro answered noncommittally. With that, he went upstairs.I was exasperated. That was the entirety of his explanation?Losing my appetite, I ate a few more bites and went upstairs too. Jethro had finished his shower by then. He glanced at me, then went to bed. "Where were you last night?" I demanded, starting to grow a little anxious. "I told you, with a friend who needed my help.""A friend? A man or a woman?" He had to be hiding something from me. I had been betrayed before, and this sort of thing brought its own trauma."Do you not trust me? You wouldn’t ask me such a thing if you did," Jethro replied, upset."It's not about trust—I feel insecure. I called you multiple times, but you didn't pick up a single call. Are you going to explain anything?"I didn't think Jethro would betray me, but my insecurity was weighing heavy. "My phone died," he replied flatly as he hugged me. "Look, we've been together
"That’s good to hear. I've spoken to the nurse overseeing this ward. She’ll make sure you have everything you need. You can be discharged tomorrow if all is well," Mason said gently.Jolene looked as white as a sheet. The air in the room had become awkward. I was pretty upset to see Mason show up just to tell these things to someone who clearly had a crush on him."Mason, I have something to discuss with you!" I declared.I angrily dragged him out of the ward and only let him go after we arrived at a balcony."What the hell, Mason? Didn't I tell you to not talk about the abortion?” I snapped."But I was concerned about her," he argued matter-of-factly, shrugging."Cut the bullshit, Mason. You know the things you said hurt her, right? She's gonna think I’m the one who told you!"I had been keeping my promise, and yet Mason ruined everything."Do you really think you could hide this? Please. I saw it the last time when she came for her check-up.""You could’ve kept it to yours
Mason cautiously refrained from adding more upon noticing the shock etched on my face."You’re saying he was with another woman at the hospital yesterday? Do you know who?" I managed to ask despite the turmoil swirling within me."I don't know about that. I heard it secondhand from a nurse. There might be some mistake." Mason quickly tried to backpedal."Do you know that he didn’t come home last night?"I wanted to believe in Jethro, but Mason's revelation disturbed me greatly. The thought of Jethro spending the night elsewhere, possibly with another woman, gnawed at me."He didn’t go home last night?" Mason's surprise was evident. He paused, looking me in the eye with a mix of concern and disbelief. "You shouldn't jump to conclusions, Rina. Jett’s commitment to you is clear. Maybe there's a reasonable explanation for all this. It's best to talk to him directly."I knew Mason was trying to comfort me, but even from his reaction, I could tell he was just as shocked as I was at the
"What are you doing alone in the living room, Rina?"Enveloped in my sorrow, Doris' voice startled me as she entered the living room.I fixed my composure, forced a smile, and faced her. "Jethro’s resting in the bedroom. I didn’t want to disturb him, so I came down here," I explained.Doris sat next to me, her concern evident as she took my hand. "You’ve been so exhausted lately. You should be the one resting."Her kindness warmed my heart, but it couldn't dispel the swirl of thoughts about Jethro's deception."Mom, do you think Jethro and I will always be happy together?" I asked, my eyes searching hers for reassurance. My faith in my relationship with Jethro had never wavered until now.Surprised by my question, Doris inquired, "Why do you ask that?"I evaded the real issue. "Just making conversation." I wasn't prepared to divulge Jethro's deceit."You both have overcome many obstacles together, and I believe in your happiness," she said soothingly, but her words only intensi
As the room door closed, I could no longer hold back my emotions. My eyes reddened with unshed tears, and a deep sense of betrayal washed over me. Jethro's recent coldness was unlike him. Why had we suddenly become so distant?I was unable to sleep. As time ticked by, it was soon past midnight, yet Jethro had not returned. I couldn't help but suspect that he might not come back tonight. Picking up the phone, I dialed his number, clinging to a sliver of hope. The phone rang for a long time without an answer. I wondered if he was deliberately ignoring my calls.Remembering Mason's earlier revelation, I knew I needed more information. Since Jethro wasn't forthcoming, I had to find answers myself. I dialed Mason’s number despite it being the middle of the night. I couldn't contain my emotions any longer. I needed answers now, and fortunately, the call was quickly answered."Yo, do you know what time it is? Why are you calling me at this hour?" Mason said in a muffled and sleepy tone, cl
"I understand. I'll make sure to try and rest more." I maintained my composure in front of the Willows, not wanting to reveal my emotional turmoil. The issues between Jethro and me were private, not for others to scrutinize."Eat quickly and then go back to your room to rest. You shouldn’t go to the office today. Look how drained you are. You might ruin your health," Doris said, serving me a bowl of porridge.I remained silent, sitting quietly at the dining table. I lowered my head and ate in silence."Where's Jett, by the way? Why isn’t he around this morning?" Raymond’s question broke the silence, his gaze falling on me.His question made my heart ache, but I composed myself and responded, "He had work last night and hasn’t returned. I'm not sure of his whereabouts right now." The thought of Jethro potentially being with another woman pained me, but I couldn’t let it show in front of his family."This brat is getting more unreasonable. Not coming home for two nights in a row. Wh
Last night, deep in thought, I realized I couldn’t endure the agony of betrayal. My love for Jethro was strong, yet the thought of him with another woman shattered me. I couldn’t accept a relationship marred by infidelity."Do you understand what you’re saying, Serena?" Jethro's eyes flared with anger."I know exactly what I'm saying. If there's another person in your life, staying with you is unthinkable. I’m a selfish woman. I can't bear the thought of you with another," I asserted firmly.I knew I wasn’t being open-minded. I also knew that separating from Jethro would mean a painful separation from Seren too, but I couldn’t bear the thought of the man I loved holding another woman in his arms every night. My heart was small and couldn't handle such a profound hurt."When did I ever say I have another woman? You didn’t even give me a chance to explain, and you want to leave me just like that?" Jethro’s tone was unusually stern as he looked into my eyes."An explanation? What’s m
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