Jethro smiled as if I was his prized possession.Lianna, meanwhile, glared and bellowed, "How about you learn some civility instead of flinging muck at me?""Civility is reserved for those who deserve it. A homewrecker isn’t among such people," I retorted in contempt. Was seducing my husband an act of civility?Lianna turned to Jethro. "Are you seeing this, Jethro? This is her true color—a boorish, uncivilized woman who picks and chooses whom she shows civility to. You used to like women who are the complete opposite of this, so what happened?""Don't patronize me. I know my type, thank you very much," Jethro snarled as few things attracted his ire more than hearing criticisms against those he cared for. "And a word of advice: get out of here if you know what's good for you before you start to really push my buttons, Lianna."It was clear who Jethro cared more about, and it was me. Being favored in front of one's ex—not gonna lie—was the smugest moment I'd ever experienced. I gave
Lianna had no choice. She shot one last wistful look at Jethro, turned around, and left. Peace returned to the restaurant but my mood was ruined—courtesy of Lianna.Jethro could see my emotions from across the table. He frowned and said, "Let's continue. Don't pay her any mind.""I've lost my mood," I grumbled."That was an accident. I swear it won't happen again."Jethro had planned this celebration to the best of his abilities. I was sure he hated that saboteur more than I did. "I know I'm your one and only, Jethro, but don't you think she's become a constant plague to our life? I'm a selfish woman, and the only thing I care about is us being together forever. I don't want our happiness to be on the rocks because of some outside chick." I didn’t blame him for Lianna's antics, but she was his ex. The only one who could truly settle this was Jethro himself."What do you want me to do? I've made myself as plain as I could to her. You heard everything," he replied in exasperatio
The smile in Nathan's eyes seemed to grow even more. His being stubbornly glued to the chair was starting to drive me up the wall. Our relationship was already awkward, to say the least. And now, he was staying despite having no reason to?"Umm, if there's nothing more, shall I see you off, Mr. Nathan? I'll come to your office another time to flesh out the details."Nathan frowned a little. "Rina, the business talk is over. Do we have to keep the formalities? I really wish you didn’t put this much distance between us. I know we can't be together, but we're friends, aren't we?""You know what happened between us, Nathan. I don't know how to interact with you because of it, okay? We're only talking to each other right now because of work," I replied.Jethro used to misunderstand our relationship because of Nathan, and I was still anxious over it now. I just wanted to be happy with Jethro. The last thing I wanted was anyone ruining that. Nathan looked disappointed for a second, but
“I thought you said we’re friends, Nathan. Don't you want your friend to know anything about this? You wouldn't want to watch my happiness go down the drain, right?" I pressed, quite miffed that he wasn't telling me what I wanted to know. "I think you'd rather not know anything about this, Rina. Besides, if Jethro really loves you—the way you believe he does—then it probably won't cause you two any trouble.”Nathan was still being coy about the whole thing despite my obvious plea. It was getting on my nerves, so I looked down and focused on my meal. The meal continued in silence. Nathan offered to drive me home, but I declined. I knew we hadn't done anything suspicious, but I was still worried that Jethro would be mad either way. He was too possessive not to be. "You've changed since you went back to him," Nathan suddenly said ambiguously. "People change after meeting their true love." Since he refused to tell me what I wanted to know, I was pretty distant in my answer too.
The cold shower calmed me down enough that seeing Jethro waiting for me on the bed made me feel guilty. He hadn’t done anything wrong, and yet I blamed him for everything that was happening. Jethro looked at me for a long time until I finally broke the silence. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"His gaze was gentle. "I was waiting for you." "I'm sorry for shouting at you earlier."Jethro had tolerated much of me, hadn't he?He pulled me into his arms. "It's okay. My wife's in a bad mood, and I think she deserves to let it all out every once in a while." I sniffled. If Lianna hadn’t shown up, we would be like this all the time. She was the reason why we’ve been fighting constantly lately. If Jethro's love for me was even a little weaker, he probably would’ve left me because of my bad temper. A long silence. Then, he asked, "Did you see her just now? Can you tell me what happened during dinner?""No, it's nothing. I had a couple of beers and I guess… I was reminded of all the thing
Lianna didn't seem perturbed by my attitude in the slightest. She just knocked on a bedroom door and called out gently, "Robin, sweetie? Come and say hi to our guest."I looked at her, confused. What was this? A bad feeling gnawed at me. A boy about 5 or 6 years old walked out of the room. He looked a lot like Lianna—it was obvious they were related.I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, and asked dryly, "Is this your son?"Lianna pulled the kid into her arms lovingly. "Mm-hmm.""So why are you still seeking Jethro out when you already have a family?" I asked. In truth, I was scared. I was terrified of hearing her tell me that Jethro had fathered her son. It was likely, right? Why else would she have summoned me?"He's our son. Mine…and Jethro's. I’ve been raising him alone all these years, but he needs his father. As his mother, I want Robin to reclaim what is his," Lianna said.She proved me right. Despite my suspicions, hearing her say it aloud still made my entir
I paced the bedroom, frustrated. How was I going to ask Jethro about this? What if his answer was something I couldn't accept? I didn’t know if I could... I just couldn’t bear it!When Jethro got home, he found me pacing. He frowned in confusion. "Are you okay?" He dropped his bag and came to hug me, but the thought of the boy made me push him away."What? This again?" Jethro grumbled, upset. I was in no mood to react to his tantrum because my head was completely occupied by Robin. "I have to ask you something."He held his rage back after seeing how serious I was. "What?""Have you ever had sex with Lianna?"Jethro was taken aback. Then, he became mad. "Holy shit… How long are you gonna harp on this, Serena?! Change your fixation already! She hasn't shown up for days now, so what's the point of asking this?!""I’m fixating? Do you know that you have a fucking child out there?! My husband fathered an out-of-wedlock child with his ex-girlfriend, and I just learned about it today
"If what you said is true, then why did she show me the kid? Why would she say it's yours? I don't think she's as absurd and stupid to claim some random kid as a child you two made together.”"I'll look into this, but for now, I can tell you that in no uncertain terms, that boy, whoever he is, can’t possibly be mine," Jethro declared firmly, though he also sounded a little frustrated. I frowned. I believed him, but I was also confused. "Fine, I trust you." "You don't sound like you mean it. Am I really that untrustworthy to you?" Jethro questioned as he held my shoulders tightly.I started to feel a little embarrassed. I had to admit—I had jumped the gun there. Well, I guessed it was time to repair that.I dove into his arms and circled my arms around his waist. "I'm sorry! I just… I love you so much that this sort of thing just gets the better of me. Please don't be mad at me, okay? It was out of care and concern," I mewed.I’d admit that I hadn’t trusted Jethro enough, and th
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