I washed the dishes as Jethro watched me. I then asked timidly, "Now that we’ve had dinner…can I go home?"My real, honest opinion? No, I didn't want to leave. I didn't want everyone to see me clothed in his shirt. I can't deal with those implications!"I don't recall saying you can leave tonight. You can go home tomorrow.""That won’t do. I have to go to work tomorrow, and there’s something very important I have to talk to Summer about tonight," I protested.I had to tell Summer all about Claude and his two-timing ways. She deserved the truth—he didn't deserve her love, and she didn't deserve to be lied to.Jethro was unconvinced. "I'm heading to the office tomorrow, so I can drive us both there. As for whatever it is between you and Summer, it can wait till tomorrow."I frowned, exasperated. This man was a goddamn tyrant! "Jethro!"He started to look impatient. "Can you stop it? I bet it's not really that urgent. What's the rush?""But it is. It's urgent and important. I need
The receipt made my heart stop.This dress cost 3500! Wearing it would be like wearing my bank account! And I had just agreed to spend almost my whole month’s salary, which hovered around 4000 dollars, on this single damn dress!As I almost passed out, I glanced at Jethro. I could afford the dress, but the idea of dropping nearly a whole month’s salary on it twisted my stomach."This… This costs a fortune…" I mumbled.His self-satisfied smirk made me wish I had never offered to pay him back. Why did I go and complicate things?"You said you’d pay, so pay up," Jethro challenged as he oozed with triumph."Could I pay you back in a few days? I’m a bit short on cash."How on earth was I going to scrounge up 899 dollars that quickly? If I weren't desperate for clothes, I'd have returned the dress that very second and saved myself the financial headache."No big deal." Jethro shrugged. To him, the price of this dress was just chump change. He probably raked in enough in one day to bu
While many of the women were thrilled, I felt troubled. Jethro being here every day for the next half a year meant we'd cross paths daily. The thought of facing him every day left me with indescribable feelings. Was it surprise or anxiety? Would our secret relationship withstand that kind of exposure?When our eyes locked, he flashed a soft, warm smirk my way. Already a looker, that small grin made him even more captivating.A few eagle-eyed coworkers caught his gaze on me and glared, their eyes seething with jealousy. I quickly averted my gaze, not daring to lock eyes with Jethro again. I pitied myself, knowing that brief glance had surely earned me many adversaries. The intensity of female jealousy knew no bounds.Misha too had noticed Jethro's attention toward me. She tapped my desk excitedly and said, "Rina, did you catch that? Mr. Jethro was totally looking at you!"Her comment deepened my sigh. If that was what Misha was thinking, imagine what those smitten with Jethro were a
I hung up and flagged down a cab, racing back to Summer's place. In about thirty minutes, I was at the doorstep, and she was similarly home. When I entered the house, I saw Summer cheerfully washing some fruits, and Claude lounging on the sofa.Laying eyes on that deceitful man reignited my fury. How dare this bastard show his face around here! But before I could go off on him, Summer saw me and enthusiastically ushered me inside."Welcome home, Rina! Help yourself to some fruit. I picked up a bunch today." She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the house.I locked eyes with Claude, who met my gaze and smirked defiantly. As Summer led me away, I pointed at Claude as I struggled to keep my cool and asked, "Why is he here? I told you I have something important to tell you. Why did you bring him home?"I had come home with every intention to reveal Claude's true nature to Summer, but with him present, how could I even begin?"Rina, Claude and I are now incredibly close. You can say wh
I had only Summer’s best interests at heart, but she doubted me. Worse, she used my scars against me, and in Claude's presence too. My heart ached.“Don't you trust me, Summer?" I locked eyes with her, seeking some sign of faith."Claude’s my boyfriend, and I’m giving him my all. I trust that he loves me," she declared with unwavering conviction.Her words weighed heavily on my heart. She had made up her mind to trust Claude over me."Why won't you believe me? He confessed everything to me. We've been friends for years, Summer. I’d never lie to you," I pleaded with her, desperate for her to realize the truth.If she were anyone else, I'd back off. But after all we had been through together, I couldn't just watch her fall for Claude's tricks."Rina, it's because you're my best friend that I say this. From now on, I don't want to hear any more negative comments about Claude. He's my boyfriend, and I choose to trust him," she shot back, the frustration in her eyes evident.Our year
"What's with the attitude? I've put up with you for a long time now. This mess is all your fault! If it weren’t for you, none of this would’ve happened!" My anger boiled over, and I allowed it to spill onto Jethro.I had never raised my voice against him before, and an awkward silence stretched out after my outburst. When Jethro finally spoke, his voice was colder than ever."Serena, have you lost your mind? Do you know who you're talking to?"Though we were just on a call, I could picture his dark and unsettling scowl."I don't have time for this. If I don't find somewhere to stay, I'll have to sleep on the streets tonight." My emotions were high, but my immediate concern was to find a place to crash.Just as I was about to hang up, I heard Jethro ask, "Sleep on the streets? Where are you right now?" Detecting the urgency in my voice, his tone softened considerably."I'm wandering the streets with nowhere to go. Happy now?" I snapped back, then hung up.I was tired of hearing h
Every time I faltered, Jethro only needed to say a word, and I'd cave. He was right. My burden had become too heavy to carry. Dad's recovery was going well, but his medical bills were starting to pile up. The well-being of my whole family was on my shoulders. My younger brother was far from helpful, often taking rather than giving. With Dad's health slipping, I was at my breaking point."Since it’s too heavy to bear, you might as well listen to me. Your pride isn’t doing you any favors, Serena," Jethro said as if he had read my thoughts.Just as I was having second thoughts, he voiced what I’d been avoiding. Much as I disliked his bluntness, he wasn't wrong. I had no other choice right now."Thank you,” I mumbled.Despite knowing his intentions, I was grateful for the shelter he offered. Without that apartment, I would be homeless.The car sped down the road, and we soon arrived at Verdantia. As we made our way up to the apartment, the late hour and the quiet around us hinted at t
I hardly slept a wink. Waking up to dark circles in the mirror, I let out an annoyed sigh. I made some breakfast though my appetite was missing. After pushing my food around the plate, I headed out to the office.True to his word, Jethro planned to stay at the company for half a year. I thought he was exaggerating, but he really seemed to be settling in. I peeked at his temporary office a short distance away. Considering what happened last night, I felt a rising sense of unease. Every encounter with him was pressure-filled. With the prospect of seeing him almost every day for half a year, I wondered how I would manage. At least Jethro’s a workaholic. Once he was lost in his work, he pretty much ignored the rest of the world, including me.As the workday neared its end, my phone buzzed. Ignatz’s name flashed across the screen. A sudden panic seized me. I hesitated, stealing a glance at Jethro's office. He was deeply focused on his paperwork, so I took the call."Are you busy, Rina? W
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