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 stared back at Jethro with unyielding determination. Despite the intense aura he emanated, which put indescribable pressure on me, I refused to back down."I'll let you see for yourself if that rookie lawyer is worth your affection." He turned around and stalked away after dropping that cold remark.I shot an annoyed glare at his retreating figure, finding his interference in my personal life, especially regarding Ignatz, utterly unnecessary. It was my call to judge who suited me best.After leaving work, I grabbed some groceries and returned to Verdantia. Once inside, I freshened up and made dinner. Having gotten used to living with Summer, I unconsciously cooked for two. As I sat down, the sight of two servings stirred a pang of melancholy within me.Inhaling deeply, I brushed aside the gloom and picked up my spoon to dig in. But before I could put anything in my mouth, a sudden noise at the door made me jump. Living alone brought some natural fears, especially during the night
He whispered into my ears, his voice dripping with seductive undertones. His fingers traced the contours of my face, then glided downwards, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Keenly aware that surrendering to Jethro's touch was an inevitability, I gathered what little willpower I had left and nudged him away.“I-I need to take a shower," I said, escaping his embrace and dashing into the bathroom.My heart pounded like a wild drum. The way Jethro could so easily unsettle me annoyed me to no end.I quickly undressed and stepped into the shower, letting the water wash over me. The thought of what was to come made me both nervous and oddly excited. After standing under the water for thirty minutes, I switched off the shower and realized my mistake. In my haste, I had forgotten to bring my nightwear into the bathroom. Worse still, the only available towel was the one Jethro was using.As I grew flustered, I contemplated my next move. Though Jethro had seen every inch of me, the idea
He lay atop me, his chest rising and falling with his labored breath. For someone usually so composed, he was surprisingly vigorous in bed. I wonder how many women it had taken for him to perfect this prowess.After taking a few minutes to catch his breath, he finally rolled off me."Could you finish up faster next time? You're wearing us both out." I glanced at Jethro with some irritation.He always goes full throttle without a thought for how I felt. At this point, my legs felt like jello."If I finished in just a minute, would you even be satisfied?"He thought I was implying that he lasted too long. All men loved hearing that they have great stamina from a woman, Jethro included.His mischievous grin revealed his delight in catching me off guard. Sure, if he had wrapped it up in just a minute, that would be way too short, but he could cut it down by half an hour or so. Of course, I would never voice these thoughts aloud as he’d mock me endlessly. In intimate situations, men u
"If this happens again, you will no longer be welcome in this company!" Jethro spat out as he cast me a frosty look, then stormed back to his office.I stared at his retreating figure, my blood boiling. He was absolutely targeting me. Other colleagues had boyfriends who sent them flowers and he never got this mad, nor did he make them throw the flowers away. But with me, he was merciless. This man was completely out of line.When Jethro was back in his office, Misha gave me a sympathetic look. "The boss looks really scary when he’s angry.""Is he the only one entitled to get angry?" I said bitterly as I sank into my chair. My good mood from earlier had evaporated."It's such a waste on your boyfriend’s part. Sigh, such beautiful roses tossed aside like trash." Misha peered at the discarded flowers regretfully.My eyes followed hers, and my anger flared anew. It wasn't about the roses. It was Jethro's blatant targeting that pissed me off. He scolded me in front of the entire depart
Still coughing, I sensed the air growing a touch awkward. Ignatz came to my side and gently patted my back. In that instant, our closeness felt more genuine than ever before.Feeling Ignatz's warmth, I began to ponder. Could I spend the rest of my life with someone this considerate and gentle? Love or no love, I believed I could find happiness with him. Meeting his eyes, I offered Ignatz a tender smile. I felt a growing affection for him, but it was just that—affection, not the stirrings of anything deeper."You should’ve told me you're not a drinker," he said with a trace of guilt in his eyes. "I wouldn't have offered you that drink if I'd known.""I'm okay," I replied, aiming for a casual tone. "I just choked a little, that's all."Then, catching sight of someone familiar in my peripheral vision, I did a double-take, and my eyes widened.What's Jethro doing here?The second I spotted him, my pulse quickened. A sense of panic filled me, and I felt lost."What's wrong, Rina?" Ig
Jethro's attitude had rubbed me the wrong way, and I wanted to annoy him back. Thus, I gladly accepted the steak slice that Ignatz offered me.Jethro didn't say a word, but I felt the chilly aura from him grow even stronger."Looks like all the seats are taken. Oh well, guess I’ll just join your table. Saves me the trouble of choosing a spot," he suddenly said as he took a seat next to me.I immediately felt another wave of pressure. I didn't like him sitting so close to me, especially under these awkward circumstances. And Ignatz, who sat across from me, also sported a cocked brow. Though he maintained his manners and didn't comment on this, any man would be irritated if someone interrupted their date.I chose to ignore Jethro. Who knows what he'd do if I said something now? All I wanted now was to finish this meal and get out of there."Did you receive the flowers I sent today, Rina? Did you like them?” Ignatz asked tenderly halfway through the meal.At the mention of the flowe
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