The Threat

Ethan David Jackson, the Golden Boy, son of Seattle's wealthy and most prominent families, heir to director of banks, development companies, insurance companies, and countless other companies, had been Tabitha's lover for years.

Tabitha was too infatuated with Ethan's charming smile. That smile often graced the columns of gossip magazines and made many people fascinated and adored simultaneously.

Didn't I see how fake that smile had been all along? Tabitha asked herself.

She was at a loss for words at the truth she now knew. It's been two days since the accident happened. Many tidings emerged because the girl's parents, who died with Ethan, sued the Jackson family.

The girl was not even eighteen years old, and the girl's parent alleges that Ethan influenced their daughter. Tabitha also just found out that Ethan had been approaching the girl for a year, but the girl's parents didn't allow it because their daughter was still young for Ethan.

Her name is Ashley.

All the truth is revealed, how Ethan approached the girl named Ashley and her family. Ashley lives in South America. The girl was from a good and conservative family, and her family was one of the landlords in this part of South Carolina.

Much gossip was circulating about Ethan's desire to marry the girl when she was eighteen.

"He's been having an affair all along, Tabby. But he's always begging to explain, not to tell you," Lana said guiltily. "I thought he would change. I also saw you loved him so much, and I can't see you broken heart. And when I heard tiding that you two were married this year, I thought Ethan had changed. But I was wrong about it. He's having an affair with a girl who lives far from Seattle."

Tabitha did not respond to what her good friends said. She can't blame anyone else for her broken heart and how Ethan betrayed her. A long time ago, it should be competent to see the truth, but Tabitha deeply falls into blind love instead. She adores Ethan and trusts him.

Ethan was a friendly, cheerful man, very handsome, soft-spoken, and confident. He made the gentle, naive, and trusting Tabitha, fall in love with him without her knowing that he was manipulating her. Anyone would be easily charmed by Ethan. Even that girl named Ashley.

However, the image that Ethan shows people is a lie; even though they always seem to have a happy relationship, the fact turns out fake. Ethan has always been affectionate towards Tabitha in front of their parents and friends. Ethan's hypocrisy is about to become a laughing stock that ends tragically. Tabitha was sure that she too was now the laughingstock of the people in Seattle.

Her age was ripe, but she was naive to see the truth. Tabitha wouldn't be surprised if she heard another rumor that Ethan was having affairs with some girls in Seattle.

The funeral was held like a circus show. The gossip appetites of the scandal-raised society are filled with journalists competing to write the most sensational news. The teenage girl who died with Ethan was seventeen years old.

Amanda Jackson, who managed to look beautiful in a black dress by a famous designer and hair styled by a renowned salon, still looks so sad. One time she clung to her husband, Erick Jackson, and burst into tears. The next time she berates her elder son Keith for not being at the funeral.

"He's not enough to embarrass us and not come to his brother's funeral. He still embarrasses us! Oh, God! Keith is as barbaric same like the barbaric tribe living in the jungle he frequented!" Then Amanda cried hysterically.

Tabitha heard the story from Lana, who attended Ethan's funeral. She was not present at Ethan's funeral, and her absence added to the hot gossip.

Tabitha knew very little about Ethan's older brother, Keith Jackson because Ethan never spoke about his brother openly as if Keith's presence didn't matter. As Tabitha recalled, Keith was a handsome guy with an athletic body and spent time outdoors and exploring the forest. Ethan never allowed her to talk to Keith, and Tabita was always obedient.

"You don't have to feel guilty, Lana. After all, I'm the one who is less wise in my relationship with Ethan. Everything that happens will be a valuable lesson for me. Now I will continue to live with the child in my womb," Tabitha said calmly and smiled at Lana.

Lana stared wide-eyed at Tabitha. "You're pregnant?" She's surprised to hear what Tabitha is saying.

Tabitha nodded. "I will give birth to my child and raise this child," then she looked at Lana intently, "please.. don't tell Ethan's parents about my pregnancy, Lana. I don't want to have anything with Ethan's family right now. I know not their fault."

Lana took Tabithan's hand and nodded. "I will always support you, Tabby."

Tabitha took a week off after the funeral and is now back teaching. She was determined not to hide from Seattle society and would forget everything that had happened. Even though some unpleasant things are about to happen, she will face them while looking for a job at another campus outside of Seattle.

This afternoon Tabitha's calm was disturbed when she received a visit from the Jackson family's Lawyer, who was now sitting in her office.

Spreading out what appeared to be official papers, the Lawyer said scornfully and arrogant that his clients, Eric and Amanda, Jackson, wanted to take responsibility for her pregnancy.

Tabitha was shocked to hear that Ethan's parents knew about her pregnancy. She immediately guessed that Lana had told Ethan's parents. Tabitha was calm to face the Lawyer and brushed the pain in her heart due to Lana's betrayal.

"They have no right to the child in my womb. I'm not Ethan's wife," Tabitha stared at the Lawyer coldly.

The Lawyer looked at her scornfully. "My client is ready to take the child when it is born and raise it as their grandchild. Of course, your time, hassle, and expense during pregnancy, and the cost of giving birth in the hospital, will be compensated. We will take legal action if you don't want to meet the Jackson family."

"You mean to buy it, don't you?" quipped Tabitha. She didn't expect Ethan's parents to do this heinous thing to her.

"Come on, Miss Carter, I think you misunderstood my client. They are financially capable of raising the child in a luxurious environment. Of course, you want the best for the child, don't you?"

Tabitha wisely refrained from swearing at the Lawyer. "I am perfectly capable of raising my child."

"I'm sure Ethan's wishes are very different," The Lawyer smiled, and Tabitha was mad seeing the Lawyer's dismissive attitude. "Besides, this talk is only theoretical. No court would entrust child care to a single working woman, and her morals are questionable. In contrast, a great couple like Eric and Amanda Jacksons have great responsibilities towards their only grandchild, heir, and child of their favorite son."

"What do you mean about my questionable morals?" Tabitha asked furiously. Harassment of her personality is so unethical.

"You must know who you are faced with, Miss Tabitha Geraldine Carter. Everything is possible. So it's better if we do this the right way."

Tabitha did not underestimate the influence and power of the Jackson family in Seattle. They have many influential friends.

"I will not agree to anything. Please get out of my room." Banish Tabitha no longer maintains manners.

The Lawyer stood up and smiled sarcastically. "I'll give you time to think about our conversation, Miss Carter. Don't make a quick decision." Then the man left the room.

Tabitha clenched her fists in anger. She knew that what the Lawyer said was not just a threat. Tabitha will not keep silent and must move. Plans had to be drawn up immediately, and she would carry them out quickly.