جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 200

"Hello?""Hey there, beautiful. Are you free this evening? How about dinner with me?" Mason's voice—always playful and carefree—came from the other end of the line."I…"As I hesitated, my gaze shifted toward Jethro's office. He had plans tonight with another woman, and I was about to answer Mason when he interjected."You've turned me down countless times already, Ms. Serena. Are you planning to reject me again today? You should know that I’ve never been refused by a woman before. Don't you think I deserve a chance?"Mason sounded a bit aggrieved. His support during my hospital stay made it hard to continually reject him despite his frivolous nature."Okay, let's do dinner. I'll call you after I get home to change after work," I relented, deciding to give Mason a chance. His flirty manner aside, he seemed genuine."Fantastic! I'll be waiting for your call!" Mason replied, his voice brimming with excitement.After hanging up, I glanced once more toward Jethro's office. Initiall

Frozen in place, it took several moments for me to regain my composure before heading back to my table. Upon returning, I couldn’t help but notice Jethro seated opposite the alluring woman, who seemed to be trying her best to captivate him. This irked me, stirring an impulse to get rid of her."Why were you gone so long, Rina? Are you feeling unwell?" Mason's voice carried a hint of worry and confusion over my delayed return."The restroom was a little crowded," I responded, quickly diverting my eyes to mask the real reason for my absence."The dishes are here, so let’s eat," the oblivious Mason said as he gently placed a piece of salmon on my plate.Mason’s gaze on me was gentle. Was he looking at me like I was more than a friend? I assumed I was imagining things.With a slight shake of my head, I told myself not to overthink it and started eating. Despite my efforts, my gaze involuntarily drifted toward Jethro. Our eyes met, and his face was stern and cold.Feeling unsettled, I

Mom’s voice, filled with disappointment and anger, echoed through the phone."That's not what I mean, Mom. Renting a large house in Arrowdale is just really expensive. My current finances are tight, and my next paycheck is still a while away," I hurriedly explained when Mom misunderstood my point.I was in a difficult position. Of course, I wanted to provide Sean with a better recovery environment, but I simply couldn't afford it right now."I'll look for a smaller place for now. Once I'm paid next month, I'll try to find something more suitable, okay?"Negotiating seemed like my only option. I knew my mother wouldn't want Sean's needs overlooked, but I was stretched thin financially. If I were capable, I’d certainly find a better place for Sean."I think you're just stingy with your money. You've been working for so long. Can't you even afford to rent a house? Serena, I really raised you in vain. You’re reluctant to spend even a few thousand on us." Despite my explanations, Mom s

Mom was utterly deaf to my explanations, and she assumed I was selfishly withholding funds."Can you please be reasonable, Mom? If I had money, I’d give it to you, but I don’t!"I felt increasingly agitated. Constrained by my limited resources, I couldn't fulfill her demands. How was I supposed to make her believe that I was truly broke?"I don’t care. You have to find a place for Sean's post-surgery rehabilitation today. I refuse to believe you can’t afford to rent a house!"Mom’s disdainful stare was like a cold blade. Was she really forcing me without a shred of sympathy for my struggles? I was her daughter. Even amid her disappointment, shouldn't there have been a hint of understanding for my situation?"Let's go to the bank, Mom. I’ll show you my account balance, and you can see for yourself whether I have money or not." I approached her, intending to take her to the bank.My frustration boiled over. If words failed, perhaps the stark reality of my empty account would speak

I sat on the couch, engulfed in my thoughts. When I finally went to the bedroom, Jethro was already asleep. Lying next to him, I found myself restless, my mind burdened with family concerns.The following day at work, I was distracted and unproductive. As soon as the office hours ended, I embarked on a mission to find a suitable house. It was crucial to find an affordable place quickly to ensure Sean had a home after his hospital discharge.After searching near the hospital, I finally found an apartment that fit my budget. It was modest and small, yet it had the necessary amenities, including an accessible bathroom. The rent was 2,500 dollars a month, stretching my financial limits, but I had no choice but to take it.I looked at my nearly empty account with a heavy heart. With my paycheck still days away, I faced the stark reality of potentially going hungry. Years into my career, and here I was, reduced to such straits.In desperation, I reached out to Summer to borrow some money