Chapter 1

After returning from the matchmaker's house and entering the house, my sister, Flora Leeman, rushed to say, "Mom, I want to marry Logan Zigger, who's a farmer!"

My adopted mother, Elaine Lucas, was shocked when her face went pale, and she cried out at Flora. I was there, and Elaine couldn't say it outright, but from her squinting and frowning, I figured she wasn't keen on Flora choosing Logan.

"Mom, Sally Leeman went through so much and did a lot for our family all these years. Now, it's time to give back to Sally. Let her have the chance to marry into the Garrett family and live well as a soldier's wife. It's a way for the Leeman family to show gratitude to Sally."

"Flora, don't talk nonsense!" Elaine's hands were trembling as her lips were quivering. She was afraid that her own daughter would make the wrong choice and ruin her life.

Flora leaned close to Elaine and whispered for a while.

Elaine's suspicious gaze fell on me before returning to Flora. "Flora, marriage is a serious matter. You can't play around. You need to think carefully."

Flora hugged Elaine and pouted. "Mom, trust me!"

Elaine was silent for a while. Finally, she tightly held Flora's hand. "Fine, I'll trust you this time."

Elaine then looked at me. "Sally, the Garrett boy is a few years older than you. Your ages are more suitable, and the Garrett family is more well off than the Zigger family. You have suffered a lot in the Leeman family over the years. This time, you can enjoy the Garrett family's wealth! From now on, you and our family should part ways and go our separate ways."

I understood what Elaine meant; she was telling me that I would have no further connection with the Leeman family after marriage.

I sneered inwardly.

Elaine was probably afraid that I would return home as a widow and become a burden after Samuel Garrett's sacrifice. I did not need such a family.

The reform had just started. As long as I did not slack off, I could still make a living even without Samuel. I could not pick my partner, but I could aim to get the most out of the situation.

"Mom, I can marry Samuel, but I want a bicycle, a sewing machine, a watch, and 200 dollars for my dowry."

In my previous life, Elaine would not even give me a sewing machine when I married Logan. To make a living, I earned my first fortune by hand-sewing clothes for others. With that money, I helped my in-laws with farming and livestock, becoming a well-known, wealthy family in the area.

Hand-sewing was exhausting for my eyes and hands. Later, my hand joints became deformed, and my eyesight deteriorated.

Elaine's dowry for Flora consisted of three large items and several hundred dollars.

I knew that an adopted daughter could not compare to a biological daughter. Elaine wanted to sever ties with me in this life, so I would fight for what was best for myself.

Seeing Elaine hesitate, I added, "Mom, how about I marry Logan? Everyone knows being a soldier's wife has its risks; what if I end up a widow?"