Withered Yet Freed

"Dad, about the arranged marriage... I need to think about it for a while."Sarah Paterson clutched her pregnancy test results, her voice heavy.Her father's dissatisfied tone came through the phone, "What's there to think about? Has that good-for-nothing boyfriend of yours sweet-talked you again?""If you don't want the arranged marriage, fine. Bring him to Sunday dinner this week so we can meet him. Good or bad, you should at least let us know who he is. It's been three years—he's been stringing you along, never meeting your parents, never mentioning marriage. What kind of relationship is that?"Sarah responded quietly to her father's words. "I'll ask him."Her father grunted, "Decide quickly. If he really can't find time to meet us, take him to Uncle Richard’s house. I'll have Richard and Nelson check him out. They've been looking after you all these years in the Brookshire. If they think he's decent and you truly love him, I won't stand in your way."Sarah paused, unsure what

The nurse who answered the phone was clearly surprised, probably because she hadn't seen anyone so eager for an abortion before. But she didn't ask too many questions—just inquired about some basic information and told Sarah to come to the hospital for an examination first.Sarah's nose stung with emotion as she nodded. "Okay, I'll come as soon as possible.""Where are you planning to go?" The bedroom door was suddenly pushed open, and Nelson walked to the bedside reeking of alcohol.Sarah quickly hung up the phone and shook her head slightly. "Nothing. Have you been drinking all night?"Nelson grunted in agreement, casually unbuckling his belt and removing his alcohol-stained clothes.As usual, he tried to embrace Sarah, but she instinctively moved away. He frowned. "What's wrong? Do I smell bad?"Sarah shook her head. After a sleepless night, she felt dizzy. She got up from the bed only to be pulled into Nelson's arms.He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips ligh

Lucy pressed her hands together and made a wish over the candles on the cake. "I hope that every year from now on, Nelson will celebrate my birthday with me."After saying this, she gazed at Nelson with tender affection and asked softly, "Nelson, is that possible?"Nelson looked at her adoringly and agreed without hesitation. People around them started chanting, "Kiss, kiss..."After watching the video, Sarah let out a small laugh.So this was why he had rushed to leave the hospital early and blocked all messages—to celebrate Lucy's birthday?Sarah wanted to laugh at herself. Even though she had seen through everything, she still couldn't help considering his feelings when problems arose.How ironic.The next day, Sarah woke up very early.Nelson came through the door and seemed surprised to see her sitting up in bed, playing with her phone. "You're up early today?"Sarah made a small sound of agreement and silently got out of bed, heading to the bathroom.Nelson watched her

Apologizing? An excuse?Sarah's heart sank. He actually thought this was her way of apologizing?"Nelson, I've finished washing. Can you blow-dry my hair?" Lucy's flirtatious voice came through the phone.Sarah felt as if she'd been struck by lightning. All the words she wanted to say deflated like a punctured balloon."Beep, beep..." The call disconnected. Sarah clutched her phone tightly as pain and despair washed over her.In the end, it was a passerby who took Sarah to the hospital.At the hospital.The doctor cautioned her to be careful with the pregnancy, explaining that the first trimester was the most critical time.After thanking the doctor, Sarah lay in the hospital bed, reflecting on everything that had happened the previous night.She had thought Nelson taking her shopping, buying her gifts, and introducing her to his friends meant he truly cared for her and wanted a future together.But now it all seemed laughable. No matter how sincere he pretended to be, when L

Sarah was dazed from the impact, her vision darkening as she found herself curled up in an awkward position inside the car. When she tried to move, she realized she was pinned against the seat by the deployed airbag, completely stuck.Lucy had fainted from fear beside her.Nelson struggled out of the driver's seat, stumbling a few steps. Seeing that Lucy was unconscious, he pulled her out of the car.He glanced at Sarah still trapped inside, and before she could speak, he picked up Lucy and said, "Sarah, Lucy's passed out. I need to get her to the hospital first. I'll call someone to rescue you right away."With that, he hurriedly left with Lucy, so anxious that he stumbled as he went.Sarah froze, the words for help caught in her throat. She heard a dripping sound—gasoline was leaking.Before she could process the pain in her chest, Sarah desperately struggled to get out of the car as flames appeared on the hood.A wave of despair washed over her. She didn't want to die here.