Chapter 2

Sarah hugged her mom tight, soaking in the everyday warmth of her scent, her whole body trembling as she cried.

In her previous life, she'd argued with her parents over Tommy more times than she could count.

Jasmine had tried to warn her, "That family's trouble. I can see it."

But Sarah brushed it off, saying Jasmine was being too picky.

Robert tried to talk sense into her too. "Tommy's got a bad attitude. You should really think twice."

But Sarah just snapped back, saying he was only looking down on poor families.

After she got married, her parents emptied their savings just to make sure she'd be treated well by her in-laws.

Later, when she got thrown out, Robert went to the Houston family to stand up for her, but Callum shoved him to the ground and broke his leg.

Jasmine came to give her some money, but Maggie shoved her down the stairs.

But as for Sarah? When she died under that bridge, her parents never even got to see her one last time.

"Mom." Sarah sobbed like a child. "I'm so sorry, Mom, I'm so sorry."

Jasmine was terrified, patting her back. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Did someone hurt you?"

Maggie finally snapped out of it, wiped the coffee off her face, and shrieked, "Bully her? Look at what your daughter did! This marriage is off! We don't want her as our daughter-in-law!"

Tommy's face darkened. "Sarah, you've really crossed the line today. Since we had something together, apologize, and we'll call it even."

"Apologize?" Sarah wiped her tears and turned around. "You want me to apologize to you guys?"

She stood up and walked straight over to Tommy.

She asked, "Tommy, let me ask you. After two years together, have you ever bought me a single thing?"

Tommy froze, completely caught off guard.

"A lipstick? Nope. A piece of clothing? Not a single one. A bouquet of flowers? Not even once. On my birthday, you gave me 20 dollars, then turned around and told me you were broke, so I sent you 70 dollars."

Tommy's face flushed. "You're bringing up old stuff?"

"Bringing up old stuff?" Sarah laughed. "You said you'd take me to the movies, but I was the one who bought the tickets. You took me out to eat, but when the bill came, you conveniently had to use the restroom.

"You said you'd introduce me to your parents, so I spent 700 dollars on gifts, and then you turned around and gave it to your dad, saying you bought it yourself."

"Enough!" Tommy snapped, his face burning with embarrassment and anger.

"Not even close," Sarah shot back, locking eyes with him. "Your mom demanded a house and a car, and you didn't oppose her.

"You backed her up, saying everything should be in your name. Tommy, you want something for nothing? Maybe you should check if you're even worth it."

Callum jumped up. "Hey, watch it, Sarah! What's wrong with my brother? He's good-looking. There are tons of girls throwing themselves at him!"

Sarah sneered. "Then let him go chase after those girls. I've been bending over backwards for two years. I've had enough."

Maggie was shaking with rage. "Fine. You think you're so tough, huh? Let me tell you. If you don't give me a proper answer today, your family won't be able to live in this neighborhood anymore!"

Sarah looked at her. "What kind of answer do you want?"

"Pay up!" Maggie stuck out her hand. "Tommy wasted two years on you. How many good girls did he miss out on? Emotional damages! 30 thousand dollars!"

Sarah snorted with laughter.

"30 thousand dollars?" She nodded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Sure, you want it? You got it."

Maggie's eyes lit up.

Sarah turned and headed for the kitchen. When she came back, she was holding a basin of dirty vegetable water, wilted leaves floating on top.

She said, "This is your compensation."

Sarah dumped the whole basin of dirty water right over Maggie, soaking her from head to toe.

Maggie was drenched, looking like a total mess, with a wilted leaf stuck right on her head.

Maggie shrieked. "I'm going to kill you!"

Sarah tossed the basin aside, grabbed the broom by the door, and challenged, "Come on, bring it!"

She stormed at Maggie, waving the broom. Maggie was scared out of her wits. She stumbled backward, missed her step, and fell flat on the floor.

Tommy and Callum scrambled to help her up.

Sarah brandished the broom at the door. "Get out! Right now!"

Tommy helped Maggie up, his face thunderous. "Sarah, you'll regret this."

"Regret?" Sarah laughed. "The only thing I regret is knowing you."

She slammed the broom against the floor. "Get out!"

The three of them scrambled out the door in a panic.

The door slammed shut behind them.

At last, the living room was quiet.

Sarah stood by the door, her whole body trembling, not sure if it was from anger or exhilaration.

Jasmine walked over, her voice gentle and careful. "Sweetheart."

Sarah turned and hugged her tight. "Mom, I'm not marrying him."

Jasmine froze for a moment, her eyes turning red. "Alright, alright, you won't have to marry him."

Robert came over too, hesitated for a second, then patted his daughter's shoulder. "Sweetheart, did you really mean what you said just now?"