Chapter 3

Sarah looked up at her father, noticing how his hair had gone gray and the worry etched deep in his eyes.

Back in her last life, at this age, her dad's hair was still jet black.

But the year he paid off her debts, half his hair went white in a single night.

She nodded fiercely. "Dad, I was wrong. I was blind before, but I won't be anymore."

Robert got choked up and turned his head away. "Alright, as long as you realize your mistake."

Jasmine gently pulled her daughter to sit down. "So, what was all that about just now? Weren't you the one who insisted on marrying him before?"

Sarah fell silent for a moment.

She couldn't tell them that she was reliving her life. They'd never believe it. But she could tell them something else.

Sarah lowered her head and said, "Mom, I finally figured it out. Tommy never cared about me. He was only after our family's money.

"Did you hear them just now? His mom was demanding a house and a car, and he didn't even try to stop her. He even wanted everything in his name. If he loved me, would he really be scheming like that?"

Jasmine let out a long sigh. "I've seen through them for ages, but you just wouldn't listen to me."

"I was wrong," Sarah murmured, leaning into her mom's shoulder. "From now on, I'll do what you say."

Jasmine gently stroked her daughter's hair, her eyes welling up with tears again.

Robert muttered, "Now that's the right attitude. That kid was trouble from the start. Only you ever cared about him."

Sarah let out a shaky laugh, tears still streaming down her face.

She looked up at her humble but cozy home.

This time, she'd make sure no one could take it away from her. No one would ever dare mess with her parents again.

Outside, the Houston family stood in the hallway, drenched and looking like a total mess.

Maggie stomped her foot, fuming. "I can't swallow this! Tommy, what are we gonna do?"

Tommy's face was stormy. He said furiously, "Mom, don't worry. This isn't over."

Callum rubbed his hands together. "Hey, should we go over there and stir up some trouble?"

"Trouble? What trouble?" Tommy shot him a glare, then snorted. "I know Sarah. She's blowing up for now. Once she cools off, I'll go talk her down. She'll come running back."

Maggie frowned, not convinced. "Really?"

"Mom, you don't know how crazy she used to be about me," Tommy said, straightening his drenched suit with a smug look. "Whatever I said, she believed it.

"She will never disobey anything I say. She's having a fit today. Give her a couple of days, she'll come crawling back."

Callum scratched his head. "So what now?"

Tommy glanced down at his sorry state and gritted his teeth. "Let's head back for now. We'll figure it out tomorrow."

The three of them slunk away, tails between their legs.

What they did not realize was that Sarah was done for good. She would never look back.

*****

The next morning, just as the Boltons finished breakfast, the door was being hammered so loud it felt like the whole house was shaking.

"Sarah! Get out of here!"

That was Maggie's voice.

Jasmine's face changed. "They actually have the nerve to show up again?"

Sarah set her bowl down, a cold smile on her lips. "Good, let them come."

She opened the door.

Maggie, Tommy, and Callum were standing outside.

Maggie had changed into a new outfit, her hair freshly permed, and her face caked in makeup so thick it looked like wall plaster.

As soon as she saw Sarah, she forced a big smile. "Sarah, I was out of line yesterday. I said some things I shouldn't have. Today I brought Tommy to apologize to you."

Tommy stepped forward, putting on his softest smile. "Sarah, I messed up yesterday. I should've had your back. I spent all night thinking it over, and I know I screwed up. Can you forgive me?"

Sarah looked at him like he was some kind of clown.

When she didn't say anything, Tommy kept up the act, pouring on the charm. "Sarah, we've been together for two years. Come on, you know I've always treated you well, right?

"You're the only one I care about. Don't worry about my mom. I'll protect you from now on. I won't let anyone mess with you."

Maggie jumped in, "Yeah, that's right, Sarah! From now on, you're like my real daughter to me!"

Before Sarah could even open her mouth, the neighbor's door creaked open.

Susan from across the hall poked her head out. "Oh, looks like the Boltons have visitors?"

Maggie instantly switched to a big smile. "Yes, yes. I'm Tommy's mom. I came to apologize to my future daughter-in-law."

"Apologize?" Susan looked at Maggie, then at Sarah. "Sarah, what's all this about?"

Sarah grinned. "Susan, you showed up at the perfect time. Can you help me be the judge here?"

She pointed at Maggie. "This lady came over yesterday to talk about marriage, and right off the bat demanded a three-bedroom apartment and a 70-thousand-dollar car, both in her son's name.

"When I refused, she wanted me to pay her 30 thousand dollars for emotional damages."

Susan's eyes went wide. "What? The bride's family has to pay a dowry? What kind of custom is that?"