Chapter 4

Things had clearly gone off track, yet my stepsister was still pregnant.

It seemed my suspicions were correct; the child was definitely not mine.

To uncover the truth, I decided to go home.

As soon as I stepped through the door, my father greeted me with a storm of accusations.

He angrily demanded, "You need to break up with that woman in the city and be with Mabel. She's pregnant with your child, and it's already been two months."

I laughed in exasperation. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Mabel is my sister. How could I possibly marry her?"

"Her pregnancy has nothing to do with me. I haven't even touched her," I replied nonchalantly.

My father, however, was adamant, slamming the table with fierce determination.

"I say it's yours, so it's yours! If you marry her, our family won't have to pay a dowry or a bride price. It's the perfect solution."

Leyla, my stepmother, chimed in, sounding almost like she was giving sound advice to an outsider.

"Yes, Charlie, just listen to your father," she said, tugging at my sleeve.

"Charlie, I'm your father. Why would I harm you? I've decided on your marriage! Tomorrow, you and Mabel will get your marriage certificate. She's already two months pregnant..."

My father and stepmother continued their constant pressure, using their outdated family authority to pressure me.

Mabel looked at me with worried eyes, as if she had something she couldn't say.

This situation was exactly what I had hoped for.

I raised the corners of my mouth and interrupted my father.

"Got it, Dad. I'll marry her. After all, why let someone else take advantage?"

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