Chapter 2 Unraveling Threads

Sara's father paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room, his face red with anger and worry. "This is all your fault," he spat, turning to Sara's mother. "You're always so soft on her, never disciplining her. Look what's happened now." Sara's mother sat pale and shaken, her eyes fixed on the floor. "That's not fair," she whispered. "Sara's a grown woman. She makes her own decisions." But Sara's father wouldn't listen. "A grown woman?" he sneered. "She's still a child, and she needs to be taught a lesson. Running off with some...some...boy like that. What was she thinking?" Sara's mother slowly stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "That's enough," she said quietly. "Sara's in trouble, and we need to support her, not tear her down."

>>>>> Sara and Joe walked up the path to Joe's parents' house, hand in hand. Sara felt a mix of emotions: relief at being safe, anxiety about what had just happened, and nervousness about meeting Joe's parents. As they reached the front door, Joe turned to her and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, they'll love you," he whispered. The door opened, and Joe's mother stood before them, a warm smile on her face. "Joe, dear! Come on in!" She turned to Sara and opened her arms wide. "And you must be Sara! Welcome to our home, sweetie." Sara felt a surge of gratitude at the warm welcome. "Thank you so much," she said, hugging Joe's mother back. Joe's father appeared behind his wife, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey there, Sara! Great to meet you. Come on in, kids." As they entered the house, Sara was enveloped in a cozy atmosphere. The living room was warm and inviting, with plush furniture and family photos on the walls. Joe's mother ushered them into the kitchen, where a delicious smell wafted from the oven. "I've got some fresh cookies baking. Would you like some, Sara?" Sara's eyes widened at the offer. "That sounds amazing, thank you." Joe's father pulled out a chair for her at the kitchen table. "Sit down, Sara. We'll get you fixed up with some cookies and a glass of milk." As they sat down, Joe's mother began to chat with Sara, asking her about her interests and hobbies. So tell me how a beautiful damsel like yourself found herself with a troublesome young man, the room echoed with loud laughter from Joe's dad. Sara found herself opening up to Joe's parents, feeling like she'd known them for years. Joe sat beside her, smiling at her as she talked. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it. As they sat there, munching on cookies and chatting, Sara felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

>>> Sara's parents sat in stunned silence as they drove back from the hospital. The tension in the air was palpable. Just as they were about to arrive home, Sara's father's phone rang, breaking the silence. He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hello?" he said gruffly. Sara's mother looked at him curiously, wondering who could be calling at such a sensitive moment. "Ah, Senator Charles," Sara's father said, his voice dripping with disdain. "What can I do for you?" There was a pause as Sara's father listened to the Senator's words. "What? Now? You want to fix a date for Sara and Johnson to meet so you can begin wedding plans?" Sara's father's voice rose in incredulity. Sara's mother's eyes widened in shock. "What is going on?" she whispered to Sara's father. Sara's father shook his head, his face twisted in anger. "Senator Charles wants to fix a date for Sara and Johnson to meet," he mouthed silently. Sara's mother looked like she'd been slapped. "Tell him no," she whispered urgently. Sara's father nodded, his voice firm. "Senator, I'm afraid that won't be possible Sara is...indisposed at the moment. We'll have to discuss this later." He hung up the phone, his face thunderous. "Can you see what your daughter has done?" he exploded. "Doesn't she know what's going on?" What's at stake see woman if I lose the railway contract because your daughter chose to fall in love with a nobody, I'd personally kill her! Sara's mother's eyes widened in horror as she listened to her husband's outburst. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "How dare you!" she spat, her voice trembling with anger. "You're more concerned about losing that contract than about our daughter's happiness? What kind of father are you?" Sara's father's face turned red with rage, but Sara's mother didn't back down. "You're always talking about how much you love Sara, but it's all just words," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You don't care about her feelings or her well-being. All you care about is your precious contract and your reputation." Sara's father took a step forward, his fists clenched. "How dare you question my love for Sara!" he thundered. But Sara's mother stood her ground. "I'm not questioning your love," she said. "I'm questioning your priorities. You're willing to sacrifice your daughter's happiness for your ambition. That's not love, that's selfishness." The room fell silent, the only sound was the heavy breathing of Sara's father. Sara's mother's words had struck a chord, and he knew it. >>>> Johnson sat in his father's study, a mixture of confusion and curiosity on his face. "Dad, who is Sara, and why are you so keen on us getting married?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. His father, Senator Charles, leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Sara is the daughter of a very influential family, Johnson. Her father is a wealthy businessman with connections all over the world. If we can secure an alliance with them, it would be a game-changer for our family's political and business interests" ¹. Johnson's eyes narrowed. "What kind of interests, Dad?" Senator Charles leaned forward, his eyes glinting with ambition. "We're talking about a merger of power, Johnson. With Sara's family on our side, we'll have unparalleled influence in this country. We'll be able to shape policy, secure lucrative contracts, and build a dynasty that will last for generations." Johnson felt a shiver run down his spine. He had always known that his father was a ruthless politician, but he had never realized just how far he was willing to go to achieve his goals. "What's in it for Sara's family, Dad?" Johnson asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Senator Charles's smile grew wider. "Oh, they'll get a piece of the pie, all right. They'll get access to our network, our resources, and our influence. Sara is a beautiful, ambitious lady and a perfect political wife, And in return, they'll give us their loyalty, their support, and their daughter." Johnson felt a wave of revulsion wash over him. He realized that he was just a pawn in his father's game of power and politics. And Sara... poor Sara... she was just a prize to be won and flaunted when needed. Johnson's eyes locked onto his father's, his voice trembling with emotion. "Dad, do you even care about how I feel?" he asked, his words laced with hurt and frustration. Senator Charles's expression faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Of course, I care about your feelings, Johnson," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "But you have to understand, this is bigger than just your emotions. This is about our family's future, our legacy. I sent you to one of the best schools in the world for your first and second degrees in political science, you've always told me how you'd also love to be a politician one day. Now with Sara in a few years you would be the candidate of the most powerful political party in this country campaigning for the seat of the president " Johnson shook his head, feeling a deep sense of disappointment. "You're not even listening to me, Dad," he said, his voice cracking. "You're just using me as a tool to get what you want. You don't care about me, or Sara, or what we want. All you care about is power and money." Senator Charles's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you question my motives, Johnson," he growled. "I'm doing this for our family, for our future. You'll understand one day." Johnson stood up, his heart heavy with sorrow. "I don't think I will, Dad," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I think I'm starting to see you for who you are." Johnson's eyes locked onto his father's, his voice trembling with emotion. He quickly left the room before his dad snapped.