Chapter 4
“Sis? Why are you here?”
It was my sister Mary. She had just hit Mark on the head with a shovel from behind, knocking him out.
My sister hugged me, crying: “Little sister, I can’t go on living. I was planning to jump into the well tonight, but I saw Mark sneaking towards your house and got worried, so I came to check.”
Although my sister had a difficult personality and often said unpleasant things, she was still my sister. How could we truly be enemies?
I held my sister’s hand and advised her: “Just hang on a little longer. Good days are coming soon. You should divorce Mark, but don’t seek death.”
This time, my sister chose to listen to me.
Look Robert and followed my sister back to the Johnson’s house. We took Victoria and Grace too, and all fled to our parents‘ home.
Our parents naturally disagreed and tried to persuade my sister to return to the Johnsons.
“Divorce? Don’t be ridiculous. Your sister has led you astray. The Johnsons are powerful and influential, such good in–laws. You can’t divorce even if it kills you! Go back quickly, you belong to the Johnsons in life and death!”
Just as my sister was feeling desperate, Mark arrived with his head bandaged.
“I heard everything just now. You want a divorce after taking so much of my bride price? It’s not that easy!”
My father hurried to smooth things over: “What married couple doesn’t argue? We’ve already talked to Mary. Take her and the girls home now.”
My sister looked resolute: “I’d rather die than go back with this beast!”
Mark sneered: “Who said I came for Mary? You dare marry me a useless woman who can’t bear sons? I want to change wives! I’m here to take Sarah home!”
I spat at him: “Keep dreaming. Neither of us sisters will go with you!”
My parents tried to reason: “Sarah is already married to the Quinns. Tom isn’t dead, how can she marry again?”
Mark pointed at the wound on his head.
“Last night, it was Mary who split my head open. A wife who dares to hit her husband can go to jail! You choose – either give me a new wife, or she goes to jail! Then see which family
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Chapter 4
will dare marry their daughter to your sons!”
My parents didn’t dare speak up. My sister was about to bash her head against the wall when I quickly stopped her.
“Fine, we’ll switch! But you have to wait until I give birth to this one. Then I’ll go with you.”
Mark was eager to agree when he heard me relent.
My parents were pleased: “That works. Tom probably won’t come back anyway. Let Sarah go live with you, no need for a marriage certificate.”
My sister looked at me in shock: “Sarah, Mark isn’t a good man!”
Of course, I had no intention of actually marrying him. I just wanted to buy time.
I wrote a note and sent my most clever younger brother to the city.
After Mark went home, he realized he’d been tricked.
He used his position of power to create trouble for my family at every turn.
We were assigned the hardest, most tiring work, but given the least work points.
My brothers were all pulled out of school.
With so many mouths to feed, we were given the least amount of food.
My parents were worried and considering sending my sister and me back to the Johnsons. Mark brought his gang of troublemakers to our house.
They smashed everything they could, frightening the babies who started wailing.
“Today I’m taking her away. That bookworm Quinn doesn’t want you anymore, why are you still set on giving birth to his child? I won’t raise someone else’s brat! Take her to the clinic! Get an abortion!”
The thugs were about to forcibly drag me away. My sister, brandishing a kitchen knife, was kicked to the ground.
Suddenly, the sound of a car horn came from outside.
