Half an hour later, there was a knock on the door, and Karsyn Coleman, one of the staff members from the retreat center, informed Lina Jenkins that someone outside was claiming to be her husband and wanted to see her.

Lina shook her head. "I'm not married. What husband? He must be a con artist. Make sure he doesn't come in."

She knew Carson Adams would try to find her, but it didn't worry her at all. She had chosen this retreat center specifically for its excellent security and strict adherence to customer privacy. Without her permission, Carson wouldn't be able to reach her.

Previously, she had kept silent mainly because, later in her pregnancy, her physical condition made it difficult to handle any disputes. But now that her child, Jazlyn Jenkins, was born, it was time to break ties with his family.

At the retreat center, she enjoyed her afternoon coffee breaks, savoring the delicious spiced honey cake served daily. The comforting routine amidst the serene surroundings was a balm for her spirit. Gazing at the sprawling mountains reminiscent of the Alps, Lina felt at peace. Her decision to stay here was further affirmed by the picturesque landscape and the comforting amenities catered to Western tastes.

Earlier in life, she had always loved Thanksgiving celebrations, relishing the traditional turkey dinners and the company of friends and family. But those days felt like a distant memory now. Lina wore her Victorian-style dress, enjoying the way the elegant fabric flowed as she contemplated her future.

As she scrolled through her messages, she felt reassured by the retreat center's promise of privacy. Her decision to distance herself from Carson and his family was made easier by the support she found in this tranquil haven, designed for those seeking solitude and reflection.

Lina Jenkins phoned her parents to let them know that her baby had arrived ahead of schedule and she had given birth to a daughter. Her parents were stunned by the news and immediately started making plans to travel from London to visit her.

Lina, nevertheless, got straight to the heart of the matter. "Mom, Dad, I've split up with Carson," she admitted. "I intend to raise the baby by myself. I apologize for making this choice without consulting you first."

Lina had reached this decision some time ago, but she had kept it to herself to prevent causing her parents undue concern.

Her mother, Carolina, felt a wave of anxiety. "Lina, are you going through something tough?" she asked, pushing her coffee cup to the side.

Her father, Hayes, came to a conclusion quickly. "If you're separating, then that's that. It's not the end of the world," he said. "The child can have our last name and be part of our family."

Under the strong insistence of her parents, a few days later, Lina Jenkins returned home with her caregiver and midwife, Nayeli Spencer, accompanying her. She briefly recounted the actions of her husband, Carson Adams, to them.

Carolina Gray, her mother, gripped Lina's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face from sheer heartache. "No wonder you've lost so much weight. You've been through so much!" she exclaimed.

Lina replied with a touch of frustration, "How could you tell I've lost weight?" Even during her pregnancy, she never neglected her health. With the professional care of her nutritionist, Zainab Chapman, and her postnatal recovery specialist, Charli Wells, Lina's complexion was now better than before she had given birth.

Hayes Carpenter, her father, spoke with deep regret, "It's my fault for not seeing his true nature and allowing you to end up with someone like Carson."

Lina gently shook her head, "It's not your fault. He put on a very convincing act."

Over coffee in the cozy, Victorian-styled living room, they continued discussing the situation. Lina fondly recalled the Thanksgiving dinner they had all shared the previous year, filled with laughter and warmth—a stark contrast to her current situation. She cherished the memory of the spiced honey cake her mother had baked, a comforting thought amidst the turmoil.

"At least we have each other," Carolina said, trying to lighten the mood, "and we should plan another family gathering soon. Let's forget about the pulled pork sandwiches and focus on being grateful for what we have."

Lina nodded, appreciating the gentle attempt at optimism. She offered a smile, knowing that these moments together would help her face the challenges that lay ahead.