Lina Jenkins and Carson Adams never officially tied the knot. When Lina first discovered she was pregnant, she suggested that they should get married soon. However, Carson always had one excuse or another to delay it.

"It's cold now. You should stay indoors more and focus on taking care of yourself," he'd say. "Why not wait until the baby arrives? It can be a celebration of both the birth and our marriage."

But when Carson found out the baby was a girl, his attitude shifted completely. "My mom insists we can only make it official if it's a boy. If you don't want to terminate the pregnancy, then we'll just keep things as they are."

Carson was sure that Lina would eventually cave in, thinking that the pressure and stigma of having a child out of wedlock would weigh heavier on her. However, he misjudged by overestimating his own significance in Lina's life.

Carson Adams thought he had given Lina Jenkins a chance to reconcile, but her response caught him off guard. Furious, he spoke without holding back.

"Lina, it's not too late for you to admit your mistake, or you'll never set foot in my house again! You better think this through. You've already had a child—who else would want you but me?"

He believed he had touched on Lina's insecurities, but she only found his assumption laughable. She never saw a man as essential to her happiness; otherwise, she wouldn't have waited until nearly thirty to even think about dating.

Raising her child without Carson was not a reckless decision; it was a choice she made after much thought. Even without Carson, she was confident she could raise her daughter, Jazlyn Jenkins, incredibly well. She was determined to give Jazlyn the best, in both material and emotional terms.

Lina sat in her cozy kitchen, enjoying the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a ritual that always grounded her. As Thanksgiving approached, she reflected on the gratitude she felt for her journey so far. Her vintage dress hung ready for the upcoming family dinner, honoring a tradition she cherished despite her modern views on relationships.

The Alps, with their stunning peaks and crisp air, filled her mind as she imagined the vacation she promised Jazlyn. Lina saw such experiences as priceless, a gift of exploration and learning she was eager to give her daughter. Using WhatsApp to coordinate with friends who shared her passion for travel, Lina felt confident in her ability to provide Jazlyn with a nurturing and fulfilling life, full of opportunities big and small.

Meanwhile, the kitchen table was adorned with spiced honey cake. Lina understood that while traditions evolved, the essence of love and dedication was universal, transcending cultural boundaries.

Lina Jenkins deliberately teased Carson Adams with her remarks.

"Why would no one be interested in me? I've got five holiday homes, three cars, and over a million dollars in the bank. With all these assets as my dowry, why should I worry about finding a man?"

Carson was aware that Lina was well-off, but he hadn't realized just how wealthy she was. They had met through a matchmaking service, and during their interactions, Lina had noticed Carson's strong sense of pride. To keep from bruising his ego, she decided to keep parts of her financial situation under wraps. Ironically, this choice enabled her to see his true nature.

His reaction was one of disbelief, nearly clenching his jaw, he shot back, "I don't buy it! Where did you get all that money?"

Lina replied casually, "Believe whatever you want. Haven't you visited my place before? Maybe you should take a look at real estate prices out in the countryside here."