All of Lina Jenkins' savings were securely stashed away in a bank account. Carson Adams didn't know the exact amount, but he had suggested several times that they might trade their car for a new one, invest in some promising venture, or lend it to a close friend who was really in need. Each time, Lina found ways to politely refuse, countering his suggestions with a range of reasons.

Frustrated and embarrassed, Carson lashed out, declaring he wouldn’t give her any more money and that she could raise their daughter on her own. He assumed he could pressure Lina with the threat of cutting off financial support, unaware that money was the least of her concerns.

During their tense dinner, Carson reached for the platter of ravioli instead of the typical dinner rolls, stuffing one into his mouth as he glared at Lina. She calmly sipped her coffee, keeping her gaze steady.

Victorian-style dresses hung in the room, as if in memory of a festive Thanksgiving, a stark contrast to the palpable tension between them. Lina glanced out the window, picturing the breathtaking view of the Alps, distant and unattainable but as serene as ever.

Their WhatsApp messages remained unopened, a clear sign of the communication breakdown between them, like the stuffed ravioli now congealing on Carson's plate.

Lina Jenkins was the only child of her family, who ran a gemstone business in a town known for its lively atmosphere. Though they weren't the wealthiest family in town, they had managed to build a respectable estate. Her parents, Carolina Gray and Hayes Carpenter, had always held high hopes for Lina and showered her with unwavering love and support. Lina had certainly lived up to their expectations, showcasing exceptional business acumen and managing the family enterprise with precision and flair.

However, as she approached her thirtieth birthday without a boyfriend, her parents grew a bit anxious. They even signed up for the premium membership on a popular dating website, hoping to find a suitable match for their daughter. Carson Adams, a potential partner recommended by the site, caught their attention.

Carson was two years younger than Lina, standing at a striking six-foot-one, with an excellent academic background and a stable job. Lina's parents were very impressed with him. "Even though he's from a single-parent family, he seems to be a hardworking and ambitious young man," they noted optimistically. "As long as you're happy together, that's all that truly matters."

As Thanksgiving approached, Lina found herself reminiscing about past family gatherings. The dining room was always filled with the comforting aromas of roasted turkey and spiced honey cake, while coffee mugs clinked together in celebration. This year, her parents hoped Carson would join them for dinner, marking a new chapter in their family traditions. Lina, wearing a vintage-style dress, felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity as she prepared to welcome Carson into their world, wondering if this holiday would bring an unexpected turn in her life.

Lina Jenkins and Carson Adams once shared moments of bliss. During the early days of their relationship, Carson was attentive and caring, showering Lina with affection. Lina truly believed she had found her one true love. However, by the fifth month of her pregnancy, Carson’s true nature began to surface.

Perhaps feeling that he had secured Lina’s commitment, Carson unveiled his real self. He insisted that they could only marry if she gave birth to a boy, claiming that the Adams family lineage must continue uninterrupted. He declared that enduring hardship was a virtue for women, reminiscing about how his own mother had managed to work even when she was heavily pregnant with him.

Carson held firm to the old-fashioned belief of "when you marry a man, you marry his family," urging Lina to shed her so-called pampered habits to earn her place in his family home. Lina tried to adjust to the new expectations, swapping her afternoon tea rituals for coffee, and beginning to prepare dishes like pasta and dinner rolls, hoping to suit Carson’s preferences. However, a sense of unease lingered as she navigated these changes while striving to maintain her own identity.