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.

Lina Jenkins was shocked and furious at the transformation. Despite her arguments and protests, Carson Adams seemed like a completely different person—aggressive and bad-tempered, as if he could blow up at any moment. Lina had thought about walking away and starting over without the baby. However, the doctor told her that due to her health, this could be her only chance to have a child in her lifetime. After thinking it through, she decided to keep the baby.

Thanksgiving was coming up, and instead of gathering with family for a traditional feast, Lina chose to stay home. A vintage-style dress hung in her closet, waiting for the day she would feel liberated. She brewed a strong cup of coffee, trying to find comfort in its aroma. The child carried her blood, so why couldn't she belong solely to Lina? Carson thought he could tie Lina to him through the child, not realizing she was already planning to raise the baby on her own, without him.

Her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from her friend, sharing a scenic photo from the Alps. Somehow, this image made her realize there was a world beyond Carson's reach, and she felt a glimmer of hope.