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.

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.