She spoke as if she had me backed into a corner.
“Clara, you’re a woman. You should understand the importance of reputation and family honor. You’re pregnant with my son’s child, so of course, you have to marry into our family! Otherwise, rumors will spread, and your reputation will be ruined.”
I stared at her, stunned by her shamelessness. “Mrs. Lancaster, are you seriously implying that morals and decency are only meant for women? Do men not have to follow them?”
Lilian was at a loss for words, unable to counter me.
I smirked, placing a hand on my stomach. “And don’t worry about the baby. If it comes down to it, I’ll just raise the child myself.”
At that moment, Dad and Mom stepped forward, standing firmly by my side, facing off against the Lancasters.
“My daughter’s worth isn’t for you to judge,” Dad said firmly. “The engagement is off, and that child has nothing to do with your family anymore.”
Mom backed him up without hesitation, saying, “If my daughter decides to keep the baby, it’ll have our family name. If she doesn’t, that’s her choice, too!”
“You—”
Lilian stomped her foot in frustration, her desperation finally showing. “Think carefully, Clara! If you break things off with Julian, who would want to marry you after you’ve already been with someone else?”
Dad let out a dry laugh, his voice firm. “Not a problem. The Whitmores have more than enough money. My daughter will marry when she wants to—if she wants to. And if she doesn’t, we’ll take care of her just fine.”
Mom wasn’t about to back down, either. “That’s right! Honestly, instead of worrying about my daughter, who is far too good for your son, you should be more worried about your son. After all, he’s the one we’ve decided isn’t worth keeping!”
I turned to look at my parents, gratitude welling up in my heart. Even at my lowest, they stood by me.
Lilian, realizing she had lost this battle, clenched her jaw and exhaled sharply. “Fine. If that’s how you want to play it, then give back every cent my son spent on you!”
