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"No, no, Frans, nothing like that. I just wanted to share some wise words from that young lady with you. Because, in my opinion, your stories are quite similar."

"What do you mean?" Frans asks, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion at Gerald's explanation.

"Well," Gerald takes a sip of water before continuing, "the girl also wasn't approved by her husband's parents. That's why she's working here. And you know what? She's concerned about your situation. She says you should be living a better life. You're handsome, possibly well-off, and there are plenty of girls out there who would happily be your wife. Meanwhile, she, living in poverty, has to carry a child in her womb. She's strong and resilient," Gerald explains. He adds some positive remarks in between based on Veronica's short message.

Frans shakes his head slowly. "It's easy to talk about it in theory, Ger. But when you actually go through it, it feels heavy. Which husband can be okay when his beloved wife leaves without a word? Pl