Chapter 2

In my previous life, when we went to the city to buy medicine, Mark took the money to enjoy himself, abandoning me on the city streets. Tom Quinn passed by in a military vehicle and recognized me.

Only then did I learn that the usually low-key Tom was actually the son of a military commander!

After returning to the city, he passed the college entrance exam and became a university professor.

Tom said that when he first came to our village, I had given him a corn bun. He liked me from that moment, but felt unworthy of me then. He never imagined I would be unhappy in my marriage.

He said he would use his connections to help me get a divorce.

But before I could hear back from Tom, I was beaten to death by a drunken Mark that very night.

Now, the villagers were all saying what a pity it was that someone as outstanding as me couldn't find a good match.

The college entrance exams hadn't been reinstated yet. Tom couldn't do farm work, and his family had long since fallen from grace. Even the ugliest girl in the village wouldn't consider marrying Tom Quinn.

My parents used the bride price from Mark to prepare a decent dowry for my sister. Tom couldn't provide anything, so naturally, I had nothing.

My sister sat on the bed, humming a tune and admiring her new clothes and hair ribbons.

I tried to warn her: "That Mark Johnson isn't a good man."

My sister's face darkened: "Sarah, are you just jealous that I'm better off than you? I used to be inferior to you in every way, and our parents favored you more. But now things are different. I'm marrying into a better family than you. You're just envious, aren't you?"

I couldn't persuade my sister and even got scolded by our parents.

"A married daughter is like spilled water. Don't ruin Mary's marriage prospects. You good-for-nothing, if you say another word, we'll disown you!"

On the wedding day, Mark came to pick up my sister, wearing a big wristwatch and riding a bicycle, looking proud and successful. Word was that the Johnsons even had a sewing machine and a radio. All the village girls looked at my sister with envy, and almost everyone went to the Johnsons' to join the festivities.

I walked alone to Tom's place.

The village had assigned him a barn, cold in winter and hot in summer. When I pushed open the door, I saw that Tom had decorated it with wildflowers.

"Sarah, I'm sorry. My family's complicated background has caused you to suffer. I know you agreed to marry me out of spite that day. If you're unwilling, I can explain to the village officials. Our marriage certificate doesn't have to be valid!"

I went straight up and hugged his lean waist.

"Silly, I married you, and that won't change. For better or worse, right?"

Tom had always had a crush on me. This first intimate contact with me nearly took his breath away.

"Sarah, I'm so lucky! I promise, I'll do everything in my power to keep you from suffering."

I took his hand and said softly: "The college entrance exams will definitely be reinstated. With your knowledge, you'll surely get into university."

Tom looked at me in surprise. Although there was no basis for my words, he was willing to listen. He started studying while working.

Three months after our marriage, the village doctor diagnosed both my sister and me as pregnant.

Mark happily threw a celebration banquet for my sister in advance, spoiling her into becoming the envy of all the village women.

"Mary must be carrying a boy!"

When she saw me, my sister stroked her belly arrogantly.

"Little sister Sarah, how come your husband isn't throwing you a banquet? You always seemed so clever, but you really messed up with this marriage. My husband says once I give birth to a son, he'll take me to live in the city. We won't stay in the village anymore. You can just keep living in that barn, sister."

I gave a cold laugh, not bothering to argue with her.

Soon, it was time for us sisters to give birth. We both happened to be at our parents' home when labor started.

My mother called for Mrs. Lee and her daughter-in-law from the village, giving them a dollar and two eggs to help deliver our babies.

Mark and Tom were both waiting outside.

Mark shouted loudly: "When Mary gives birth to a son, I'll give money to everyone as a gift!"

Dad echoed Mark's words, while our younger brothers busied themselves serving tea and water.

Tom was treated like an outsider, not even given a stool to sit on.

With our naturally fertile bodies, the delivery process wasn't difficult. The babies were born quickly.

Mrs. Lee came out holding a baby, calling out: "It's born, it's a girl."

Mark sneered, looking down on Tom beside him.

"Bookworm Tom, looks like you're destined to end your family line. Hurry up and take your little money-drain away! Having you in front of me is bad luck!"

Tom took the baby girl, his face showing joy: "Girls are good. Who says women are inferior to men? I'll name my daughter Victoria."

Mark laughed mockingly upon hearing this.

Suddenly, Mrs. Lee cried out: "Oh, I made a mistake! This isn't your child, this is Mary's daughter!"