Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“You’re pregnant,” the doctor announced, holding up the report.

Valerie Warren stared in shock at the ultrasound image. A baby! Really?”

The doctor eyed her with a hint of detachment. He had seen too many young women like her, alone and bewildered by an unexpected pregnancy, likely having no clue about the conception date.

“First pregnancy, or no? If not, when was the last?” he asked pointedly. “You should know that frequent abortions can potentially increase the risk of complications that may affect fertility.

Valerie, slightly rattled, cut in quickly, “Doctor, I want to keep it!”

His tone softened. “Three and a half weeks. The embryo is well–placed. Make sure you keep up with your prenatal visits.”

Valerie was still trying to process the unexpected news of her pregnancy. Although she hadn’t anticipated this situation, she felt a growing sense of responsibility towards the life inside her. She pondered how she would broach the news with her family, considering her unmarried status and the potential challenges it might pose.

The early autumn warmth lingered as Valerie rode her scooter back to her parents apartment, picking up some fruit along the way. As the approached the door, ber mother Ruth Warren’s loud complaints echoed from inside.

“You kids at least here to see me. Unlike Valeric, who’s always off doing who–knows what,” yelled Ruth

“Mom, Valerie has always been sensible, just busy with work, Valerie’s brother Julian Warren defended.

Ruth scoffed. “Busy my ass! She’s a cold–hearted witch, only throwing me a measly 400 bucks a month. Julian, why not make her chip in for your car? She must be sitting on a pile of cash, and it’s not like she’s gonna take it to the grave with her

Taking a moment, she continued, “By the way, someone offered 60 grand as a gift to tie the knot. The guy’s been through a divorce, but they say divorced men make better partners. Think about it, that money could help you snag a bigger, fancier house.”

“Im not going to squeeze money out of my own sister!” Julian protested.

Ruth fired back, her tone laced with a mix of anger and entitlement. “What’s all this talk? I brought her into this world! After all the blood, sweat, and tears I put into raising her, she’s supposed to pay me back now! Anyway, I talk to her about the marriage later and get her on board.”

Unable to bear the conversation any longer, Valerie swung open the door, her presence commanding attention.

Surprised. Ruth masked her guilt with feigned casualness Valerie, just got here? I was just teasing Julian. But really, the guy isn’t bad, and being divorced isn’t a deal–breaker, is it? Maybe…”

Valerie’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. “Mom, no way am I marrying him!”

Ruth dropped her pretense, her anger flaring “You think this is a discussion? I raised you, and you’ll do as I say!

A cold realization washed over Valerie, sending a shiver down her spine. She had always endured Ruth’s favoritism toward Julian, enduring neglect and disparity simply because she was deemed as less valuable. But she never imagined that Ruth would stoop so low as to consider selling her off for a mere 60 thousand dollars.

Fists clenched, Valerie steadied her breath and said coolly, “Mom, I’m already pregnant. If you’re set on this marriage, consider if he’ll accept a child on the way”

The room fell into a stunned silence as Valerie’s words hung in the air.

Ruth snapped back to reality, her rage erupting instantly. “How the hell did I raise such a disgraceful piece of shit? Say that again, I dare you! Believe me, I’ll beat the crap out of you!”

Ruth’s biting words stung Valerie’s ears, but she had grown used to her mother’s explosive outbursts and knew better than to engage. Without a second thought, she turned on her heel and walked away, refusing to be dragged into the toxic spiral

Downstairs, Julian hurried after her, his voice filled with genuine concern and empathy. “Valerie, ignore whatever Mom said. I’m not taking your money. If 1 leech off my sister, what kind of man does that make me?”

“I know, Julian,” Valerie replied, her voice tinged with resignation. Her parents might have been distant, but Julian had always been there for her, a constant pillar of strength and understanding. Without him by her side, she doubted she could have navigated the challenges they faced as a family. “That’s good, but Valerie, no matter how pissed you are at Mom, you shouldn’t joke about stuff like that, Julian cautioned, frowning deeply.

Valerie cut him off Julian, I’m not joking. I’m really pregnant and I’m planning to get married.”