“Enough. Stop fighting. Let us know what happened first.” Florence said worriedly.
“I’m not sure what happened either.” James sobbed. “I blacked out after drinking with my friends. By the time I woke up, I was already in the car, and there was wreckage everywhere. I was so scared I ran away immediately, but I got caught the same night.”
“You did a hit–and– run? Do you know how severe this crime is? You won’t be getting out without a decade or two of jail time!” Dahlia spat.
“What?” James immediately paled. “I’m still young. I don’t want to go to jail. Please save me!”
“You have to pay the price for your mistakes. How can you think that you’ll be safe after killing someone?”
Dahlia sighed. Although she loved her brother dearly, she could do nothing about his crime.
“Sis, Mom, help me! I swear I’ll never do this again! I’ve learned my lesson, I swear!” James swore frantically. unable to stand the thought of living out his life in prison.
“Calm down, James. I’ll call you aunt right now. With the Glenstead Nicholsons‘ help and some money, we
should be able to get your out.” Florence quickly drew out her phone and called Jane. “Hello? Jane? James is in danger. He ran his car into somebody and killed them. Could you make a few calls to get him out?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to help you, Florence, but Dahlia ran away from her date last night, so our family is very unhappy. They’ve given the order that unless Dahlia marries Mr. Longford, our family will not be providing any assistance,” Jane responded calmly.
“What?” Florence stiffened and turned to look at Dahlia questioningly.
“I’ll never marry him!” Dahlia immediately refused.
“Then forget about it. Deal with James on your own.” Jane hung up.
“Just agree, Dahlia. What’s wrong with marrying Mr. Langford? He’s powerful and rich, and he comes from an aristocratic family. As long as you marry him, we can save your brother and live comfortably for the rest of our
lives.” Florence urged.
“Mom, I don’t like him!” Dahlia frowned.
“You’ll fall in love with him after some time. Would you rather see your brother being sent to prison?” Florence
wailed.
“That’s right, Sis. Just marry Mr. Langford, or I’m doomed!” James sobbed.
“Did the two of you ever think of my future?” Dahlia was troubled.
“You’ll have a wonderful life if you marry Mr. Langford, and our family will become powerful too, What’s not to like about that? Besides, I’m your brother. Do you want to see me rot away in jail?” James roared, his eyes bloodshot.
“Let me think about it. T–there must be another way.” Dahlia shut her eyes helplessly.
“What’s there to think about? We’re running out of time.” James shouted frantically.
“He’s right. Won’t you please help him? I’m begging you!” Florence cried and fell to her knees.
“What are you doing, Mom? Get up!” Dahlia paled and tried to help Florence stand.
“I won’t get up until you agree!” Florence declared.
At the sight of her mother’s firm attitude and her brother’s terrified expression, Dahlia stood rooted dumbly, at a loss. She never thought that things would turn out this way. The happiness she’d been praying for was just
a few steps ahead, so why was God treating her this way? Didn’t she deserve happiness?
“Fine. I’ll do it …” Dahlia shut her eyes, tears spilling down her cheeks.
She had given in..
