She paused for a moment, and a deep sigh escaped her lips—a silent lament for a time that still hurt when touched.

“That’s why, my daughter, I don’t advise marriage as a solution to an unexpected pregnancy,” her voice sounded firmer now, almost like a warning, a lesson passed down from the heart.

Emma took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts while holding back the emotion that threatened to overflow.

“After she lost the second pregnancy, he tried to separate. But…” her voice faltered