Chapter Two
1044 Words
When Sarah heard the voice, she looked around, confused. “Hannah, did you hear that?” she asked softly.
Hannah froze for a moment and shook her head. “No, I didn’t.” She reached out to touch Sarah’s forehead, her face filled with concern. “Are you feeling okay? Could it be stress causing you to hear things?”
Sarah fell silent, lost in thought. Was it possible only she could hear the voice? “Host”? “Bullet comment system”? What did those words even mean? She tried calling out to it in her mind, but there was no response. It felt as though the voice was just a fleeting hallucination.
Hannah, still watching her closely, called her name softly. “Sarah? Are you okay?”
Shaking her head, Sarah replied, “I’m fine. It’s just…” She hesitated, then came up with an excuse, “I just don’t know how to be a stepmom.”
She was only 22, pampered by her family since childhood, living a life free of major worries—until Tom’s relentless pursuit. And now, to get away from him, she was about to take on the role of a stepmother before even getting married. She didn’t know how to handle it.
Seeing her struggle, Hannah pulled Sarah into a comforting hug. “Don’t worry, Sarah. This is just an opportunity. Give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll figure out something else for you.”
This was the best solution Hannah could come up with. Even though John had been divorced and had kids, his status and resources made him untouchable by someone like Tom, and that was what really mattered.
Finally, Sarah made up her mind. Forcing a faint smile, she said, “Hannah, don’t worry about me anymore. I’m ready to meet him.”
Hannah nodded, relief in her eyes. “Good. I’ll set it up. Let’s arrange the meeting at the town office. It’ll be safe there.”
At a strict military base...
“Congratulations, Daniel! The youngest commander in our base’s history!” The nurse smiled as she bandaged Daniel’s arm.
With his sharp features and a cold demeanor, Daniel exuded authority. Even while seated, his posture remained impeccable. Hearing the nurse’s congratulations, he nodded slightly and replied in a calm voice, “Thank you.”
The nurse mustered the courage to say more, but the door suddenly swung open, and a messenger rushed in. “Daniel, there’s a telegram from home. They want you to return immediately.”
Before the messenger even finished, Daniel was already on his feet, leaving the infirmary without a word.
The nurse watched him go, sighing to herself. She only ever saw him when it was work-related, and even then, opportunities to interact with him were rare. Maybe next time, she thought wistfully.
Outside, Daniel tore off the restrictive bandage on his arm and strode toward the communications room. “Who’s the telegram from?” he asked coldly.
“Your grandfather,” the messenger replied quietly.
Daniel’s expression darkened slightly. Without another word, he walked briskly across the lawn and into the communications room, where his assistant, Mark, handed him the telegram. “Here, take a look.”
In bold letters, the telegram read: “You brat, if you don’t get married soon, I’m going to die!!!”
Daniel’s face turned slightly ashen.
Mark couldn’t hold back his laughter. “Looks like the old man’s had enough. You’re almost 30 and still haven’t taken care of your ‘personal affairs.’”
Daniel’s family was prominent. His grandfather was a legendary figure in the military, and his parents were conducting classified research at a base out west. As the only grandson, Daniel was the pride of his family—but his unwillingness to settle down had long been a sore point.
Folding the telegram neatly, Daniel responded with an icy tone, “Mind your own business, Mark.”
Mark, undeterred, teased, “Come on, Daniel. You’re such a catch. Even the nurses in the medical unit have a thing for you. You’re really not interested in anyone?”
Daniel shot him a frosty glare and strode out of the room. Mark trailed behind, imitating the grandfather’s dramatic tone, “Grandson, please, I’m begging you on my knees!”
Stopping abruptly, Daniel turned and asked flatly, “Where?”
“Greenville, Michigan,” Mark answered in a quieter voice. “Someone will be waiting for you there.”
Without another word, Daniel turned and left.
In Greenville, the Mitchell family sat together, the mood heavy.
“Another failed matchmaking for Sarah?”
“Knew it.” Sarah’s brothers muttered amongst themselves in frustration.
“Tom sent people over again today, saying no one but him would dare to marry Sarah.” Anger flared across their faces.
Knowing her family’s worries, Sarah’s gaze grew firm. Quietly, she said, “Mom, everyone, stop worrying about me. Hannah found me a match from the city, someone who isn’t afraid of Tom. I’ve decided to meet him.”
The room fell silent except for the crackling of the fire in the hearth.
Her mother, Karen, finally broke the silence. “When? Who is he? What’s he like?”
Hannah had already prepared her response. “His name is John Crawford. He’s 30, holds an executive position, has a house and a car—and most importantly, he’s not afraid of Tom. He’s been divorced and has two kids, but he’s the best option to protect Sarah.”
The brothers exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. “Not bad. If he’s really not afraid of Tom, he could keep Sarah safe.”
Karen hesitated, shaking her head slightly. “Sarah, being a second wife and a stepmother isn’t easy…”
Sarah knew that, but she also understood it was her only way out. Hugging her mother gently, she whispered, “Mom, compared to Tom, this is already a blessing.”
Karen’s eyes welled up with tears. Stroking Sarah’s hair, she murmured, “Alright, go ahead, sweetheart. But don’t rush into anything. Take your time to see if he’s the right one.”
Three days later, with her family’s blessings, Sarah set off for her meeting at Greenville’s town office.
- Writer
