The thunder outside roared. I looked up and stared at my mother in disbelief.
She wrung her hands. "I know this request is excessive, but everyone knows how violent the regent is! Your cousin is too weak to endure it.
"Annie, don't be afraid. You are my daughter. I wouldn't harm you! I just want you to marry him temporarily. When your uncle returns, I'll ask him to get a decree of divorce."
She clutched my hand tightly, her sharp nails digging into my skin. I looked at her and said sadly, "And if my uncle can't do it? If… If I die before the decree comes? Isn't my chastity worth anything? Isn't my life worth anything?"
...
These days, my illness had worsened. I coughed through the nights and couldn't eat, growing increasingly frail and looking haggard. My mother, staring at my pale face in shock, showed a rare moment of hesitation and said, "Are you still not well? You…"
The next second, Violet's cries drew her attention away.
Violet wiped her tears. "Aunt Clara, don't trouble Annie. It's all my fault. I couldn't stand the regent riding his horse in the street packed with people and impulsively tried to stop him. I'll bear the consequences myself!"
"How can this be your fault?" My father exclaimed. "You did nothing wrong, Violet. With your bravery and integrity, you embody the qualities of our family."
My mother gritted her teeth. "Annie! I beg you!"
Overwhelmed with grief, I watched her kneel before me, crying. "Annie, please! My sister has only one daughter! I can't watch her die! I promise to get that decree. If it isn't granted, I'll die with you! I beg you—"
Seeing my mother kneel, my father panicked and tried to pull her up. He shouted at me, "You unfilial girl! You're only asked to protect Violet this time, not to give up your life! How dare you make your mother kneel? You might as well be dead! We'd be better off without a daughter like you—"
