Chapter 186

"Mother, why hasn't Emily written back yet?" The sister-in-law wrung her hands anxiously, her nerves frayed as the year-end approached.

Mrs. Johnson sighed. "We've sent two letters already..."

"Could something have happened?" The sister-in-law's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Perhaps you should visit her in person? You could bring her home for the holidays."

Her mind raced with plans: if Emily returned, she could be married off to the deputy factory director's crippled son. Then her own husband's promotion to department head would be guaranteed.

"You're right." Mrs. Johnson clapped her hands decisively. "I'll request leave at once."

A smug smile curled the sister-in-law's lips.

Meanwhile, Emily was tucking Ethan into bed. "This old quilt will have to do for now." She turned to the two younger boys, replacing their blankets with new ones.

"Emily!" The neighbor, Daisy Miller, burst in breathlessly. "Are you going to town? The Supply & Market just got a shipment of flawed fabric!"

"I'll go! I need soy sauce anyway." Emily quickly packed her basket, her thoughts drifting to the post office. That last letter pressuring her to return to the city—there might be more to it.

She remembered the original story's tragic ending, where the female lead was forced into marriage by her family and met a grim fate.

"David, Tommy, Mommy's going to town. You two—"

"We'll practice our writing!" the boys chorused.

Emily smiled, ruffling their hair. "Good boys. I'll be back soon."

Daisy was already calling from the oxcart: "Hurry! We'll miss the ride!"

Emily jogged after her, soy sauce bottle in hand, but unease prickled at her. Unbeknownst to her, a storm from her family was closing in fast.