Was marriage an absolute necessity?

Men scared her.

"You don't want to marry? Do you plan to keep company with a string of men for the rest of your life? Have you ever thought about your brother? How would he feel? How is he supposed to find a decent woman to marry if his sister is so infamous?"

Drake added, "In the future, his girlfriend's family will come to know about your tarnished reputation. What respectable woman would agree to marry him then? Maggie, you can't be this selfish!"

Maggie couldn't hold back her tears.

“Dad, I'm not flitting with many men. You're my father. Even if others don't believe me, why can't you?"

Why did he insist on misconstruing her actions and condemning her?

She hadn't done anything wrong!

“If you truly care about your reputation, ask Mr. Robles to release Yana and sever all ties with him in the future!" Drake admonished.

Maggie tightened her grip, her eyes filling with tears.

Just then, her phone rang.

She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was a call from

Sanford.

Images of his tender gaze swam before her eyes, and a tear escaped down her cheek.

At that moment, she missed him, more than she could express.

She yearned for his gentle touch.

Taking a deep breath, she collected herself, wiped away her tears, and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Maggie, I'm at the hospital. Which floor are you on?"

He was at the hospital.

Emotion welled up within Maggie.

She choked back a sob, struggling to keep her composure.