Chapter 118: Rose Jackson's Eyes Welled Up with Tears

Rose Jackson's eyes welled up with tears as her fingers clutched the hem of her dress. "Aunt Helen, it wasn't my parents' fault. I was already eighteen that year—old enough to understand everything. I was the one who begged my father on my knees to agree." Her voice trembled. "He'd rather be called ungrateful by the whole village than watch me throw myself into that living hell..."

Helen Reed patted her hand gently. "Child, don't say anymore. I'll discuss this with Mayor Martin when I get back." She frowned slightly. "Your residency permit won't be an issue, but the three boys..." Her words trailed off, unspoken.

The village gossip was something she knew all too well.

Elena Ward handed her a cup of warm tea. "Godmother, there's no rush. My brother and I still have two acres of land—we'll make do for now." Her gaze was resolute. "We won't let ourselves be backed into a corner."

"Thank you, Aunt Helen!" Rose wiped her tears. Having the mayor's family on their side was better than facing this alone.

Helen stood to leave. "Your grandmother returned yesterday. You should..." She didn't finish, but the implication was clear. Old Mrs. Ward wouldn't make things easy.

"Elena's starting university soon. Don't give anyone ammunition." These words came straight from the heart.

Elena smirked coldly. "Let her strut around for a few more days." Going to see her now? That would be letting the old witch off too lightly.

Emily Reed stared longingly at Elena but was tugged away by her mother. Elena quickly stuffed a pack of rice crackers into their basket.

"What's this?" Helen protested.

Elena pressed her hand firmly. "If you refuse, it means you look down on us sisters."

After seeing their guests off, Adrian Stone also rose to leave. Elena shoved a bag of pastries into his hands. "For the road." The brief brush of their fingertips sent an inexplicable warmth to her ears.

That afternoon, the village loudspeakers blared.

"Eighteen dollars and twenty cents per household!" Before Mayor Martin could finish, the crowd erupted.

"That's outrageous!" "Where are we supposed to get that kind of money?"

Amid the chaos, Mayor Martin casually mentioned Rose's residency permit. As expected, no one paid attention—compared to the real money they had to fork over, who cared about a few more mouths to feed on relief rations?

The next day, Rose headed straight to the township office with her divorce papers in hand. Darren Lewis was all too eager to rid himself of these "burdens" and signed faster than anyone.

At the police station entrance, Mayor Martin was already waiting. The documents were handed through the window, and with a sharp thud, the official seal came down.

From that day forward, Rose and her three sons would put down roots in Pinehaven Village.