Coleen glanced at her proud daughter and couldn't help but smile without saying a word.

Molly loved to let everyone know about her mom's kindness. As a daughter-in-law, Coleen was beyond reproach. Now, in the village, whenever someone mentioned Juliana with disdain, they couldn't help but praise how wonderful Coleen Byrne was in the same breath. The neighbors nodded in agreement. "It's just shameful. Remember when Molly bought that fancy bracelet for Grandma Sue? Sue cherished it so much she wouldn't even wear it, kept it stored away like a treasure. And then, that woman has the nerve to steal it and sell it!" "What?!" Jade was livid upon hearing that Juliana dared to mess with her things.

Stealing the birthday gift she had carefully chosen for her grandma, Molly's anger flared, and she turned to storm off to confront Juliana. But Coleen quickly stopped her, already aware of the incident but had chosen not to tell her daughter to prevent her from acting rashly. "Molly, it's just a bracelet. Even if it's sold, we can't get it back. We'll buy Grandma Sue another one. Don't be hasty."

"Right, right, Molly, you have to be careful, especially in your condition. You're still early in your pregnancy," someone cautioned.

Molly was struck by lightning. "What?"

What pregnancy?

Coleen was equally shocked. Turning to the crowd, she asked, "Who told you Molly was pregnant?"

The crowd murmured, searching for the source of the rumor, "It was Mrs. Baxter."

Coleen sighed internally. Mrs. Baxter was well-known in the village for her gossiping, the central figure of the local "information bureau."

Sure enough, by noon, many cast curious glances towards Molly's belly.

Even Chad noticed.

His glances shifted from Molly's abdomen to her face and then back to the villagers.

"Chad, you're back, huh?" The village uncles greeted him warmly as they returned from their fields.

Soon after, one suggested, "Chad, we're having chicken for dinner. Why don't you bring Molly over? She looks too thin, needs to eat well, especially now with a baby on the way."

to remain silent, amusing herself with Chad's confusion.

"Curious?" Molly finally spoke.

Chad nodded.

village is convinced I'm carrying your child, even decided how far along I am. All because you helped me out

Officer Chad was speechless.

"Mom and I explained to at least a dozen people, but then she realized that rumors here spread too fast, explanations were futile. So... Mom told me to just stay quiet, saying that's just life in the village."

hard. "Let them talk. With time, rumors will die down. Why

gossip, "If I rest now, I'll really look like I'm nurturing

was at a

the Byrne family lunch, indeed, many brought nourishing gifts

Coleen sighed and explained to her husband, "Just let it be. The whole village

furious. "Nonsense! My daughter has only been

bearing meals, but Chad accepted a portion. He reasoned, "We're having a simple meal today.

vegetable noodles, Molly

a bite of his noodles.

in the yard and hiding in their room or the bathroom

altercation, Molly had left a lasting

to stay in the old outhouse for over an hour. By the time they came out, reeking, everyone else had finished their meal. When it came to resolving the issue, Molly's phone was dead, and Chad accompanied her to

how do we solve

air. "Well, it's definitely not going to be as simple as Grandpa thinks. I'm guessing a private settlement is more likely." Soon, Kendrick also escorted his wife outside. "Molly, you and your mom catch up on some sleep in the car. She didn't sleep well last night, don't let her worry about these things." Kendrick was

Molly nodded, "Okay, Dad."

with the situation, the women relaxed in

the fresh scent of

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