"You're pregnant," the doctor announced, holding up the report.

Valerie Warren stared in shock at the ultrasound image. A baby! Really?

The doctor eyed her with a hint of detachment. He had seen too many young women like her, alone and bewildered by an unexpected pregnancy, likely having no clue about the conception date.

"First pregnancy, or no? If not, when was the last?" he asked pointedly. "You should know that frequent abortions can potentially increase the risk of complications that may affect fertility."

Valerie, slightly rattled, quickly interjected, "Doctor, I want to keep it!"

His tone softened. "Three and a half weeks. The embryo is well-placed. Make sure you keep up with your prenatal visits."

Valerie was still processing the unexpected news. Although she hadn't anticipated this, she felt a growing sense of responsibility towards the life inside her. She pondered how she would tell her family, considering her unmarried status and the potential challenges.

The early autumn warmth lingered as Valerie rode her scooter back to her parents' apartment, picking up some fruit along the way. As she approached the door, her mother, Ruth Warren's, loud complaints echoed from inside.

"You kids are at least here to see me. Unlike Valerie, who's always off doing who-knows-what," Ruth yelled.

"Mom, Valerie has always been sensible, just busy with work," Valerie's brother, Julian Warren, defended.

Ruth scoffed. "Busy my ass! She's a cold-hearted witch, only throwing me a measly four hundred dollars a month. Julian, why not make her chip in for your car? She must be sitting on a pile of cash, and it's not like she's going to take it to the grave with her."

Taking a moment, she continued, "By the way, someone offered sixty thousand dollars as a gift to tie the knot. The guy's been through a divorce, but they say divorced men make better partners. Think about it, that money could help you snag a bigger, fancier house."

"I'm not going to squeeze money out of my own sister!" Julian protested.

Ruth fired back, her tone laced with anger and entitlement. "What's all this talk? I brought her into this world! After all the blood, sweat, and tears I put into raising her, she's supposed to pay me back now! Anyway, I'll talk to her about the marriage later and get her on board."

Unable to bear the conversation any longer, Valerie swung open the door, her presence commanding attention.

Surprised, Ruth masked her guilt with feigned casualness. "Valerie, just got here? I was just teasing Julian. But really, the guy isn't bad, and being divorced isn't a deal-breaker, is it? Maybe"

Valerie's voice cut through the tension. "Mom, no way am I marrying him!"

Ruth dropped her pretense, her anger flaring. "You think this is a discussion? I raised you, and you'll do as I say!"

A cold realization washed over Valerie. She had always endured Ruth's favoritism toward Julian, enduring neglect and disparity simply because she was deemed less valuable. But she never imagined that Ruth would stoop so low as to consider selling her off for sixty thousand dollars.

Fists clenched, Valerie steadied her breath and said coolly, "Mom, I'm already pregnant. If you're set on this marriage, consider if he'll accept a child on the way."

The room fell silent as Valerie's words hung in the air.

Ruth's rage erupted. "How the hell did I raise such a disgraceful piece of shit? Say that again, I dare you! Believe me, I'll beat the crap out of you!"

Ruth's words stung Valerie's ears, but she was used to her mother's outbursts and knew better than to engage. Without a second thought, she turned and walked away, refusing to be drawn into the toxic spiral.

Downstairs, Julian hurried after her, his voice filled with concern and empathy. "Valerie, ignore whatever Mom said. I'm not taking your money. If I leech off my sister, what kind of man does that make me?"

"I know, Julian," Valerie replied, her voice tinged with resignation. Her parents might have been distant, but Julian had always been there for her, a constant pillar of strength and understanding. Without him, she doubted she could have navigated the challenges they faced as a family. "That's good, but Valerie, no matter how pissed you are at Mom, you shouldn't joke about stuff like that," Julian cautioned, frowning deeply.

Valerie cut him off. "Julian, I'm not joking. I'm really pregnant, and I'm not planning to get married."