Not Your Doormat Anymore

"It's useless," Kourtney murmured, lowering her head. "I'm just a woman, meaning I was never meant to inherit anything. Even if you win in court, the village won't back me."

These villagers did not care about the law or fairness-they were stuck in old traditions that favored sons over daughters. To them, a man was a family's backbone. Without one, a woman like her was nothing.

"When did we ever need their support?" I countered. "I'll take you away from there. After that, everything will be handled by the lawyer. You won't have to see these people ever again.noveldrama

"Once you're back in Dynora, you'll be free to live the life you choose. You'll finally have the future you deserve-not the one that drains the life out of you."

Her eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at me, stunned. "Dr. Ranford... do I really have that choice?"

She had heard so many cruel words lately. She had been treated with such disrespect that even when I reached out my hand, she hesitated, like she did not believe she was worthy of being helped.

My heart ached seeing her like this. "You absolutely do," I said firmly. "You're a college graduate and have seen the real world-you know there's more than this place. This village, your background... none of that should ever be a cage. Stand up. Come with me."

I repeated the words, and this time, she did not refuse. She reached out, her hand trembling as it settled in mine. I gently pulled her to her feet.

My car was parked on the main road just outside the village. I took her hand and led her out. But just as we reached the road, we ran into Margaret.

The moment she saw us holding hands, her eyes blazed with fury. "Who the hell is this man? You shameless woman! Did you bring a man home? Are you out of your damn mind?"

She stormed toward us like a bull seeing red. Kourtney flinched and started trembling the moment Margaret raised her hand.

Just then, I stepped in front of her protectively and locked eyes with Margaret. "Try coming one step closer," I said coldly.

At 6 feet 2 inches, I towered over her. My presence alone made her hesitate. She stopped short, her gaze flickering with unease.

"Who are you? Kourtney belongs to our family. Where do you think you're taking her?" she demanded.

"I'm the surgeon who performed her heart surgery," I replied. "Her parents owed me a large sum in medical expenses. I'm taking her to work off the debt."

Then, I added sharply, "Or are you planning to pay it off for her?"

I had anticipated this reaction. People like Margaret did not listen to reason. They only understood one thing-money.

She looked skeptical. "Don't be ridiculous. Her parents are dead-how do you expect me to pay anything?"

"They may be gone, but she's still alive. That debt remains," I said coolly. "670 thousand dollars. Do you want the bill?"

"Six-what?" She gasped. "Are you crazy? That's robbery! We had a surgery done in the town clinic for barely 30 thousand dollars!"

"I'm a doctor from one of the top hospitals in Dynora. You're welcome to look it up: I stared her down, then added, also heard her parents left behinda sizable compensation payout. Who's holding on to that money?"

"What's it to you? That money's for

my son! You're not getting a centre

Margaret snapped, instinctively stepping back. She was cleady rattled.

"Are you her legal guardian?" I asked sharply. "If you are, then the debt is yours. If

you're not, then you have no right to speak."

That shut her up instantly. She was at a complete loss for words as sweat began

to bead on her forehead.