Not Your Doormat Anymore novel Chapter 20

"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.

"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.