Her Marriage 1
1072 Words
After returning home, Ruth lay on his comfortable bed, contemplating the events of the day.
He was mentally exhausted, yet sleep eluded him. His thoughts kept drifting to the young lady who had come to his aid—even though he hadn't needed saving.
It wasn’t that he had never seen a beauty like hers before. On the battlefield, foreigners had used every possible means to end his life, sometimes even sending assassins with breathtaking appearances. Many aristocratic families had also tried to marry their daughters to him, yet he had refused them all.
The only difference was their eyes. Every woman he had encountered before had a hidden motive behind her approach. But the young lady who had saved him had eyes as calm as still water—full of innocence and righteousness.
On the battlefield, he had earned the nickname "Stone-Hearted Man" because his heart never wavered before beauty. Some had even questioned whether he was truly a man.
“Tch, what is this? Why am I so restless? I can't sleep, and I keep thinking about the girl who saved me.”
“If the soldiers found out about this, I’d be a laughingstock. I should meditate and clear my thoughts.”
Sitting cross-legged, he began to meditate. As he circulated his energy through his body, his mind gradually calmed.
Meanwhile, Melina Linden returned home, moving with the caution of someone trying to avoid trouble.
Just as she was about to enter her room, a harsh voice halted her steps. “Tch, you never listen to me. Always sneaking out of the house.”
Melina turned to see her grandfather, Jerrad Lyndon, staring at her with displeasure.
She lowered her head and retorted, “What’s wrong with me going out? Am I a prisoner or a slave to be trapped within these walls?”
Jerrad shook his head. “You are no different from them. The family has provided you with the best of everything, and now it’s time for you to repay us. Your marriage has already been arranged, yet you keep wandering around the outskirts where lowlifes dwell.”
His voice was filled with disdain and displeasure.
Melina clenched her fists. “I never asked for any of this! You made the choice to give me these luxuries, and now you expect me to repay you with my life?”
“I don’t even know the man, and I certainly don’t love him. Why must I marry according to the family’s arrangements?”
Jerrad’s expression darkened. “Silence! He is the sole heir of the Collins family. Our family will benefit for decades once this marriage is secured. He is an outstanding man, excelling in both business and martial arts. He is the best choice for both you and the family.”
“No more nonsense. Get to your room and change. Collins will be visiting us shortly.”
Melina stood frozen in disbelief. No matter how much she resisted, it was all in vain.
“Why was I born into a family like this? If only I had been born into an ordinary family, I wouldn’t have to suffer like this.”
What pained her most was her parents’ indifference. They were willing to trade her away for mere benefits.
Jerrad sighed internally. Don’t blame me, child. I can’t favor you at the cost of the family. If your brother hadn’t passed away, you wouldn’t be forced into this marriage.
This is our only hope of securing our family’s future.
Shortly after, the Collins family arrived.
The guards treated them with the utmost respect—after all, they were the second most powerful family in the city.
“Our young lady is lucky to marry into such a great family.”
“But I heard the young master of the Collins family is a notorious womanizer. Wouldn't that be bad for our lady?”
“What do you know? Hmph. A capable man will always have women following him. It’s normal for them to have multiple wives and concubines.”
The Collins family overheard the chatter but paid it no mind as they stepped into the grand estate, which looked more like a palace than a home.
Richard Collins turned to his son. “Be polite with them. Once you marry her, we can get our hands on their family’s secret martial arts techniques. Then we will soar to even greater heights.”
Raymond Collins smirked. “Father, you don’t have to worry. They have no other choice but to let me marry their precious young mistress. Without this alliance, how could they possibly survive?”
Richard nodded, chuckling. “Indeed, they have no choice. But remember, even a cornered rat will fight back. We must not pressure them too much.”
As they entered the estate, they were greeted by Jerrad.
Raymond quickly bowed. “I greet the head of the Lyndon family. I hope we are not causing any inconvenience.”
Jerrad waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, come now, don’t be so formal. We will be family soon. Wait here; I will call her to meet you.”
Raymond smiled. “Of course. I will do my best to win her heart today.”
Meanwhile, Melina was in turmoil. She did not want to marry, yet she had no way to refuse. Reluctantly, she donned the new dress prepared for her and stepped out.
She was escorted to the guest hall by her grandfather, where she found herself face to face with the head of the Collins family and his son.
She let out a silent sigh. He’s already 37 years old, yet he’s trying to marry me? She had expected at least a decent-looking man, but Raymond was nothing special. Worse, he was infamous across the city for his debauchery.
“I greet the head of the Collins family.”
Richard nodded approvingly. “I’ve always heard that the young mistress of the Lyndon family was a peerless beauty. It seems the rumors were true. What a perfect match you and my son would make.”
Raymond’s eyes gleamed with lust as he stepped closer and reached for her hand.
Melina swiftly evaded his touch, but he merely chuckled, unfazed.
“Oh my, how rude of me,” he said smoothly. “Please be magnanimous and forgive me. I was simply mesmerized by your beauty.”
Melina merely nodded, saying nothing.
Disgusting.
- Writer
