Chapter 3 He Asked for It

• Cecilia's radiant gaze met Larry's with a precision that echoed through time. As he raised his head, their eyes fused in a moment of undeniable recognition.
• It was her—no doubt remained!
• A decade's pursuit culminated in this, and Larry found himself more agitated than ever before. Even the prospect of confronting a legion paled in comparison to this encounter, for Cecilia embodied the culmination of his decade-long quest.
• Noticing Larry's fixated gaze, a shade of scarlet painted Cecilia's cheeks, and she hung her head low.
• "Who are you to claim my bride? Do you understand what it means?" Connor's glare was filled with vehement disdain, and the intrusion made him mad. A bothersome thing.
• "She deserves better than you!" Larry's stride towards Connor was deliberate, each step laden with conviction.
• Connor's laughter erupted in a discordant echo. "This is rich! And who might you be?"
• The resounding crack of an unforeseen blow stunned Connor, leaving him bewildered.
• The Faradays stood transfixed.
• Quinton's voice thundered, "You dare disrupt our union with your baseless audacity? Striking Mr. Limerent himself? No refuge awaits you!"
• Another resounding slap, and Quinton staggered back, defiant and defeated.
• The onlookers were dumbstruck.
• "Who is this fearless soul? Defying Quinton and striking Mr. Limerent—is he fearless of both families' wrath?"
• Even Cecilia felt a stir of disbelief.
• "You rude jerk!" You're crazy to attack my son! Apologise now, or you'll regret coming into this world!" As Richard walked forward with his guards, his anger could be felt—a storm of wrath.
• "Apologise?" Your son merits no such courtesy! Larry's response was resolute.
• "You're asking for trouble!"
• Yet Larry's presence wielded such gravitas that all were paralysed, none daring to approach. It dawned on them then—a beggar couldn't possibly exude such commanding authority.
• "Darling, I'm here to save you!" Larry's hand found Cecilia's, gripping it with purpose. Cecilia was wholly confounded.
• "Who are you? I don't know you. Let go of me!" Cecilia struggled after a moment's hesitation. Who was this stranger, proclaiming her as his wife? What distinguished him from a mere vagrant?
• "Are you really willing to marry that scoundrel?" Larry's grin posed the question.
• The inquiry left Cecilia dumbfounded. Did she truly desire to wed that scoundrel? Not a single chance could sway her to accept.
• Seizing the moment, Larry persisted, "We could feign marriage. It would at least liberate you from his grasp. What say you?"
• Uncertain of herself, Cecilia hesitated. Larry had no recourse but to propose a counterfeit marriage, a stratagem to secure Cecilia first, confident she would come to love him.
• Finally, Cecilia murmured, "Is this plan viable? The Limerents are no trifling matter!"
• "I'll beat him up and make him a trifle," Larry assured her in hushed tones.
• Cecilia pondered his words.
• "Cece, say yes for now, sensing a glimmer of hope," Gwendolyn implored. A feigned union with Larry might prove her salvation.
• Moreover, Larry's mettle was undeniable; perhaps he could indeed rescue her from that scoundrel.
• With resolve, Cecilia declared, "Connor, I refuse to marry you. This man is now my husband. Accept it!"
• What?
• Husband?
• Where had this husband suddenly emerged from?
• The perplexed guests were utterly bemused, unaware of Larry and Cecilia's recent discourse.
• "Cecilia, you scheming woman! No need for pretence. Do you think I'm oblivious to your intentions? Hmph! Any woman I desire, I always conquer. I've decided—I'll marry you and then tear off your clothes!"
• Connor's visage was contorted with malice. He had suffered humiliation; his wife had absconded with another—he would not stomach this disgrace.
• Yet Larry approached.
• Connor recoiled. "What in blazes do you want?"
• "I'd like to see if I can make trifle out of scum," Larry replied calmly.
• Thud!
• In an instant, Larry's kick sent Connor sprawling, blood spattering as he clutched his abdomen, howling in torment.
• As for the wedding guests, none dared to intervene. They understood that stepping forward meant facing a similar fate.
• "Just you wait. I won't let this slide!" Connor whipped out his phone, dialling a number. "Dad, get over here quick. I've been attacked!"
• "On my way!" The voice on the other end abruptly ended the call.
• Connor was bewildered. Dad is on his way? Had Dad foreseen today's attack and prepared reinforcements in advance?
• Nevertheless, Dad's imminent arrival is a welcome prospect.
• "My Dad is on his way. You better watch yourself!" Connor jabbed a finger at Larry, his tone dripping with venom.
• Strangely, Cecilia found herself fretting over Larry. "The Limerents wield considerable influence in Shoresea. Perhaps you should back down?"
• Her words betrayed a reluctance to involve Larry, fearing for his safety.
• "Have you forgotten? You're my wife," Larry shrugged indifferently. "Furthermore, the Limerents' patriarch is coming to discipline his disobedient son!"
• Cecilia fell silent.
• Everyone knew Timothy Limerent spoiled his son rotten. The prospect of him punishing his beloved son? Only one word embodied everyone's thoughts.
• Unbelievable!
• Sure enough, within approximately five minutes, several cars arrived at the hotel entrance, led by a Mercedes-Benz 600.
• It was Timothy's vehicle.
• Timothy had arrived with his retinue.
• He's done for. No one can save him now.
• The Faradays watched on with mockery and glee.
• Philip, leaning on his cane, ventured forth to greet Timothy, but the man dismissed him entirely, casting a shadow over Philip's countenance.
• "Dad, you've got to sort this out! This guy not only stole my wife but also beat me up. Look at me. I'm barely recognisable!" Connor complained as he picked himself up to lodge a grievance.
• Just when everyone anticipated Timothy would reprimand Larry, they gasped in astonishment as Timothy delivered a stinging slap to Connor's cheek.
• What in blazes is happening here? Timothy ... striking Connor? Did I witness that correctly?
• Bewilderment marked every face.
• The Faradays were equally taken aback.
• Timothy rebuked, "You scoundrel, do you wish to bring your family to ruin?"
• Connor hesitated.
• At that moment, Connor was thoroughly bewildered.
• Timothy pressed on, "Go and apologise to Ms. Faraday. Otherwise, you'll no longer be my son!"
• Apologise to Ms. Faraday?
• What in heaven's name is Timothy so afraid of Cecilia for, compelling his cherished son to apologise? What is the meaning of all this?
• Confusion deepened among the onlookers.
• Not just them, but the Faradays and other Limerents were also dumbfounded, including Connor. Yet Timothy's gaze remained steadfast; he knew this apology was necessary.
• And so, Connor crawled towards Cecilia, repeatedly bowing his head.
• Cecilia appeared bewildered.
• Timothy approached Cecilia cautiously, avoiding eye contact with Larry.
• "Ms. Faraday, my son failed to see true worth. Please forgive him this once. Ms. Faraday, rest assured, I'll give him a stern talking-to when we return home!"
• Blast it. How dare you vie for the young marshal's wife! No matter how formidable the Limerents might be, they could crumble in an instant.
• When he received Keith's call, his legs almost buckled.
• After the departure of the Limerents, confusion lingered among the Faradays like a dense fog.
• "Well, now that Cecilia's hitched to him, she'd better make the best of it. If she even thinks about divorcing, she's out of the Faraday flan!"
• Philip's countenance turned frosty. Having accepted Cecilia's declaration of this pauper as her husband, he resigned himself to the situation.
• She married a beggar. There will be no luxury awaiting her.
• Cecilia maintained her silence.
• Philip limped towards the hotel with his cane.
• "Haha, Cecilia, did you honestly think a sham marriage with him would fool me?" Quinton swaggered forward, grinning.
• "Grandpa saw through it ages ago. Now that you're married to a beggar, prepare for a lifetime of scraping by. Hahaha ... "
• He had indeed conducted his investigations earlier. Larry's background was easily uncovered, and the man even suffered from epilepsy.
• With Cecilia's meagre earnings, it wouldn't stretch far enough to cover his medical expenses.
• In truth, Keith had strategically leaked information about Larry's condition to smooth the path for his union with Cecilia.
• Smack!
• Suddenly, Larry delivered another resounding slap to Quinton.
• "You bastard, another hit?" Quinton clutched his cheek, his expression darkening with spite. How many times would he endure this humiliation?
• "You disrespected my wife; you've earned this slap!" Larry shrugged. "When you take a wife, you must treat her with respect!"