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Novel Catalog
Chapter 2
What? Shawn’s large hands gripped Gale, lifting her effortlessly and tossing her into the car. She recoiled, terrified, retreating into the corner. “Who are you going to marry me to… no, let me go…” She was a person, a living human being, not an object to be shuffled around.
His fingers tightened on her chin. “I can give you to anyone I want. You have no say in this.”
Gale’s throat tightened as she fought to hold back the tears. She wanted to cry, but she feared provoking him further, so she bit her lip and forced the tears down. As he looked into her tear-filled eyes, he felt a brief pang of pity. No, how could he feel sorry for the enemy’s daughter? That was ridiculous!
He quickly recovered his indifference, tugging at his tie with frustration.
Desperate, Gale reached out, grabbing his shirt sleeve with her delicate hands. “Please, don’t…” Her voice broke as tears slipped down her cheek, falling onto the back of his hand. “Anything but that. Please don’t ruin me like this…”
This was the first time she had begged him. She didn’t know if it would make a difference. Her voice reminded him of someone—someone from last night. But how could it be? That woman was locked away in a mental hospital. She couldn’t be the same person.
Shawn gently wiped the tears from his hand, his voice cold. “We’ve known each other for two years, and this is the first time I’ve heard you beg.” He smiled, but it was a cruel smile. “Unfortunately, it’s useless.”
Her hand slipped from his sleeve as the phone rang. He glanced at the screen. It was a call from his stepmother, Paula Zane.
Paula’s voice came through, feigning concern. “Shawn, I just heard you were at a hotel with a woman last night…”
Before she could finish, Shawn interrupted smoothly. “Yes. We’re on our way to the Civil Affairs Bureau.”
“Wait… are you planning to marry her?”
“Yes.” Shawn’s tone was firm, almost smug.
Paula had always tried to send women his way, hoping to gather information about him. He couldn’t let her succeed. He would continue searching for the woman from last night, but he had to keep Paula in the dark. Last night, the room had been dark, and he hadn’t seen the woman’s face clearly. If Paula found someone to pretend to be her, Shawn wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
The best course of action was to have Gale step into the role temporarily. She would atone for her father’s sins for the rest of her life.
After hanging up, Shawn raised an eyebrow at Gale. “Listen carefully. The person you’re marrying… is me.”
Marry him? Gale’s heart pounded. She couldn’t believe her ears. Judging by his expression, he wasn’t joking.
At the Marriage Registry, Gale hesitated, the pen hovering over the paper. She never wanted to be Mrs. Wood. She didn’t feel worthy of the position. She would rather remain in the mental hospital than live by his side, enduring his presence day in and day out.
The staff looked at her with suspicion. “Ms. Gale, are you doing this voluntarily?”
“I…” She hesitated.
“Of course she is.” Shawn’s voice came from behind her, and before she could protest, he placed his hand over hers, guiding her to sign her name. “My wife is just too excited,” he added mockingly, his broad chest pressed against her back, both gentle and forceful at once.
He leaned in closer, whispering coldly, “If this marriage doesn’t go through, I’ll throw you into the mountains to feed the wolves.”
Gale stiffened, her palms sweating in fear. She was completely under his control, a puppet in his hands. After the marriage certificate was issued, he took it from her without another word. “Don’t get any delusions, Gale. You’re still nothing.”
Her lips quivered as she muttered, “Marrying you is the beginning of the torture?”
“You could say that.”
Shawn turned, heading toward the second floor. Temperley Hall was his private residence, nestled in a wealthy area surrounded by mountains and rivers—like a gilded cage.
Gale stood frozen in the center of the living room, dressed in plain clothes and worn canvas shoes. She felt like an ugly duckling in a grand castle. The servants exchanged whispers.
“Who is she? She looks more shabby than we do.”
“Shh! Mr. Wood brought her back himself.”
The housekeeper, noticing the chatter, snapped, “Don’t you dare lose your tongues! This is Mr. Wood’s wife, the mistress of Temperley Hall!”
Gale could hardly believe it. Mrs. Wood was so plain, so ordinary.
Shawn came over, his expression cold and commanding. “Go wash her up and bring her to my room.”
Gale was horrified. What did he want with her? No, he would discover the bruises on her body. Even if they didn’t have physical relations, just sharing the same room would be suffocating enough.
She whispered, “I can sleep anywhere, in the utility room or on the floor…”
“Do what I tell you!” Shawn’s voice was final as he gestured for the servant to take her away before turning to ascend the stairs.
Her mind raced. There was only one option—escape! She couldn’t remain so submissive.
In the bathroom, the servant attempted to undress her. “I’ll do it myself. Just wait outside.”
“But Mr. Wood ordered…”
“I won’t tell him.”
Once the servant left, Gale turned her attention to the small window.
In his study, Shawn sat at his desk, his fingers drumming the surface as he video-called Dr. William.
“Has the test result come back?”
Dr. William coughed. “Yes, it’s out…”
“Give it to me straight.”
“Asthenozoospermia. I checked it three times.”
Shawn froze. He had been in disbelief when he first received the medical report two days ago. Desperate, he contacted top specialists abroad, but the result was the same.
William continued, “But, Mr. Wood, I found something unusual in the test.”
“Hmm?” Shawn raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
“I’m sure the condition is due to long-term consumption of certain foods or medicines.”
Shawn relaxed slightly. “Can it be cured?”
“Of course. I’ll prescribe something for you. It’ll take about three months, but the best way is to find the source and eliminate it.”
Shawn nodded. He already knew what it was. Ever since his father’s death, Paula had been sending him stews and soups, claiming they were his father’s favorites. He was too annoyed to refuse, so he drank a little each day. Little did he know, Paula’s true intentions were far more sinister. She had been poisoning him, ensuring that he would never be able to conceive an heir for the Wood family.
Suddenly, there was a frantic knock on the door.
“Mr. Wood! Bad news!”
Shawn stood up, his face hardening. “What’s wrong?”
“Ms. Gale… she’s gone!”
The bathroom was spotless, the water in the tub still. The only sign of her escape was the open exhaust window, wide enough for someone to slip through.
Gale had escaped.
Shawn’s face darkened with fury. “How could you idiots let her get away?”
The housekeeper hurried in, holding Gale’s phone. “Mr. Wood, your wife’s phone is still here… and there’s a voice message.”
Shawn snatched the phone, his fingers trembling as he clicked play.
“Shawn Wood, I’ve atoned for my father’s alleged crimes for two years. We owe each other nothing. Let’s never meet again.”
The message was cold, final.
Shawn’s expression darkened further. The game was just beginning.