Chapter 2: Severed Ties

Words : 2218 Updated : May 7th, 2025

Harley's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but his face maintained a cheerful smile. "Terry, while you were away for three years, your elder brothers both found girlfriends. And this fortune belongs to you; how could they take it away?" Not in the mood to argue, Terry replied calmly, "I'll agree, but I have some conditions." Harley's eyes lit up with interest. "What conditions? Let me hear them." Terry took a deep breath and said, "I want to know who my biological father is." He was already sure that Harley was not his biological father. Harley's expression froze. He discreetly glanced toward the kitchen, relieved to see Molly busy there. Terry's deduction had been correct, judging by Harley's reaction. The man's expression darkened. "What nonsense are you talking about? Am I not your biological father?" "Really?" Terry sneered. "What kind of biological father would let his son take the fall for someone else's crime? And then, after getting out, force him to marry a comatose woman?" Harley was at a loss for words. He had planned to deceive Terry first, thinking that once Terry married into the Jackman family, it would be too late for him to learn the truth. Terry spoke calmly. "If you reveal my true parentage, I will agree to marry the Jackman family's daughter." Harley's face grew ominous. "You ungrateful son, are you threatening me?" Terry's expression remained indifferent. "Stop pretending to be a father figure; you're not worthy." Harley's face turned livid with anger. "Ungrateful son, do you think that after three years in prison, I can't deal with you?" "Oh, threatening me?" Terry's voice was icy, his presence suddenly exuding a daunting aura. "Do you think I'm still the naive child from three years ago, the illegitimate son you could easily manipulate? In my eyes, you are nothing." "Ha, even the entire Yale family could be destroyed with a flick of my wrist." Harley trembled, feeling as if he were stalked by a prehistoric beast, ready to strike at any moment. Terry dialed back his intensity, speaking evenly, "Tell me the truth, and I will marry the Jackman daughter. Consider it repayment for the Yale family raising me." Harley was momentarily stunned; Terry looked normal again, like nothing had ever happened. "Weird, what just happened? How could that kid have such an aura? I must've imagined it," he reassured himself, feeling a twinge of anger at having been intimidated by Terry. But he swallowed his pride for the sake of the marriage deal. "Fine, I will tell you." Terry listened intently. "You're not my biological son. Your mom was my first love. When she fell gravely ill and her parents were no longer around, she entrusted you to me. I promised to take care of you out of respect for our past relationship. As for who your biological father is, I do not know." Terry studied him closely and realized Harley wasn't lying. This meant the trail went cold again. But at least he confirmed his real dad had Wrym's Bloodline. Finding him would likely reveal the secrets of the Wrymbone. But in the vast world, how could he locate him? "I have told you the truth," Harley said coldly, "I hope you remember your promise." "And keep this matter between us," he added, "Don't let anyone else know, or it could tarnish the Yale family's reputation." Terry replied calmly, "Rest assured, I keep my word. When is the wedding?" Harley said, "Tomorrow. Today, stay home. I'll send someone to fit you for a suit." Soon after, Molly prepared a table full of delicious dishes. Learning of Terry's agreement, she was delighted. After the meal, the couple immediately sent a pile of clothes for Terry to try on with the help of a maid. ***** The next day, Terry sat in the villa, dressed sharply, waiting for the wedding procession to arrive. Clad in a crisp suit, his face was determined, his eyes bright, and his short hair added to his spirited appearance. He exuded an extraordinary aura. "Terry, your sacrifice is remembered. If you need anything in the future, just come to me," Isaac Yale said with a warm smile, patting Terry on the shoulder. Having heard of Terry's impending marriage into the Jackman family, he had rushed back overnight. Although he deeply despised Terry, the illegitimate child, as the eldest, he had to maintain appearances. Terry shook his head. "No need. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Yale family." He had seen through the family's shamelessness. Isaac's smile faded, cursing Terry's ungratefulness inwardly. Soon, the Jackman family's wedding procession arrived at the Yale Manor. Terry strode toward the door, not sparing the others a glance. Molly Shayle cursed angrily, "What a piece of work, did time in prison make him forget all about respect and propriety?" Isaac consoled her, "Mom, he's just an illegitimate child. Don't stoop to his level." Harley added, "There's no need to get upset over a convict. Now that our branch has contributed, we should ask Dad for our reward." Outside, Terry sat in the car, having heard their conversation. He smiled coldly, thinking the Yale family would get their due. He got into the wedding convoy and headed to the Jackman Manor. The Jackman family, a centennial ancient clan of Jenos City, had a deep heritage, far surpassing the Yale family. Before long, the car reached its destination. Terry followed the butler inside. Inside, Silas Jackman and his wife entertained an elderly man with a square face. "Doctor Lynch, thank you for your efforts," Silas expressed his gratitude. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help," Magnus Lynch replied apologetically. "If I hear any news about the Medicine Sage, I will let you know immediately." The elder, Magnus Lynch, was a renowned physician, hired at great expense by the couple. However, he could not awaken Jane Jackman and recommended a legendary healer, the Medicine Sage. The couple expressed their gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor Lynch." Magnus waved it off, standing to leave. "I will take my leave now." Silas quickly stood to see him out. Magnus walked past Terry as he entered. Curious, Terry wondered who this man was to know of the Medicine Sage. The Medicine Sage was the ultimate authority on medicine. In ancient times, a legendary figure who tasted hundreds of herbs; now there was the Medicine Sage who mastered them all. A legend in medicine, the Medicine Sage's healing skills were unparalleled. It was said that there was no ailment he could not cure. Though renowned, the Medicine Sage was known only in medicine and martial arts. Ordinary people rarely heard of him. Why did Terry know so much? Because the Medicine Sage was his master. "You must be Terry Yale?" A voice interrupted Terry's thoughts. Looking up, he saw Silas Jackman staring at him with a hostile gaze. Terry nodded slightly. Silas' face grew stern. "I hear you just got out of prison?" Terry nodded again. Silas's expression turned even darker. "The Yale family dares to send a convict to marry into our family, thinking they can bully us just because we've fallen on hard times?" "Enough, it's a joyous day, say no more," Cecelia Halenkamp scolded her husband, glancing at Terry. "Besides, I agreed to this arrangement." She appraised Terry, eyes filled with satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad, quite a handsome young man, suitable for Jane." Silas grunted and turned upstairs, clearly displeased with Terry as his son-in-law. "Linus, have them bring Jane out," Cecelia instructed the butler before turning to Terry. "Terry, let's go upstairs." Terry followed silently. A few maids helped a stunning woman into the room on the second floor. She appeared in her early twenties, with flowing red curls, a flawless face, and an alluring figure. She would be even more captivating if not for her pale, sickly complexion. Terry was puzzled. Wasn't she supposed to be disfigured? How could she be so beautiful? With Cecelia and Silas watching, Terry and Jane had a simple wedding ceremony. Then, Linus took their photos to register their marriage. "Terry, I'm entrusting my daughter to you," Cecelia advised earnestly. Terry nodded. "Mom, rest assured, I will make Jane happy." Silas snorted heavily and went downstairs. "Terry, don't mind him. He's just like that," Cecelia apologized, handing him a card. "Here's a hundred grand as a meeting gift." Terry was taken aback. A hundred grand as a meeting gift from his mother-in-law? Was such fortune possible? "Mom, I can't accept this," Terry quickly declined, unsure of her intentions. Was she being too kind? He had no idea. Although the Jackman family wanted someone to dispel bad luck, they weren't desperate for just anyone. The Yale family had suggested Terry marry in, and Cecelia immediately investigated him. He had taken the fall for his brother three years ago and now agreed to sacrifice for the family again. Such loyalty and righteousness naturally appealed to Cecelia. Although she wished for a more distinguished match, Jane's condition was such that no excellent suitor would accept her. Besides, the Jackman family wasn't lacking in wealth. In comparison, character was what mattered most.

Chapter 2: Severed Ties

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