Chapter 5: Object Marriage

Words : 1707 Updated : Jun 12th, 2025

Amelia stepped forward without hesitation, shielding Aiden behind her. "Uncle, Aiden saved Grandpa. He's our family's benefactor. You can't take out your anger on him over something so small." "If you give him a hard time, what will people think of the Larson family? Won't they say we're ungrateful?" Dustin snorted and waved his hand, motioning for the men to back off. Amelia turned to Aiden, her face full of gratitude. "I can't believe you saved Grandpa. Thank you!" "Your grandpa's only out of immediate danger. He's still pretty weak. I'll help him recover fully soon," Aiden said. "Don't worry, he'll be okay." He hadn't expected Amelia to stand up for him in front of her family. That one gesture made him like her even more. Dustin's eyes narrowed as he grunted, "No matter what, you saved my father. The Larson family isn't ungrateful." "Bring Dr. Smith five hundred bucks." He pretended to be grateful but sounded cold and stiff. A five-hundred-dollar fee was pretty stingy. Aiden smirked. "No thanks. You can keep the five hundred in the bank, maybe you'll earn some interest." A guy in his twenties stepped out from behind Dustin. "What's with that attitude? My dad gives you five hundred bucks, and you think that's not enough?" "That's more than enough! All you did was stick a few needles in my grandpa, and you even borrowed those from Mr. Sullivan!" "Yeah! You barely did anything and want more than five hundred bucks?" A young woman chimed in, rolling her eyes. These two were Dustin's children, Hector and Ellie Larson. Amelia frowned. "Hector, Ellie, how can you talk to Aiden like that? He saved Grandpa. He's our family's benefactor." "Amelia, shut up!" Hector sneered. "My dad jumped through hoops to get Mr. Sullivan here, and now the guy you brought embarrassed him!" "We were hoping to get on Mr. Sullivan's good side, and now we've pissed him off!" Amelia realized Aiden had stolen Dustin's limelight. Therefore, Hector and Ellie were pissed. "That's not fair. We didn't offend Mr. Sullivan. He just wasn't good enough," Amelia shot back. Hector rolled his eyes. "Please, everyone in Stridora knows Mr. Sullivan. He's a legend!" "But this Aiden Smith you brought in looks like a nobody. He probably doesn't even have a license!" "Hey, do you even have a medical license?" Hector demanded, giving Aiden a look full of disdain. Aiden was unfazed. "Nope, I don't have one." Hector got even more worked up. "See? He doesn't even have a license. It was just dumb luck he saved Grandpa." "Mr. Sullivan probably just missed something. If he had more time, he could have saved Grandpa, too!" The whole Larson family started chiming in, still kissing up to Hudson even though he was long gone. Dustin waved his hand. "Alright, enough! Someone grab another hundred bucks for Dr. Smith." "And give Dr. Smith a free ride back to the village." He looked Aiden up and down and added, dripping with sarcasm, "Hector, grab some of your old clothes and shoes. Give them to Dr. Smith as a token of our thanks." "Dad, even my old stuff costs a couple of grand. Dr. Smith is from the mountains. His clothes are way too shabby for a doctor." "Your old clothes are all designer brands. He'll be the sharpest-looking guy in his village." "Alright, I'll go get a couple of sets." Dustin and Hector bantered sarcastically. Aiden remained calm, seemingly unbothered. He had studied under Gerald for over a decade, mastering medical skills and refining his mindset to be as composed as Gerald. "There's no need for a gift. Mr. Wade is about to wake up. I'll leave after handling a matter," Aiden said, his expression serene. Hector rolled his eyes, scoffing, "You think my grandpa will wake just because you say so? A little praise and you fancy yourself a miracle doctor?" But as soon as he spoke, a noise came from the bed. "Cough, cough!" After coughing, Wade opened his eyes and struggled to sit up. Hector felt embarrassed, his face flushed with shame. He did not expect to be proven wrong so swiftly. He lowered his head, unable to say another word. Amelia rushed forward to help Wade sit up. "Grandpa, you're awake!" Wade looked at Amelia fondly, exhaling a long breath. "Amelia, did I pass out again?" Amelia nodded. "Grandpa, you were unconscious for over ten hours and just woke up." "Strange, I felt like I was about to die, but now I feel much better," Wade said. Amelia quickly pointed to Aiden. "Grandpa, this is Aiden Smith. I brought him from Greenwood Mountain as you instructed. He saved you." Wade's face lit up with joy as he sat up, his eyes fixed intently on Aiden. "You are Aiden Smith? The last disciple of Gerald Brown from over a decade ago?" Aiden nodded. "Did you bring that item?" Wade asked, appearing a bit agitated. "Mr. Wade, is this what you're referring to?" Aiden handed over the marriage contract to Amelia. Wade glanced at it, then broke into a delighted smile. "That's it! I signed this years ago! It's true!" Holding the contract aloft, he addressed the Larson family. "This is the marriage agreement I arranged for Amelia years ago. Aiden Smith is her fiancé, and he's here today!" "Upon arrival, Aiden saved me. It seems he's truly the perfect son-in-law sent by the heavens for our family!" "Let's find an auspicious day soon for Aiden and Amelia to wed!" His words left the room in an uproar. The Larson family exchanged glances, buzzing with chatter. No one had expected Aiden to be betrothed to Amelia. "I object to this marriage!" A voice suddenly rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

Chapter 5: Object Marriage

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