Chapter 1 The Return

• "Lucian, you were unreachable during your seven years in the army. Freya was in a car accident and is now paralyzed. She was expelled from the family. She's alone and living a miserable life."
• Lucian Gray and his mother stood before his father's tombstone on the outskirts of Sioux.
• Lucian couldn't help but shudder at the thought. Horror was evident in his eyes. He turned to his mother, Lilian Seymour, and asked, "How is that possible, Mom? I didn't hear anything when I was in the troops…"
• "A lot has happened in the seven years you've been away. She kept writing to you for a year after you left, but every letter seemed to disappear. There was no news."
• Paralyzed…
• She's in a wheelchair, lonely, and unable to go home.
• What has Freya been through while I was gone? Seven years…
• "It doesn't matter if you're kicked out of the family, Lucian. I, Freya, am not afraid of anything. I'll give up everything I have as long as you love me. No matter what difficulties lie ahead, I won't be afraid as long as I have you by my side."
• "Promise me that you'll never leave me, no matter what."
• Tears of guilt welled up in his eyes as he thought of Freya's words.
• Seven years ago, Lucian had been the eldest son of the Gray family in Sioux. His father was a well-known figure, not just in the city, but also in Hohenwald. However, he was tragically killed in a mysterious incident, leaving Lucian and his mother expelled from the family with nothing. They were reduced to the lowest social status.
• Freya, who was in love with Lucian, was not just a pretty face at school. She was the eldest daughter of the Harrison family. After graduating, she continued to shine and became the vice president of the Harrison Group after successfully completing a million-dollar project. Both Freya and Lucian, who had fallen to the lower class, belonged to different worlds.
• Despite her family's objections, she chose to give up everything and secretly marry him with proper documentation.
• When the Harrisons found out, the head of the family was furious and forcibly separated them by taking her away.
• In his misery, Lucian decided to join the army, hoping to make a name for himself by defending the country on the front lines. He wanted their union to be blessed.
• His exceptional talents were quickly recognized after he joined the military, and he became part of the special forces within a year. He cut off all contact with the outside world and was secretly deployed to the northern borders.
• He fought bravely, won battles, defeated foreign invaders, eliminated traitors, and protected Vandergrift for seven years.
• King Vandergrift himself personally honored him with the title of Infernal War God!
• "There's something else I need to tell you, Lucian. You and Fay have a seven-year-old…"
• His phone started ringing before Lilian could finish. It was an unfamiliar number.
• "Hello? Is this Lucian Gray? I heard you're leaving the army and coming home. Divorce my mom. I don't want a heartless father like you. I feel ashamed just thinking about it…"
• "I can take care of my mom just fine. I don't need a father like you."
• A determined and hateful voice of a child came through the phone. They hung up without waiting for a response. He tried calling back, but the phone was switched off.
• His breath quickened as he processed the words. He felt anxious.
• Father??
• I don't want a father like you.
• He turned his attention back to his mother. "Mom, I... I have a daughter?"
• "That's right."
• Lilian sighed and nodded. "Freya secretly gave birth a year after you left. This angered Old Mr. Harrison and led to her being kicked out of her home. She came here with her three-month-old daughter to find you. She tried to establish contact for two years, but nothing came of it. She left feeling discouraged. Two years later, she got into a car accident and has been paralyzed since…"
• "After the accident, both Freya and Minnie were thrown out of the family. Minnie had to set up a stall in the market to earn money for their living. I've been doing my best to help them as well, to make up for what we've done to her."
• "There are also local thugs who often harass Minnie and demand protection money. They even beat her up sometimes."
• Lucian's mind went blank at the revelation.
• Freya had given birth to his daughter and was now disabled. The mother and daughter were thrown out of their home and relied on a seven-year-old to support them.
• Tears streamed down his face as guilt overwhelmed him. Freya had sacrificed everything for love and had to give birth to their child in secret.
• He had forgotten their promise and disappeared from her life during her most difficult times.
• How much despair must she have felt?
• His hands clenched into fists. "How dare they treat them like that? I'll kill them…"
• Monstrous anger surged through his veins.
• Expelled from their home…
• An abused fatherless child on the streets.
• "Ah!!!"
• His eyes turned bloodshot as he roared into the sky. His wife and daughter, who had to earn a living and endure abuse at such a young age. He would kill those who hurt them. He wouldn't even leave a body for a proper burial.
• "What are you doing, Lucian?"
• Lilian immediately asked as Lucian rushed away.
• "I'm going to Freya and Minnie. I owe them too much... Far too much!"
• He left the cemetery and hurried back to the city.
• ...
• Meanwhile, at a bustling marketplace.
• "My jewelry is beautiful. I went to the next city with my mom to get it."
• "Take a look, Miss. It'll suit you."
• Minnie, dressed in a patchwork dress, called out to people in the streets with her childlike voice. Every time she passed a woman, she actively sold her products. Her eyes showed a maturity beyond her years.
• She was widely known in the marketplace as the seven-year-old girl with a mother who was paralyzed and trying to make a living.
• Many girls passing by would purchase a few pieces of jewelry to support her. Minnie was the stubborn type who refused to accept money given for free.
• Freya sat in her wheelchair, her gaze dull as she watched her daughter. She couldn't help the tears rolling down her cheeks.
• She's only seven...
• As a mother, she was unable to provide Minnie with a good life and instead had to rely on her just to survive. She felt that it would be better if she were dead rather than alive. If it weren't for Minnie, she would have committed suicide.
• "Look who's here. The illegitimate child and her disabled mother are out again? How much did you earn today? Hopefully enough to feed yourselves."
• A man with slicked-back hair and dressed in a suit approached the girl with a wicked smile.
• "What are you doing here, Calvin?"
• Anger flashed in Freya's eyes.
• Calvin Harrison, her cousin, was the prodigal son of the family. He was the one who orchestrated the accident that left her paralyzed. Freya had achieved great success in the business world and posed a threat to his position. This was one of the reasons why he wanted to completely destroy her.
• "Why can't I be here? It's not like this marketplace belongs to you."
• He crushed a piece of jewelry under his foot and laughed. "Hahaha, I'm so sorry. I accidentally broke one. But that's okay. I have plenty of money. Here."
• He took out a wad of cash from his wallet and threw it onto Minnie's head while cursing, "You little beast, you better kneel. If you do, all of this will be yours. It should be enough to last you for a few months, right?"
• "I don't want it."
• Minnie retorted.
• "Getting mouthy now, huh?"
• Slap!
• He smirked and backhanded the girl, causing her to fall to the ground.