Chapter 2 Zachary Larson

• The name of the little girl was Cecilia Larson. She was adopted by Natalie two years ago. Cecilia's biological parents died in an accident. Natalie took pity on the parentless child, so she adopted the latter and had been treating her like her own child ever since. Natalie was a rather cold person who did not enjoy talking with people. Although she had many admirers, she did not even bother to cast a glance at them. Natalie used to think that there was not going to be a man who would live up to her expectations, so she decided to remain single for the rest of her life and live happily with her daughter, Cecilia. Little did she know that in the end, her father would force her to marry someone she did not like.
• It had been two years since the adoption, and Natalie developed a close bond with Cecilia as if they were biologically related. After Felix and Natalie were wedded, the mother-daughter duo joined forces in ostracizing Felix.
• “Mommy, Grandma called.” Cecilia looked at Natalie innocently with her big, adorable eyes.
• “Mhm.” Natalie's eyes were filled with affection as she took over the phone and walked away.
• After both Natalie and Cecilia left the room, Zachary finally heaved a sigh of relief.
• Zachary left his family when he was eighteen years old. He spent seven years overseas building his career, in hopes that he would return to his family one day and prove himself worthy to those who looked down on him. With that in mind, he dared not slack for a moment in life, not to mention getting into a relationship. Zachary was nonplussed after getting a beautiful wife and an adorable daughter out of the blue.
• Natalie was undoubtedly a beauty, and he did not mind being her husband at all.
• Just then, Natalie returned from outside. After flashing a doubtful look at Zachary, her face turned solemn as she voiced, “Come home with me.”
• “All right.” Zachary nodded while wearing a dazed expression on his face.
• The newlyweds' house was a brand-new, one-hundred-fifty-square-meter bungalow. Although it was not a mansion, it did cost a great deal to own a bungalow in the coastal city. Besides, the house was exquisitely refurbished with luxurious furniture. It became obvious that Natalie hailed from a wealthy family.
• “Felix, my mom called just now to say that my dad has recovered from his heart attack and has been discharged from the hospital. However, he needs to rest, so we'll visit him a few days later. I was informed that you were found in the sea. You could use some rest at home too. I need to leave Cecilia in your care because I have some work at the police station, and I might be home late. Don't forget our deal.” After Natalie brought Zachary home and gave some instructions, she left in a hurry.
• I haven't gotten enough of her!
• Zachary was disappointed to see Natalie leave immediately after taking him home.
• What a waste, but what else can I do? After all, I can't blatantly hold her back just to take advantage of her, can I? There are things a man can do, but there should also be limitations to what he does. I shall wait for my chance when she comes back later.
• Zachary decided to take things as they come. He started deeming himself Felix and went around the house, giving himself a little tour.
• Not bad.
• After taking a tour of his new house, Zachary walked into the study and sat in front of a table. He felt a throbbing pain in his chest. He lifted his shirt and was surprised to notice a bruise in the shape of a palm on his chest.
• “I'm a world-class fighter, yet I've been heavily injured. Just who is that woman?” Zachary mumbled to himself.
• He found a pen and a piece of paper in the study, and he started sketching the face of the female assailant. The lady on the sketch paper had chubby cheeks and long, black hair. She had a charming appearance and an icy glint in her eyes. It was her. She was the one who beat me up with a thrust.
• Earlier, Zachary was under the attack of numerous foreign enemies. With his capabilities, he would have managed to seize a boat and escape. Hence, it was an utter surprise for him to jump into the sea out of desperation.
• He was nearly killed. When Zachary finished drawing the image of the lady, he stared at the portrait in silence.
• The fact that she could injure me badly with just one thrust shows that she has better fighting skills than me. Supposedly, I should've heard of such an expert before, but why am I not aware of her existence. Who exactly is she?
• There were cartons of cigarettes in the study, given by Natalie's father for decoration purposes. Zachary lighted a cigarette from one of the packs and lay down on the chair slowly as he closed his eyes to think.
• It seems like there are plenty of skilled fighters hidden out there that I was not aware of. Indeed, I have lost this battle. I was forced to a dead end and almost drowned in the sea while my entire team of thirty thousand fighters was wiped out. I shall have my revenge, but what should I do to stage a comeback and defeat my enemies?
• Slap!
• All of a sudden, someone landed a hard slap on Zachary's cheek, startling him.
• Cecilia, who was dressed in a set of teddy bear pajamas, stood in front of Zachary. She huffed with both her hands on her waist. “Felix, I'm hungry. Make some food for me now!”
• What? How dare a five-year-old bully me? I can't imagine what a coward Felix was previously!
• “Why are you glaring at me? Are you asking for trouble?” Cecilia glared at him with her big, round eyes.
• “Hey, kiddo. Are you talking to me?” Zachary's face fell in an instant, and hostility glimmered in his eyes.
• “P-Pardon?” Cecilia uttered in shock.
• “Didn't your mother teach you that you have to respect your father?”
• Having that said, Zachary lifted the glass ashtray in front of him. A loud snap resounded, and the ashtray was shattered into smithereens.
• Cecilia slumped to the ground, staring at the shattered ashtray in shock.
• Felix had always been looked down upon by the people around him. His wife despised him, and his friends belittled him. Even a five-year-old child treated him with no respect.
• However, the man was not Felix Larson. He was Zachary Larson.