Till Death Do Us Marry

The day they dismembered me, Evelyn Lewiss voice was filled with mockery:

Ive assigned him the countrys top bodyguard team; how could anything happen to him?

Her female assistant reported anxiously:

Ms. Lewis, Mr. Harris used your written authorization, claiming you had new instructions, and dismissed all the bodyguards. And you forgot, Mr. Miller was a retired narcotics officer; Im worried his old enemies might have come for him?

Evelyn let out a cold laugh, her eyes full of disdain.

Enemies? How many of his so-called enemies would dare to make a move on my territory?

I merely entered a business marriage with the Harris family, and hes using such a pathetic tactic to get attention? Does he even look like the master of the Lewis household?

Tell him, if hes going to throw a tantrum, it can wait until after Adrian and my engagement party is over!

Ten days later, she finally appeared at our wedding villa.

Seeing me asleep on the bed, she sneered, a disdainful curl of her lips:

I knew it; youd only use this method to force me back.

But the next second, her female assistant, face filled with horror, reached out to support me:

To her shock, my head tumbled from beneath the covers.

Ms. Lewis, we found a severed arm at an abandoned cartel hideout. That lone wolf tattoo weve confirmed its Mr. Millers. The female assistants voice trembled uncontrollably.

Evelyn Lewis merely let out a cold laugh, throwing the crystal pen holder onto her expensive office desk: Isnt he supposed to be in the heavily secured villa? How could he have gone out? How much hush money did he give you to put on this pathetic act with him?

The assistant broke into a cold sweat, terrified: Absolutely true! Ms. Lewis, even if I had boundless courage, I wouldnt dare to deceive you about something like this!

Enough! Evelyn flung a pen, her voice thick with irritation and disdain: A lunatic who only uses extreme tactics to grab attention, playing disappearing acts just because Im getting engaged to Adrian, and now escalating to being dismembered? Do you really think Id believe such a lie?

Hes just relying on having been an undercover agent for a few years and earning some merit, thinking hes some great hero who needs me to indulge his every whim? Id be thanking my lucky stars if he wasnt secretly tripping Adrian up or using his dirty tricks to harm people!

The assistants face turned ashen, not daring to utter another word.

Whats more Evelyn rose, her gaze imperious: Although I kept him confined to the villa, the guards I left were all elite special forces. Even if he wanted to court death, it would be difficult. With that, she strode toward Adrian Harris, who was waiting by the floor-to-ceiling window, never looking back.

My soul floated in mid-air, involuntarily twisting into a desolate smile. She seemed to have forgotten, she had given Adrian full authority to mobilize all resources under her name. She had once declared in front of everyone: Everyone listen closely, Adrians commands are my commands! They must be followed and executed one hundred percent. The excuse, ostensibly, was her fear that I, this madman, might harm her pure and flawless Prince Charming.

It was precisely because of such overwhelming favoritism that day at the villa, Adrian dared, in front of me, to mock my father, who died in the line of duty, calling him an idiot. And she truly adored Adrian. Just because I, in my anger, punched Adrian, she had me completely confined.

She was always so self-righteous. While cursing me to drop dead outside, she simultaneously set up an inescapable net, claiming it was to prevent me from causing trouble. But Adrians authority superseded everything. He used Evelyns authorization to easily dismiss all security. And he deliberately leaked my location to the cartels remnants. Those desperate individuals, hell-bent on avenging their cartel boss.

That day, they burst in. With my last breath, I broke three ribs and incapacitated one mans arm. But in the end, I was overwhelmed and held down. When I was found, all that remained were dismembered pieces, packed into several boxes. It was my mother, a retired female detective, who, using all her personal connections, painstakingly gathered me piece by piece. She looked at the fragments that even the medical examiners shook their heads at, her wrinkled hands trembling violently. She could only force out three hoarse words: Put my son back together.

Her former comrades asked her when the funeral would be. My mother caressed my badge: My little hero hasnt even had his thirtieth birthday yet.

Late at night, my mother brought in her old medical examiner, a friend of many years. By dawn, my wounds were all stitched, I was dressed in my favorite suit, clean and composed, lying on my bed with my eyes closed, as if asleep. My dear sister, weve done our best. At least he can leave with dignity.

My mother carefully straightened my collar, smiling softly, but her tears fell onto my face: My little Owen, could you wait until after your thirtieth birthday to leave, please? She whispered. You said when the mission was over, youd wear a suit one more time for Mom. Mom bought it for you, do you like it?

I lay there, eyes closed, motionless. My mother gently picked me up, just like when I was a child, letting my head rest on her shoulder. She hummed a tuneless lullaby, over and over again.

Evelyn Lewis hadn't heard from me in three days. In the past, whenever Adrian and I had any friction, I would never swallow my anger; I would always stir things up, leaving her no peace. More importantly, our anniversary was tomorrow. Every year, I would prepare a unique surprise for her. But now, she hadnt even received a single demanding call from me, which inexplicably irritated her.

The villas guards were all former special forces, battle-hardened veterans. The assistant saying Adrian faked her orders to disband security was simply preposterous! Adrian was innocent and kind; he couldnt even watch bloody scenes in movies, let alone joke about human lives. Why, then, did Owen have to be so mad? To frame Adrian, he would actually stake his own life! She looked at the anniversary cake that had just arrived on the table, and with a bang, swept it to the floor: Owen Miller, when will you stop being so crazy!

My soul floated in mid-air, hearing those words. That heart, which had long stopped beating, felt as if another hole had been carved into it. I was no madman. I simply couldnt forgive betrayal.

We met during a life-or-death kidnapping; I was undercover, she was the target I protected. I took a knife for her, and she promised me a future free of darkness. She said shed give me a home once I took off my uniform. Our relationship, forged in the crucible of blood and fire, was already inseparable.

It wasn't until that mission ended, and I retired due to injury, that she brought news. She was entering a business marriage with Adrian Harris, the scion of the influential Harris Group. Evelyn said it was her fastest move to clear obstacles in the business world. And Adrian was the most sensible, most harmless man she had ever met. She said it was merely a transaction; the person she loved was still me.

Thats when our paths began to diverge. She never understood my vigilance: Its not that I dont love you. Its just Adrian is genuinely innocent; he hasnt seen as much darkness as you have. As the stronger one, why cant you protect him a little more? She continued, Besides, youre not a police officer anymore. Why do you always treat everyone like a criminal? Your hostility is too heavy. Are you truly more suited to be the master of the Lewis household than Adrian?

I would always coldly retort: It has nothing to do with strength. Its just that in my world, Owen Millers world, theres no room for betrayal and lies! With that, I would kick out the psychologist shed hired to guide me. In our last argument, she even accidentally shattered the portrait of my father, who died in the line of duty. She saw my reddened eyes, froze for a moment, then grabbed my hand: Owen, look at yourself now. Is it worth it, for someone who has already passed away? She sighed. Adrian is just a naive young man, who innocently said a few offensive things about your father. She looked at me, her gaze filled with disappointment. Your gun isnt aimed at the real enemy. Instead, because of a few idle words, you want to harm a vulnerable person who needs protection. Youre too prejudiced.

I laughed through my tears then: Me, prejudiced? I demanded. Then is Adrian Harris, who said my father deserved his death, not prejudiced? She fell silent. She pulled the trembling Adrian close, protecting him: Knowing theres danger and still rushing forward, in a sense, yes its not very rational. But she forgot. My father had bravely charged forward precisely to protect the peace of the land she stood on!

That day, I refused Evelyns demand that I apologize to Adrian. Even when she threatened to freeze all my accounts, I didnt back down. She sneered: The biggest regret of my life is meeting a man like you, a persistent shadow who only brings trouble.

The anniversary quickly arrived. She never received my call, not even a single demanding text message. Unexpectedly, she actually came to the villa herself. The entire villa was eerily silent, deathly quiet.

Evelyn, familiar with the layout, arrived at the door of my bedroom. Moonlight filtered through the blinds. She could see a figure lying quietly on the bed, seemingly sound asleep.

Owen, may I come in?

No response.

She gently knocked on the door: Owen?

Still no answer.

A sigh. She softened her voice: Ill handle things with Adrian; hes just a business tool. Her voice was low, almost a whisper. After all these years, our relationship doesnt need to be this fractured over an outsider. Its our anniversary today; can we talk properly?

In private, she rarely spoke to me with such a negotiating tone. I still offered no response. Her hand rested on the doorknob. She hesitated for a moment, then let it fall disheartened. Turning, she leaned against the doorframe and sat down on the corridor floor, without a word.

I was stunned. During that mission, I was gravely wounded, running a high fever. She had stood guard at my door just like this, never leaving, saying she was afraid I would die inside. Evelyn Lewis, what are you doing now?

Owen. She spoke softly, a trace of weariness in her voice: If youre truly so against it then Ill listen to you.

I froze.

My feelings for him are purely utilitarian; love theres simply none. I didnt expect you to protest in such an extreme way. She paused, her voice tinged with a strange mix of resignation and hope. If this marriage alliance causes a complete break between us, thats not what I want. She continued, How about this? The engagement party is just a formality, a show for the Harris family. Next month, on your birthday, well go register our marriage. Ill make you the only recognized master of the Lewis household, alright?

Still no response.

If you dont say anything, Ill take that as a yes.

A long silence. Evelyn smiled, a hint of confident control in her demeanor. I had always been like this. When we had a disagreement, I would use silence to confront everything. She would then try every possible way to solve the problem, proposing various solutions. If I didnt accept, I would directly interrupt her. But if I tacitly agreed, yet was too proud to reconcile immediately, I would remain silent. She would then know I had compromised.

But this time, it wasn't.

Then, its settled. Next month, well get married.

The very next day, Evelyn Lewis regretted it. She stormed into the villa with her bodyguards, holding a trembling Adrian Harris, whose lips were bruised and white shirt stained with dirt.

Owen Miller! I already agreed to your terms! Why did you still send someone to attack him?

Adrian leaned weakly against her shoulder, his voice trembling: Evelyn dont blame Owen. I just lost my footing maybe Owens people just wanted to scare me, it wasnt intentional

Evelyn held him tighter, her bloodshot eyes fixed on my bedroom door: Owen, come out and apologize.

No response. Through the crack in the door, she could see me lying on the bed in my pajamas, turned to my side.

Owen! Dont force me to kick down this door!

Still, dead silence.

Owen! Evelyn completely lost control, raising her foot to kick.

Ms. Lewis, what are you doing?

My mothers voice suddenly rang out, hoarse yet steady. She had appeared at the end of the hallway, her figure slender, but her eyes sharp as an eagles.

Ms. Lewis, just because your family is powerful, you think you can storm a private residence with your people and threaten my son?

Evelyn gritted her teeth, lowering her foot.

Let him come out himself; theres still room for discussion. Her voice was bone-chillingly cold: After all, last night, I already agreed to marry him.

My mother looked at her as if at a monumental joke, then said, word by word: He is dead.

What?

Evelyn Lewis frowned, looking at the bedroom. Through the crack in the door, my figure lay motionless. Mrs. Miller, are you calling a sulking person dead?

Believe it or not, I have no obligation to explain to you. My mother looked at her coldly: Worst case, you, Ms. Lewis, with your vast influence, can have this old woman of mine locked up. It would be a good way for me to join my son.

Evelyns brow furrowed even deeper: Mrs. Miller, youre overreacting. She looked at me in the room again: Owen, this is your last chance.

A dead silence.

Owen, its just an apology. I wont do anything to you. When did things between us need to escalate to this point? She truly had never laid a hand on me. During my undercover career, I had suffered countless knife and gunshot wounds, but none of them hurt more than her casual word, trouble.

Never mind, Evelyn, its Adrians fault Adrian struggled to stand upright in her arms, his eyes red-rimmed but stubbornly holding back tears: Adrian knows he shouldnt have appeared, causing trouble for you and Owen. Ill leave now, and I wont bother you anymore With that, he offered Evelyn a desolate smile and turned to leave.

Evelyn grabbed his swaying form, pulling him back into her embrace, holding him tightly. Turning, she faced my room, her voice as cold as ice: Owen Miller.

His only response was silence.

Guards! she roared, giving orders to the bodyguards behind her: Go in, and smash his fathers urn smash it!

No!!

When my fathers ashes scattered across the floor, my mother instantly went mad. Evelyn Lewis! You beast! How dare you!

Dying for a bunch of irrelevant people, does he even deserve to be revered? Evelyn Lewiss voice was icy as she kicked open the door and entered. My mother was held firmly by two bodyguards, her eyes bloodshot, her voice hoarse: My husband was a hero! He did it to protect people like you! You can disrespect him, but you cannot insult him like this!

If your son thinks so too, he should come out and contradict me now. Evelyn walked to the bedside, looking down at the gray and white ash on the floor. She raised her expensive high heel and savagely stepped on it, grinding it in.

No!

My mothers and my voice rang out simultaneously. Evelyn glanced at me on the bed, still motionless. Her eyes hardened, and she used her sharp heel to grind my fathers ashes even finer, mixing them into the carpet fibers!

Father!!

I rushed forward. But I could only pass through her cold body, watching her ruthlessly trample my father. I was just a soul. I couldnt protect anything.

Seeing me on the bed, still motionless, Evelyn, her eyes red, straightened up and scraped her heel across the carpet: Even like this, you still wont come out and see me? She stared fiercely at me on the bed, then turned. Her gaze seemed to say: Owen Miller, how unyielding is your pride?

After leaving with Adrian Harris, Evelyn Lewiss mind was fixated on my motionless figure. Does he hate me that much? Preferring his own fathers ashes to be trampled under my heel rather than coming out to look at me! She swept the crystal decanter crashing to the floor. The staff in the villa were terrified, holding their breath. Her fist slammed onto the bar, knuckles white: Owen Miller, just because of a business marriage, you insist on tormenting me this way, is that it?

Send word. She spoke, her voice hoarse: Adrians and my engagement party will proceed as scheduled. She paused. At the banquet, Owen will be my escort, and will personally adjust Adrians tie.

Yes, Ms. Lewis!

Her chest heaved violently. From childhood, she had never pushed him this far. This time, she would use the harshest method to make him surrender!

The news quickly reached the villa. My mother, dressed in black, listened to the assistants message with an expressionless face. Upon learning this, the inexplicable anger in Evelyns heart slightly subsided: Still willing to listen to messages, that means he hasnt completely lost his mind. She asked the assistant: What was Owens reaction to me smashing his fathers urn?

Ms. Lewis I didnt see Mr. Miller himself.

Evelyn rubbed her brow: Still the same stubborn silence.

My thirtieth birthday. It was also Evelyn Lewis and Adrian Harriss engagement party. Evelyn Lewiss motorcade pulled up to the villa, and she came personally to demand that I fulfill my duty as her escort.

My mother smoothed the last stray strand of my hair, embracing my cold body one last time: My little hero, happy birthday.

When Evelyn walked in, I was sitting quietly in a wheelchair, wearing the custom suit she had sent. It was as if I was truly waiting for her to push me out the door. I knew it; you were just playing games with me. She let out a sigh of relief, her tone laced with an unconscious blend of ease and exasperation. From childhood, youve only ever used this method to test my limits.

She reached out, intending to cup my chin as she used to. But her fingertips met only coldness and stiffness. This touch it was wrong.

Owen? She grabbed my hand, which rested on the armrest. It was cold hard

The hour has come! Send the heros soul home! My mothers voice suddenly rang out. The curtains in the living room, previously drawn, were yanked open with a swish. It was an entire wall draped with white chrysanthemums, a memorial. In the center of the living room, my mother shed her jacket, revealing a traditional funeral garment underneath. The old butler and my comrades, who had been waiting outside, also solemnly donned black armbands.

Lead the way! Farewell to the martyr, Owen Miller!