Chapter 1 Husband Selection
In Josenz, the light rain drizzled, mingling with the fragrance of crabapple flowers carried by the breeze.
In front of a cemetery, a young man knelt solemnly. Draped in a black military coat, his name was Xaiden Sallen, also known as the invincible Sallen.
Standing next to him was Sean Yones, a tall man in military uniform. He was Xaiden's personal guard.
Half an hour later, Xaiden stood up and asked in a deep voice, "Have you found out everything?"
"Yes, we have. When you were imprisoned, your fiancee, Winnie, seized control of Cloud Group. Your father confronted her, but he died in a car accident on his way. Your mother fell ill from grief and died shortly after…" Sean reported respectfully.
Xaiden's eyes turned icy cold, filled with murderous intent.
Five years ago, Xaiden was the most outstanding young man in Josenz. At the age of 20, he established his business empire, Cloud Group, valued at over ten billion.
Introduced by his best friend, Benedict Wayne, he met Winnie Watson, the socialite of Josenz, and quickly established a relationship with her.
However, on his wedding night, Xaiden was drugged by his best friend and his fiancee. He mistakenly entered the room of Melody Torris, the daughter of the Torris Family, one of Josenz's prominent families.
Outraged, the Torris Family had Xaiden imprisoned.
After serving three months, he was chosen by a military leader to defend the country. Over five years, he achieved great military success and was honored as the Invincible War God.
He returned home with glory, hoping to compensate his parents for the past five years, only to find out they had passed away four years ago.
You vile woman Winnie! You stole my family's fortune and caused my parents' deaths. I will make you pay for this blood feud.
Also, Benedict, I treated you as my best friend, but you conspired with Winnie to harm me. Fortunately, I have returned with glory. I will "repay" you with interest for the years of friendship.
Xaiden had a silent thought.
"How is she now?" he asked softly.
"Are you referring to Melody? Ms. Torris couldn't bear the societal shame and attempted suicide by poisoning. She was saved in time, but the poison damaged her eyes, rendering her blind. Besides, her face was covered in pustules.
"Tomorrow is the day the Torris Family is selecting a husband for Melody. They announced that whoever marries her will receive a dowry of ten million."
Upon hearing this, Xaiden's face darkened. The temperature around him dropped several degrees.
The deaths of his parents and the unjust suffering of Melody were enough to enrage him, the War God who once dominated the battlefield.
In five years, he had transformed from an unknown soldier into a War God.
He had defeated external enemies, traversed vast lands, single-handedly vanquished armies, and created one legend after another.
He was the Invincible War God who was feared by the entire world; he was the youngest War God in Summerton, unmatched in history.
After being promoted to marshal, he chose to retire and return for revenge.
"Selecting a husband?" Xaiden frowned as he asked. He was getting into a black business car.
"Yes. Melody is around your age. Five years ago, she suffered unjustly, became blind, and her face was covered in pustules, making her an ugly and useless woman.
"For the past five years, she has been a laughingstock. No one wants to marry a blind woman, which has also brought disgrace to the Torris Family.
"The head of the Torris Family, Jennifer Lawrence, promised that anyone who marries her granddaughter and joins the Torris Family would receive ten million and the family's protection. There will likely be many willing to join the Torris Family."
Sean's voice was soft.
"Let's go to Torris Residence first," Xaiden said.
"Alright," Sean responded.
…
At Torris Residence, guests filled the hall.
Today was the day the Torris Family was selecting a husband for Melody.
Jennifer sat on a high chair, displeased as she looked at the ten men selected through rigorous screening. These ten men had no background, varying in age, and were either ugly or flawed.
Naturally, Xaiden was among them.
Melody's life was ruined because of Xaiden, and he wouldn't stand by idly.
Since the Torris Family was seeking a husband, he would provide Melody with a fortuitous event to make amends for the trauma he caused her five years ago.
On the other side of the hall sat a woman holding a cane, her eyes and cheeks covered with a white cloth, like a jade covered in dust.
She was Melody.
"Cough! Now, I announce that the person becoming the Torris Family's son-in-law—Xaiden Sallen." Jennifer stood up and announced with a slightly hoarse voice.
Bryan Torris, the patriarch of the Torris Family, had long passed away, and all the power was in Jennifer's hands. Over the years, she had controlled everything in the Torris Family.
As soon as she finished speaking, the entire hall buzzed.
"Who would've thought that the Old Mrs. Torris would choose a newly released rapist as her final choice? That's quite unique."
"Haha! A rapist paired with a blind woman—truly a perfect match."
"Old Mrs. Torris is amazing. Even her choice of son-in-law is so unique."
The Torris Family had records of the background of these suitors, so many people knew Xaiden's background. It stated that he committed rape five years ago and was just released from prison.
Upon hearing this, Melody's body trembled involuntarily.
Her future had been decided just like that.
Upon seeing this, all the third-generation members of the Torris Family looked at Xaiden with mockery.
Back then, Melody was exceptionally talented and beautiful. She was the goddess of Josenz and Bryan's most favored granddaughter.
However, after Bryan's death and the incident five years ago, she lost her reputation and became a defiled person.
Upon seeing Melody marry such a mediocre man, they were delighted, as it meant one less competitor for the Torris Family's wealth.
A young man approached Xaiden with a sneer. "Xaiden, my sister hasn't been with a man for five years. Tonight, make sure you take good care of her. After all, it's all the same once the lights are off."
His name was Alston Torris, the youngest of the Torris Family's third generation.
Xaiden ignored Alston as his eyes fixed only on Melody.
"Melody, live well with your husband. With that ten million, you can live a good life. Oh! You two can role-play at night. After all, you both share similar misfortunes—one a rapist, the other raped. Haha!"
Another third-generation member of the Torris Family approached Melody and sneered coldly.
Melody remained silent, but her tears soaked the white cloth covering her eyes.
"Mom, I have work at the company. I'm heading back," Melody's father, Garrick, told Jennifer and left without looking back.
"Useless! I regret giving birth to you." Melody's mother, Renee Jowie, glanced at Melody and then at Xaiden as she sighed coldly.
Then, she also left the villa.
She had completely given up on her daughter, seeing no hope. Staying would only make them a laughingstock.
The rest of the Torris Family watched Xaiden with mocking eyes.
Xaiden remained composed as he walked straight to Melody and took her hand.
"From now on, I am your everything. I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world." His voice was soft but firm.
For a moment, Melody forgot the family's ridicule as her mind echoed Xaiden's words.
"Let's go home," Xaiden said as he led Melody out.
Outside, a black business car awaited.
Sean stepped out and bowed. "War…"
Before he could finish, Xaiden interrupted him, "Take me to Yuniza Estate. I want to cure my wife's eyes."
The world knew Xaiden as the War God, but few knew he was also a divine doctor, capable of miraculous healing.