chapter 2 marry

The Imperial Residence.
This was the most luxurious villa in Jiang Zhong, spanning 20,000 square meters.
It had gardens, a swimming pool, a golf course – you name it.
In the villa's living room, Camellia Tang sat on a plush sofa, looking at the palace-like mansion in awe. She was a bit bewildered.
Her grandfather had found her a husband, but she knew that anyone with a bit of pride would never marry her or become a part of the Tang family.
She had no idea who her husband was or what his intentions were, but she had a general sense that he might be someone seeking wealth and notoriety through marriage.
She didn't expect her husband to bring her to such a dreamlike place.
Ellison Jiang crouched down and gently removed the veil covering Camellia Tang's face.
"Don't..."
Camellia Tang panicked and quickly dodged. Her appearance was too frightening, covered in scars all over her body. She was afraid that the man who was now her husband but still a stranger would be frightened by her appearance.
However, Ellison Jiang still removed the veil from her face.
Camellia Tang was very nervous; her heart was pounding. She felt extremely embarrassed and wished she could just disappear.
Ellison Jiang gently lifted her face.
Her face was covered in terrifying scars.
Ellison Jiang touched these scars, running his fingers over the wounds.
His heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife. All of this was his fault – if he hadn't needed saving, Camellia Tang wouldn't have ended up like this.
His resolute face showed a hint of tenderness, and his nose tingled. He almost cried out, "Camellia, you've suffered."
Camellia Tang didn't dare to meet Ellison Jiang's gaze. She nervously fidgeted with her clothes.
Ellison Jiang softly said, "Trust me, I will heal you."
Camellia Tang paled in panic and dared not look at Ellison Jiang.
"Bring the medicine."
Ellison Jiang stood up and shouted.
Immediately, the villa's front door swung open, and some men dressed in black suits entered, carrying boxes.
Opening the boxes revealed a collection of expensive traditional Chinese herbs, each of immense value.
Ellison Jiang began to prepare the medicine.
After preparing the medicine, he approached Camellia Tang and crouched down beside her.
He looked at her as she anxiously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, and then he gently took her scar-covered hand.
Camellia Tang's body trembled, and she involuntarily withdrew her scarred hand, hiding it behind her back.
She lowered her head and spoke softly, "What are you... what are you doing?"
"Camellia, don't be afraid. Take off your clothes," Ellison Jiang gently said.
Camellia Tang burst into tears and quickly removed her clothes. With tear-filled eyes, she looked at Ellison Jiang and sobbed, "Yes, I'm ugly. My whole body is scarred. Are you satisfied now?"
In Camellia Tang's eyes, the husband her grandfather had found for her was meant to humiliate her and make her the butt of a joke.
Over the years, she had grown accustomed to this treatment.
Since the accident, she had washed her face with tears every day and woke up from nightmares every night.
She stared at Ellison Jiang, biting her lip, crying and shedding tears the size of peas from the corners of her eyes.
Her appearance tugged at Ellison Jiang's heartstrings.
His cold and ruthless heart was stirred.
He embraced Camellia Tang, who was covered in scars, solemnly promising, "I won't despise you, no matter what you look like. You are my wife now and in the future."
Camellia Tang was bewildered.
Wasn't this man supposed to make fun of her?
Her mind was in chaos, and she couldn't process it.
Ellison Jiang released her, picked up the prepared medicine, and carefully applied it all over her body.
Then he used bandages to wrap her up, making her look like a mummy.
He helped Camellia Tang sit down.
"Camellia, I won't deceive you. Just give it ten days, and I promise you'll look completely different."
"Really?" Camellia Tang finally reacted, a bit incredulous.
"Of course, I wouldn't lie to you."
Even though she couldn't see Ellison Jiang's face, she could hear his voice, which was magnetic and filled with warmth, making her heart feel warm.
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
These were the happiest ten days Camellia Tang had experienced in the past ten years.
She didn't know her husband's identity, but he cared for her in every possible way, guarding her 24/7.
He told her stories and jokes every night, soothing her to sleep.
Every morning when she woke up, there was always a strong pair of hands holding her.
For the past ten years, she hadn't known what care felt like, let alone the sensation of being in love.
Now, she felt like she was in love.
The villa, in front of a mirror.
Camellia Tang was wrapped in white gauze from head to toe, even her face.
At this moment, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
For the past ten days, she had been applying medicine every day, and she could feel a burning sensation on her skin.
Ellison Jiang had told her that if she continued taking the medicine, she would regain her beauty in a few days.
"Can... can it really be done?" She held onto a pair of strong hands tightly.
"Yes," Ellison Jiang slowly removed the gauze from her face and her body.
Camellia Tang felt the light, but she dared not open her eyes.
"Open your eyes and take a look," Ellison Jiang encouraged her.
Only then did Camellia Tang open her eyes. She stood in front of the mirror, completely naked.
In the mirror, there was a woman covered in medicinal powder, but beneath it, her skin was fair and smooth.
Seeing her nearly flawless face in the mirror, Camellia Tang was shocked, her mouth wide open.
After staring blankly for several seconds, she quickly wiped off the medicinal powder from her face, touching her own face in disbelief.
"This..."
She was astonished, dumbfounded, and couldn't believe that the woman in the mirror, with flawless skin, was her.
Ten years ago, she had been burned, her body completely disfigured.
Even with advanced medical technology today, it was impossible to fully recover.
But now, she had recovered.
For ten years, she had never dared to look in the mirror and woke up from nightmares every night.
Looking at her nearly perfect face in the mirror, she cried tears of joy, tears the size of peas rolling down her cheeks.
She fell into Ellison Jiang's arms, who was beside her, and cried loudly.
A decade of grievances vanished in this moment.
Ellison Jiang held Camellia Tang tightly and promised solemnly, "From now on, I will protect you and ensure you never suffer any harm again."
Camellia Tang, overwhelmed with excitement and happiness, suddenly realized that she wasn't wearing anything. Her face turned red, and she looked shy.
She wriggled out of Ellison Jiang's embrace and lowered her head, appearing unsure of what to do.
Ellison Jiang pointed to the nearby bathroom and said, "I've prepared hot water for you, and I've also bought you some clothes. However, I don't know your size, so I bought several sizes of underwear. Take a look and choose the one that fits you."
Camellia Tang, feeling shy, lowered her head and hurried to the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Ellison Jiang went to the living room, sat on the sofa, and lit a cigarette.
"Dragon Commander."
A man in his forties, wearing a black suit and holding a thick file, approached from the door.
He handed the file to Ellison Jiang with his head down and said, "All the information on the four major families is here, including the reasons and consequences of the Jiang family's destruction ten years ago. Please review it, Dragon Commander."
Ellison Jiang pointed to the table and said, "Put it here."
"Dragon Commander, these insignificant families can be wiped out in minutes with a word from you..."
Ellison Jiang raised his hand slightly, and the man immediately stopped talking.
Ellison Jiang looked at the man standing in front of him with his head down and said, "I am no longer Dragon Commander. From now on, there will be no Dragon Commander in this world. Investigating the four major families in Jiang Zhong is also the last time I use my privileges. You don't need to follow me. Take your brothers and go back. The border still needs you to guard it."
The man immediately knelt on the ground and said firmly, "A day as Commander, a lifetime as Commander. Now that the southern border is stable, and the enemy dare not invade, Dragon Commander, don't send us away. Let us stay and help you."
Ellison Jiang stood up, helped the man who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "Lucas, this is my personal matter. I'll handle it myself. After dealing with this, I want a period of peace, days without swords and bloodshed. I want to protect Camellia by her side and give her the best love."
"Dragon Commander..."
"Step back, take your brothers, and go back to the southern wilderness." Ellison Jiang shouted.
Lucas knelt down on the ground once more and shouted loudly, "Dragon Commander, take care. We, the Black Dragon Troop of a million, are waiting for your return."
"Go." Ellison Jiang sat down again and waved his hand slightly.
Lucas turned and left.
Soon, Camellia Tang finished bathing.
She was wearing a white strap dress that revealed her fair neck and arms.
This was the kind of clothing she had never dared to wear before.
She was in a good mood, humming a tune, and running her hand over her smooth skin. Her lips curled up with a mischievous smile.
When she saw Ellison Jiang sitting on the sofa, smoking, she suddenly stopped humming.
She walked over and sat down beside him, her cheeks flushed, unsure if it was because she had just taken a shower or if it was due to shyness.
"Um...," she began, but she didn't know what to say.
Although she had spent ten days with Ellison Jiang day and night, she had always been blindfolded. Now, facing him directly, she felt a bit nervous and didn't know what to say.
As Ellison Jiang realized her hesitation, he looked at Camellia Tang whose scars had healed and his eyes brightened. "Honey, when should we go get our marriage certificate?"
"Huh?"
Camellia Tang was taken aback, her small mouth slightly agape, looking bewildered and cute.
Ellison Jiang chuckled, "I've already married into the Tang family, so I'm your husband now. This was your grandfather's command. Do you want to change your mind and not marry me?"
"No."
Once Camellia Tang understood, she didn't say much, only one word.
These ten days, Ellison Jiang's meticulous care had shown her what it meant to have a warm heart. A man like him, how could she not want to marry him?
She stole a glance at Ellison Jiang, a tall and sturdy figure with a hint of determination in his features. The sight made her cheeks flush, and her heart raced.
One hour later, a man and a woman walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, holding hands.
Camellia Tang stared at the red marriage certificate in her hand, feeling dazed.
Did she just get married like this?
She had fantasized about her future, imagining a passionate and intense love story.
However, everything had turned out differently. Her grandfather had arranged the second half of her life, and she had been taken away by Ellison Jiang, who married into the Tang family. They had spent ten days in a palace-like place.
Ten days later, her injuries had healed, and she had transformed into a stunning beauty.
Although she didn't know her husband's identity, her heart was filled with happiness. She couldn't help but tightly hold Ellison Jiang's hand.
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