THE REAL PROTEGE

"Xu Chu Yan, Do you take Ling Li as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

"Yes, I do."

"Ling Li, Do you take Ling Li as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

"Stop!"

There was a collective gasp as the voice echoed through the room, leaving everyone shocked and curious about its unidentified source.

Chu Yan and Ling Li were surprised to see the woman and a young child standing at the church entrance. The child appeared to be around six years old.

Chu Yan and Ling Li had different facial expressions and perspectives regarding this woman.

Ling Li could very well tell that this woman was an impostor. Nevertheless, she can't help but anticipate Chu Yan's reaction and uncover his genuine emotions towards her.

Upon recognizing the woman, Chu Yan's heart quivered; he tried to look at the woman deeper, and Chu Yan unconsciously released Ling Li's hand.

Ling Li could see how affected Chu Yan was by this woman and couldn't help feeling dejected.

"Chu Yan, I'm back. I have been looking for you, but they said you were abroad and no one knows exactly where you are. Chu Yan, this is our son," the woman declared.

This woman is Charissa; she holds a special place in Chu Yan's heart as his childhood sweetheart and first love. However, six years ago, she set out on a vacation that took a tragic turn when her cruise ship encountered a devastating accident, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

As Chu Yan listened to Charissa's words, he was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. Despite the shock, Ling Li remained composed as she observed the interaction between Chu Yan and Charissa. This unexpected reunion stirred up unresolved emotions, causing Chu Yan to reflect on the impact of the past and the present on his life.

Chu Yan had given up on Clarissa, especially when he met Ling Li.

Standing in front of them were Clarissa and the boy. Chu Yan couldn't get his eyes off them. He felt an indescribable feeling in his heart.

Ling Li couldn't bear to witness an emotional scenario taking place before her, leaving her feeling deeply let down by Chu Yan. Ling Li thought, 'Since the ceremony could no longer continue, and Chu Yan had let go of my hands, I might as well leave them alone.'

Ling Li came down from the altar, leaving Chu Yan standing there, and approached her children urgently. "Mushu, Pharsa, you must take the twins to Bayside Castle; I will be there shortly." Ling Li gave her instructions, left the church alone, and drove off.

Ren and Lily, Ling Li's two elder daughters, tried communicating with their mom but could not find the right words.

Chu Yan stood in stunned silence, unable to move, watching Ling Li depart in a hurry.

"Chu Yan, I was saved by a fisherman and went through a long period of amnesia. However, I hurriedly returned as soon as I recollected everything. It's been six years. I never intended to disrupt your wedding. I only want to inform you that I have returned and brought our son." Charissa's face was stained with tears as she spoke.

Immediately following her statement, an enigmatic stillness plummeted over the entire church. A wave of unease washed over the whole place as all eyes turned to the figure that had just walked in.

The person exuded power with an imposing presence, adorned in a samurai mask and a traditional 'kamishimo' outfit, which was reserved for formal occasions by samurai men. The atmosphere was incredibly suffocating, rendering everyone unable to move.

"I have repeatedly warned you about the consequences of causing harm and betrayal to Ling! But you dared to let go of her hand during your wedding ceremony?" None other than Otako could have emitted the piercing roar that boomed throughout the church

Otako waved his hand, causing Chu Yan to collapse onto the floor, shivering in pain.

"Why would you choose this woman instead of Ling Li? This impostor?!" Otako clamored at Chu Yan.

Otako waved his hand exuberantly, causing the woman's hyper-realistic mask to come off abruptly, exposing Nina's true face.

"Is it to be believed that Ling's abilities prevented her from recognizing that this woman was a fraud? She was aware, yet she chose to observe your behavior towards her in this woman's presence." Otako despised Chu Yan.

"Nina, how could you?!" Chu Yan let out a thunderous cry despite his pain.

"Ha ha ha ha. This is the retribution you deserve, brother!" Nina erupted into laughter, her joy echoing through the room. "If I can't have it, no one else will!" Nina couldn't contain her laughter, bursting into fits of uncontrollable, wicked laughter.

"Take her!" Otako commanded, and out of thin air, a group of men in kimonos appeared, catching everyone off guard as they swiftly seized Nina and whisked her away.

"You have been deceived, Chu Yan! Despite all that Ling has done for you. Little did you know, she held a secret that would forever change the course of your wedding day. Unbeknownst to you, she carried the precious gift of life, a secret she had kept hidden for three long months. But now, you and your parents will never see them again and will return to where you came from.

I will remove everything you obtained from Ling, leaving you stripped of all your training and powers!" Otako waved once more, and in a sudden turn of events, Chu Yan fell into a deep state of unconsciousness.

"Shi Min, handle everything here," Otako declared, vanishing into thin air and leaving an overwhelming sense of disbelief.

Meanwhile, Ling Li hurried back to her mansion, determined to quickly change her attire and gather a few crucial items before setting off to Bayside Castle. However, she couldn't hold back any longer and collapsed in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.

'How could I have let this happen to me? I've repeatedly warned myself against trusting any man. No, not again! How did I end up in this situation? How did it all begin?' Ling Li pondered with her burdened heart.

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Please join Ling Li on her mysterious journey side by side with Otako.

Updates of my novels are every Tuesday and Friday.

Sirius M