Jenny then escorted Fane to the front gate of a dilapidated house with a small yard.
A large banyan tree dominated the yard. At a glance, the place seemed serene. But the problem was that it was too decrepit.
“You're saying my mother, Salena, and my in-laws live here?”
Viewing the house before him, Fane was overwhelmed with sadness.
Salena was a daughter of the Taylor family and immensely talented. Back then, she was even known as a beautiful director emanating pride. Many had sought her affection.
At that time, her choice to keep her child led to her being ousted from home and living in a place like this!
Jenny smiled bitterly.
“There's also Miss Salena's younger sister! Five years ago, she was but a child. But now at 19, she resides here,"
"So many people!"
Fane's eyes reddened. Salena must have faced numerous hardships!
However, they soon took note of a Bentley parked in the yard.
"Why is there a Bentley here?"
Fane frowned and was immediately suspicious.
“I do not know. After all, I seldom come here. Ah, too much has changed over these five years. Miss Salena has been waiting for you all this time!"
"However, her parents' patience has long been exhausted. Besides, they hold a strong prejudice against you... They claim that on your wedding night, you forced yourself on Miss Salena and took advantage while drunk…" Jenny cautiously relayed with a sorrowful expression.
"Ah, I can only slowly make amends. I have put her father and mother through suffering alongside her!"
Fane sighed deeply. He yearned to stand by his wife's side, yet felt powerless.
As they were about to enter, Fane scowled and raised his hand, signaling Jenny to remain silent as the voices inside the house inflamed his anger.
Salena's mother's voice was clearly audible.
“Young Master Clark, do not fret. There's been no word of that boy for five years. He's long gone! I plan on arranging his death certificate. Afterwards, you'll be free to marry our Salena!"
"Ha, thank you so much!"
Kane Clark laughed heartily. Then he said, "Auntie, there's really no need for a death certificate. A marriage license is but a piece of paper. I, Ken Clark, am not so petty. When the time comes, we'll just organize a grand and luxurious wedding ceremony! The most important thing is Salena's agreement to the marriage,"
"Agree, of course she will agree!"
Salena's mother promptly slapped her chest and added, "Don't worry. Her father and I will help you persuade her!"
"Really? But Salena can be quite stubborn!"
"Previously, had it not been for her insistence on birthing that little ruffian, you would not have been cast from the Taylor household to suffer here with her!"
Ken Clark then calmly continued, "Ah, five years ago, Salena was the prettiest girl in Central Province. Now look at her!"
"That's right. It's all that courier's fault. What began as a sham marriage devolved when he ended up impregnating our Salena."
Once more, Fiona Taylor contributed, "Our Salena is truly stubborn, insisting that child is her flesh and blood. She swore to take care of it!"
"Hehe, it's alright. Uncle, aunt, I sincerely love Salena. Once she's with me, wealth will be no issue!"
With that said, Ken Clark then produced an exquisite jade bracelet.
"I had someone bring this jade bracelet from Shanghai. It's worth a fortune. I offer this bracelet as a gift to you, auntie!"
"I- This... How could we accept it?
Behind the door, Fane's expression grew worse by the second, his fists clenched tightly.
Fane struggled hard to contain the flames of rage within him. Having calmed himself, he then knocked on the door.
"Who's there?"
Fiona Taylor's irritated voice came through as she opened the door.
"Who are you?"
Fiona Taylor regarded Fane with suspicion. Her gaze shifted to Kylie, and she inquired, "Why are you carrying our Kylie?"
"Grandma, D-d-daddy!"
Kylie looked at Fane and softly said, "Daddy says that now he's home, no one will dare bother me and mommy again!"
"Incredible. This shameless Fane is actually still alive... You've got the nerve to show up now? You owe my daughter for her wasted youth. Our family's suffering is because of you!"
"Who? Who has come back? Is it that scoundrel Fane?"
Salena's father hurried out, staggering towards Fane.
"I'll kill you, you beast. If not for your defiling our Salena's purity, would she need to scrape a living from scavenging? If not for you, would my legs be crippled?"
Fane was taken aback. How had Salena come to scavenge? What had happened to her father's legs?
Even though at the time it wasn't his fault when Salena took the initiative, he was drunk and couldn't resist the carnal impulse.
But it was his mistake which led them to this state.
No wonder Andrew and Fiona Taylor hated him so much.
Guilt wracked Fane's heart.
"Indeed, if not for my impulsive behavior, her whole family wouldn't be suffering."
"Jenny, take Kylie to the yard to play!"
Fane handed Kylie over to Jenny.
"You pick now of all times to return, boy. Why are you here? It would've been better if you had died on the battlefield!"
Fiona wept. "I thought you just wouldn't let our Salena live a single day in peace. You beast!"
"I'll teach you a lesson!"
Andrew reached out to slap Fane.
But in the next moment, his hand was caught by Fane's grasp.
"Dad, forgive me. Because of me, you've had to suffer. Nevertheless, Salena gave birth to Kylie. I, Fane Woods, will take full responsibility. I won't let you down. Salena's been waiting for you. I'll ensure Salena lives a comfortable life,"
"Ha! You dare to grab my hand? Get away from me!"
Andrew was furious. As expected of a retired soldier, Fane's strength was significant. He didn't budge an inch.
"He shouldn't be allowed to go!"
Unexpectedly, just at that moment, Ken Clark approached with a smile.
"The boy's returned just in time. Since he's not dead, we can demand he divorces Salena. Kylie is his child, and he's her father. Thus, he must take custody of Kylie. From now on, we only need to tell Kylie to follow along with him!"
Ken Clark added, grinning.
"After all, I don't want to be responsible for someone else's baggage. Without this burden, my life with Salena will be much better!"
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