Raising My Wife novel Chapter 2

The memory went back to seven years ago.

When James finally woke up, he found himself tied to one of the pillars of a dark house. He tried to struggle, but it was to no avail.

"Caleb, check if the boy's awake or not." James heard a low voice from outside of the cottage. Without another word, he quickly shut his eyes. Since he didn't know who the other party was, it was better that he observed the situation first.

The door creaked open and a man stepped in. James didn't move, listening to the sounds around him.

"He's still asleep. You used too much drugs this time, Rhys," Caleb said, shoving James roughly. When James didn't react, Caleb sighed in frustration.

"Well, we brought him here not for sleeping," another man snarled back.

All of a sudden, Rhys poured a bucket of freezing water onto James's head.

He immediately opened his eyes to glare at them. Although James was just a young boy, he had a demeanor of a king. Even as he was tied and drenched with water, his eyes were still as cold as the winter seas. The two men couldn't help but shiver at the sight of his gaze.

"So you finally wake up?" Rhys sneered, clapping his hands. He'd like to believe that they'd succeed this time. After all, they had prepared for every scenario in the book.

James didn't respond. Instead, his mind started to work. He tried to piece together the backgrounds and the intentions of the men in front of him, as well as the environment he was placed in to see if there was anything that could help him in his escape.

"I've heard plenty of things about the first born son of the Ling Group. Now, it seems, he's with us. Isn't this such a great day?" Rhys's eyes glinted as he bent closer. "I was told you're smart, so how about let's play a game? If you agree, I'll let you leave safe and sound, but if you get the wrong answer...well...Caleb, bring it here."

Caleb brought him a wooden stick, and Rhys waved it mockingly in the air. "But if you make one mistake, this will fall on your body. It's fair, right?"

The two men were standing against the light so James couldn't get a good look at their faces, but he wasn't afraid. "I don't care who gave you the orders, but I suggest you release me now." Although his voice was hoarse from dehydration, it was still as firm as diamonds.

Rhys gritted his teeth. "I don't think so. See, we brought you here for money. However, it's up to us whether we return you in perfectly good condition or in skin and bones."

James snorted. "If it's all about the money, then you should've bargained with me. Do you really think it's that hard for the Ling Group to find where I am now? Besides, since you didn't even hide yourselves, I don't think you're planning on keeping me alive."