The Unexpected General

Chapter 2

This was surprising. Brian’s words stung a little. Calvin could have just left this place, but he remembered his father’s will—the final wish he wanted to fulfill.

And as for Claire… The woman had even agreed to it.

Calvin’s expression grew colder. He looked at Brian seriously, suppressing his anger before speaking. "This completely goes against the agreement made between the Jones and Moonstone families."

"Just as my father upheld his end of the bargain, shouldn't you also honor your promise regarding this marriage?" Calvin reminded him. He knew that only this marriage could bring peace to his father’s soul.

Brian burst into laughter at Calvin’s words, but soon, his gaze turned sharp. "Your father is already dead. You have no right to bring up that matter."

"The agreement died along with your father." Brian emphasized firmly.

As he looked at Calvin, he had already made up his mind—he did not want a mere ordinary man as his son-in-law.

Previously, he had no objections to the arranged marriage. However, after learning the truth—that the Moonstone family was no longer prestigious and had vanished—he completely discarded the relationship.

"Do you really think a poor man like you deserves to propose to an exceptional woman like Claire?" His words were razor-sharp, meant to open Calvin's eyes. "The Jones family is extraordinary, and there’s no way my daughter will marry an ordinary man like you."

The crowd gathered, their gazes filled with intimidation. No one welcomed Calvin’s arrival. In fact, they all looked down on him with utter disdain.

The name Calvin Moonstone wasn’t unfamiliar to them. News of the Moonstone family’s downfall had spread far and wide.

"We heard that after the Moonstone family's collapse, you ran off to join the military as just an ordinary soldier." Brian sneered. After hearing that, he had completely severed all ties with the Moonstone family.

Calvin’s disheveled appearance only confirmed his assumptions—it was clear his life was no better than his current look.

"You came here so confidently, but you should realize that your job will never bring Claire any happiness." Brian belittled him.

They all believed that an ordinary soldier’s salary could never match the luxurious lifestyle of the Jones family. Brian was even convinced that Calvin’s life wouldn’t last long—he would soon die on the battlefield. And of course, he didn’t want his daughter to end up as a widow.

“Today is my engagement day with Claire.” A man’s voice rang out.

Everyone turned their heads toward him. Dressed in a pristine white suit, his neatly combed hair and the Rolex watch on his left wrist spoke volumes about his wealth and status.

As Calvin looked at him, the man adjusted his suit. “I am Bobby Anderson,” he introduced himself.

Bobby’s gaze turned sharp, reflecting his clear displeasure. “Haven’t I already made it clear? Today is my engagement with Claire. So you need to leave.”

“You don’t belong here,” Bobby emphasized in a loud voice.

“This injustice cannot stand,” Calvin declared firmly, his face clouded with anger.

He had fought hard to end the war quickly, leaving the battlefield just to fulfill his engagement with Claire. But now, the entire Jones family was toying with him.

Claire suddenly moved, pulling her hand free from Bobby’s grasp. “Let go of me.”

She stepped toward her father. “I don’t want to be engaged or married to Bobby. Just as Grandpa said, I will marry Calvin.”

Claire remembered her grandfather’s words before his passing. Even with his last breath, he had held Claire’s hand and insisted that she must wait for Calvin and marry him.

Now, Calvin had returned. He had not forgotten their agreement either. This left her with no doubt—she would marry Calvin.

“Are you insane, Claire?” her father snapped, his voice filled with anger.

Claire shook her head. “Father, I believe that what was promised will come to pass.”

Steve stepped forward, his frustration evident. “You’re such a fool, Claire.”

“Look at you—you could be the lady of the Anderson family! Bobby would shower you with luxury. How could you even consider marrying a mere soldier like him?” Steve sneered, pointing at Calvin with disdain.

“He wouldn’t even be able to make you happy. He’s nothing but a disaster for you.” The man continued provoking Claire, trying to sway her decision.

"This isn’t just my decision. This engagement was arranged five years ago," Claire declared firmly. "I will marry that man, and no one can change that decision."

Everyone thought Claire was insane and foolish. But Calvin was taken aback by her unwavering resolve. The woman’s determination was admirable—she had not forgotten their promise.

This changed Calvin’s perception of the Jones family. Even though Brian rejected him, he couldn’t help but respect Claire’s determination. "Miss, I will make sure you never regret choosing me."

Claire looked at Calvin, a smile blooming on her face. "Call me Claire."

Calvin raised an eyebrow. "So, your name is Claire?" He stepped closer, now standing face-to-face with her. "Will you marry me?"

Claire didn’t want to waste this opportunity. Without hesitation, she nodded. She had waited five long years, hoping for Calvin’s return—to see him come and propose to her. And finally, that day had arrived.

Meanwhile, Bobby couldn’t contain himself. His fists clenched, his muscles tensed with rage. "This cannot happen! Claire must marry me!" His furious voice echoed through the hall.

Bobby's gaze locked onto Brian. The man didn’t care about the foolish agreement made in the past. "Don't forget that the Jones Company needs a lot of money. And I’m the one who has been helping you."

"You promised your daughter would marry me, yet look at this ungrateful woman!" Bobby pointed at Claire in anger.

Claire trembled slightly at Bobby’s furious outburst, but she had already made up her mind. "I will not marry a man who has many women. I will marry Calvin."

Brian panicked. He knew his daughter was incredibly loyal to her promises. But letting Calvin become his son-in-law was the last thing he wanted. There was nothing to gain from it.

"Stop this, Claire. Marrying him will only bring you poverty," Brian argued, desperate to change her mind.

"Remember, he’s just an ordinary soldier. He comes from a ruined family. Do you want to suffer for the rest of your life?" He tried to provoke her, hoping she would reconsider.

But Claire stood her ground. "Father, I don’t care about any of that. I made a promise to Grandpa, and I will marry him."

He was a man with a pure heart, filled with honor—just like his grandfather.

Bobby was still seething with rage. His glare at Brian was almost predatory. "If your daughter refuses to marry me, then return my twenty million dollars!"

Claire turned to her father, disappointment evident in her eyes after hearing Bobby’s words. "How could you do this, Father?"

She never expected that her marriage to Bobby was merely a transaction—a way to repay a twenty-million-dollar debt. Now, she finally understood why her family had been forcing her into this marriage, acting as if Calvin had disappeared forever.

Bobby laughed victoriously. "That man can’t help you. You have no choice but to marry me, Claire. Only I can save the Jones family." He boasted, lifting his hands as if expecting Claire to surrender to his offer.

"I will repay the money."

Everyone turned in shock, realizing that the voice came from Calvin. His words stunned the entire room.