Never Pick Up a Stranger on the Road—Unless He’s Useful Chapter 1

On our wedding night, Cole confessed that he was a celestial warrior sent down to undergo a mortal trial, already betrothed to a celestial fiancée.

He didn't even lift my bridal veil, his voice cold and hard.

"You cared for me for two years. As repayment, I can grant you two wishes."

"Aside from asking me to stay."

I clenched my fingers, peering through the red gauze at his distant, emotionless gaze.

"Can you do anything? Can you bring someone back to life for me?"

He let out a quiet breath, a flicker of relief crossing his face.

"Your mother? Yes, I can. You two shared a deep bond; it’s only right."

I lowered my head, guilt churning in my stomach. The truth was, I lied to him. My mother was the person I hated most in the world. The one I wanted to resurrect was my husband, Liam. He had died two years ago, on the very day I saved Cole.

* * *

You shouldn't pick up strangers from the side of the road. I knew that.

But I still saved Cole's life.

Because he was useful.

I had known for a long time that he was a celestial warrior. And I even knew his celestial fiancée.

Two years ago, my husband Liam fell off a cliff and died. I buried him, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Just as I was contemplating ending my own life, heartbroken and desolate, I suddenly heard the celestial fiancée’s voice.

"How did you get so badly injured...? Cole, wake up!"

I gasped, quickly hiding in the tall grass to watch. Cole lay motionless on the ground, blood at the corner of his lips. His face was astonishingly handsome, so beautiful it felt sacrilegious to even look. My heart leaped into my throat. I quickly averted my gaze, but out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flash of golden light.

The celestial fiancée used her divine power, and Cole slowly stirred. His voice was like clear spring water splashing over jade.

"Sierra, what are you doing here?"

"A mortal trial cannot be aided by external forces. Go back."

The celestial fiancée looked utterly wronged. "I was worried about you…"

"Worried I might fall for a mortal woman and jeopardize our engagement to the Phoenix Clan?" Cole cut Sierra off with a mocking, increasingly cold tone. "Rest assured, celestial fiancée, I remember my mission. I will return to the celestial realm in two years."

"Now, leave."

Even from afar, I shivered, chilled by the cold aura radiating from him. Sierra persisted, unwilling to leave. "I wanted to see who would save you. What if she’s prettier than me?"

Cole grew impatient. "If you don't leave and delay the timing, and this mortal trial of love fails, our engagement will still be canceled."

"It's only two years. Afterwards, I will grant her two wishes."

"Mortals are greedy. Once they get what they want, they likely won't cling on."

Sierra sniffled, pouting playfully. "Alright, then. But you promise not to fall for her, no matter who charms her into marriage. And absolutely no wedding night!"

"Mmm." Cole agreed. Sierra looked at him a few more times, then reluctantly departed.

After she left, Cole lay back down. He pressed his ring finger to his heart, then coughed up a mouthful of blood. My eyes widened in shock, his words echoing in my mind: "I will grant her two wishes."

This was a celestial being. Surely, he could help me bring Liam back? My heart pounded like a drum. After a moment, I gathered my courage and ran to his side. "Sir, are you alright, sir?"

"This jade token will grant you free passage in and out of the Underworld."

Cole's voice pulled my scattered thoughts back into focus. He opened his palm, and a flash of white light revealed a smooth, luminous jade token. My eyes lit up. I immediately snatched off my bridal veil. My movements were so quick that the red gauze tangled in my hair ornaments, pulling out a strand of hair.

A faint smile flickered in Cole's eyes. "So eager? It seems you miss your mother very much."

I took the jade token, tears welling up in my eyes. "Yes, I miss him dearly."

"The jade token will guide you to the Underworld. Just state her name, and a Reaper will bring your mother back to life." He raised his hand, seemingly intending to tuck a stray lock of my hair behind my ear. I quickly turned my head, avoiding his touch. His fingers stiffened slightly, then slowly retreated.

"Have you thought about your second wish?"

"Wealth, power, extended lifespan."

"Just name it, and I will grant it."

I clenched the jade token in my hand, shaking my head softly. "No need. I have no other desires." After two years together, I understood Cole somewhat. If I dared to ask for anything else, he would immediately retract the jade token and turn his back on me.

Sure enough, Cole nodded, satisfied with my answer. "Ivy, you are not greedy, and you are so understanding, never making things difficult. I am truly sorry for what I’ve put you through."

I smiled bitterly. "I understand that compared to the celestial fiancée, I am insignificant. I wouldn't dare to harbor such illusions." The more compliant a woman, the more guilt a man feels. Hearing me, Cole sighed. "Actually, if you truly can't bear to part with me, I could return and discuss it with Sierra, persuade her to let me take you as a concubine."

"There's no need for that…" It was getting more absurd by the second. I twitched my lips, stood up first, and politely said, "Celestial warrior, you have undergone a mortal trial for two years. I'm sure you're eager to return. I won't keep you any longer."

"Perhaps you can come back and visit someday."

"Very well." Cole nodded, giving me a deep, searching look before transforming into a streak of white light and departing.