Ch. 415: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 415

Chapter 415

When Norah woke up, she found herself surrounded by rows of cots, with army-green tents looming above her.

Quilts, cups, and a few tools were scattered nearby, and a yellow five-pointed star caught her eye.

"Teacher! You're finally awake!"

Ahsan threw himself into her arms, his voice filled with relief and excitement.

Norah gently stroked his head.

As she moved, she noticed her left hand was wrapped in gauze. She pursed her lips, just about to speak, when a man in a military uniform pulled back the tent flap and stepped inside.

"How are you feeling?"

He walked up to Norah.

Earlier, when they were preparing for a rescue mission at the school, they had heard someone speaking fluent Chinese. Upon rescuing Norah, they realized she had an Oriental face.

Hearing the familiar language, Norah’s eyes welled up with tears. Her voice trembled. "I'm okay now. Are you... peacekeepers?"

"Yes," the man confirmed.

Norah’s heart pounded. "Then... are you Kevin’s soldiers?" Her throat tightened as she asked.

The man seemed surprised. "You know Captain Edwards?"

Norah’s fingers clenched into her palm. She hadn’t expected it to really be Kevin’s unit.

"Then... he..." Her voice faltered. The words stuck in her throat, hesitant to come out.

But the man answered before she could finish. "He’s not here. Our unit was the closest to this area. What’s your relationship with Captain Edwards?"

"...No real connection. I just happen to know of him."

That was all Norah could say.

It didn’t matter that she and Kevin were divorced. Right now, in front of his soldiers, she couldn’t bring up that she was his ex-wife.

"Oh, I thought you knew him personally." The man didn’t dwell on it.

But his response confirmed something—Kevin had never mentioned being married.

"You're the least injured person in this tent. Keep an eye on the others, and if there's an emergency, call for help. We have other duties to attend to. Thank you for your cooperation." The soldier gave Norah a respectful nod and placed a bottle of boiled water on the table before leaving.

Norah glanced around. The wounded in the tent had injuries on their heads, feet, and shoulders.

"Teacher, I was wrong before. Can you forgive me? I promise to listen to you from now on, never disobey you again, and never make you angry. Please?"

Ahsan clutched Norah’s hand, his black eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Norah believed in Ahsan.

Children had pure hearts. Once they recognized their mistakes and made amends, they often did better than adults.

But suddenly, she realized something—

She hadn’t seen Arlene.

Norah's chest tightened with anxiety. "Where’s Arlene? And why haven’t I seen the other students?"

"Teacher, don’t worry. Arlene is fine. She went to take care of her mother. As for the others… Teacher Baimo kept making us practice, but some of us…"

Ahsan trailed off, lowering his head. His voice choked with emotion.

Some of their classmates hadn’t made it in time. Two of them had died.

Norah exhaled shakily and gently stroked Ahsan’s head. "War is cruel. Those of us who survive must work even harder to live."

"...Okay."

Ahsan’s voice was thick with emotion, but he nodded, determined to listen to Norah.

Recalling what the soldier had said, Norah didn’t stay in bed. Instead, she got up and started tending to the wounded.

The entire day passed in a blur. She was too busy to eat, but she saw Kevin’s soldiers helping the villagers rebuild their homes.

She gave up her bed in the tent. But her mind kept drifting to Ogura.

Ogura was gone.

She wanted to search for him, but before she could, an off-road military vehicle rumbled in from the distance.

She froze in place.

The vehicle stopped just ahead.

Levi and Frank stepped out first—

Then Kevin.

Kevin stood tall in his military uniform, his towering 6’3” frame exuding authority.

As he approached, Norah found herself struggling to breathe.

But before she could react, a soldier jogged up to Kevin. "Captain Edwards, we’ve made a new discovery."

"Understood." Kevin's voice was steady as he turned away.

Each step he took felt heavier than the last. For some reason, an inexplicable weight settled in his chest.

And Norah—

Her heart felt crushed, like a boulder had been dropped onto it.

She hadn’t expected him to walk away just like that.

Did he not see her?

Or… had he forgotten her entirely?

It felt as though invisible hands were squeezing her throat, making it impossible to breathe.

Levi and Frank passed by her as well.

"Teacher! Over here!" Ahsan’s voice suddenly cut through her thoughts.

Norah snapped out of it. She looked up to see Ahsan waving at her.

Pressing her lips together, she walked toward him.

Ahsan tugged at her hand. "Teacher, you’ve been working all day. I haven’t seen you eat anything. Come with me."

"I can’t. I need to find someone—"

Norah tried to pull away.

But Ahsan gripped her hand tighter. "Teacher, I know who you’re looking for. The boy who came into the village with you—he’s at my house."

Norah's eyes widened. "Really?"

Ahsan nodded.

Not far away—

Levi turned to Frank, frowning. "That’s odd… I thought I heard Madam’s voice just now."

"Impossible. This is a well-protected Yi village. If it weren’t for the alliance’s dispute over medicinal supplies, the other forces wouldn’t have even thought of attacking it."

Frank’s words echoed in Levi’s mind.

They were peacekeepers. Their mission was to maintain peace. He knew Levi had been searching everywhere for Norah.

And he knew Kevin barely slept at night, worrying about her. He had grown even more haggard, but he couldn’t afford to show weakness.

This village was home to the Yi people. Though it wasn’t entirely safe now, it was still one of the most secure places. Everyone here spoke the Yi language. How could Norah have ended up in such a place?

And if she had… why hadn’t she sought out Captain Edwards?

"Don’t overthink it. The people I arranged are keeping watch. If there’s any news of Madam, we’ll be notified immediately. Let’s focus on tending to the wounded first."

"...Alright."

Levi let go of the thought.

Meanwhile, Norah followed Ahsan to his home—

Or what was left of it. Half of the house had been destroyed by an explosion.

Thick smoke curled into the air. Near the stove, Arlene crouched, while Ogura tended the fire.

"Norah."

Ogura noticed her first. Arlene flinched at the sound of her name, hurriedly hiding a spatula behind her back.

Standing before the stove, she glared at Ahsan. "Why aren’t you resting? What are you doing here?"

"I—"

"No excuses! Get out!"

Arlene snapped.

Norah saw through her instantly. "Arlene, were you cooking for me?"

She glanced at the steaming pot.

The Allied forces had ravaged the village, but the Chinese peacekeepers had arrived just in time. The village was damaged, its people injured, but nothing had been stolen.

Except for the medicinal herbs.

Arlene refused to admit it. "Don't flatter yourself! Why would I cook for you?"

Norah just smiled.

Suddenly—

"Captain Edwards, this is it. There are medicinal herbs growing behind the house."

A voice came from outside.

Norah looked up—

Kevin stood just a few steps away.

His uniform was dusty, his presence commanding. And when his eyes met hers—

Something unspoken passed between them.