Ch. 416: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 416

Chapter 416

Their eyes met, as if they had been looking at each other for eternity.

Despite spending countless days and nights together in the past, nothing felt as precious as this moment after being apart for so long.

Norah’s eyes reddened. Seeing Kevin safe meant more than any words could express.

She didn’t take a step forward, trying to suppress her emotions.

Before coming here, she had wondered if they would ever meet again.

Just seeing him was enough.

And whatever resentment she once held toward him now felt insignificant compared to the relief of knowing he was alive.

Neither moved closer. They only exchanged a lingering glance, eyes filled with longing.

"Captain Edwards." A soldier called out, breaking the silence. "We’re waiting for you inside."

Kevin turned. "Hmm."

Without hesitation, he walked in.

Only after he disappeared did Norah step forward, her heart sinking as his figure vanished from sight. But she forced herself to stay clear-headed. She reminded herself—they were divorced. There was nothing more to lose. The divorce certificate had sealed their fate.

Norah stood outside for a long time, gathering herself. Instead of returning to the tent, she noticed a group of soldiers gathered around a bonfire not far away.

A black pot hung over the flames.

They were cooking.

This village was underdeveloped. There were no modern kitchens—just open fires for cooking.

The soldiers made do with even less. They built fires, using whatever pots they could find, no matter how worn out.

She approached. One of the soldiers noticed her and greeted her warmly. "Miss, your wounds—are you alright?"

"I’m fine," Norah replied with a small smile. "Call me Norah."

"Alright, Ms. White." The soldier remained polite.

"You haven’t eaten yet?" he asked. "We’ll have food ready soon. When the leaves float up, it’ll be done."

The troops, all men, cooked simply. Their conditions were rough.

Norah picked up some firewood and added it to the flames. Then she glanced at the ingredients they had.

"Is this what you’re eating?" she asked.

The soldier, rolling up his sleeves, peeled potatoes with practiced ease. "Yes. The villagers gave us this food. It’s a good meal for a place like this. Some areas have nothing at all."

Hearing that, Norah felt uneasy.

Back home, even though life wasn’t extravagant, no one starved. No one begged in the streets.

But in war-torn places like this, even getting a meal was a struggle.

She had seen entire villages destroyed, families displaced. People barely surviving.

The door behind her opened.

A group of armed soldiers stepped out.

"Just in time—dinner’s ready!"

Hungry, they eagerly sat down, some staying in their vehicles as the food was distributed.

The moment they received their meals, they ate without hesitation.

Norah watched them, moved by their resilience. They weren’t picky—just grateful to have something warm to eat.

The meal was simple. There was meat, but it didn’t look particularly appetizing.

As for the rice—it was dark, not the usual white rice she was used to.

She had no idea what was mixed in.

It looked rough. Probably didn’t taste great either.

Suddenly, the aroma of freshly cooked rice filled the air.

She looked up.

Kevin stood in front of her, his expression unreadable.

In his hand was a bowl of clean, white rice.

Norah was momentarily stunned.

Seeing that she wasn’t moving, Kevin placed the rice next to her, setting a pair of chopsticks on the bowl. "Eat."

Then he picked up a bowl of the darker rice and started eating without hesitation.

Norah studied him. "That’s all you’re having?"

Kevin sat on a nearby stone. "Hmm."

Norah pressed her lips together, noticing how much he had changed.

Before, Kevin lived a life of luxury. He had never touched rough rice. Everything about his lifestyle had been of the highest standard.

Looking around at the harsh environment, she realized—even if he had traveled back a hundred years, his past life would still have been far better than this.

She glanced at the bowl of white rice. "I’m not that fragile. I’ve been with the Yi Tribe long enough. I don’t need special treatment."

Kevin gave her a sidelong glance. "There isn’t much white rice left. Don’t waste food."

She met his gaze and nodded.

He was right.

Food should be cherished.

She took the bowl and started eating in big mouthfuls.

It had been so long since she’d had hot, properly cooked rice. It tasted incredible—even without any side dishes.

Kevin watched her, his lips curving into a faint smile as he noticed her puffed cheeks as she ate.

He glanced at a nearby soldier.

The soldier immediately handed over a cup of hot water.

"Drink this so you don’t choke," Kevin said.

Norah nodded, focused on her meal.

The food was simple, but to her, it was the best meal she had ever had.

The soldiers nearby had never seen Kevin act this way with anyone.

Curious, they exchanged hushed whispers.

"Who is that girl? Captain Edwards looks different around her. I’ve never seen him this soft."

"Right? It’s like he actually cares about her. I mean, when have you ever seen him take care of someone like this?"

Another soldier chimed in, puzzled. "I don’t know. She asked if he was part of the Edwards team—so they must have known each other for a while."

"It doesn’t make sense! You think Captain Edwards has a crush on her?"

"Captain Edwards? With his looks and stature? He wouldn’t just have a crush. If they were together, they’d be all over each other by now. No way would they keep their distance like this. Must be a secret lover situation."

"Damn. So even Captain Edwards knows what it’s like to suffer from a one-sided love?"

"What are you guys whispering about?"

Levi walked over and caught them gossiping.

The moment they saw him, they straightened up. "Brother Levi!"

Levi shot them a stern look. "Enough with the rumors. Captain Edwards has plenty of women around him. Just because he speaks to one doesn’t mean you need to start spreading gossip. You’ll ruin his reputation."

The soldiers quickly shut up.

But they still exchanged knowing looks.

Because from what they saw—Captain Edwards wasn’t just talking to some random woman.

This was different.