Ch. 426: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 426

Chapter 426

Norah thought Kevin hadn't returned. She left the leash there and walked away, only to stumble upon this scene.

Her face froze instantly. It felt like she had arrived at the worst possible moment.

She was intruding on something intimate.

Chana saw Norah and seized the moment, turning to Kevin with desperation in her voice. "As long as you don’t mind... I can be your woman. Even if it’s just for a short while, I’m willing..."

Chana’s plea was humble—she only wanted protection. With her husband gone, she and her child had no one to rely on. Kevin was her best chance at survival.

The constant fighting meant they never knew when their lives might be taken.

If Kevin took Chana back to Craggaville, she and her child would be safe. But even if she remained in the Yi tribe, she hoped her connection with Kevin would secure his protection.

In a war-torn land, survival depended on having someone powerful behind you.

The moment Kevin saw Norah, he froze. He hadn't expected her to walk in at that moment. Instinctively, he pulled his hand away from Chana.

Norah didn’t wait. Without stepping fully inside, she spoke coldly. "I’m just here to deliver something. I’ll be on my way."

She didn’t even enter the room, simply hanging the belt on the nearest shelf.

"Norah," Kevin called after her.

She didn’t turn back. Instead, she quickened her pace, outwardly composed but internally shaken. The only thing she could do now was escape.

Kevin didn’t hesitate—he had to explain. He took a step toward her, but Chana grabbed his hand. "Captain Edwards!"

Her pleading eyes searched his for any sign of mercy. She hoped he would protect her, even just a little longer.

She had thought she was special. But Kevin’s expression turned cold. "I saved you for your dead husband’s sake. If you overstep, leave immediately."

His words were firm, devoid of sympathy.

Chana’s face paled. She hadn’t expected such a ruthless rejection.

Kevin had kept her with the army only because of her husband’s sacrifice. He had been a Chinese soldier who had fought alongside them and ultimately lost his life.

Because of that, Chana had trusted them, hoping for kindness. She had been helpful to their unit, bridging the language gap and assisting them in crucial moments. Her husband’s contributions had earned her a safe place.

But Kevin had no interest in anything beyond that. Any further expectations only repelled him.

Chana finally let go.

Kevin rushed outside.

"Norah!"

Norah quickened her steps, but Kevin was faster. Within seconds, he caught her by the arm.

She turned to him, forcing a calm smile. "What is it, Captain Edwards?"

"It’s not what it looked like," Kevin said.

"What are you talking about?" Norah said expressionlessly. "I just saw you and Chana together. We’re divorced. You’re single. It’s none of my business."

Kevin frowned but still explained. "Chana means nothing to me. I only saved her because her husband was from Craggaville and helped us. That’s all."

Norah let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Oh, I see. I’ve heard it all before—how many women here have lost everything and needed saving? You took pity on her because she looked good, didn’t you? Except this time, she has a child. If you really end up with her, I hope you’re ready to be a stepfather. But hey, if that’s what you want, who am I to judge?"

"I didn’t know she was going to enter my tent," Kevin said. "And it’s definitely not what you think. I only helped her because of her husband’s past service. That’s it."

Norah yanked her arm free and said coldly, "Why are you even explaining this to me? We’re divorced. I don’t care."

Kevin’s hand grasped at nothing but air. For a moment, he had forgotten that they were no longer together. His instincts had taken over.

He hadn’t wanted her to misunderstand. He hadn’t wanted her to walk away thinking he had moved on. But now, realizing the reality of their situation, he forced himself to step back.

"I’m sorry," Kevin murmured. "I didn’t mean to overstep."

Norah clenched her fists, her anger flaring.

She didn’t understand him. Not at all.

What was he afraid of? Why was he holding back?

She was the only one bottling up her emotions while he remained distant.

"You should get some rest," Kevin finally said. "Don’t stay up too late."

Norah stared at him, daring him to look away first.

When she didn’t respond, Kevin turned and walked back toward his tent.

Norah watched him go, staring at his broad back. He was such a strong, commanding figure—so why did he seem so hesitant?

This wasn’t the Kevin she knew.

If she had to choose, she’d rather deal with the Kevin who had never cared about her at all.

At least then, she knew what to expect.

Now, he wasn’t being himself at all.

She finally lost her patience and shouted after him. "Kevin! Are you even a man? Can you face me properly? One moment you act like you care, the next you avoid me! What do you want? Just be honest! Why do you keep explaining yourself to me? If you really don’t care, then leave me alone!"

Her voice trembled with emotion. She needed to vent all the frustration she had bottled up inside.

She could feel his concern for her, yet he kept stepping away, keeping his distance.

Wasn’t that just another way of torturing her?

Norah’s eyes burned, and her breath came out in quick bursts.

Hearing her words, Kevin stopped in his tracks.

His eyes darkened, as if something had snapped inside him.

Without warning, he turned back and walked straight toward her, each step faster than the last.

Norah’s heart pounded.

She had only meant to vent. She hadn’t expected him to react at all.

Kevin was supposed to stay calm, to let her anger roll off him like he always did.

But this time was different.

She barely had time to process what was happening before he stood in front of her, breathing hard, his hands gripping her face.

And then, without a word, he kissed her.