Ch. 427: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 427

Chapter 427

Norah's eyes widened in shock. It felt like a dream—so surreal that she forgot how to react.

Kevin deepened the kiss, stealing her breath, savoring her sweetness. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, as if afraid of losing her again. In that moment, he poured out all the longing and emotion he had held back for so long.

He had missed her.

Every single day, she had been on his mind.

In the face of danger, she was his one glimmer of hope.

Norah felt the intensity of his emotions. She didn’t resist. Instead, she clung to him, pressing herself against his broad back, responding with everything she had.

Her eyes closed, and inexplicably, tears welled up and spilled over. She couldn’t stop them.

Kevin wiped her tears away with his fingertips and kissed her deeply, his actions speaking louder than any words ever could.

Before she knew it, they were inside his tent. When she came back to her senses, Kevin was holding her, gently laying her down on the bed.

She cupped his face with both hands, gazing into his dark, burning eyes, her breath coming fast and unsteady.

The food Chana had brought sat untouched. They were alone.

Norah lost herself in the moment. After everything they had been through—surviving in a war-torn country, enduring countless hardships—she realized she had to cherish this second chance.

She didn’t know how much time they had left.

Even if it was fleeting, she wouldn’t regret it.

Kevin’s breathing was heavy, his body burning hot. The muscles in his arms tensed as he pulled her closer, his voice husky in her ear. “There could be an attack at any moment. Stay by my side—I need to protect you.”

Hearing those words, Norah felt her heart clench.

He had been afraid of losing her all along. Ever since she left Craggaville, he hadn’t slept well, constantly worrying about her safety.

Outside their country, danger lurked everywhere.

Her resolve wavered.

She had told herself to stay strong, to keep her distance, but she couldn’t hold out anymore. Her walls crumbled in an instant.

She looked straight into his eyes and whispered, “If you were so afraid of losing me, why did you push me away? Why did you give me everything you owned? Were you planning to die?”

She was desperate for answers.

Once, she had believed she understood him better than anyone. She thought she could read his every glance, every thought.

But now, she realized she didn’t know him at all.

Why had he done this? Why had he made such a painful choice?

He had always known that joining the army came with risks, but why had he gone to such extremes?

Kevin didn’t meet her eyes. Instead, he pulled her even closer, resting his chin on her shoulder as if afraid that saying it out loud would make it real. “Don’t ask.”

Norah’s heart tightened with worry. She hadn’t been at peace for a single moment since he left. “Do you ever take my words seriously? Sometimes, when I’m angry, I say things I don’t mean.”

When people are at their lowest, they say things they later regret.

What she truly wanted was for him to be safe.

Kevin remained silent. He didn’t have the courage to tell her what fate awaited him.

Saving Steven had been his choice, one he had made without hesitation.

“It’s fine,” he finally murmured. “It’s something I was meant to do.”

He wanted the people she cared about—Steven, Jace—to come back so that she wouldn’t be left alone.

Norah gripped his sleeve. “What about you?”

Kevin gave her a small, almost bitter smile. “Haven’t I already lived well enough? Compared to what they’ve endured, I’ve had it easy.”

Her nose tingled with emotion, and tears threatened to spill again.

She tilted her head back, refusing to let them fall.

She had always feared that sentimentality would weaken her resolve.

Then another thought struck her. “How did I survive the poisoning? Where did you find the antidote?”

It made no sense. Countless people had searched for a cure and failed. Yet somehow, she had been saved.

Kevin hesitated before answering. “I asked for it.”

Norah frowned. “From whom?”

“…My father.”

Norah’s breath caught. “Your father?”

“Not Martin. My biological father,” Kevin said coldly.

She was stunned. “You found him?”

“He found me.”

Norah hadn’t expected that. But from Kevin’s tone, it was clear that he hadn’t wanted to be found.

They were strangers, bound by blood but nothing more.

And he had only acknowledged his father for one reason—to save her.

A pang of guilt settled in her chest. She had forced him into a situation he never wanted.

“I put you in a terrible position,” she whispered.

Kevin shook his head. “Don’t say that. Your life means everything to me.”

Her heart sank. “Was saving me part of some kind of deal?”

He nodded. “I made an agreement with him. In three months, I’ll no longer be Kevin Edwards. That’s why I gave you everything. My grandfather’s legacy—it belongs to you now. I trust you to protect it. You and Jace will be safe.”

This was his way of ensuring her future, even at the cost of his own.

Norah didn’t know whether to feel grateful or heartbroken.

It all made sense now.

His decision to leave her. The way he had pushed her away.

It had all been planned from the beginning.

Norah let out a bitter laugh.

She understood now.

For him, her survival had been more important than his own.

She buried her face against his chest, her voice trembling. “So we don’t have much time left.”

“…No.”

Not only did he have little time, but he didn’t know how long he would even remain himself.

He had chosen his path.

It was both heartbreaking and strangely warm.

Norah exhaled deeply, letting go of her resistance. She had spent so long fighting, holding herself back. But not anymore.

She cupped Kevin’s face and kissed him. “Then what are we waiting for?”

Kevin’s gaze darkened with emotion.

“We’re free here. I want to spend this time with you, even if it’s only for a few days.” Norah gave a bitter smile. “Do you want me to beg?”

His expression grew more intense. He had been holding back, afraid of hurting her.

But Norah wasn’t going to wait any longer.

She had known him for years, but she had never been this reckless. She pressed kisses against his lips, his jaw, his cheek—each one igniting something deep inside him.

Kevin’s control snapped. His muscles tensed, his breathing ragged. He grabbed the back of her head, stopping her, his grip firm but gentle.

At that moment, he was like a beast ready to devour her whole.