Ch. 428: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 428

Chapter 428

“Is this okay?” Kevin asked in a low voice, his tone cautious. “You won’t regret it?”

He wanted Norah’s consent. He didn’t want this to be an impulsive decision for her.

“No regrets,” Norah replied, meeting his gaze. “We’ve been married for so long. At least let us be real husband and wife, even if it’s just once.”

She wasn’t asking for much. After all, how could they be content with just a nominal marriage? Even though they had a child together, Norah still felt there were too many unresolved feelings between them. They shouldn’t end like this.

“Okay,” Kevin said softly.

He leaned down and kissed her, his movements gentle, as if she were the most precious gift he’d ever received. Norah melted into his touch, every part of him feeling electric against her skin. Her body tingled, the line between reality and dream blurring.

She felt soft, pliant, like water in his hands.

Every now and then, a jolt of pleasure would shoot through her, and she couldn’t help but let out a sound. Kevin’s breathing grew ragged, sweat dripping from his forehead as he held himself back, careful not to hurt her. But the heat coursing through his veins was overwhelming, his self-control slipping.

His eyes darkened, his grip on her arm tightening slightly, leaving faint red marks on her skin. Norah gasped, a mix of pain and pleasure coursing through her.

The night was long, intense, and unforgettable.

A fiery collision.

Like fire.

Like water.

…

When Norah finally woke, her body felt foreign—light, soft, and aching. She opened her eyes to the familiar sight of a tent, but this wasn’t hers.

Last night hadn’t been a dream.

She’d mustered the courage to take that step, and now, in the cold light of day, she felt a flicker of embarrassment. But she didn’t regret it. Still, facing Kevin again made her nervous.

To her surprise, Kevin was already gone. The space beside her was cold, the residual warmth long faded. He must have left early.

Glancing outside, she realized it was late. They usually woke at five, but the sun was already high in the sky.

The memories of last night flooded back—the passion, the intensity, the exhaustion that had pulled her into a deep sleep.

She sat up quickly, wincing as pain shot through her lower back and thighs. Her body felt heavy, drained. Was it age, or just lack of exercise?

Pulling back the covers, she reached for her clothes, noticing the marks scattered across her skin. Kevin had been rougher than she’d expected. Even her wrists were red.

Why had he been so forceful this time?

Shaking off the thought, she dressed quickly, eager to leave before anyone noticed her coming out of Kevin’s tent.

As she stepped outside, she was relieved to find the area empty—except for Levi, who was chopping wood in the distance.

“Ms. White!” Levi called out when he saw her, wiping sweat from his brow.

Norah approached, trying to sound casual. “Where’s Captain Edwards? I didn’t see him.”

Levi shrugged. “He ordered us to chop wood, but he’s not with us. If he comes back, I’ll let you know.”

“That’s not necessary,” Norah said quickly.

Levi gave her a polite smile. “Did you sleep well last night?”

The question made her cheeks burn, but she kept her tone even. “I slept fine. You can get back to work.”

Levi nodded, oblivious to her discomfort.

Norah walked away, her mind swirling. Last night hadn’t been a dream, but Kevin’s absence made it feel surreal. She didn’t dwell on it, though. If he returned, she’d hear about it soon enough.

She headed to help the aunts with the herbs, but before she could start, Arlene came running over, excitement lighting up her face.

“Norah! You’re finally up! Did you sleep in? Baimo’s back!”

At the mention of Baimo, Arlene’s excitement was palpable. “Everyone’s gone to see what treasures he brought this time. Come on, let’s go!”

Norah felt a wave of relief. At least Baimo was safe. After the Confederates had invaded during his absence, she’d worried something might have happened to him.

As they walked, Norah asked, “Does Baimo always bring gifts when he returns?”

“Always!” Arlene beamed. “Teacher Baimo’s so generous, and he’s kind and handsome too. All the girls in the village adore him. If he weren’t so out of my league, I’d want to marry him when I’m older. But even if he doesn’t notice me, I’ll still like him!”

Norah smiled faintly, her thoughts drifting. “He must be well-off, then.”

“He’s here to teach,” Arlene said. “Not for money or anything else. Just to help the children learn.”

Norah nodded, thoughtful. Baimo’s generosity and willingness to stay in such a remote, impoverished place spoke volumes about his character.

When they reached the school, they found it bustling with activity. The building had been damaged in the bombing, but with Kevin’s men and the villagers working together, it was slowly being rebuilt.

The girls in the village were already admiring their gifts—books, cosmetics, and other small treasures. The boys had received books as well.

Baimo stood at the edge of the school, near the cliff with the waterfall behind him. Dressed in white, he looked almost ethereal, like a figure from a fairy tale.

Norah studied him, noticing how different he seemed from the Yi people—his skin, his features, everything about him stood out.

“Teacher Baimo!” Arlene called out, waving enthusiastically.

Baimo turned, his face lighting up with a smile as he saw them approaching. “When did you two become so close?”

Arlene grinned. “Norah and I are good friends now.”

Baimo’s eyes softened with approval. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“She saved my brother and so many children,” Arlene said, her tone turning somber. “She’s a hero to us. You don’t know how bad it was while you were gone. The school was bombed, the village was attacked… If it weren’t for Captain Edwards, we might not have made it. But at least you’re safe, Teacher. That’s what matters.”