Ch. 454: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 454
Chapter 454
She wasn’t them. She wasn’t inside their heads, didn’t know what they were truly thinking.
But one thing was certain—it wasn’t that simple.
Journi gathered a few things and went to see Baimo.
Baimo barely acknowledged her efforts, his tone cold and dismissive. “I don’t need anything from you. Take it away.”
Journi looked at him with expectation. “Brother, I prepared these for Norah. I want to see her.”
“She doesn’t need them,” Baimo replied indifferently.
If Journi truly wanted to befriend Norah, she wouldn’t have brought her here in the first place.
Deep down, Baimo knew Journi’s intentions weren’t pure. Her gifts were just a front—empty gestures meant to disguise her true motives. To him, she felt completely insincere.
“Brother, you’re not her,” Journi insisted. “I know what you’re thinking, but I’m already here. How could I possibly hurt her? I wouldn’t.”
Baimo shot her a cold glance, said nothing, and turned to leave.
Journi hit a dead end.
But as she stood there, her nails dug into her palms.
Norah was still here. Journi didn’t believe she would stay locked up forever. The moment Norah stepped out, opportunities would present themselves.
Right now, in her mind, there was only one thought—countless ways to end Norah.
Meanwhile, on Kevin’s side...
His mind was consumed with thoughts of Norah as he studied the topographic map.
A reckless impulse stirred inside him.
He had a duty to his country, a responsibility to carry. But what if, just this once, he chose to act for himself? Even if it meant death, he would die by Norah’s side.
But then, her face flashed in his mind.
They hadn’t even reunited as a family yet. How could he throw his life away so quickly?
He couldn’t.
Just like Norah, he knew she was safe for now. The real challenge was getting her out. He needed to focus on the situation at hand.
He went to check on Karina and Steven.
Karina was under Levi’s care. Her memory was gone, and her body bore the scars—large and small, a painful reminder of what she had endured.
Even worse, Levi had discovered that her tendons had been severed and reattached, weakening her movements.
Karina, once swift and skilled, could no longer move the way she used to.
When Levi realized this, his chest tightened with anguish.
He had fought through countless battles, endured pain beyond measure. But the sight of Karina like this—this pain was different. This pain was unbearable.
He wanted to pull her into his arms, to shield her from everything. But Karina resisted.
Kevin witnessed the moment as he approached. Without a word, he turned and left, giving them their space.
He understood. He loved Norah deeply, and as a man, he knew exactly what Levi was feeling.
Levi longed for Karina to snap at him like she used to, to call him a fool. But that moment would never come.
And then there was Steven.
Like Karina, Steven was covered in wounds—each one telling the story of the torture he had endured.
All for Norah.
Frank stood beside him, his gaze heavy with concern. When he saw Kevin, he immediately straightened and lowered his head.
“Captain Edwards, Steven isn’t doing well. The military doctor just confirmed kidney failure…”
Steven had come all this way, risking everything, just to find an antidote.
For Norah.
Kevin’s expression darkened. “Have the military doctor check if I’m a match.”
Frank’s eyes widened in shock. “Captain Edwards, are you sure? Your body—”
“I’m sure,” Kevin said firmly.
The military doctor arrived quickly. Unlike a hospital, they didn’t have advanced equipment here. Testing for a kidney match required a proper facility.
The doctor hesitated before speaking. “Captain Edwards, with all due respect, this is a critical moment. If you make such a major sacrifice now, it will create an opening. Our enemies will seize the opportunity, and smaller nations in Yi will take advantage. If that happens, should our country retaliate or hold back?”
If they didn’t retaliate, they’d be seen as weak.
If they did, it could spiral into a full-scale war.
Kevin remained silent for a few seconds. Then, with unwavering resolve, he said, “Do it in secret.”
The military doctor’s expression turned grim. “That won’t work. Too many eyes are on you. Unless the government assigns someone to replace you, this can’t happen until after you step down.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Steven began coughing violently.
Kevin shot a look at the doctor, signaling him to stop talking.
He stepped forward. “Steven, how are you feeling?”
Steven’s brows furrowed as he looked up, his voice hoarse. “Are you talking to me?”
Kevin hadn’t expected them to be in such a state—barely recognizable, memories shattered.
But he nodded. “Yes, your name is Steven.”
Steven hesitated. “Are we… friends?”
Kevin met his gaze and answered without hesitation. “Yes.”
Before, Kevin had never taken Steven seriously because of Norah. But now, things had changed. Norah was carrying his child, and Steven had risked everything for her.
Steven glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. “Did you save me?”
Kevin was the only one standing in front of him.
“Yes.”
Steven fell silent.
He didn’t remember Kevin. But he did remember something.
Through the pain, through the endless torture, one image had remained in his mind. A face. A name.
Norah.
It was the only thing that hadn’t faded.
He hesitated before asking, “Since you’re my friend… do you know Norah? What is she to me?”
Kevin pressed his lips together, unsure of how to answer.
He hadn’t expected Steven’s feelings for Norah to run this deep. Even now, when everything else was lost, Norah was the one thing he held onto.
For a brief moment, Kevin wavered. If the poison in his body couldn’t be cured… if he was going to die anyway…
Then maybe the best thing he could do was rescue Norah and leave her with Steven.
Steven would love her, protect her.
Maybe that was the only thing Kevin could still do for her.
Steven saw the hesitation in Kevin’s eyes. His expression darkened. “Your reaction… does it mean that I had a bad relationship with Norah? Or… is she someone I shouldn’t love?”