Chapter 6
In the end, a large patch of skin was taken from Jordan’s thigh, yet she wasn’t even given basic antibiotics.
Her parents had specifically instructed the doctor: “Don’t give her any anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers. Let her learn her lesson!”
Late that night, Jordan lay curled up on the hospital bed, cold sweat soaking through her gown.
Unable to sleep through the pain, she decided to walk around to distract herself. Through a partially open door, she glimpsed the adjacent room where Maxwell was carefully helping Vanessa drink water while her mother peeled an apple. The three looked like a perfect, happy family.
“That girl is so lucky,” whispered a passing nurse to her colleague. “Just a minor burn, and her parents are so attentive, her fiancé so considerate.”
“I heard her sister burned her intentionally out of jealousy!” the other replied.
‘My God, how could a sister be so cruel?”
Jordan listened to their gossip and laughed silently.
She laughed so hard her body shook, tears streaming down her face.
How absurd it all was.
she was the one with burns, she was the one whose flesh had been carved away, she was the one in unbearable pain.
Yet somehow, everyone believed she was the villain.
On the day of discharge, Jordan’s wound still throbbed with pain.
She quietly followed behind, watching as her parents and Maxwell carefully sheltered Vanessa between them.
Then a soldier approached, handing Maxwell an invitation. “Colonel Stone, the base is hosting a social mixer tonight. Will you
be attending?”
Maxwell frowned, instinctively about to decline. “I…”
Take me with you!” Vanessa suddenly grabbed his sleeve, her eyes bright with excitement. “I’ve never been to a military
before!”
Her mother smiled encouragingly. “Yes, Maxwell, Vanessa is at the age for marriage prospects. You should take her and help screen potential suitors.”
Maxwell’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes flickering with complex emotions as he glanced at Vanessa before finally nodding. ‘Alright.”
Vanessa immediately cheered, then turned to grab Jordan’s hand. “Jordan should come too! You know me so well, you can help me decide.”
Jordan wanted to refuse, but her father had already snapped impatiently: “When you’re told to go, just go! Don’t argue!”
20.09
Chapter 6
The military social was held in the base’s grand hall, brightly lit and buzzing with conversation.
Jordan sat in a corner, watching Vanessa flutter like a butterfly through the crowd, while Maxwell shadowed her closely, his expression darkening by the minute.
“Miss, may I have this dance?” A young officer extended his hand to Vanessa.
“She doesn’t like dancing,” Maxwell coldly intercepted.
“Excuse me, may I introduce myself?” Another well-dressed official approached.
“He’s too short for you,” Maxwell dismissed bluntly.
By the end of the evening, Vanessa was surrounded by admirers, all effectively blocked by Maxwell’s various excuses.
Vanessa suddenly laughed, tilting her head to look at Maxwell. “Max; you’re being so picky! How am I supposed to choose anyone?”
She batted her eyelashes. “At this rate, I’ll have to marry you instead.”
Maxwell’s pupils contracted sharply, his lips parting slightly, though no words came out.
Just then, a tall, broad-shouldered officer approached. “Miss, are you single? Would I be suitable?”
Maxwell abruptly pulled Vanessa behind him. “I’m sorry, she’s engaged.”
The officer’s expression darkened. “Engaged and still coming to a mixer? That’s pretty shameless.”
‘What did you say?!” Maxwell’s voice rose sharply as he swung his fist.
CRACK!
The man staggered back, blood trickling from his lip. Chaos erupted as several people rushed to separate them, but Maxwell was like a man possessed, throwing punch after punch.
Jordan sat in her corner, shocked by the scene.
Maxwell had always been cold and controlled, maintaining his composure even in battle. Yet now, just because someone called Vanessa “shameless,” he had completely lost control.
She suddenly found it darkly amusing.
ul these years of living side by side, and she had never realized how deeply he loved Vanessa.
