The conditions alone made her heart flutter with joy. She didn't want to endure the hardships of war any longer. Back then, she had been quite a beauty, and it was her looks and talent that had allowed her to marry a man from Birkham.But then she glanced at Nina. She couldn't just sit and do nothing."Nina, come change your clothes. They're soaked through," one of the older women called out.Arin said, "You can wear my clothes. We're about the same size.""Alright," Nina replied, finishing up with the herbs in her basket.They had their own unique clothing, made from fabric they wove and sewed themselves. It looked a bit like traditional minority attire, with colorful designs representing their customs and culture. Nina found their clothes beautiful.After changing, Arin exclaimed, "Wow, Nina, you look stunning! Our clothes make you even prettier!""Really?" Nina was unsure but felt a bit shy from the compliment."Absolutely! You should show Captain!" Arin said excitedly, push
Nina did not care what Nash thought. She was just stating the truth. They were practically strangers now, so there was no reason to stick to just one option. She needed to show him that she didn't rely solely on him. Ignoring Nash's gaze, she linked arms with Arin and walked away. Arin still thought it was a good opportunity, but things hadn't turned out as she hoped.---In a grand, old building made of bamboo and wood, nestled among mountains, rivers, and bamboo groves, the environment was serene and exuded an ancient charm. The large structure, several hundred square meters in size, had intricately carved wooden walls.Inside, a woman's voice called out, "Brother."A man was in the study, which was enormous, with seven or eight-meter-high walls lined with bookshelves, filled with a variety of books. Hearing the woman's voice, the man's face remained expressionless as he focused on his reading."Brother," the woman said excitedly as she entered the room and saw him. "You c
Ivy asked him again, "Is he like this with everyone?""I don't interact with him much, but he's usually like this, not caring about much," Wes replied, trying to comfort her.This made Ivy feel a bit better. She asked, "Where does he go when he's not here?""He likes to wander around the nearby villages.""He has the leisure for that? What's so interesting about those places?""His thoughts are different from most people.""And Dad doesn't mind?"She wished her father would control him more. Who else dared to treat her with such indifference?"No, he doesn't," Wes said.Ivy grew curious about what was so interesting about those villages. She wanted to see for herself.--"Why do you and Captain seem so awkward and distant?" Arin felt they had missed a great opportunity. "It looks like you've known each other for a long time, not just met.""You're right," Nina replied."Really?" Arin was shocked.Nina's mind was not on Nash. She had been in the village for a while and sti
Nina could easily hear the implication in Chana's words. It was obvious what she was hinting at. "So, you're cooking for Nash?" Nina asked, playing along.Chana smiled. "Yes, Captain has been very kind to my son and me. I'm very grateful. He even got hurt saving us and said he would take us back to his country. I owe him my life, and I don't know how to repay him." She paused before adding, "I've noticed Captain Nash is always alone. He must be single, right?"Nina replied, "You can ask him yourself."Chana hesitated. "I couldn't possibly ask him such a thing. I thought you might know since you seem to talk to him a lot.""You've been around him longer than I have," Nina said directly. "Shouldn't you already know? Or are you worried I might get in the way of whatever you're planning?""That's not what I meant," Chana quickly backtracked. "Miss Nina, I know Captain doesn't have those feelings for you. You've misunderstood me. Have I offended you? I'm sorry..."Nina didn't want
She thought Nash hadn't returned yet. She was just about to leave the belt and go when she saw the scene unfold. Her face froze in place, feeling like she had interrupted something she shouldn't have. Seeing Nina come in, Chana seized the moment, immediately confessing to Nash, "As long as you don't mind, I can be your woman. Even if it's just a fleeting relationship while you're here, I'd be willing."She was desperate, hoping for someone to protect her. She and her child had no other support. Nash was her best chance at safety, especially in this war-torn region where life was so uncertain. If Nash could take her back to his country, she and her child could finally be safe. Even if it was just a temporary relationship here, she believed he would still protect her. In the Yaren territory, having someone powerful to rely on made all the difference. Without a strong protector, they were just ordinary people. In times of civil unrest, it was always the common folk who suffered the
Nash frowned slightly but still explained, "There’s nothing between Chana and me. She’s just a woman I helped along the way."Hearing this, Nina laughed coldly, "Yes, I know. I've heard that there are many distressed women here. You saved her because she's somewhat attractive. She also has a child, so if you get involved with her, you'll have to be a stepfather. But if that's what you want, then nothing else matters.""I didn't know she would come into my tent," Nash said. "But it's not what you think. I helped her because her husband was Birkhamese and had helped us. That's all."Nina, already fuming, shook off his hand and said coldly, "Why are you explaining this to me? We're divorced. Your business doesn't interest me."Nash's hand grabbed at nothing but air. In his desperation, he forgot they were divorced, letting his emotions override his principles. He didn't want her to misunderstand. He instinctively wanted to be close to her."I'm sorry," Nash said quietly. "I overstepp
Nina's eyes widened in shock, feeling as if she were in a dream. She was frozen, unable to react, as Nash parted her lips and claimed her breath with a deep, passionate kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly as if afraid she might slip away again. Through his embrace, he poured out his longing and deep affection. He had missed her so much. In every dangerous moment, it was the thought of her that gave him the will to survive.Nina felt the intensity of his emotions and didn’t resist. she wrapped her arms around his broad back and kissed him back with equal fervor. She closed her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion, and tears began to well up. A single tear escaped, which Nash gently wiped away with his thumb as he continued to kiss her passionately.Words were unnecessary. His actions spoke clearly of his love for her. She didn’t even remember how they made it into his tent. When she regained her senses, Nash was laying her gently on the bed. She clung t
Nash's lips curved into a slight smile. "Aren't I doing fine now? Compared to what they've been through, I've had it easy."These words made Nina's nose sting, tears threatening to spill from her eyes again. She looked up, trying to hold back the tears, hating how emotional she was becoming. "Tell me, how did you find the antidote for my poison? Where did you get it?" Nina asked, confused by the sudden discovery of a cure when so many had tried and failed.Nash was silent for a moment before he said, "I begged for it.""Begged who?" Nina pressed."My father."Nina was taken aback. "Your father?""Not William, but my biological father," Nash said coldly.Nina was surprised. "You found your biological father?""He found me."Nina didn't expect this turn of events, but she could tell from Nash's tone that he didn't want his biological father to find him. After all, they had never met, so there was no emotional connection. He acknowledged his father to get the antidote for her