The Sweet Rival (Mango Shen and Nathaniel Ye) novel Chapter 1812

Evangeline was completely stunned. She looked at the handsome face in front of her with her eyes wide open. She was stupefied for a moment and could not tell whether this was an illusion or reality.

Zion's attention was fixed on her, making her feel self-conscious.

"Close your eyes."

His voice was gruff, and his eyes glowed with affection.

Meanwhile, her heart started throbbing all of a sudden. She tossed and turned as she quickly closed her eyes and felt Zion's slightly cool thin lips on hers again.

Their chemistry was at an all-time high, and she was practically consumed by his tenderness. Suddenly, a barrage of gunshots could be heard from outside.

Both of them were taken aback. Evangeline jumped off from his lap and turned to search for his coat almost subconsciously. She remarked as she walked, "Take care. I'll sit here and wait for you to return."

Seeing this, Zion was stunned.

Her movements were deft, which meant that this was her instinct. It was as though she was ready for Zion to leave on a mission at any time and from anywhere. Upon seeing this, Zion felt a pang of heartache for her.

Zion's throat was a little scratchy. He took Evangeline's hand in his and said, "I'm sorry, Evangeline, but I'm no longer a soldier. Now I'm just a regular businessman."

Previously, Zion was proud of being a soldier.

He never imagined how his family would be concerned about him when he was on a mission. This is because Nathaniel and Mango had never shown their concern for him. The entire family supported and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

He had never seen his family concerned about him before. After spending time with Evangeline, he was finally able to experience it. She was compassionate, and she was always worrying and taking care of him. Despite this, she was willing to go to any length to make things work out in his favour.

Zion started tearing up at this thought.

Evangeline didn't react until she heard Zion's words. She couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

She had known since she was a child that Zion's dream was to become a soldier and protect the country. As a result, she had always prepared herself to perform the tasks of a soldier's wife.

Even if she wasn't with Zion, she would imagine herself being involved in every incident she heard. Then she would picture what she would do if Zion was standing right in front of her. Should she stop him or submit to him?

She realised later that she needed to back him up and support him. Hence, she was always ready to support his dream.

This sense of responsibility and way of thinking has long been ingrained in her bones, so she knew how to react when she came across unforeseen situations. As time passed by, an instinct developed within her through time.

It was the first time she had acted on her instinct and abilities. However, she was taken aback when she learned that Zion had retired.

However, she immediately thought of his stance.

She had been rehearsing her duties as a soldier's wife, but she wasn't prepared for the sudden change. What about Zion, who has always been in charge of keeping the country safe? Wouldn't he be sad and not used to this change as well?

Evangeline blurted out, "This is the Santell Capital's military hospital. Sissaye is still here and gunshots can be heard. I'm guessing she's close by. Would you like to take a look around?"

"I'm a businessman and currently wounded. The soldiers and police are stationed outside. They don't require my assistance."

Zion pulled Evangeline into her arms.

This was the first time he had not rushed out when he heard these gunshots. Furthermore, it was also the first time he recognised how much the people around him had suffered as a result of his preferences and beliefs.

A major portion of his achievements came from the support and understanding of his loved ones'. At this moment, the feelings of sadness from his retirement was entirely replaced by a tinge of sadness and heartache towards Evangeline.

"Evangeline, I love you."