Chapter 221

"Get out, I'm taking you for a proper meal. You barely touched your food earlier."

Andrew Smith held Luna White's hand tightly, his anxious heart finally settling as he took in her slightly flushed cheeks. God knew how terrified he'd been when he heard that Clara White had come looking for her—he'd been afraid she might disappear in a fit of anger.

Luna shook their intertwined hands playfully. "How am I supposed to get out like this?"

Reluctantly, Andrew let go and pointed ahead. "It's right across from the hospital, that little food street."

Luna followed his gaze and frowned. She'd been there a few times—there was nothing worth eating. She should've just made noodles at home instead of going hungry like this.

Andrew led her forward, inwardly disappointed. Between the cafeteria and military duties, he rarely got time alone with her, and now even these stolen moments were slipping away.

"Wait!" Luna suddenly tugged his sleeve, checking her watch. "It's almost time for my shift. No time to eat now."

Andrew smacked his forehead in frustration. "Hold on!" Before she could respond, he was already sprinting away.

Less than five minutes later, he returned, panting, and shoved a greasy paper bag into her hands. "Take this to the office. Don't skip meals."

Luna accepted the still-warm steamed buns and waved. "Gotta go! I'm late!" She dashed toward the hospital without looking back.

Andrew watched until she disappeared, then turned—only to find Clara and Diana standing by his car. Diana's eyes were red-rimmed, as if she'd been crying buckets.

The moment he saw Clara, Andrew's expression turned icy. He remembered all too clearly what had happened to his older brother—kidnapped by traffickers, all because Clara had taken him to the department store and vanished under the pretense of using the restroom. No matter how much she denied it later, his brother never lied.

All these years, Clara had played the dutiful stepmother, fooling everyone except him and his brother. They knew better—she was anything but harmless.

"Andrew, we need to talk," Clara said, stepping forward.

Andrew yanked the car door open. "My business isn't yours to meddle in."

Clara slammed a hand on the door. "Your father sent me. He doesn't approve of you and that little nurse!"

"My father?" Andrew scoffed. "He's never cared about status. But you—you've been pushing Diana at me from the start. What's your game?"

"You're up for promotion next year—a twenty-seven-year-old officer with a bright future!" Clara pressed, feigning concern. "Diana comes from a good family. She could help your career—"

"Enough!" Andrew cut her off sharply. "I'll say this one last time—I'm marrying Luna. As for the marriage application—" His gaze turned razor-sharp. "If my father won't approve it, I'll file for discharge instead!"

The car door slammed shut, and the SUV roared to life, kicking up dust as it sped away.

Clara stood frozen, her face unreadable. Diana timidly tugged her sleeve. "Auntie… what now?"

"Patience," Clara murmured, eyes narrowing. "As long as the old man doesn't budge, this wedding won't happen."