The Wedding That Never Was Chapter 12

Five days later, at the entrance of Cedar-Sinai Medical Center.

“General Peterson, Major Vance.”

The soldiers standing guard at the hospital entrance saluted the two figures walking out.

General Peterson walked out slowly.

There were still unwiped tears on his dignified face. When he reached the door, he sighed and patted the shoulder of the man behind him.

“Since you insist, I won’t force Ilara to come with me. After all, you’re the one who saved her.”

“But you must treat her well. This child tells me nothing. I’m an old man and I didn't even know she was sick...”

Leo Vance, whose face usually wore a playful expression, was now completely serious. He stood straight and gave the General a standard salute.

“Yes, General. If I don’t take good care of her, I won’t have the face to see you again.”

“Forget it. I watched you grow up. I trust you... You’re due to retire at the end of this month, right?” General Peterson asked.

Leo nodded. “My family says they’re sending me to Europe for university for a few years. When Ilara wakes up, I’ll ask her where she wants to go.”

General Peterson looked at him, somewhat relieved, but sighed again thinking of Ilara lying inside, not yet out of danger.

He suddenly remembered the culprit who put his goddaughter in there. “Where is Adrian Hayes?”

Leo let out a cold laugh. “Still going crazy at the training ground. Don’t worry, I sent out the obituary just as you instructed.”

“From now on, he will never see Ilara again.”

“Adrian, why do you always follow me?”

Because I want to see you.

“Adrian, why did you bring me breakfast?”

Because I hope you can see me.

“Adrian, why buy this for me? It’s so beautiful...”

Because I want to make you happy.

“Adrian, why are you sleeping on the sofa?”

Because I’m afraid you’re really mad and won’t talk to me anymore.

...

“Adrian, why didn't you come yesterday?”

“Adrian, who is she?”

“Do you still love me...”

“Am I... a burden to you...”

“—Happy birthday. Let’s break up.”

Waking up from the dream again, Adrian was used to it.

Those laughing, sorrowful, angry faces.

All of them were Ilara.

The desperate Ilara, who made that last call to him but got no response.

At the barracks, the only messenger who knew their relationship looked at him with loathing.

But at least Ilara would come to see him in his dreams.

A fake smile hung on Adrian’s face. He pressed the ring on his ring finger, looked down, and hung up the phone that had been vibrating for ages.

The screen displaying “Mother” went dark.

After a while, his father called too. This time, he removed the phone battery, threw the phone in the room, and left.

He requested a month of leave. Seeing that he hadn't taken much time off in years, his superiors readily approved it.

They just asked for the reason before approving.

Adrian said, “To find my wife.”

The superior looked strangely at Sarah Jenkins walking in behind him. Their relationship was rumored throughout the base.

Adrian said, “My wife’s name is Ilara Vaughn. She is missing. I’m going to find her.”

Now, the superior’s look changed, but he said nothing more, silently watching him leave.

Leaving the office, Adrian felt a tug on his sleeve.

“Adrian... wait for me.”

He turned to see Sarah’s timid face. “Can you tell me what’s going on? Our engagement party... why did the venue say it was canceled?”

Adrian looked her over expressionlessly, his voice low and hoarse. “Miss Jenkins, our cooperation is over.”

Sarah’s face turned white, her speech stuttering. “What... what cooperation?”