Chapter 191
"I won't make vows because I think they're hollow," Andrew Smith said, gripping Luna White's hand so tightly it made her wince. "How many men have broken their promises after swearing them? I'd rather show you with actions. From now on, you, Luna White, are my only wife and the mother of my children."
Luna leaned against his chest, breathing in the faint scent of tobacco on his clothes. For the first time, she realized a heartbeat could feel this steady.
"Luna," Andrew murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "That's what I'll call you from now on. Only me."
A loud growl interrupted the moment.
Luna flushed and looked up. "I'm hungry."
Andrew chuckled, ruffling her soft hair. "Let's eat."
Their eyes met, and the air between them seemed to shimmer with sweetness.
As the clinic door opened, Nurse Lily peeked out cautiously. Seeing Luna smiling brightly with Andrew's arm around her, she finally relaxed.
"Lily, join us for lunch," Luna offered.
Lily shook her lunchbox. "No need—I already grabbed mine." She wasn't about to play third wheel.
Andrew gave an approving nod. The girl had good sense.
"Who's that with Dr. White?" another nurse, Grace, whispered.
"Her fiancé!" Lily gushed. "He's a battalion commander—handsome and devoted. Dr. White hit the jackpot!"
Grace's expression dimmed. "Being a soldier's wife isn't easy..."
"I know," Lily sighed. "My brother's in the military. Without our parents helping, my sister-in-law struggles raising kids alone while farming. Dr. White will—"
"Food's getting cold," Grace cut in.
The cafeteria was nearly empty. Section Chief Xing nodded briefly at Luna before returning to his meal with the cooks. His attitude had cooled ever since learning she had "connections."
Luna led Andrew to the serving line, nodding awkwardly at the constant greetings from strangers.
"Seems you're quite popular," Andrew teased in a low voice.
Luna shot him a look. "It's because of you!"
His tall frame and military uniform drew attention wherever he went. Luna suddenly realized this would be her life now—always in the spotlight.
"Regrets?" Andrew breathed near her ear.
She shook her head, but whispers reached them:
"They say soldier's wives suffer..."
"My cousin married a company commander—she barely sees him..."
"Dr. White seems so delicate. How will she manage?"
Andrew's grip tightened. Luna tilted her head up with a sweet smile, mouthing, "I'm not afraid."
His eyes darkened. Abruptly, he pulled her toward the exit.
"No lunch?" Luna asked, startled.
"Let's eat at home," Andrew said roughly. "I want to hold you properly."
Her ears burned. She knew their future held more than just sweetness—there would be long separations and endless waiting. But for now, she only wanted to lose herself in the warmth of his arms.