Chapter 1188:

Shaking his head with a wry grin, Peyton turned and headed back downstairs, his expression composed and calm. After all, with Elyse safely out of reach, he might as well pay a visit to the other leading lady of tonight’s misadventure. He’d heard Amanda had not only failed in her mission but had also managed to knock herself out in the process. Now that was worth a laugh, and Peyton wasn’t about to miss the comedy.

Upon Peyton’s arrival at the ward, he noticed several patients asleep alongside Amanda. Performing his medical responsibilities, he checked each patient, verifying that all exhibited only external injuries before approaching Amanda.

Amanda was stretched out on the bed, her eyes sealed shut. Peyton retrieved her medical chart from beside her bed and read through it. The chart indicated a blow to the back of her head. Carefully, Peyton probed the pronounced bump on Amanda’s head, confirming its substantial size. With a hint of humor, he remarked, “Wow! That was quite a blow. Impossible to miss.” Releasing the bump, Peyton quipped, “So much for your haughtiness, eh? Looking down on battlefield doctors who brave one war zone after another.” Amanda remained unaware as Peyton whispered mocking words right beside her, completely unnoticed. After hurling a few more insults at Amanda, Peyton walked away to seek entertainment elsewhere, paying her no mind.

By nine o’clock that evening, Amanda groggily awoke. Attempting to sit up, she was halted by a sharp pain in her head. Bracing herself against the bed, she managed to rise. Observing her surroundings, she realized she was in the base’s medical ward. She reached back and felt a significant bump. “Ouch! That’s a serious bump,” she exclaimed, wincing at the sharp pang of pain.

Just then, a man sporting a buzz cut entered. Noticing Amanda was conscious, he quickly approached and inquired, “Amanda, you’re finally awake. How do you feel?”

Amanda voiced her discomfort. “It hurts a lot. There’s a huge lump on my head. I’m scared to even move.” Suddenly recalling, she questioned, “Where’s Jayden? And Elyse, where could she be? Hardy, do you know? Tell me!”

Hardy Meyer, rubbing his prickly short hair, replied, “I heard they both returned to their room and haven’t left since, not even for dinner. By the way, are you hungry? I kept some rations for you. I can fetch them if you want.”

“I’m not in the mood to eat,” Amanda replied, her heart sinking upon hearing that. How could Jayden stay in a room with Elyse? Wasn’t he aware of her feelings? How could he be so inconsiderate of her emotions? With this thought, Amanda experienced a heartache and, with a pained look, expressed, “Hardy, you just don’t get it. Seeing the person you care about with someone else is excruciating. It’s painful even to breathe.”

Hardy looked troubled. “But Jayden never said he had feelings for you, did he? He’s always pushed you away, right? Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. I think Elyse is even prettier.”

Amanda’s expression darkened instantly. Staring angrily at Hardy, Amanda retorted, “You think Elyse is better than me and more appropriate for Jayden? Are you really my friend? How can you say that to me?”

Hardy exhaled deeply. “But it’s the reality. Everyone believes you’re not suited for Jayden. With Elyse around, they see her as a better fit for him.” . . .