CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 131 STRONG DEEP LOVE (6)_1

Let’s just take things one step at a time.

As long as he had the ability, he would always protect her, even if it meant facing criticism from the entire family.

In the infirmary, Ruby Bluen clutched her stomach, a hint of paleness on her face.

Emma Wright, fulfilling her duties as a doctor, questioned Ruby Bluen carefully. She chose not to prescribe painkillers, instead advising Ruby to return to her room and rest, assuring her she would feel better. The sudden stomach pain was due to rushing around immediately after her meal; it would subside with proper rest.

"Tiffany, help Ruby back to her room so she can rest," Emma Wright instructed Tiffany Alvarez while washing her hands with warm water.

"Okay." Tiffany Alvarez responded, helping Ruby Bluen to her feet and out of the infirmary. Other soldiers approached, concerned, but were relieved to learn that Ruby Bluen’s issue wasn’t serious. They noted that even though Emma Wright and Tiffany Alvarez saw Ruby as a rival in love, they didn’t let it affect their care for her, still fulfilling their duties as "angels in white." This professionalism made everyone develop a greater fondness for the two new female comrades.

With Tiffany Alvarez’s support, Ruby Bluen returned to the dormitory building, went upstairs, and entered Marcel Horne’s single room.

"You’ll be fine after some rest," Tiffany Alvarez said, helping Ruby Bluen sit on the bed. She then helped her lie down, covered her with a blanket, and after a few words of concern, she left.

Once alone in the room, Ruby Bluen couldn’t help but lightly pat her stomach, scolding herself. It’s all your fault, why did you have to act up then? she thought. My constitution already seems weaker than my two rivals, and now this disobedient stomach means I can’t even go for a walk with Marcel Horne.

Outside, the wind howled and the snow fell heavily, but being with Marcel Horne would make it feel like a sunny day, warming her heart.

Now that I’m lying here resting, will Emma Wright and Tiffany Alvarez go after Marcel Horne?

The more Ruby Bluen thought about it, the more anxious she became. I’ve traveled so far, disregarding everything to follow Marcel Horne here. If someone else snatches him away in the end, I’ll be devastated!

The more anxious she grew, the worse her stomach ached, and her face turned another shade paler.

"Marcel Horne, if you dare to be with them, just you try it! I’ll make sure you become mine, and mine alone," Ruby Bluen muttered, her tone surprisingly domineering. Her words caused the tall figure standing outside her door to startle; he probably hadn’t expected her to say such a thing.

After his initial astonishment, a faint, playful smile touched his cool lips.

"Ugh, this damn stomach, it’s killing me! You big iceberg, you damn iceberg! My stomach hurts, and you won’t even come back to check on me? Big iceberg, damn iceberg, you don’t care about me at all..." Ruby Bluen continued to mumble, her complaints echoing softly in the room.

Marcel Horne stood outside the room, catching every word of her muttering. The sharp coldness in his eyes gradually softened, replaced by a gentler expression.

There was a time when he, too, had openly shown his complete care for her.

But after she suddenly became his elder brother’s girlfriend, he had stopped showing that concern.

He knew his elder brother’s affection for her was even deeper than his own.

His elder brother?

The thought of Glades Horne brought their mother’s furious words from earlier rushing back to him.

The gentleness on his face slowly receded.

He continued to stand before the door, neither pushing it open to enter nor turning to leave. He listened quietly to Ruby Bluen’s soliloquy until the room fell silent. Only then did he push the door open and step inside.

Ruby Bluen lay in bed, covered with a thick quilt. Warmed by it, she had unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

With her asleep, the room was very quiet, the only sound the harsh wind howling outside like wailing ghosts. The space heater was something Marcel Horne had secretly bought after Ruby Bluen arrived. Though not very large, and certainly not comparable to the central heating in their family home, it served its purpose. At least this single room wasn’t as frigid as the outdoors. Tucked under the thick quilt, she felt much warmer.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Marcel Horne gazed at the lovely, round face etched into his heart. He irresistibly extended his large, sturdy hand, letting it rest gently on her cheek. He didn’t dare stroke it, afraid of waking Ruby Bluen. Perhaps she hasn’t been sleeping well because of Emma Wright and Tiffany Alvarez’s arrival, he thought, noticing the faint dark circles under her eyes. It’s a reminder that I’m to blame for this, since I was the one who requested their transfer.

He had clearly intended to use those two to drive her away. Yet, seeing her genuinely worried and upset, his own heart ached. No man in this world would willingly hurt the woman he loves most.

His fingers brushed her cheek before his hand moved to her hair, splayed across the pillow. Her strands were incredibly soft, like stroking smooth silk. He had often seen his elder brother lovingly stroke her hair. Each time, she would blush shyly and pull her hair away, not letting his brother continue the caress.

A pang of bitterness rose in his heart, but he could only look away, pretending he hadn’t seen anything.

She said the one she loved was me... So why did she become my elder brother’s girlfriend? Why did she even set a wedding date with him?

What exactly happened between her and my elder brother back then to make them a couple?

At that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open.

"Commander Horne... I’m sorry to intrude." The person who entered was Emma Wright. Her delicate face instantly flushed red with embarrassment, and she quickly stepped back out of the room, though she didn’t close the door, merely turning her back.

Marcel Horne composed himself, rising unhurriedly, his expression as calm as if nothing had happened. He cast one last deep look at Ruby Bluen, then bent slightly to adjust her blanket before turning towards the door. After stepping out, he smoothly closed the door behind him. He looked at Emma Wright, his gaze cool, but his tone was amiable enough as he asked, "Is there something you need?"