"Blair is so brave! Our leader's a lucky guy. If a girl proposed to me like that, I'd say yes in a heartbeat," a soldier cried.
Wesley silently stared at Blair, paying no attention to his men's enthusiastic discussions. She was dressed in an elaborate wedding gown.
Finally, he said gruffly, "I'm a soldier. My life belongs to the country, and I would die for my fellow citizens. But it's too dangerous to get involved. I don't want to put your life in danger too." He had been ready to shed blood for his country and people long before. His life was not his own.
Blair took in his meaning. She figured he was worried about getting her hurt or killed. With hopes in her heart, she shook her head. "I want to be with you. I'm not afraid! I'm an orphan, so they can't really go after my family." The moment she fell in love with him, she knew the risks. She already had an answer ready for that.
The Ji family members were her only close relatives now. Her uncle and aunt would take care of her grandpa, while her two cousins would take care of her uncle and aunt. They were a strong family. Blair didn't need to worry about anyone else. She could just stand at Wesley's side and share life and death with him.
Wesley could see the determination in the girl's eyes. She was serious. But he still tried to change her mind. "Think about your uncle and your cousins. They would still be in danger."
After a pause, Blair said honestly, "Well, my uncle is our biggest cheerleader. He's the matchmaker and I got his approval before coming here today."
So he finally had his suspicions confirmed. He knew it. They were conducting military exercises here. No cars were allowed to drive into the training area without permission from the higher ups.
Wesley had wanted to frighten her away by laying out what she might have to go through. But it didn't work on this brave girl. She was young and should have a bright and happy future.
However, there was no telling if he would come back safe and sound from the next dangerous mission. His future was unpredictable. With that in mind, Wesley refused bluntly, "No."
He was calm. He didn't raise his voice, but it was loud enough to be heard by everyone standing nearby. Everyone was stunned, including Blair.
She had chosen to do it this way. In front of everyone. It would be bold, and eye-catching. And since he seemed to like her, she figured that this would definitely work. He wouldn't be cruel and turn her down heartlessly. Even if he wanted to say no, he'd have to say yes, and then turn her down in private. Of course, it wouldn't work. She'd hold him to his word. He said yes, so she'd badger him till he finally broke down and decided to be with her.
But she hadn't anticipated this. Her plans failed. Or maybe she had been thinking too highly of herself. She wasn't that important to Wesley.
Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, Blair forced a smile and said, "This is a turning point, Wesley. It's now or never. If you say no, I'll turn another page in my life and try to forget you. If you say yes, I'll love you with all my heart and soul. Think carefully before you answer."
Wesley didn't answer, but instead turned to his men. His loud and powerful voice echoed around the training ground. "Ten-hut!"
The soldiers, who were watching the show curiously a few seconds ago, immediately returned to their serious selves, and lined up in orderly rows.
But a few of them still looked at Blair with compassion in their eyes.
"Everyone, listen up! Obstacle course! Whoever fails to get to the end will get a 5k run in full gear!" he ordered.
Blair looked at him, but his back was turned. She wanted to call out to him and ask him why he didn't love her. Wasn't she hot enough? Or just not his type?
But she never had the chance to confront him. He anxiously joined his men and ran off as the troops marched over to the obstacle course. Blair stood rooted to the spot, watching him running farther and farther away, as if he were being gradually erased from her mind.
Joslyn felt her heart ache for Blair. She hugged the sad girl tightly, hoping to give her a little comfort.
With her eyes reddened from tears, Joslyn cursed, "He's such a jerk. He needs his eyes checked. You're such an awesome chica and he still blows you off. I hate him! Forget him, okay? I'll introduce you to some guys who are worth your time."
The troops completely disappeared from sight. Blair shifted her eyes to Joslyn. She smiled and nodded, "Good idea! I'm young. I'm gorgeous. Why should I keep pursuing someone who doesn't want me?"
Joslyn carefully studied her face but couldn't find a trace of sadness. She was worried. "Bless, if you're sad, please just cry on my shoulder. You don't have to be strong for me. You can just be yourself."
However, Blair laughed out loud. She tore the physical exam into pieces as she said sarcastically, "Cry? Why should I cry over a guy who doesn't love me? There are a lot of fish in the sea. I'll hook one that doesn't want to be thrown back in. If Wesley doesn't want me, tough."
Joslyn frowned, knowing that her friend was just trying to be strong.
Then they returned to the white car and left. Everything returned to normal as if nothing had happened.
After going back to her apartment, Blair put the wedding gown and the ring in a big gift box, and threw it in the neighborhood garbage can.
After that, Joslyn kept busy—busy arranging blind dates for Blair. She introduced all kinds of rich single men to her, from age 18 to 30.
In the end, Blair chose a salary man in his late twenties. He worked in a company and had the freedom to leave the country whenever he wanted. He could come see her while she studied abroad. And the most important point was that he was very caring.
But soon after they began to date, his family pushed them to get engaged as soon as possible.
Blair wanted to hold off the engagement. She even had a good excuse—her studies abroad. But his family said that it didn't matter, and that it would be more convenient for their son to take care of her, if he became her fiance.
That was logic Blair couldn't argue with, so she agreed to get engaged to him.
Two weeks before she went abroad, Blair texted Wesley. "Mr. Li, I'm flying to England on the 10th, next month. Here's my ID number, so you can buy my ticket. Thank you."
Shortly, Blair received a message, detailing her flight information. Wesley must have put her email address on the reservation. The date was right, the 10th of next month, and it was a first class ticket.
The day before her departure, Blair came back to Hillside Apartments, along with her fiance. She was going to pack up her things and move out. She'd be out of the country for awhile, so she didn't need the apartment anymore.
After packing everything, they lugged two large suitcases out of the apartment. When Blair was about to lock the door, the elevator doors opened and a man emerged.
It was Wesley.
Blair's hands trembled a little when she saw him, but she managed to regain her composure quickly. He silently stared at her luggage. She took the initiative to greet him, "Hi, Mr. Li. Long time no see. I'm moving out. I'll be out of the country for awhile, but you knew that."
After a moment of silence, he nodded, and then gave a quick glance at the man behind her. Blair smiled and wrapped her arm around her fiance's. "Honey, this is my neighbor, Wesley Li." She looked at Wesley and continued, "Mr. Li, this is my fiance, Miller Hong. We just got engaged. I'm moving in with him until my flight leaves."
'This is my fiance, Miller Hong...'
Those words struck Wesley like a bolt of lightning. He stared intently at the woman, but she didn't seem perturbed in the least. He wanted to find out if she was joking or lying, but he couldn't detect anything from her face.
It hadn't been that long since she proposed to him, but she was already engaged to another man. That was beyond ridiculous. Why did she rush into marriage like that?
He then shifted his gaze to scrutinize her fiance. Miller Hong looked very ordinary and about ten years older than Blair. Wesley wondered what her uncle had to say about this. Or if he even knew.
His mind was filled with a lot of questions that stung his heart like bees. Yet, he acted nonchalant and shook hands with Miller Hong politely.
Miller Hong looked at Wesley's military outfit. "Mr. Li, thank you for taking care of my fiancee for me," he said unctuously. "We should get going now."