Chapter 4

With the military and civilians united, the disaster was finally brought under control.

The situation in the disaster area stabilized, and the troops triumphantly returned.

Regina received official commendation from the military district for her outstanding performance.

"Regina Whitman risked her life to save the wounded, demonstrating the noble character of a revolutionary military doctor," the awarding officer declared.

His words echoed across the square.

Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd below.

Regina held a large bouquet and held the medal in her hand, beaming with pride and honor.

In her previous life, she could only look up to others' glory, but in this life, that honor and glory finally shone upon her.

After returning to the military hospital, Regina occasionally overheard nurses mentioning Matthew.

They were always talking about how close he was to Evelyn.

Whenever they saw Regina, they would immediately stop talking, and she just pretended not to notice.

In her previous life, no matter how hard she tried, Matthew was still left with lasting injuries.

His back throbbed painfully whenever it rained.

In this life, he bore the weight of a massive boulder to protect Evelyn, worsening his injuries.

Matthew was an exceptional officer.

In his previous life, it took him just twenty years to become the commander-in-chief of the military district.

He made tremendous contributions to the country and its people.

Thinking this, Regina headed to Matthew's ward.

Just as she raised her hand to knock, the voices inside made her hesitate.

"I heard Regina was commended for her work in the disaster area," Evelyn said, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"If I'd come back a few days later, maybe..."

"Don't dwell on it," Matthew said, his voice gentle but firm.

"You don't need a medal to prove yourself. Trust me, I'll make sure you stand taller and receive the glory that's truly yours."

Regina's fingers curled inward slightly.

They got together that fast?

Evelyn's voice carried a teasing pout. "You're just trying to sweet-talk me. That's a military district commendation..."

Matthew chuckled. "Want glory? Once I'm better, I'll go all out on the training ground and earn it for real. My wife will stand on the top podium, so everyone can see."

"Who says I'm your wife..." Evelyn's voice trailed off, shy and soft.

"Once I'm better, I'll marry you," Matthew said.

Regina felt she had come at the wrong moment. She slowly lowered her hand and turned to leave.

"Who's at the door?" Matthew's alert voice stopped Regina in her tracks.

She had no choice but to turn back and gently push open the slightly ajar door. "It's me, Regina."

The two inside looked at her, their expressions unreadable.

A brief flicker of discomfort crossed Evelyn's face before she quickly masked it.

Matthew furrowed his brow slightly, his tone cool and distant.

"Dr. Whitman, is there something I can help you with?"

He used to call her Gina, but now it was all "Dr. Whitman". Regina couldn't help but feel a little weird about it.

She didn't beat around the bush. "I came to check on your injuries. This time, they're unusual, especially the spinal and internal organ trauma. If not treated properly, it could leave hidden problems down the line. In the future..."

"Thanks for your concern," Matthew cut her off, his tone distant. "My injuries are healing well. Evelyn's medical skills are excellent. I trust her."

Regina pressed on, "Matthew, I'm not questioning Dr. Lynn's abilities. It's just that my family's traditional medical methods are more targeted for these kinds of internal injuries. Let me take a look. maybe I can..."

"Dr. Whitman," Matthew interrupted again, his frown deepening.

"I believe I've already made myself clear. I trust Evelyn. We're about to get engaged. To avoid any misunderstandings, please keep your distance. I don't want my fiancée to get the wrong idea and cause unnecessary trouble."

Regina was taken aback. She couldn't believe Matthew would say something like that.

Even if they weren't going to be together, they grew up in the same place and shared a childhood bond.

Was he really going to sever ties completely?

Matthew continued, "I know my own body. I trust my fiancée. If anything goes wrong, I'll bear the consequences myself."

His fiancée... He'd bear the consequences... But Regina was afraid he wouldn't be able to bear it.

Regina persisted, "Matthew, I came by because our families have been close for generations, and we grew up together. I have no other intentions. You know my family's traditional medical skills, especially when it comes to treating injuries..."

"There's no need to go to such lengths," Matthew interrupted again. "I've already said, I know my own situation. We grew up in the same place, and I've always regarded you as a friend, and that's all. If you have the time, Dr. Whitman, focus your efforts on other people. Evelyn is enough for me here."

Regina felt a heavy awkwardness.

She only wanted to make sure such an outstanding officer didn't end up with any hidden health issues, but he treated her like a nuisance and was quick to brush her off.

She looked at Matthew's resolute expression, then glanced at Evelyn standing silently beside him.

In the end, all her words faded into a bitter smile.

She said softly, "I understand. Sorry for interrupting you guys."

She turned and left, gently closing the door behind her.

As she rounded the corner of the hallway, she faintly caught Evelyn's worried voice coming from inside the ward.

"Matt, aren't you going too far with her? The whole military district's buzzing that she likes you."

Then came Matthew's calm, almost cold reply.

"Just because she likes me doesn't mean I have to like her too. You know I only have eyes for you. I'm doing this so she won't get any crazy ideas and end up making you upset."

Regina leaned against the cold wall, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

After two lifetimes, her heart still felt heavy.

Just because she likes me doesn't mean I have to like her too.

Crazy ideas... Making you upset...

Regina made up her mind that from now on, they might as well be strangers.

She had never denied that Matthew was a responsible and dependable man.

In their previous life, even though Matthew had feelings for Evelyn, after they got married, he buried those feelings deep down and spent his whole life devoted to her.

She never realized, not even until the day he died, that he had another woman in his heart.

So in this life, he rejected Regina so decisively, afraid she might cling to him and wanted to give Evelyn complete reassurance. Regina could understand that.

She understood that in their previous life, no one was really at fault. It was simply a matter of choices.

In this life, since Matthew had made his decision, all she could do was wish him happiness.