Chapter 14 Preston kept insisting he was fine, but his face grew paler with each cough. I helped him inside to find a doctor, suddenly thrown back to that day years ago. When a bullet had torn through his liver at that distant border, and he was sent home. Half a month unconscious, his vitality drained away. Despite multiple critical condition notices, he'd miraculously pulled through. But the doctors had been clear: "His body will never be like other people's again." "Keep him from cold, from overexertion. Just rest as much as possible." "That way... he might have a few more years." So many years had passed. I'd almost forgotten that fear. But in this moment, panic flooded back. As I helped Preston inside, we passed Carter and Vanessa heading out. Somehow they were still here after all this time. Carter's gaze remained fixed on me. Even when Vanessa said something to him repeatedly, he seemed not to notice. As we passed each other, he suddenly grabbed my arm, urgently calling out: 'Eleanor, I need to talk to you." But I had no patience for him right now. I yanked my arm free and continued helping Preston inside to find a doctor. Behind us, I could feel his anxious gaze following. I found a doctor to examine Preston, and General Miller rushed over, his face grim. The doctor looked serious: "This is an old condition, isn't it? How many years now?" General Miller explained Preston's situation, then followed the doctor to his office alone. Preston and I sat in the hallway waiting. My eyes burned with worry, my hands ice cold-whether from the snowball or from fear, I couldn't tell. 21.00 Chapter 14 That memory from years ago-the multiple critical condition notices as he came out of surgery-still gave me that suffocating despair in my nightmares. Preston's rough palm covered my freezing hand. I could feel the calluses on his thumb, making my throat tighten even more. "It's just the cold air," he said gently. "Made me cough a little." "Eleanor, don't overthink it." "All these years... I've been fine, haven't I?" My eyes red, I turned to look at him, my voice raw: "Can't you leave the Army? Please?" Preston kept holding my hand. He lowered his eyes and remained silent for a long time. Military training was intensely physical, and his character wouldn't allow him to slack off. But his body couldn't handle excessive strain ever since that bullet seven years ago. Still, he refused to leave the Army. Others might not understand, but I did. It was his anchor. After his parents' sudden deaths, following in their footsteps was the only way he could bear the pain. When we left the hospital, the car was waiting outside. Across the street, a vendor was selling hot pretzels. General Miller, his eyes reddened, suddenly insisted on taking me over to buy some, telling Preston to wait in the car. Once we crossed the street, he spoke in a low, trembling voice: 'Eleanor, please convince Preston to retire from the Army." The snow continued to fall endlessly from the sky. This year, Boston's snow seemed particularly persistent. I stared blankly upward and said softly: "I've tried. He can't do it." General Miller sighed deeply: "His parents went too early." "Does he have to follow them to-" "NO!" My heart lurched as I cut him off sharply. With desperate conviction, I looked at General Miller: "Preston is going to live to be a hundred!" General Miller, always such a stoic man, had tears in his eyes. He placed a hand on my shoulder, emotions churning in his gaze. But he simply nodded: "Yes. Just as you say, Eleanor." In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.