Chapter 38: Elena Ward's Voice Rang Out Clear and Sharp

"I won't marry him!" Elena Ward's voice rang out clear and sharp, cutting through the murmuring crowd like a blade. "When my parents died four years ago, I was only fourteen. Did anyone in this village ever see these so-called in-laws? Now that they've heard I got into university, they suddenly show up to claim me. I refuse this arrangement!"

She stood tall in the center of the courtyard, sunlight dancing across her defiant features. The gathered villagers whispered among themselves, many nodding in agreement.

"The girl has a point," muttered Aunt Elizabeth Ward under her breath. "Disappearing for four years and only coming back now—clearly, they just want a university-educated daughter-in-law."

Agnes Ward's beady eyes narrowed as she screeched, "What do you know, you little brat? The whole village saw you being held by a man at the reservoir! You should be grateful anyone would take you now, yet here you are, acting picky!"

Her words doused the crowd like cold water. Several young wives covered their mouths, their eyes darting toward Elena.

"That's right..." one of them tugged at her husband's sleeve. "When Instructor Stone gave her mouth-to-mouth, the scene was..."

Elena clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Before she could respond, Helen Reed, the mayor's wife, pushed forward. "Auntie, that’s unfair. If you hadn’t pushed Elena into the water, none of this would’ve happened. Now you’re blaming her? How cruel can you be?"

The crowd erupted. Some recalled Agnes Ward shoving Elena that day and began pointing fingers.

Agnes Ward’s face flushed, but she jutted out her chin defiantly. "I did it for her own good! Do you really think a high-ranking officer like Instructor Stone would want her? Don’t be ridiculous!"

"Who says I don’t?"

A deep, steady voice cut through from the back of the crowd. Everyone turned to see Adrian Stone striding forward in his crisp military uniform, his insignia gleaming under the sun.

Elena’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected Adrian to be here—let alone to...

"Instructor Stone, this doesn’t concern you," she said quickly, stepping forward. "You saved me out of kindness. I won’t drag you into this."

Adrian’s gaze burned into hers before he smiled. "Elena Ward, I stand by my actions." Turning to the crowd, he declared firmly, "If my rescue has harmed Elena’s reputation, then I take responsibility."

The villagers gaped. Some young girls stomped their feet in envy, while Agnes Ward’s face turned ashen.

"Mayor," Adrian saluted Martin Reed sharply, "I’ll submit a marriage report to my superiors. From today onward, anyone who dares speak ill of Elena—" His sharp glare landed on Agnes Ward, "—answers to me."

Elena’s ears burned. Her heart pounded as she stared at Adrian’s resolute profile. This sudden turn of events left her both stunned and elated.

Agnes Ward opened her mouth but ultimately slunk away, defeated. Adrian’s words, like a stone cast into still waters, sent ripples through the small mountain village.