The Loyal Puppet: A Love Built on Lies novel Chapter 18

"Dammit, I'm worried you'll end up making things worse."

"Why do you even care?"

Chloe shot back, her tone sharp.

Mason's eyes slightly widened, and he let out a cold scoff.

"It's not about me, but it's a matter of national pride."

"A peacekeeping medic drinks herself into oblivion? That's a bad look for the whole mission."

See, that's Mason—always with his sharp tongue.

Chloe wasn't in the mood to argue, so she just let it slide.

The next day, word came that there was an armed conflict in a nearby village.

Many kids were injured, and Chloe didn't hesitate—she ran straight into the chaos.

Mason watched as Chloe moved through the scene.

She wasn't the same gentle Chloe anymore.

She was braver than he had ever imagined.

As Chloe was helping a little girl, a gunshot rang out in her direction.

Mason was about to rush to her side, but Lucas got there first.

That's how Lucas ended up getting shot in the leg.

"The medical conditions here are limited."

"You should go back home for proper treatment."

"This bullet's in a tricky spot."

"If it's not treated right, you might lose the use of your leg," the doctor advised.

But Lucas insisted it was fine, saying he knew Chloe didn't want to go back to the States.

After a long silence, Chloe stood up, her voice low, "Let's go back."

So, Mason, Chloe, and Lucas all headed back.

At the hospital, Mason watched as Chloe meticulously cared for Lucas.

He suddenly felt so out of place.

He was consumed with jealousy over Lucas, but he had no real reason to stay in Chloe's life.

The doctor said Lucas's injury was so severe, he might need a cane for the rest of his life.

Chloe found herself in a corner of the hospital, unsure of how to make up for what had happened to Lucas.

Even though Lucas kept telling her it wasn't her fault, that being in the peacekeeping mission meant accepting risks.

"Lucas, do you really like me?"

Chloe asked, sitting by his bedside.

Lucas blinked, gently holding her hand. "Yeah."

"Then let's be together," Chloe said, looking into his eyes.

Lucas stared at her for a long moment before pulling her into an embrace.

Even though he knew she was probably just feeling guilty over his injury, he couldn't push her away.

But then, thinking about his leg, he hesitated.

"Chloe, my leg..."

"I don't mind..."

Chloe cut him off, stopping him from speaking further.

Tears welled in Lucas's eyes as he held her tightly.

Outside the door, Mason leaned against the wall, hearing everything, powerless.

He slid down to the floor.

That night, when Chloe went back to her apartment to pack, Mason followed her.