Dear Soldier, Put Your Gun Down novel Chapter 34

The president narrowed his eyes at Matt. “You watch your tone, soldier! Don’t forget who promoted you to general in the first place!”

A trace of disappointment flashed in Matt’s eyes. He knew the score – he owned his military career to the man in front of him.

Nonetheless, Matt locked eyes with the president, his gaze steady without fear as he said, “With that said, my achievements are my own – I put my life on the line for it, bled for it. If you’re talking about obligations, don’t forget who supported you in the first place and took a bullet for you too.”

As he spoke, Matt suddenly ripped open his uniform, revealing the hideous scars on his shoulder.

It made the president recall the past. He looked at the young man in front of him, full of vigor and energy – from the day they met, they instantly became friends and stood by each other through thick and thin.

“Matt, the quadrennial general election is just around the corner. Both Andrew Larson and Phillip Johnson may become my opponents, while that Christopher Winston is privately hedging his bet on the both of them. I will deal with him sooner or later - without compromising you in the process of course.”

“Winona may be part of the Winston family, but she has cut ties with them. Don’t worry; I have the situation under control.”

The president got up and prepared to leave. “Good. Remember your promise. You’re my best right-hand man; I don’t want to lose you.”

“By the way, you’re satisfied with the gift I sent you, aren’t you?”

“Yes, with this evidence, I can impeach Larson in Parliament. Just wait for my good news,” he chuckled.

Privately, he could not comprehend how the father and son could harbor such hatred for each other, but this outcome was exactly what he wanted as it made making the next move easier.

After that, Matt stayed in the barracks for an entire week. Without his presence at home, Winona felt empty, a hole filling her heart with loneliness.

She went and located the mental health clinic according to the address Matt had given her, bringing Aileen along. The doctors were professional and the environment was great. Aileen liked it.

Winona showed her a photo of the beautiful physician in charge. Looking at it, she pointed at the woman’s features, noting her sparkling eyes and comely face.

“Wow, looks like Aileen likes beautiful women.”

“You two have the same eyes.”

Winona scrutinized the photo closely, noting the psychologist’s name ‘Dr. Lilian Tucker’, and saw that the eyebrows bear some resemblance.

“I see. So Aileen wants to see me every day. I promise I’ll come and see me every weekend, okay?”

Aileen nodded happily.

Winona hugged her in a tight embrace and stroked her hair. “Get well soon, Aileen.”

Afterwards, she made arrangements for Aileen. When she was about to pay, the nurse smiled. “General Snider already paid for the treatment for up to 5 years,” she explained.

Winona’s heart filled with gratitude. Matt always thought about everything.

As she walked to the door, she saw a familiar figure. Thinner in frame, the eyes sunken and lifeless, Sharon looked like a ghost. Her hair was disheveled and a scar ran across her face.

She slowly raised her head and locked eyes with Winona. A trace of anger flashed in those sunken eyes, but quickly dimmed just as fast.