Dear Soldier, Put Your Gun Down
Chapter 15 Doting Husband

Christopher reluctantly taught his daughter a lesson as Matt watched on while chatting lightly with Winona, held in his arms.

He eyed Winona up and down, his eyes shining with appreciation. Bending down, he whispered into her ear, "You're really beautiful. Makes me want to eat you up right here and now." Her cheeks turned red in embarrassment. The audacity of this guy, to be so shameless yet so upstanding in helping her.

She turned on her heels and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. "Consider this an interest."

Matt returned the kiss. "Alright, I'll get the rest once we go back."

Everyone was stunned. Was this the same stone-faced General Snider? Spoiling his woman to such a degree in front of everyone?

All the ladies couldn't help but want to scream, "Stop!"

This moment, Benjamin made his entrance, walking hesitantly into the room.

He strode to the front of Matt, paused and exchanged glances for a long while. The air seemed filled with animosity.

These two men had handsome features; Benjamin extruded an air of elegance; Matt had more of a commanding aura.

"Give her a break, will you? She's my wife after all."

Matt pursed his lips and smiled, "That depends on her."

At this moment, her face swollen from the beating, Sharon begged for mercy, "Okay, okay, it's my fault. I hired this woman to frame Winona." The crowd was in an uproar. People started to discuss among themselves as they sneaked glances at Winona.

"So the rumor that Miss Sharon stole her fiancé is true. How despicable."

"That's right. I actually pitied her at first; now I see she's quite the scheming bitch."

"How unfortunate for Mr. Benjamin. To have such a woman as his wife."

Sharon scowled. How dare they mock her now? Didn't they just praise her good fortune in marrying Benjamin? The audacity of these people!

Winona too! Who knew she managed to snag herself such a prize, General Snider of all people? She clenched her fists in resentment and vowed to be more careful next time.

However, right now, it was imperative that Benjamin salvage the situation. It wouldn't do for the Larson family's reputation to be tarnished any further, especially since she only married into the family a mere three days! Think about her reputation inside the household!

Sharon picked herself up and approached Winona tearfully. Extending her hand apologetically, she asked, "I hope you'll forgive me. We're sisters after all, right?"

Winona laughed as she held out her own hand. "Forgive you? Sure, provided you can take a hit."

Ignoring her sister's confusion, Winona slapped her with all her might.

"This is for stealing my fiancé."

When Winona laid eyes on Benjamin, she finally understood she had been tricked by the scheming duo, Elizabeth and Sharon. Had she not met Matt, the situation would have remained unsolved. The harsh reality was that these two did not see her as family.

Another slap hit Sharon's face.

"This is for the end of our relationship. You're not fit to be called my sister. Disgusting."

Sharon writhed in pain. She wanted to lash out, but was held in check by Matt's cold gaze.

Expecting another slap, she closed her eyes and braced herself for the pain. Unexpectedly, a stream of coolness poured down her head, the bruises stinging painfully - Winona poured an entire bottle of red wine down upon her.

Winona bent down towards Sharon's ear and hissed, her voice cold and icy. "Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you enjoy yourself, living the high life with Benjamin. I'll let you off just this once, for his sake, but if you ever dare to cross me again in the future, you'll regret it!"

Sharon blankly stared at her, barely suppressing a shudder in fear. When did that meek sister turn into a cold and vicious woman? It seemed both her mother and herself had underestimated Winona - they should have killed her eleven years ago.

Matt stretched out his hand and embraced Winona, nibbling at her ear as he spoke. "As expected, you're one hell of a woman."

Christopher observed their interactions and felt a tingle of regret. As the couple prepared to leave, he stepped forward to grasp Winona's arm. "Winona, how about one drink with your father? For old time's sake."

Matt's ice-cold eyes seemed to pierce daggers at the hand holding Winona's arm.

Sensing his anger, Christopher let go subconsciously. Just as he despaired of hearing an answer, Winona agreed with a simple, "Okay."

Matt furrowed his eyebrows slightly, but relented, respecting her wishes and guided the trio back into the banquet hall.

Christopher became jubilant and started prancing around like a clown as he went in circles around Matt.

Matt's face turned contemptuous. However, he did nothing, seemingly allowing the man to continue his antics.

Pouring red wine for the general, Christopher said with a straight face. "Now that we're a family, help me out and say a few words on my behalf to the President."

Matt raised his eyebrows. His tone indifferent, he said, "Oh? Didn't you hear my wife earlier? She just cut ties with Sharon, meaning she also cut ties with the Winston family. So where's the family connection between you and me?"

The smile on Christopher's face turned a little stiff, and so he shifted his attention to Winona. "That was very immature of you, cutting ties with your family. What were you thinking?" Winona smirked, "Dad, didn't you keep saying how you wanted to kick both Aileen and me from the family multiple times?"

If she hadn't been engaged to Benjamin, it was certain the two of them would be abandoned, cast out from the family.

Christopher's face turned red. He ignored the comment and laughed cheekily. "Oh come on, I didn't mean it. You're my daughter. I should be spoiling you, not casting you out," he cried out.

Winona smiled mirthlessly, then turned and left. The sight of her father's face sickened her, much to her disgust. Sometimes she wondered, was Christopher really her father? All her life, he had treated her merely as a pawn, without the slightest hint of paternal love.

She walked to the rooftop. A cool night breeze was blowing. Reveling in the moment, she thought back to the evening's events. The atmosphere downstairs was too depressing; the fake laughs and empty flattery made her want to vomit.

"Winona, do you hate me?"

A figure came into view. Seeing the handsome yet familiar face, Winona faintly smiled and said, "Benjamin Larson, congratulations on your engagement."