The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 46 LOVE HURTS

Screams and applause erupted from John's companions. They were also annoyed at the instructor's arrogance, but couldn't do anything about it since he seemed skilled in martial arts.

"Good! Prove it right here in front of me!" the instructor barked.

"What are the rules?" John asked firmly.

"Nothing! Just show what you've got!" the man replied confidently.

"Alright. That's on you—don't blame me." John shook his head and stepped forward.

Moments later, both men squared off. From the instructor's stance, John immediately noticed his lack of real fighting experience. John sighed, realizing he'd need to hold back—otherwise, the man might end up in the hospital.

When the fight began, John stuck to pure defense, showing control and composure. But the instructor didn't catch on and kept pressing forward with sloppy attacks.

"Fight back! You'll just get hurt if you stay defensive!" the man taunted.

"You said it." John replied, then delivered a swift kick to the chest that sent the man crashing down.

Without hesitation, John locked him into an arm bar until the instructor tapped out.

The entire room fell silent. No one could believe the so-called expert surrendered so quickly. Seconds later, the place erupted with applause.

From a corner, Sarah had watched everything. She was in awe—John clearly wasn't an ordinary man. Her heart raced, and for the first time, she truly felt something for him.

Not far away, Colonel Garcia observed with a smile. He saw potential in John—something that could be put to good use.

That evening....

John couldn't contain his joy. "I still can't believe you're my girlfriend now!"

Sarah laughed nervously. "Don't be so loud! Someone might hear you. Yes, I'm your girlfriend now."

At first, John only courted Sarah out of pride, but now he felt himself genuinely falling for her. He silently promised to love her sincerely.

Sarah, who had never been in a relationship before, only knew one thing: a man should treat his woman like a princess.

"Don't worry, my princess," John joked. "I'll serve you like a queen."

The two laughed and talked happily while holding hands. That night, John felt lighter, as if the shadows of the Love Nest shootout were finally fading.

The next day....

Colonel Garcia called him in.

"John, I want you to teach mixed martial arts to interested volunteers. You'll get an allowance for each session. What do you say?"

"That's perfect—I can earn while reviewing for the board exam! Who exactly will I teach?" John asked.

"Civilian volunteers and people like you—rescued victims of syndicates. I want to form a group that can eventually fight in professional MMA. Based on what I've seen, you fight like a pro."

They discussed the training plans and upcoming fights at length. Afterwards, John went straight to see Sarah, who welcomed him with excitement.

Days passed, and their relationship grew sweeter. Sarah's relatives disapproved, thinking John offered her no future, but Sarah loved him anyway. He might not buy her gifts, but he showered her with love and care.

"Sarah, you're lucky to have a boyfriend like him," her friend Grace said one afternoon.

"Why do you say that?" Sarah asked.

Because he treats you with so much patience. You're naturally dominant, but don't abuse his kindness. Men don't like being submissive, but some swallow their pride for love."

"If he really loves me, he'll accept all my flaws," Sarah said proudly.

"Maybe so," Grace warned, "but don't push him too far. Even the calmest man can lose patience. And John—well, even tanned from training, he's handsome enough that finding another girl wouldn't be hard."

That night, Sarah returned home. Her father was waiting in the living room.

"I hear you already have a boyfriend. You know I want an educated, respectable man for you. I also heard he fought an instructor?"

"He didn't pick the fight, Dad! He was challenged and defended himself. And he studied up to second year in college—he's kind and responsible." Sarah defended John.

"Then bring him here so we can meet him," her father said firmly.

The next day at Camp Castañeda......

Sarah congratulated a new friend.

"Yvette, you passed the PNPA entrance exam! After four years, you'll be a lieutenant!"

"Thank you, girl! My dream is finally coming true. My parents would've been so proud if they were still alive," Yvette said, her eyes clouded with sadness.

Sarah didn't press—she only knew Yvette's family had died in a car accident and that Colonel Garcia had taken her under his wing.

But Yvette suddenly asked, "By the way, you seem so inspired lately. What's going on?"

"I have a boyfriend now," Sarah said with a smile. "He's sweet and caring. He makes me feel like a princess, though my relatives don't approve since he didn't finish college."

"Good for you!" Yvette replied, though without much enthusiasm.

"You? Still no boyfriend? With your beauty, I can't believe that!" Sarah teased.

"It's true," Yvette sighed. "Many tried, but I only love one man. The problem is... he doesn't love me back."

Sarah's curiosity piqued. "Ouch, that's painful. Can I see his picture?"

Yvette smiled proudly and showed a photo of John back when his hair was long and his skin fair.

"Wow, he's so handsome, cool and sophisticated!" Sarah said, impressed but not recognizing him as her current boyfriend.

"Can I see yours?" Yvette asked.

Sarah showed a photo of John in his current look.

When Yvette saw it, her heart twisted in pain. It was the same John—the man she secretly loved. She forced a smile. "He's handsome too, just darker from training. Promise me, Sarah... love him honestly. Don't hurt him."

"Of course! I'll even introduce you sometime. He's too kind to me."

"Excuse me, I need to see Sir Garcia," Yvette said quickly, hiding her tears.

As soon as she walked away, tears streamed down her face. She loved John deeply, but she couldn't take him from her friend.

True love, she thought, means giving—even if it hurts.