The final deadline for the UN peacekeeping personnel rotation was approaching.

But to my shock, my name was listed on the Saudi Arabia deployment roster.

The one who made this call was my direct superior, Edgar Moreau—my husband, the man I'd been secretly married to for five years!

A chill swept through me as I nearly staggered into his office.

"Scared you, huh? Annie was just messing with you," he said.

"It's nothing serious. You can just file a request to change it later."

His secretary, Annette Dibble, arched an eyebrow in smug satisfaction, clearly waiting for me to lose my temper.

But I just glanced at them, turned, and left in silence.

If sending me into a hellhole could be brushed off as a joke, then there was no point in arguing any further.

I folded my bulletproof vest and uniform, carefully hung up my special forces name tag, and marched toward the front lines without looking back.

But Edgar lost his mind.

"I told you to change it, and you didn't? You could die out there!"

"That's none of your concern."

...

Seeing the name "Beatrice Rinehart" on the paperwork, I froze, my mouth half-open, words caught in my throat.

My teammates noticed, and the whole barracks erupted.

"What the hell?! Only Sergeant Rinehart is being sent to the Saudi front?"

"I thought our whole company was supposed to go home this year. How did this happen?"

They looked at me with sympathy, unsure how to comfort me.

Jenna Fraser, who slept in the bunk above mine, clenched her teeth in anger and punched the bedframe.

"Those higher-ups never keep their promises! They said Sergeant Rinehart would go home and get promoted, and now they're just sending her to die!"

I finally snapped out of it, throat tight, unable to say a word.

The whole company knew how hard I'd worked to get this transfer back home.

But what they didn't know was that it was all so Edgar and I could have a real life together—one we didn't have to hide.

Now, this roster hit me like a meteor, shattering every last ounce of hope I'd clung to.

"There's still a chance—the paperwork hasn't been stamped yet!"

Jenna slapped my shoulder suddenly, lowering her voice.

"You and Eddie are close, right? Go talk to him.

"Deploying to Saudi Arabia is no small matter—those shells don't care who you are!"

Steeling myself, I grabbed the paperwork and headed for Edgar's office.

I pushed open the door to find Annette practically glued to him, gesturing at the computer with exaggerated importance.

"What's going on with this transfer order?" I asked.

He looked up lazily, a smirk playing on his lips. "Scared you, huh? Annette was just messing with you. She wanted to see if the brave Sergeant Rinehart would be rattled.

"It's not finalized. Just file for a change later."

My fists clenched tighter, nearly crumpling the roster into a ball.

"Messing with me? You think this is just a joke?"

Edgar sensed the bitterness in my voice, his brows knitting together.

"What else would it be? You want to accuse Annie of something?"

I hurled the wad of paper at the wall behind them, finally unable to hold back my anger.

"If I hadn't noticed, would I have ended up on a transport to Saudi Arabia, completely in the dark?

"This is an abuse of power. If I report her, she could be hauled before a military tribunal!"

Edgar scoffed, the chill in his eyes cutting straight to my core.

"Are you really that clueless? You'd report Annie over something so trivial?

"Quit acting like a child. And stop going after Annie!"

He moved to shield the wounded-looking Annette behind him, slamming his laptop shut.

"She started out as my secretary, and after all these years by my side, she's one of us.

"You go after your own people out of jealousy? Beatrice, what has gotten into you?"

The office grew tense, and a deep disappointment settled into me.

I forced a bitter smile and said nothing more.

When I first joined the special forces, Edgar was my direct superior.

Later, we fell in love and got married, and I was no longer just his subordinate—I was his wife.

Once, during training, I collapsed from exhaustion. When I came to, he was at my bedside, working while keeping an eye on my IV.

During a mission, I charged alone through gunfire deep into enemy territory.

Over the radio, he said, his voice trembling, "Trixie, come back alive, and we'll get married!"

Five years of love, with all its challenges, were meant to culminate in happiness once we came home this year.

But now, the coldness in his eyes and the crumpled paper on the floor told me it was time to let go.

Five years of marriage was just a joke after all.

A loud bang sounded.

I lowered my handgun slowly, staring at the pitiful score on the target.

My mind was a mess, and naturally, my aim was off.

I reloaded, ready to keep training, when someone called from behind me.

It was Annette.

She leaned against the wall, a broad smile on her face, pride glinting in her eyes.

"Sergeant Rinehart, practicing, huh?

"I wanted to ask—about the invitation for tonight's UN gala. Mind if I go with Eddie?"

She tried to sound reluctant, but the satisfaction in her gaze was anything but hidden.

"People love to dance at these parties. Eddie doesn't have a date, so I guess it's up to me."

Ever since Annette became Edgar's secretary, I'd seen this scene play out countless times.

She played the part of the diligent assistant, always acting helpless about how much she relied on Edgar.

But she was desperate for me to notice just how pleased she was with herself.

I fired another shot, making her legs tremble.

I sighed.

I couldn't figure out Edgar, and I couldn't fathom what he saw in someone like her.

She had nothing but a sweet tongue and a mind full of schemes.

I remembered when Annette first started—scatterbrained and even lost some of Edgar's important documents.

She was nearly kicked off the team.

Edgar complained to me more than once about how useless she was, swearing he'd fire her sooner or later.

I was the one who convinced him to give the rookie another chance, and that's the only reason she stayed.

But instead of improving her skills, she'd put all her effort into undermining me.

A cup of warm milk at night, pancakes and orange juice in the morning—little by little, she quietly took over my place.

Rumors in the unit spread—Edgar was falling for her.

Every time someone whispered those stories around me, it felt like an icicle stabbed through my heart.

But I didn't even have a reason to shut them up.

As the boss, Edgar never bothered to address the gossip. He'd just pat my shoulder.

"Everyone's under pressure. Let them talk if they want.

"We know in our hearts who we love, and that's what matters."

Gunshots echoed around me.

But did he really know?

I looked at Annette's pale, frightened face with a hint of sarcasm, then turned to leave, only to run right into Edgar hurrying toward us.

"What are you doing here? Where's Annette?"

Before I could answer, Annette darted out from behind me.

"Eddie, I came to ask Sergeant Rinehart's opinion.

"She seems upset—she keeps firing her gun."

Edgar's eyes narrowed, and he grabbed her hands, nervous.

"She was shooting? Did she hurt you? Where was she aiming?"

His hands were shaking, completely forgetting that the range keeps all guns locked in a safe direction—you can't aim at anyone.

By the time he realized, I was already outside.

"Beatrice, was that really necessary?

"Annie thought of your feelings and came to let you know. If you're not grateful, fine, but why scare her?

"Still hung up on that joke? Isn't it over?"

He looked at my back, annoyed, all the while soothing Annette.

The way he spoke, it was like I was the unreasonable third wheel, the outdated relic who just didn't get it.

If they want to keep up this charade, let them—I'm done playing along!

I let out a cold laugh.

"Thought about my feelings? If she really cared, she wouldn't be glued to you every minute, fussing over you, bringing you beverages.

"She wouldn't be putting on her little act in front of the whole unit, flirting and showing off.

"She keeps pulling these cheap tricks—does she really think she's not making everyone sick?"

Annette twisted her hands, trembling with every word I said.

In the end, her tears even dripped onto Edgar's collar.

His face darkened instantly.

"Beatrice, when did you turn into such a shrew?"

He wrapped his arms around her, mocking me with a "sudden realization."

"I get it now—jealousy really does make people ugly."

My heart skipped a beat.

I never imagined he would humiliate me like this.

Annette could get away with skipping every drill, just trailing after Edgar like a shadow.

She could flaunt her devotion to him and bask in his favoritism.

But I would never envy her—because I understood the weight of responsibility that came with being a soldier.

I always thought Edgar understood that, too.

But now I realized he'd grown tired of our cold, secret marriage and had completely lost himself in Annette's softness.

His heart had already turned to her.

"All right, Annette isn't as petty as you. Just apologize and let's move on."

The sheer absurdity of his words snuffed out my anger.

I lowered my gaze, tossed out a reply, and turned to leave.

"Not a chance."

Edgar saw the ice in my eyes, and for once, his expression faltered.

He stepped forward and grabbed my hand.

"Don't make a scene."

But I didn't back down like I used to. I didn't even look back.

Not even the angry stomping and muffled sobs behind me slowed my stride.

It was time to pack.

The clock on the dorm wall ticked relentlessly as I stared at my name tag, lost in thought.

Just one more night—then I'd be heading off to that war-torn, unfamiliar country.

But I felt no urge to request any changes.

I pulled out my military-issued phone and searched "Saudi Arabia."

No need for keywords—the top ten headlines were all human tragedies born of war.

My fingers trembled as I clicked through each trending story.

In one photo, a little girl's desperate eyes stared out from the rubble, stabbing straight into my heart.

I sat in silence for a long moment, then stuffed my uniform and body armor into my suitcase.

Leaving Edgar didn't seem so terrifying after all.

Compared to all this, there were more important things waiting for me.

I had just finished packing when Jenna burst through the door in a panic.

"Sergeant Rinehart, Eddie and Annette are hooking up!"

My heart clenched, but I didn't say a word.

Jenna, sweating and frantic, yanked me to my feet.

"What are you doing just sitting here? Damn it, he's your husband! You're just going to let this slide?"

I wasn't surprised she knew the truth—she was my closest friend and had seen all the signs.

Even though I'd already resolved to let go, I couldn't resist Jenna's good intentions.

If that's how it is, then I'll witness his betrayal for myself—one last time.

At the UN gala, smooth jazz floated through the hall.

Annette clung tightly to Edgar's arm, weaving through clusters of executives and dignitaries.

Under the lights, their faces were locked in a tender gaze, the air around them thick with suggestion.

"Who knew Annie could dance like that?"

"Honestly, I never thought they'd be so in sync."

"Eddie's been single for years—maybe it's time he thought about his own happiness. That secretary seems perfect."

The atmosphere grew more and more charged, eyes from every corner nudging them closer together.

As the music reached its peak, Annette's skirt swept gracefully through the air before she melted into Edgar's arms.

"Eddie, I..."

Her eyes brimmed with longing as she leaned toward his lips, the space between them humming with tension.

But Edgar suddenly frowned, letting go of her hand and scanning the crowd.

Annette's face went white in an instant.

She knew exactly who he was looking for.

Our unit was handling security for the event, and right then, Jenna dragged me through the main doors.

Edgar rushed over immediately.

"Finally! Where have you been?

"I admit I lost my cool this afternoon, but you can't just drop everything like a kid.

"Come on, apologize to Annette, and things will go back to normal."

I pressed my lips together, pulling myself out of the trance their dance had put me in.

"You know my personality.

"I won't back down. Not a chance."

His patience snapped all at once, and he pulled Annette closer.

"Fine, then watch this with your own eyes!"

Everyone in the room turned, drawn by the sudden commotion.

Annette's knees nearly buckled as she spoke in a trembling, wounded voice.

"Eddie, I just got caught up in the moment, I couldn't help myself..."

But Edgar pulled her into his arms, hands gripping her waist with possessive force.

"No one blames you. Let's pick up where we left off."

Amid laughter and applause, he kissed her deeply and passionately.

Several senior officers shook their heads, chuckling and chatting among themselves.

Watching it all unfold, my breath caught—I couldn't move for a long moment.

Finally, I dragged Jenna away.

It had been ages since I'd been to the front lines. There was still so much I needed to prepare.

My already sparse contact with Edgar vanished completely.

After the party, that was the last time he spoke to me.

"Did you change your transfer? It's finalized tomorrow."

"What if I didn't?"

His face darkened, but he still crossed his arms with that arrogant confidence.

"Still stubborn, huh? Are you really going to risk your life in Saudi Arabia just to spite me?

"I know you can't let me go. You can't let go of our future.

"If you just swallow your pride and apologize to Annette, we'll have the wedding as soon as we get back. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

I ignored him and walked away.

Empty promises—I had no use for them.

After bouncing from place to place, I finally boarded the troop transport headed for Saudi Arabia.

Unfortunately, right before departure, I caught sight of a familiar figure at the mobilization rally.

"To all American service members, we're honored to welcome your UN liaison, Mr. Moreau, to give you a pre-deployment address!

"Let's give him a big round of applause!"

I couldn't believe it—the same man who said going to Saudi Arabia was suicide had the nerve to show up and give a pep talk.

Saying nothing, I stood there, playing along with the farce.

Military life hadn't dulled Edgar's natural charm; if anything, it had given him more presence.

Plenty of young women in the unit saw him as the man of their dreams. In this moment, with everyone's fate up in the air, his allure only grew.

For a moment, the applause was thunderous—even a few wolf whistles echoed, something you'd never hear in the military on any other day.

I clapped stiffly, watching him stride up to the podium.

Annette trailed behind him as always, matching his every step.

The sight sparked a flurry of whispers.

"Who's that? Captain Moreau's wife?"

"Maybe his secretary, but they're way too close. Something's definitely going on."

"My dream guy! My heart's broken!"

My gaze stayed calm, but my hands clapped harder and harder.

After the long speech, it was time for the soldiers to speak.

A young woman took the microphone, her face flushed.

"Captain Moreau, do you have someone special?"

Friendly laughter rippled through the crowd, but inside I felt a sharp twist.

He hesitated, his ears turning red, before answering.

"Yes. We're getting married soon."

Her eyes dimmed, but she pressed on.

"Is it your secretary?"

He paused, catching Annette's shining eyes.

"Yes."

Not a single ripple inside me. I even managed a smile.

Of course, it was Annette.

There was no way he'd marry the soldier he'd kept hidden for five years.

Boarding the transport again, I could almost smell the gunpowder of Saudi Arabia.

It was time to go.

As the rally ended, Edgar watched the departing convoy, a strange unease rising in his chest.

"We're so grateful for America's massive contribution to world peace. Thank you for sending elite special forces to join the fight!"

A diplomat hurried over to shake his hand, overflowing with gratitude.

But the moment he mentioned "special forces," Edgar froze, confusion and disbelief written all over his face.

"I remember our side only deployed regular units. No front-line combat."

Just moments ago, Edgar had been eloquent; now his tongue felt tied in knots.

"The special forces you mentioned—who are they?"