After my husband, Major General Kenneth Gardner, leaked my private photos, I quietly completed my military discharge paperwork and applied for overseas humanitarian work.

I saw him again at a veterans' reunion ten years later.

By then, all our friends had settled down—married with kids. Kenneth and I were the only ones still single after our divorces.

"Elle, Kenneth must be waiting for you. He hasn't dated anyone or remarried all these years."

Just as they finished speaking, Kenneth walked in.

In his crisp military uniform, he drew everyone's attention the moment he entered the room.

After ten years apart, Kenneth was still as good-looking as ever. The sharp edges of his youth had faded, replaced by a calm dignity in the way he carried himself.

Knowing our history, they deliberately seated us together.

He watched me in silence for a long time, as if he had a lot to say. Finally, he just said softly, "Ella, long time no see."

"Yeah, long time no see," I replied faintly, my face showing no sign of emotion at our reunion.

I thought back to the night before the military awards ceremony, when my private photos suddenly appeared online.

Overnight, my reputation was ruined, and my award nomination was revoked immediately.

And those photos? Kenneth was the one who released them.

***

I collapsed and rushed to confront him, but just as I was about to push the door open, I overheard a shocking conversation.

"General Gardner, isn't this going too far? Captain Bradshaw has bled and sacrificed everything for this district—she's given half her life to it. After this, she might not even be allowed to wear the uniform again."

Kenneth's voice was ice-cold. "Mena needs this military honor. Sacrificing Elle once is worth securing Mena's military future."

I pressed myself against the wall, a bone-deep chill spreading through me.

"Truly strategic thinking, General Gardner," the adjutant's voice dripped with flattery. "Three moves to take down the captain of 'Thunder' Special Operations Unit.

"First, when she was newly transferred to the unit, assign her to that doomed breakout mission.

"Second, personally lead the rescue team to save her, earning her gratitude and absolute loyalty—turning her into your sharpest blade.

"Finally, coax her into taking explicit private photos, so you can use them as leverage at the critical moment."

Kenneth let out a low, cold chuckle, his tone suggesting complete control. "More interesting than breaking a wild horse, isn't it?"

The adjutant hesitated. "Then why did you marry Captain Bradshaw? Did the fake relationship become real?"

Kenneth stroked his sidearm, his sneer suggesting he'd had no choice.

"Three years ago, Mena had just gotten her helicopter pilot's license. During a night training exercise, she lost control and crashed into the military vehicle carrying Giselle and her mother. The three-month-old baby she was carrying, and her mother, couldn't be saved.

"Mena was terrified. It wasn't her fault," Kenneth said, his voice steady. "The vehicle didn't swerve in time."

I clapped a hand over my mouth, my fingernails digging deep into my palm.

After my mother's death, I was consumed by grief. Kenneth had held my hand tightly while staying with me. "Elle, I swear I'll find out what really happened and get justice for you and your mother."

A month later, he told me wearily, "The dash cam footage is corrupted and can't be recovered.

"Don't be afraid. From now on, I'll be your family. I'll protect you with my life.

"Will you marry me?"

I stared down at the wedding ring on my finger. So this marriage, the one I'd thought was happiness, was stained with my mother and child's blood.

"I married her to bury this matter forever." Kenneth's voice shattered my last remaining hope. "Mena needs a bright future, and I'll personally pave every step of the way for her."

I leaned against the wall and backed away, one step at a time. My combat boots made no sound on the corridor floor.

I didn't double over until I had rushed out of the military-political building. My stomach churned violently.

After a long time, when I had vomited until there was nothing left but bile, I covered my face and called the encrypted number at the bottom of my contacts list.

The call was answered on the first ring.

"Does your sister still need a bone marrow match?" My voice shook in the night air. "I'll do it.

"I only have one condition.

"I want Kenneth and Mena ruined."

A deep voice came from the other end of the line, "Deal."

After hanging up, I immediately had my lawyer draft the divorce papers.

Right after I finished looking over the terms, Kenneth walked in.

"Why didn't you tell me you were back?" He reached out to touch my shoulder. "The guard said you didn't look good."

I pulled away from him. Kenneth thought that I was upset because my private photos had been leaked.

He picked me up and placed me on the couch.

"I'm sorry. I kept those photos in an encrypted folder. I never thought that they would be hacked.

"But I promise I'll fix this as soon as possible."

I looked into his eyes. Those clear, blue irises showed no trace of guilt or unease.

So, how many lies had he told me over the years?

I pushed him away wearily. "I'm exhausted. I'm going to take a shower."

The next morning, I woke up to find Kenneth already gone.

I opened the military forum. The most popular post was still about my private photos.

But right below it, the next trending post was about Jimena Barnett.

"Breaking News—Caught a female lieutenant colonel and political commissar having sex in a car when I returned to base from leave last night!"

There was a blurry video attached. The car shook hard, and ten minutes later, a woman in a mask, looking disheveled, got out.

I recognized her right away. It was Jimena.

No wonder Kenneth had left so early. He must have gone to deal with her mess.

I scoffed, got up to print the divorce papers, and slid them into the pile of contracts waiting on Kenneth's desk.

I knew his habit. He never double-checked. He would just grab the corner of the paper and sign it quickly.

Then I began to pack my things.

When I opened the storage cabinet, I stopped in my tracks. Every gift Kenneth had given me, Jimena had as well.

Even the wedding ring on my finger matched the one Jimena wore.

In fact, hers looked more like a pair with Kenneth's ring.

I tossed the wedding ring into the cabinet and slammed the door shut.

"Captain Bradshaw!" The guard knocked on the door anxiously. "General Gardner is holding an emergency press conference!"

On the live broadcast, Kenneth stood on stage in his uniform. Jimena stood just behind him in her service uniform, her eyes rimmed with red.

"Regarding the recent rumors of obscene and disciplinary violations by a military member late at night, the Inspector General's Office has verified that the incident is true."

The audience broke out in an uproar.

I clenched the hem of my training uniform, my brows furrowed tight.

Why would Kenneth ever admit to this?

My gaze shifted toward Jimena, catching a fleeting smile at the corner of her mouth as she lowered her head.

A chill ran down my spine.

"But the person involved is not Colonel Barnett," he suddenly changed his tone. "Jimena was at the headquarters last night, discussing the exercise plan with me."

Reporters thrust their microphones forward frantically. "Then who exactly is the person involved?"

Kenneth's eyes pierced through the camera, each word deliberate. "It's my wife, Captain Bradshaw."

I stared at the screen, my fingernails pressing into my palm until blood seeped through my training uniform.

In the video, Jimena stepped forward at the right moment. Her eyes were red, but her voice stayed steady. "Although Captain Bradshaw's actions have unfairly implicated me this time, I believe she must have her reasons. As comrades-in-arms, we should give those who've made mistakes a chance to reform."

She turned to Kenneth, her voice unsteady. "It's just... General Gardner, you've been wronged. Thank you for clearing my name."

With everyone watching, she saluted Kenneth and then leaned into his arms.

Flashbulbs went off in a burst of clicks below, and several senior officers started applauding.

Reporters pushed their microphones toward Kenneth. "You're already the youngest major general in the military district. Why would Captain Bradshaw have an affair with someone else?"

"Will you divorce Captain Bradshaw because of this?"

"What compensation will the organization provide to Colonel Barnett?"

Kenneth looked extremely sad, his voice thick with grief. "No matter what happens, I'll never give up on my marriage. As a husband, I'll always be Elle's strongest support."

"As for compensation," he said, glancing at Jimena in his arms. "After careful thought, Colonel Barnett will now take command of the 'Thunder' Special Operations Unit, which Captain Bradshaw led before. This change takes effect right away."

Before he even finished speaking, I ran to the bathroom and threw up in the toilet.

It made me feel sick to my stomach.

Kenneth betrayed me, acting like he was my "strongest support" while being so hypocritical.

With bloodshot eyes, I opened the military forum. My inbox was full of insults. "Disgrace to the entire military!"

"How dare you call yourself a special forces soldier? Get out of the military immediately!"

"Divorce him already! Colonel Barnett and General Gardner are perfect for each other!"

Kenneth understood just how harsh military discipline could be for a soldier, so he didn't think twice before betraying me.

What gave him the right?

I opened the editing page for the internal complaint system and was about to type when a message popped up. "Permission Frozen."

Right after that, I received an encrypted message from the Chief of Staff.

"Captain Bradshaw, all your system permissions have been temporarily frozen. This is a direct order from the Council of National Defense." He paused. "General Gardner asked me to inform you that if you speak out without authorization, you'll be prosecuted for leaking military secrets."

The communicator slipped from my hand and landed on the floor with a dull thud.

I bit my lip hard, my voice heavy with sorrow and despair. "Kenneth, you really are ruthless..."

Kenneth came home late, reeking of alcohol.

He headed straight for the bedroom and barely glanced at me as I sat still on the couch.

"Don't you have anything to say to me?"

He paused, rubbing his temples. "It was an emergency. There wasn't time to tell you.

"Mena's innocent. She was framed."

"And what about me?" I looked him in the eye, my stare hard. "Am I just supposed to take the blame for nothing? Did you even think about my rank or my reputation, General Gardner?"

He looked away, adjusting his uniform cuffs.

"Officially, Jimena's also on this year's military honors nomination list. Your disciplinary action has already been processed. The military district has to protect one of us.

"Personally, she's my adopted sister, and you're her sister-in-law. Could you really stand by and watch her military career end like this? It's just one disciplinary action for her."

Each word cut through me, leaving me with almost no hope.

In Kenneth's eyes, I didn't matter nearly as much as Jimena, either in public or in private.

"Look," he said, his voice a little softer, "I'll take a few days off soon, and we can get away to relax."

He tried to touch my face, but I pushed his hand aside.

His face changed right away. "Giselle, I've been stressing myself out trying to keep those private photos of yours from spreading. Can't you think about the bigger picture?"

He turned and marched into the study, slamming the door so hard it echoed through the house.

I stood rooted to the spot, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth from how hard I'd bitten my lip.

I thought to myself, "Just a little longer. Once he signs the papers and the divorce is final, I'll make sure he pays me back for everything."

After wiping away my tears, I took the warm glass of milk into the study and set it down beside Kenneth's hand.

This was how I usually gave in and tried to keep the peace.

Kenneth's face relaxed, and he pulled me into a hug.

"Be good. As long as you listen to me, I'll always be here for you."

His hand slid under the edge of my training uniform, his palm hot against my skin.

I fought off a wave of nausea and pushed the papers on the desk toward him. "Finish your work first. You can stay with me tonight after that."

He laughed and gently pinched my cheek while holding me close.

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

I helped him go through the papers. Kenneth quickly signed his name, not realizing he had just signed the divorce agreement hidden among them.

For the next few days, I stayed home and waited for the divorce to be finalized.

But Jimena kept bothering me.

She claimed it was to "strengthen camaraderie among comrades" and asked the Council of National Defense to have me attend the All-Army Commendation Ceremony.

It was obvious she just wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone.

If I showed up at such a formal event now, people would only dislike me more.

But Kenneth actually went along with her clumsy plan.

"I'm not going to the ceremony. If you want to go, go by yourself!"

I couldn't stand being around Kenneth anymore. Even being in the same room made me feel sick.

As I reached for the door lock, Kenneth's cold voice stopped me. "Giselle, think about your brother."

I felt a chill run through me.

My brother was the only family I had left.

Years ago, he suffered a permanent brain injury while saving me, and he was still recovering at the military district's sanatorium.

In the past, I would have thought he was only trying to scare me.

But when I looked into his emotionless eyes, fear wrapped tightly around my heart.

He really would hurt my brother.

Just like when he ignored Jimena staging that "accident" three years ago.

After a long pause, I forced myself to speak, my voice rough. "Fine, I'll go."

When I got to the award ceremony, every officer avoided me.

Their cold stares made me feel exposed.

"How can she even show up at the award ceremony?

"I heard she traded her body for a promotion?"

"She's already been dismissed, but she still comes here to embarrass herself..."

I ignored the whispers and held out my hand to the non-commissioned officer. "My formal uniform, please."

The officer looked uncomfortable as he handed me the garment bag.

As soon as I opened the bag in the locker room, I felt a chill run through me.

Instead of a military uniform, I found a humiliating set of sheer lace lingerie.

My hands shook as I dumped everything out of the bag onto the floor.

There were black stockings, a collar, and a dog chain.

Did Kenneth really expect me to wear this erotic lingerie to the award ceremony today?

I fumbled to dial his communicator, and it finally connected after what seemed like forever.

"You expect me to wear this to the award ceremony?"

Kenneth's voice was cold. "This is the price you pay for bullying Jimena."

"When we got married, I told you I'd let you do anything except hurt Jimena.

"I hope this is the last time you hurt her. If not, your brother will be sent to a much more remote sanatorium."

The call ended all of a sudden.

I stared at the clothes on the floor and slammed my fist against the steel locker.

"Kenneth, you bastard!"

As soon as I appeared on the live broadcast during the award ceremony, the crowd went into a frenzy.

The camera swept mercilessly over my exposed skin before finally locking onto my pale face.

Notifications from the military internal system flooded the screen instantly.

"Giselle has violated military discipline by wearing inappropriate attire."

"A Special Forces captain has been cited for misconduct."

"There's a proposal to revoke all of Giselle's military merits."

Suddenly, several masked men broke through the cordon, hurling rotten vegetable leaves that slammed hard against my face.

"Get out of the military!"

"How dare you wear this uniform?"

"We're here to clean up the black sheep of the entire military!"

Every camera in the venue was aimed at me, making me feel exposed.

After five long minutes of humiliation, the military police finally arrived, much later than they should have.

I lowered my head as my former comrades, the ones who used to salute me, stared at me. Their looks hurt more than any bullet.

Today should have been the day I stood on stage, accepting honors and applause.

Kenneth ruined everything.

I barely remember how I got back to the dorm. Suddenly, an encrypted message from Jimena appeared on my communicator. "Giselle, your brother is just as naive as you are. My men only told him you'd fallen off a cliff during the exercise, and he broke into a military restricted area.

"You and your brother are both fools. How dare you compete with me? The Thunder Unit and General Gardner are mine.

"If you don't want to end up like your mother, then disappear quietly."

A chill ran through me. I ran toward the cliff outside the military restricted area.

The shore was full of people.

When the medic lifted the white cloth, and I saw that young face, always bright with a smile, my world fell apart.

My little brother used to run after me, calling out "Elle." He would secretly slip his allowance into my pocket and was always proud of me. Now, he was never coming back.

After I placed my brother's ashes next to my mother's tombstone, I stood in the cemetery all night.

At dawn, I walked to the base square like a soulless corpse.

The award ceremony played again on the giant screen.

"Let us now invite General Gardner to present the medal to Colonel Barnett, the new commander of the Thunder Unit!"

Kenneth pinned the medal to Jimena's chest as the crowd applauded loudly.

"Congratulations. You truly deserve it."

Jimena hugged him excitedly, but when the camera turned their way, she quickly became shy and stepped back.

"Even though someone tried to ruin the ceremony, I still received the honor I deserve. Thank you, General Gardner, and thank..."

I stared at the screen with a cold glare, my eyes hard.

An unmarked off-road vehicle stopped in front of me. The window lowered, showing a sharp-featured face.

"Captain Bradshaw, we have obtained all the evidence of Kenneth's disciplinary violations.

"It's time to wrap this up."

I opened the car door and looked at the screen one last time. "Kenneth, now you have to pay for everything you owe me."