Chapter 5 · After Twenty Years of Sacrifice

Olivia's words reeked of that fake concern.

She was hinting at how tight she was with Michael, pretending to speak for him out of guilt, but really, she was rubbing it in, reminding me I was the lonely widow left behind.

I paused, looked her straight in the eye, and said calmly, "Ms. Reed, you and Michael go way back?"

Olivia clearly hadn't expected me to be so blunt. Her eyes flickered for a second before she forced a smile. "We were all in the same unit, so of course we knew each other.

"Mr. Carter was talented and a stand-up guy; we all respected him."

"Oh, respected," I echoed, my tone flat. "Good to know. For a second, I thought you and Michael were so close you could take his place and talk to me like you're him, saying all these private things."

Olivia's face stiffened, her smile turning awkward. "Emma, you're joking. I'm just just showing some concern as a comrade."

"Thanks, but I'm fine," I said.

I lowered my head and kept sorting my things, not even glancing at her. "I know my own husband. I've got my own plans for the future, so you really don't need to concern yourself with me, Ms. Reed."

Olivia stood there, not sure whether to stay or go, her face twisted like she'd just swallowed a fly.

She probably thought I was some timid country bumpkin she could push around, but she didn't expect me to bite back like this.

Finally, she mumbled, "Well, get some rest," and hurried out.

Watching her scurry away, I let out a cold, mocking laugh.

This was the beginning, Olivia. Everything you owe me; I would make sure she paid it back, with interest.

Over the next couple of days, whenever I was around the camp, I could feel all the stares and whispers.

Most of it was about my background, my clothes, and how I was worlds apart from Olivia, like I could never measure up.

Some people even made a point to gush about Olivia right in front of me: how talented she was, how understanding, and how she and Michael were supposedly made for each other.

After twenty years of hardship in my last life, all those catty tricks and mean girl nonsense just seemed laughable to me now.

I stayed silent, keeping a cold, almost indifferent calm.

I ate when I was supposed to, rested when I needed to, and waited for the moment that really mattered.

Every now and then, I could feel a different kind of gaze on me, not the usual gossipy stares, but something more intense.

It came from a higher-ranking officer, his insignia marked him as someone important.

He stood tall, exuding a commanding presence, his face cold and serious. When he looked at me, there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but no trace of disdain.

Later, I found out his name was James Miller, the newly appointed captain of the special forces unit, ranking higher than Michael.

Chapter 5

Olivia's words reeked of that fake concern.

She was hinting at how tight she was with Michael, pretending to speak for him out of guilt, but really, she was rubbing it in, reminding me I was the lonely widow left behind.

I paused, looked her straight in the eye, and said calmly, "Ms. Reed, you and Michael go way back?"

Olivia clearly hadn't expected me to be so blunt. Her eyes flickered for a second before she forced a smile. "We were all in the same unit, so of course we knew each other.

"Mr. Carter was talented and a stand-up guy; we all respected him."

Olivia's face stiffened, her smile turning awkward. "Emma, you're joking. I'm just just showing some concern as a comrade."

"Thanks, but I'm fine," I said.

I lowered my head and kept sorting my things, not even glancing at her. "I know my own husband. I've got my own plans for the future, so you really don't need to concern yourself with me, Ms. Reed."

Olivia stood there, not sure whether to stay or go, her face twisted like she'd just swallowed a fly.

She probably thought I was some timid country bumpkin she could push around, but she didn't expect me to bite back like this.

Finally, she mumbled, "Well, get some rest," and hurried out.

Watching her scurry away, I let out a cold, mocking laugh.

This was the beginning, Olivia. Everything you owe me; I would make sure she paid it back, with interest.

Over the next couple of days, whenever I was around the camp, I could feel all the stares and whispers.

Most of it was about my background, my clothes, and how I was worlds apart from Olivia, like I could never measure up.

Some people even made a point to gush about Olivia right in front of me: how talented she was, how understanding, and how she and Michael were supposedly made for each other.

After twenty years of hardship in my last life, all those catty tricks and mean girl nonsense just seemed laughable to me now.

I stayed silent, keeping a cold, almost indifferent calm.

I ate when I was supposed to, rested when I needed to, and waited for the moment that really mattered.

Every now and then, I could feel a different kind of gaze on me, not the usual gossipy stares, but something more intense.

It came from a higher-ranking officer, his insignia marked him as someone important.

He stood tall, exuding a commanding presence, his face cold and serious. When he looked at me, there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but no trace of disdain.

Later, I found out his name was James Miller, the newly appointed captain of the special forces unit, ranking higher than Michael.