Chapter 1
In her sixth year on a peacekeeping mission, Samantha was injured in the line of duty and rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Kendrick was begging for her life all the time. After she woke, he barely slept for half a year while caring for her himself.
Everyone said Kendrick was madly in love with Samantha. Even she herself thought so.
So Samantha didn't hesitate to put in her transfer papers, just so she could live a quiet, steady life by Kendrick's side.
Even if it meant giving up all the honors and medals she'd earned as a peacekeeper, and becoming just a regular housewife, Samantha was more than willing.
But everything changed when Kendrick's stepsister, Jenny, came back in style from abroad.
Kendrick had always been cold and almost ascetic, but for once, he actually looked rattled.
After all, who didn't know they used to be a forbidden couple, their love so deep it was carved into their bones.
*****
"Is that true?" Samantha asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her friend gave her a sympathetic look. "That was ages ago. Kendrick was still in high school back then, and it was a huge scandal.
"I heard his dad broke three canes trying to get him to talk, but Kendrick wouldn't budge. Then Jenny got shipped off overseas, and that was the end of it."
Her friend just shook her head. Seeing Samantha's face turn even paler, she tried to reassure her. "But don't let it get to you. That was all ages ago. It's you he's with now."
But Samantha could feel her heart sinking, deeper and deeper. She'd known Kendrick for five years, been his wife for three, but he'd never breathed a word about this chapter of his life.
Then it hit her. Those locked rooms at home that Kendrick never let her step into.
And every July, there was always a stretch of days when he'd get weirdly moody for no reason.
So all along, there was someone else hidden deep in his heart.
Up in the storage room, Kendrick gripped Jenny's hand tightly, refusing to let her go.
"You disappeared for years, Jenny. You really left me hanging," Kendrick said, his voice thick with emotion.
Jenny just shot him a mocking smile. "Now you're the one who's married. I've got a sister-in-law, don't I?"
His brows furrowed. "You know I only married for show, just to keep my parents happy," Kendrick said, his voice tight.
Kendrick added, "If I hadn't done it, they would've forced you to marry someone else. I could never let that happen to you."
"And Samantha? What about her?" On the other side of the door, Kendrick paused for a long time. "She's just a tool I used to protect you."
'A tool? Seriously, just a tool?' Samantha thought, her mind spinning. Those three words hit her like a sledgehammer, shattering her entire world.
With a loud bang, the door was suddenly thrown open. But inside, Kendrick and Jenny didn't even look surprised.
"Whoa, why the scary face, sis-in-law? I'm just catching up with my brother. That's all." Jenny smirked at Samantha, her eyes full of challenge.
Kendrick's frown deepened. "You just walk in without knocking? Guess that's your idea of manners," he said coldly.
Their hands were still locked together, and Samantha suddenly realized how laughable it was that she'd ever thought Jenny's return meant she was gaining a sister.
Acting like Samantha hadn't overheard anything important, Kendrick nonchalantly pulled Jenny over to stand in front of her.
Kendrick said, "Jenny just got back from overseas and she's still getting used to things. Take her around, help her meet some people.
"And you know how she is. She's got a fiery temper. So don't keep giving her attitude, alright? She can't deal with that."
As Kendrick spoke, Samantha felt like her whole life these past years had been nothing but a cruel joke.
Samantha didn't say a word, just spun around and walked out, her dress snapping behind her with a finality that left no room for doubt.
Maybe it was because her head was all over the place. Samantha twisted and went crashing down, totally embarrassed and sprawled out at the bottom.