Ch. 1..10

Chapter 1

On the border of Norvania, Suzanne York was shocked to learn that her brother had sold her off for 100 thousand dollars to cover his gambling debts.

Technive was a high-tech area that was a hotbed of criminal activity. It was known for scams, human trafficking, organ trading, and violence. People there didn’t care about human life.

Suzanne’s beauty had caught the eye of criminals, who tried to force her to sell her body.

Suzanne fought back with all her might, only to receive relentless beatings in return, leaving her clothes torn and her body bruised.

Overwhelmed by pain, she finally thought of her husband, Nathan Morrison.

“Please don’t touch me. I can get my husband to give you as much money as you want. Please!” Suzanne sobbed as she refused for the last time.

One of the criminals’ jobs was to demand ransoms.

The leader of the group, Ken, halted his men’s attacks. He grabbed a phone and handed it to Suzanne. “Tell your husband to bring 20 million dollars. Anything less than that, and you’ll have to serve all of us before selling your body for us.”

A shiver ran down her spine as she shook from terror.

She had admired Nathan from afar for three years before they had finally gotten married a month ago.

Would a man who had never spent any time with her be willing to sacrifice 20 million dollars for her?

“Okay,” she replied weakly. At this point, Nathan was her last hope.

She called Nathan. Soon, the call connected, but a woman’s voice answered instead. “Hello? Who’s this?”

Suzanne’s heart immediately sank.

She sat up painfully and pleaded urgently, “I’m Suzanne, Nathan Morrison’s wife. Can you please let me talk to him?”

The other woman drawled, “Nate’s taking a nap right now. You can just talk to me.”

Suzanne felt a sharp pang in her chest. “Please pass the phone to Nathan right now.”

The other woman changed the subject angrily. “Suzanne, don’t think that marrying Nate actually gives you a right to act like his wife.

“I know you used his grandmother to force him to marry you. I’m the one he loves, yet you broke us apart.”

The woman hissed, “Nate would never pay attention to a shameless whore like you. You deserve to live a lonely life.”

Suzanne turned pale, feeling as though her heart had been crushed.

Just then, she faintly heard Nathan’s gentle voice. “Who is it, Sally?”

“A scam call.” Sally Hoffis ended the call hurriedly.

Immediately, laughter rang out among the men surrounding Suzanne.

“Your husband already has someone else. Forget sending money to rescue you; I doubt he even cares about you.”

Suzanne hadn’t known that Nathan was in love with someone else. She had foolishly pined after him for three years.

She’d had no idea that Nathan’s grandmother had lied about him marrying her out of love. It turned out that she had broken a couple apart.

Suzanne slowly closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her pale cheeks.

The physical pain she felt was nothing compared to how her heart was aching.

Suddenly, one of the men asked nervously, “Say, about the name she said earlier. Her husband can’t be the leader of the Norvanian military, can he?”

Everyone in Norvania knew who Nathan Morrison was.

During the fiercest time in the Middle Eastern conflict, he had led his army to rescue innocent civilians who had been left homeless by the onslaught and destroyed every enemy who had stood in his way.

 

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Nathan had bravely forged a path through bloodshed to fight off their country’s enemies.

Ken recalled that Nathan had fought in the Middle Eastern War and had come to be considered a national hero after he had defeated all his enemies.

How could the fragile woman before them be his wife?

“Don’t worry about it. Nathan Morrison is a fearsome man. No idiot would dare to sell his wife. From what I know, he’s still single.”

Unfazed, Ken reassured his men. “I bet her husband just has the same name as him. Keep calling her husband until he brings 20 million dollars.”

Ken’s men kept trying to contact Nathan.

Devastated, Suzanne slumped into a corner and closed her eyes in despair.

…

Some time passed before a deafening boom resounded, shaking the ground.

Suzanne shuddered and opened her eyes.

The men in the room, who had been playing cards while waiting for the money, were alarmed.

Someone from the outside cried anxiously, “We’re in trouble. Someone blasted our gate apart!”

“Blasted?” Ken exclaimed, terrified. “Who did it?”

“I-It’s the military. T-They’ve surrounded us,” the other man replied shakily as he pointed upward. “T- There’re also two military helicopters …”

“You mean the military that fought in the Rugria-Ostait conflict? W-We’re in deep shit!”

Ken yanked Suzanne up and snarled, “Is your husband the leader of the Norvanian military?”

Suzanne nodded weakly. Ken immediately regretted his choice and quickly held her hostage at gunpoint.

Outside, dozens of military vehicles surrounded the building. Hundreds of imposing but calm soldiers stood at attention, armed with the latest weaponry and combat gear.

At the same time, two fighter jets circled above them, and armed snipers kept their guns aimed at their targets.

The grand scene and immense pressure made some of the criminals cower in fear and surrender immediately.

Ken, who held Suzanne hostage, roared, “Let me go, or I’ll kill her!”

A car door somewhere at the back of the military vehicles opened, and a domineering man stepped out.

The rugged yet handsome man wore a black combat suit that made him seem even more powerful.

He had an icy demeanor, which chilled everyone around him.

As soon as Suzanne saw the man, her eyes lit up, and her heart began to pound rapidly.

It was Nathan!

Nathan shot them a piercing look and commanded coldly, “Release her.”

Trembling like a leaf, Ken stammered, “I-I had no idea she’s your wife, General. I-I’ll release her if you let me go.”

Nathan’s icy eyes had never once landed on Suzanne.

Instead, he slowly raised his gun and aimed it at Ken. In a chilling voice, Nathan simply said, “If she dies, so will you. Seven bullets are more than enough to kill you.”

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Shaking in fear, Ken shouted threateningly, “Then, I’ll take your wife down with me!”

Nathan had never been one to succumb to threats, and a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.

Suddenly, the sound of seven gunshots pierced through Suzanne’s ears.

Her body jolted violently before freezing in shock as her eyes screwed shut. She could feel blood splattering on her cheeks.

At that moment, calling herself Nathan’s wife seemed bitterly ironic.

Nathan was here to save the thousands of victims trapped here, not her. So he wouldn’t mind it if he accidentally killed her.

Suzanne felt her heart clench in pain. Unable to endure the terror, she collapsed, losing consciousness.

…

The military headquarters was Norvania’s largest weaponry production base and was heavily armed.

“No!”

A nightmare jolted Suzanne awake. Her eyes shot open, and she found herself drenched in sweat.

She panted softly and surveyed her surroundings.

Her eyes quickly landed on a woman standing by her bedside. The woman had a plastic face. She feigned innocence as she held a tray with a glass of warm water and some food.

“You’re awake? Nate asked me to bring some food for you,” Sally said indifferently.

“Thank you,” Suzanne replied softly, propping her body up using her elbows. She felt weak after not having eaten anything for an entire day.

Sally smirked in response. “It’s a pity you don’t deserve this.”

She took a step back and flung the tray to the ground before throwing herself down as well.

Loud clatters rang out, and Sally cried out tearfully, “Ouch!”

Suzanne froze in shock.

The door immediately swung open, and Nathan entered the room.

His expression hardened when he saw Sally on the floor.

Nathan’s subordinate, Cole Gilbert, stood next to him.

Nathan walked over to Sally and helped her up. “Are you okay?”

Sally lowered her head and put on a pitiful expression. “Suzanne didn’t want anything, but I kept pressuring her to eat something. It’s my fault that the food was wasted and the floor got dirty.”

“Leave this to me. You should go rest,” Nathan said gently.

Sally nodded. Before leaving, she held Nathan’s hand and reminded him softly. “Nate, this is my fault, so don’t get mad at her.”

Nathan nodded in response.

Suzanne watched Sally’s clumsy performance with a hint of disgust.

The room quickly became quiet after Sally left the room. Nathan’s imposing presence made the room feel colder and more suffocating. It made Suzanne feel even more nervous.

Nathan towered over her as he looked at her with a cold and distant gaze. “What’s with the temper?”

Suzanne knew that he would never believe that the woman he loved had put on a show. Still, she refuted weakly, “I didn’t do anything.”

Nathan’s expression grew colder, and he said seriously, “I won’t let it slide if you treat Sally like this again.”

His words slashed her like whips, and the agonizing pain had her eyes tearing up instantly.

She lowered her head slowly, not wanting him to see her distress.

After a moment, she murmured, “Mr. Morrison, I had no idea you were forced to marry me because of your grandmother.

“She told me that you liked me, and I thought you’d be a good man to spend my life with. That’s why I agreed to this marriage. However, it seems like there’s been a mistake.”

Suzanne’s heart throbbed, but she pretended to be indifferent. “You’re actually in love with someone else. Besides, earlier, you fired away without caring about whether I would get hit. There’s no reason to keep staying in a marriage like this.”

 

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Nathan’s gaze was frosty and calm. “What do you mean?”

Suzanne bravely met his eyes. “Let’s get divorced.”

She had been in love with him for three years. All she had wanted was a pure relationship. Now that their marriage had been tainted, she refused to keep things going like this.

Nathan’s expression turned grim.

Behind him, Cole spoke up, displeased. “Suzanne York. 25 years old. From Phoenicia of Norvania. Has an alcoholic father prone to domestic violence and a mother and brother who are gamblers buried in debt.”

Suzanne shot Cole an astonished look.

Unconcerned, Cole continued, “You dropped out in ninth grade and were scammed by men online before working as an escort in a karaoke bar.

“Then, at 20 years old, you married an 80-year-old man and became a widow less than two years later without inheriting anything.”

Still, Cole had more to say. “You have, at best, had an elementary school education and have achieved nothing since then. You were also involved in prostitution and were caught in the act twice.

“Besides that, you’ve also had 15 cosmetic procedures, three STD treatments, and 32 boyfriends, up to five at once, along with countless other sex partners.”

“You returned to Norvania three years ago and got close to Mrs. Morrison on purpose. Then, you did everything you could to marry into her wealthy family and become General Morrison’s wife.”

A cold sweat trickled down Suzanne’s back as she listened to her disgusting past.

She was shocked.

After revealing her dirty history, Cole taunted, “General Morrison is already God’s gift to a person like you. How are you shameless enough to bring up divorce?”

Suzanne felt like her clothes had been stripped away, leaving her with nothing but shame. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms painfully.

Meanwhile, Nathan seemed completely unaffected. After all, he had only agreed to this marriage to satisfy his grandmother. It meant nothing to him.

With a bitter smile, Suzanne explained, “Mr. Morrison, I lost my memory three years ago. I’ve heard bits about my past, but I really can’t remember anything.”

Then, she continued, “I don’t know why I made such terrible decisions, and I’m sorry you were forced to marry such a horrible person because of your grandmother.

“I’m not worthy of being your wife, so let’s get a divorce.”

Nathan slowly approached Suzanne. His imposing demeanor nearly suffocated her. Feeling nervous, she looked up and met his gaze.

Nathan sneered, “I’ll let you know when I want a divorce.”

What did that make her?

A toy to please his grandmother?

Suzanne’s eyes teared up from frustration, and she said, “I don’t know what kind of person I was before, but the current me won’t settle for a loveless marriage, much less sacrifice my dignity for wealth.”

Nathan scoffed. “How dare you bring up your dignity?”

Suzanne was dismayed by his response. Did she not deserve to protect her pride? How much did he despise her?

She retorted defiantly, “Mr. Morrison, if you don’t want to divorce me, then please behave like a faithful husband. You should make sure there are no other women in your life besides me and live with me properly.”

She continued, “If you can’t do that, then I’ll discuss things with your grandmother. I promise not to make things difficult for you.”

Nathan’s face immediately hardened. He scowled as he glared at her.

His sudden proximity made Suzanne stiffen against the headboard.

A tantalizing scent surrounded her, leaving her flustered, and her heart began pounding wildly. Her face also flushed, and her breathing became erratic.

“W-What are you doing?” she asked shakily.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The air around Nathan buzzed with danger. “Are you threatening me?”

Suzanne struggled to breathe, overwhelmed by his dominance. “Please don’t force me to do something I don’t want to.”

Nathan narrowed his eyes at her.

Her flawless, charming face reminded him of what Sally had looked like as a child.

In a daze, he gave her a meaningful smile. “I admit you’ve done a great job at making your face look like hers as a child. No wonder Grandma likes you so much.”

Hers as a child?

Suzanne wondered who he was referring to.

While she was distracted, Nathan calmly replied, “Alright, I agree.”

With that, he turned around and left with Cole.

Suzanne was dumbfounded by his reply. She didn’t understand what Nathan had agreed to.

Had he agreed to the divorce or to live together as husband and wife?

…

Night fell, and a gentle breeze swept through the room.

Cole brought dinner to Suzanne’s room. After she finished eating, Suzanne found a book on military strategies and kept herself entertained until late at night.

When she finally felt tired, she decided to take a shower. When she finished half an hour later, she realized that she had no clean clothes to change into.

So she washed her dirty clothes and hung them along the bathroom window to dry before wrapping a towel around her body and stepping out.

She froze at the sight in front of her, her face burning instantly.

Nathan had just taken off his shirt, exposing his chiseled body. The faint scars on his body added to his masculinity.

Suzanne was surprised by the sudden sight and didn’t know how to react.

Nathan furrowed his brows at her. Her visibly flushed cheeks and innocent eyes didn’t seem like an act.

His eyes landed on her exposed shoulders before trailing down her smooth legs.

He was impressed by her doctor’s skills. Despite her numerous cosmetic procedures, her figure and appearance still looked captivating, but in a natural way.

Averting his eyes, Nathan cleared his throat and fetched a set of casual sportswear from his closet before walking toward the bathroom.

When he reached her side, he stuffed the clothes into her arms.

Startled, she immediately clutched the clothes tightly.

She was confused by his actions until she heard his command. “Put them on.”

Suzanne spun around and watched Nathan walk toward the bathroom. “What are you doing in my room, Mr. Morrison?”

With his back facing her, he retorted, “Who was the one who asked to live together as husband and wife?”

She was.

However, her intention had been to seek a divorce, not suffer through a loveless marriage with a mistress involved.

After Nathan entered the bathroom and closed the door, Suzanne exhaled deeply, as if she were releasing her pent-up frustration.

She held a hand over her pounding heart before touching her flushed face in confusion.

After 15 minutes, Nathan emerged from the bathroom in pajamas.

Suzanne stood up nervously. “Mr. Morrison, can we talk?”

Although she had been pining after him for three years, her rationality told her that keeping this marriage going would only bring her pain.

Nathan walked over to the closet and pulled out another blanket before walking over to her bed. “It’s late. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

Suzanne was a nervous wreck. Her fingers clenched at the hem of her shirt as she stared at him with teary eyes. Softly, she asked, “Aren’t we getting divorced?”

Nathan spread out his blanket and lay on one side of the bed, closing his eyes. “Not for now.”

Feeling nervous, Suzanne replied, “Then, you better act the part.”

“Okay.” Nathan agreed without hesitation.

Suzanne hadn’t expected such a direct answer. It left her feeling restless as she watched him lie down.

Carefully, she grabbed her blanket and pillow and laid them on the floor.

Since Nathan was in love with another woman, he most likely wouldn’t want to sleep in the same bed as her.

So Suzanne had no choice but to sleep on the floor. After arranging her bedding, she turned the lights off and found her way back in the dim moonlight.

Seconds later, the lights switched back on.

Suzanne opened her eyes, only to see Nathan’s stern face as he stood next to her.

Displeased, he demanded, “What are you doing?”

Suzanne was perplexed. She replied, “Sleeping, of course!”

Immediately, Nathan crouched down and picked her up, blanket and all. His shoulders were wide and strong.

Before she could react, Suzanne felt herself being thrown onto the bed. She bounced on the mattress, which made her head spin and her injuries hurt.

Just then, Nathan leaned in closer to her.

Startled, she unconsciously shoved at his chest. “You—”

He lowered himself onto the bed until he had trapped her with his body.

As soon as Suzanne came into contact with his sturdy chest, she yanked her hands back, feeling shy. With her hands now in front of her chest, she stared at him nervously.

Her heart raced, and her breathing became erratic. Her body had tensed from both fear and anticipation.

She didn’t know what he was doing. Was he planning to do the deed with her?

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Nathan asked sternly, “Who are you trying to insult by sleeping on the floor?”

Suzanne was enveloped in his masculine scent. She felt like she was about to suffocate.

Her mind was in disarray as she stuttered, “I-I just thought that i-it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to s- sleep together when you’re in love with s-someone else.”

Nathan raised an eyebrow and smirked. “I have no feelings for you, so even if you were dancing naked in front of me, I wouldn’t spare you a second glance, let alone touch you.”

His words stung the most vulnerable part of her, crushing her.

She wanted to say something back in retort but choked up, afraid to reveal her feelings. She could only bite her lip in silence as her eyes grew misty.

Nathan was momentarily dazed as he gazed into her beautiful, teary eyes.

However, he swiftly laid back on the bed the next second and ordered, “Turn the lights off and sleep.”

Immediately, the voice-activated system in the room turned off the lights.

Suzanne couldn’t help but feel disappointed as she stared into the darkness. Still, she quickly repositioned herself and laid down.

The bed was wide, so even though they both occupied one end each, there was still a large gap between them.

Suzanne struggled to fall asleep.

She finally succumbed to fatigue in the late hours of the night.

…

The next morning, the sound of a phone ringing woke her up.

She opened her eyes groggily and saw Nathan dressed handsomely in a black combat suit.

Perhaps it was because she was blinded by love, but he seemed to sparkle, no matter where he went.

Nathan picked up the phone and answered softly, “Good morning, Sally. What’s up?”

Suzanne couldn’t hear the other woman’s reply, but she could hear Nathan’s worried response. “You caught a cold? I’ll head over right now.”

Suzanne sat up, feeling a pang of jealousy after hearing Sally’s name.

As she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, Nathan ended the call and turned around to face her. “I need to head out for a moment.”

Suzanne reined in her temper and said, “You promised me you would be a loyal husband. Being faithful is the most important aspect of a marriage.”

Nathan hesitated before replying, “Our families are close, and Sally’s my childhood friend. We’re just friends, so this doesn’t affect our marriage.”

How could normal friends love each other to the point of sticking close to each other every day?

Suzanne felt her eyes burning and her chest tightening.

As Nathan turned around to leave, she cried out, “Nathan Morrison, can’t you stay?”

Nathan froze in his tracks.

It had been a long time since anyone called him by his full name.

Gazing at his strong back, Suzanne practically begged, “You’re a married man. Can’t you consider my feelings? Please just send a doctor over instead.”

Nathan paused for a few seconds. Then, he ignored her pleas and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Suzanne collapsed onto the bed and shut her eyes tight, refusing to let her tears fall. She gripped her blanket tightly as her hands trembled in anger.

To hell with his promise! It was nothing but a trick to stop her from getting a divorce. In reality, he was still deeply in love with Sally Hoffis. The truth was too painful for Suzanne.

She made up her mind to end this marriage.

…

Meanwhile, Nathan walked out of the dormitory building and was greeted by his subordinate guarding the door. “Good morning, General Morrison.”

Nathan’s confident steps faltered for a second as he recalled his promise to Suzanne.

In the end, he turned to his subordinate and said, “Arrange for a doctor to visit Ms. Hoffis.”

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The subordinate responded politely, “Yes, sir.”

Nathan sighed in resignation. He intended to keep his promise, but he couldn’t understand what Suzanne meant by a faithful husband.

…

Suzanne’s injuries healed completely after three days.

It had also been three days since Nathan had gone to see Sally. Suzanne hadn’t so much as caught a glimpse of him after that.

Her mood worsened, so she decided to visit the training base to pick up some self-defense skills.

Her womanly figure stood out in a place full of men.

Not too far away, Sally appeared alongside Special Assistant Lucas Vega.

She pouted, displeased. “It’s been three days. Why hasn’t Nate come back?”

Lucas replied, “General Morrison had some important matters to take care of, but he should be back today.”

Sally’s eyes glinted coldly when she saw Suzanne practicing self-defense. “What’s she doing here?”

“Madam—” Lucas started.

Sally immediately cut him off. “Pfft, as if she deserves that title. That woman’s a scheming bitch and is willing to do anything to achieve her goals. She’s just making Nate miserable.”

She leaned closer to Lucas and continued speaking ill of Suzanne. “She used to be an escort and slept around a lot. Besides …”

…

On the training ground, Suzanne was sweating profusely, but the workout had lifted her spirits.

“Thanks a lot.” Suzanne nodded to the coach who had been helping her. “I’d like to learn a few more moves. Could you teach me?”

The coach smiled warmly. “Of course.”

Just then, Lucas strode over angrily and sneered at Suzanne. “I’ll teach her.”

Suzanne was perplexed.

However, the coach greeted Lucas respectfully. “Hello, Mr. Vega.”

Lucas patted the coach’s shoulder and gestured for him to step aside.

Suzanne sensed some animosity from Lucas, especially given the glare he was giving her, but she had no idea why since she didn’t know him.

“What would you like to teach me, Mr. Vega?” Suzanne asked politely.

Lucas intended to stand up for Nathan. He replied coolly. “Close combat.”

Suzanne had no choice but to face his lesson head-on.

With that, Lucas took advantage of the opportunity to toss Suzanne around. She quickly felt like her body was screaming in pain.

The soldiers watching from the sidelines felt sorry for her, but they couldn’t do anything to help her.

After being thrown down again, Suzanne’s body was completely sore. She clenched her fists and said, “I’m done.”

“We’ve barely started.” Lucas pulled her up and locked his arm around her neck from behind. “If someone holds you in a chokehold from behind, what should you do?”

Suzanne could care less about thinking about how to break free. All she knew was that she was struggling for air.

Right then, her eyes landed on Sally, who stood nearby. Sally shot Suzanne a challenging look, smiling tauntingly at her.

Suzanne immediately realized why Lucas was treating her like this. As she was in a daze, she heard Lucas say, “You should step on your opponent’s feet and pry their thumb away.”

Suzanne followed his instructions but failed. She tumbled to the ground in pain once more.

She felt utterly embarrassed. She felt like a fool who had been put on display like a monkey. She bit her lip and clenched her fists in anger.

Suddenly, she felt a firm hand wrap around her arm and pull her up.

She steadied herself back on her head. She was shocked when she realized that Nathan was the one who had helped her up.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The displeasure on Nathan’s expression was evident as he demanded, “Are you teaching her or toying with her?”

Lucas gulped nervously. “Sir, I was teaching Madam self–defense.”

Everyone was worried about Lucas. There was no way Nathan didn’t know what trick Lucas had been trying to do.

Nathan pushed Suzanne aside and said, “Stay away.”

Suzanne felt her heart fluttering involuntarily.

Nathan had never once glanced at her, but his actions showed that he clearly wanted to protect her.

She was puzzled, and she had no idea what he wanted to do.

Casually, Nathan removed his watch and said, “Let’s spar. If you win, you get to stay. Lose, and you leave immediately.”

Lucas‘ face drained of all its color. He tried to explain himself, saying, “General, t–there’s no way I can beat you. I–I was just teaching Madam some self–defense. Please don’t fire me, sir.

Nathan handed his watch to Suzanne, unaffected by Lucas‘ pleas.

Lucas was flustered by Nathan’s indifference and began begging Suzanne instead. “I’m sorry, Madam. I didn’t mean to make you fall.”

Nathan didn’t give Lucas a chance to explain further and began raining kicks on the latter.

There was a muffled bang before Lucas was sent flying backward. He landed on the ground and groaned in pain, clutching his midsection.

Suzanne was stunned by Nathan’s fierce attack. If it had been her, she would probably have died from a single kick.

Lucas took a moment to recover from the pain and realized that Nathan wasn’t playing around. If he didn’t go all out, he would definitely be dismissed today.

Mustering his courage, Lucas launched himself at Nathan.

However, Nathan dodged Lucas‘ attacks easily. He bent down and delivered another solid

+15 BÔNUS

punch to Lucas‘ stomach.

Lucas stumbled a few steps back before falling to the ground, blood seeping out of the corner of his mouth.

Everyone could tell that Lucas had suffered internal bleeding after the two attacks.

Right then, Sally rushed forward and grabbed Nathan’s arm. She begged, “Stop, Nate. Lucas didn’t bully anyone. He was genuinely trying to teach her some self–defense.”

The soldiers around them also began pleading anxiously. “General, please spare him.”

Nathan’s gaze softened when he looked at Sally. In a gentle tone, he asked, “Aren’t you worried you might get hurt if you charge over like that?”

Sally pouted her bright red lips and nuzzled against his arm before giggling, “Nope. I know you would never hurt me.”

Nathan patted her head gently in response.

Their actions stung Suzanne’s eyes, and she felt her heart throbbing in pain.

She gripped Nathan’s watch tightly as she watched him flirt with another woman right in front of her.

She was in so much pain that she could barely breathe. It was almost as if she was the one Nathan had beaten.

It was just a sparring match, yet Nathan was afraid of accidentally hurting Sally.

Meanwhile, he had bravely shot a criminal while she had been right next to him without caring that he might accidentally hurt her.

How absurd! His preferential treatment couldn’t be more obvious.

“Nate, I have something to tell you. Let’s go to your office.” Sally tugged Nathan away.

Lucas struggled to push himself up and begged, “I’m sorry, General. Can you please forgive me?”

Nathan allowed Sally to lead him away. Without turning around, he said, “I’ll leave this decision to Suzanne.”

Lucas immediately staggered over to Suzanne and apologized. “I’m sorry, Madam. I’m very loyal to General. Please don’t dismiss me. I-”

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Suzanne raised a hand to stop Lucas from speaking further. “That’s enough. You don’t need

to leave.”

She wasn’t petty enough to make someone lose a job they loved over such a small matter.

Thrilled, Lucas thanked her gratefully. “Thank you so much, Madam. I truly appreciate it. I’m at your service from now on, no matter what you need me to do.”

Uncomfortable, Suzanne handed him Nathan’s watch. “There’s no need to be so dramatic. Just help me return this to Nathan.”

“Sure.” Lucas took the watch from her.

Suzanne asked, “Are there any train stations or airports nearby?”

Lucas was dismayed. “Are you going to leave?”

Suzanne forced a bitter smile and nodded. She couldn’t stand watching Nathan’s affection for another woman any longer.

After all, she wasn’t a masochist.

She planned to explain everything to Nathan’s grandmother, Vera Cross, and end this marriage.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lucas said, “Let me take you there tomorrow, Madam. It’s a six

-hour drive to Phoenicia.

“Alright. Thank you.” Suzanne smiled stiffly. Her voice was weak from despair.

She left the training ground in a daze.

The gentle, warm evening sun lit everything in a rosy hue.

Suzanne had spent her time reading away in her room and had skipped lunch. Now, it was almost time for dinner.

She stepped out and walked toward the cafeteria.

On the way there, she bumped into Nathan, who was accompanied by Cole and Lucas.

Both assistants greeted her in unison. “Madam.”

Suzanne nodded in response.

“Hello.”

Nathan’s gaze was as distant as usual. “Lucas said you’re leaving tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

“Not used to living here?” he probed.

Suzanne forced a bitter smile and made up a random excuse. “I miss Grandma.”

Nathan’s expression hardened, and his tone turned sharp. “Are you planning to discuss our divorce with her?”

Since he had seen through her lie, she didn’t hide it from him. She said anxiously, “It must have been hard for you to marry me just to keep Grandma happy. “Why don’t we just end things?”

Nathan snorted. “You’ve been Grandma’s caregiver for three years. Shouldn’t you know her personality by now?”

“If she doesn’t agree, then we can secretly get divorced and pretend to be a couple in front of her,” Suzanne replied firmly.

Nathan felt his pride suffer a blow with his two subordinates listening closely. Countless women in the world would die to be his wife, yet Suzanne seemed to hate it instead.

Nathan sneered, “You did all of this to marry me for my money, right? Well, name your price.”

Taken aback, Suzanne froze.

She felt stung by his words. She unconsciously clenched her fists, which were shaking from fury. Her eyes teared up.

How horrible of a person did he think she was?

e put

Blinking back her tears, on a calm front. She said mockingly, “Sorry, but I don’t need money. A disgusting woman like me has been earning money from men for years. I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf, so I needed a loyal fool to marry.”

A loyal fool?

Nathan scowled.

Behind him, Lucas and Cole struggled not to laugh.

Just then, a researcher hurried over and reported urgently, “General, there’s been a chemical

leak in Lab Five. Many people were poisoned, including Ms. Hoffis.”

Immediately, Nathan dashed toward Lab Five.

Chemical poisoning?

Seeing how reckless he was acting, Suzanne became worried and quickly followed after him.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

People were running out of Lab Five’s building, covering their noses. Many of the affected individuals were vomiting, while others lay on the ground feeling nauseous.

In the midst of the chaos, the military headquarter’s medical staff rushed over to provide

care.

Suzanne was panting by the time she arrived at the scene. She looked around anxiously, worried about Nathan’s safety.

However, she saw him swiftly leaving the building with Sally in his arms and placing her on

a stretcher.

How ironic.

Suzanne was worried about Nathan, while he was only worried about Sally.

Nathan left Sally with the doctors and turned around to continue rescuing

others.

Sally reached out to grab Nathan’s arm and cried, “Don’t go, Nate. I feel sick…

“Shh,” Nathan comforted gently. “It’s alright. There are doctors here.”

Sally shook her head as tears streamed down her face. She sobbed, “Don’t go, Nate. I feel like

I’m about to die.”

Right then, Cole reported,

General, everyone inside the building has been evacuated. A

total of 35 individuals have been poisoned.”

Nathan turned to the researchers nearby. “Dr. Lawrence, what was the chemical that leaked? Is it life– threatening?”

Joe Lawrence’s face was pale as he replied, “It’s Azurium, a new product we imported from abroad. We’re still in the middle of researching it, so we’re not familiar with its properties.” Nathan’s gaze herz

gaze became cold as he glared at Joe.

Joe immediately became even more nervous. “General, I’ve never heard of Azurium in all the years I’ve been practicing medicine. I don’t know how toxic it is.

“I need to wait for each patient’s test results to come out before treating their symptoms.”

חוד

“Why were you guys so careless with something so important?” Nathan interrogated him angrily, making everyone around him quiver in fear.

Joe took a deep breath and answered timidly, “M–Ms. Hoffis came to the building looking for something and accidentally spilled it.”

Everyone’s faces fell, and they shot Sally accusatory gazes.

Sobbing, Sally retorted, “It’s your fault for not storing it properly. What’s that got to do with me?”

Nathan’s voice was stern as he admonished her. “The research building is a secure unit and is heavily guarded. No one is allowed to enter without permission. What were you doing there?”

Ignoring his question, Sally cried harder. “Don’t you believe me? I already feel awful from the poison, but you keep scolding me.”

Everyone stared at Sally disdainfully, finding her petulance annoying.

After observing the scene, Suzanne walked over calmly and said to Joe, “Azurium isn’t poisonous. Did something containing Rhenium spill as well?”

Everyone was confused by her words.

Joe was doubtful of Suzanne as well, but he still answered truthfully, “Yes. A chemical agent containing Rhenium had also spilled. However, Rhenium is usually used in fighter jet engines and isn’t poisonous either.”

Suzanne calmly explained, “Azurium and Rhenium can react together to produce a colorless. and odorless gas that is poisonous.

“Those affected by it will have abdominal pain and nausea. Later on, they’ll experience severe vomiting and diarrhea before dying from dehydration.”

She continued, “The bodies of those who were poisoned are now overly acidic. Drinking alkaline water will relieve their symptoms.”

She turned to Lucas and instructed, “Go to the kitchen and see if there’s any edible alkali. Mix it with water and have everyone drink it.”

Lucas wasn’t good at chemistry, but he understood Suzanne’s orders easily. He immediately responded, “Yes, Madam. I’ll get it done right away.”

Lucas hurried away while everyone present studied Suzanne skeptically.

Nathan, who was also scrutinizing her, felt an odd sensation stirring in his chest.