Chapter 1 In the third year of my marriage to Everett Vance, I got hit while riding my bike-and I bore the pain without calling him. After all, he was a major general at Fort Evergreen Base, a man whose position meant private calls were strictly off-limits during work. The woman who had hit me was sobbing into her phone while holding onto my arm. "My boyfriend will be here soon. Could you please wait? We'll make sure you're properly compensated." But the moment the military SUV with license plate 1111 stopped behind her, my whole body tensed. Everett stepped out of the car and draped his coat over her shoulders. His tone was calm, but tinged with concern. "Sorry I'm late. Are you hurt?" That's when I realized it wasn't that Everett couldn't answer calls at work-the name listed as his emergency contact wasn't mine-it was his beloved first love. He frowned, eyes fixed on my bleeding knee, staring longer than necessary. His first love spoke hesitantly, her voice soft. "Do you two know each other?" Everett lowered his gaze. Before he could answer, I spoke first, "No, we don't." After all, the marriage agreement he had presented to me three years ago listed secrecy as its first clause. And now, our three-year contract marriage was nearing its end. I was about to leave. I had always known Everett had a first love, but I never imagined it would be the woman who hit me. At first, when he arrived, I froze, instinctively thinking he had come for me. But the woman in front of me had already gotten up and ran to him, sobbing as she threw herself into his arms. "Everett, what do I do? I hit someone." He took off his military jacket and wrapped it around her, his voice still calm and gentle. "I'll handle it." I averted my gaze slowly, looking down at the cut on my knee. Only then did it click why Everett hadn't been home much lately-his first love, Isabella Monroe, had returned to the country. Isabella pulled away from his embrace and glanced back at me, her smile bright and blissful. "My boyfriend is here. Whatever compensation you want, just tell his assistant." Chapter 1 10.00% "I'm so sorry for making you late and for your injury. Please don't worry about anything. My boyfriend is very capable and will handle it all." I murmured a quiet "thank you," but Everett's assistant looked awkward. He was one of the few who knew about my secret marriage to Everett. Hesitating, he stammered, "Miss, why is it still bleeding? It's been half an hour. Do you have a clotting disorder?" "It's just minor." I nodded. Everett's gaze suddenly shifted to me, his voice low and edged with concern. "A clotting disorder?" Isabella looked puzzled. "What's wrong?" But he didn't answer. His eyes were locked on my knee, brows furrowed. Finally, Isabella sensed something was off. She hesitated, looking between me and Everett. "Do you two know each other?" Everett lowered his gaze again. Before he could speak, I cut in, "No, we don't." My answer seemed to satisfy him. He then took Isabella's hand and left, casually instructing his assistant as they walked away. "Take her to the hospital." I watched their retreating figures, a dull ache settling in my chest. Two full months remained before my contract with Everett expired. It was time to start preparing for my departure. Chapter 1 10.00%