Chapter 6
Carter suddenly pulled back, stumbling as if he’d touched something burning
“I’m sorry. I…” He swallowed hard, his voice rough. “Freya’s been in the hospital because of the baby. I went into the wrong ward and thought you were her.”
He turned and walked off quickly, his retreat more like an escape.
Helen brushed the lingering heat from her lips, feeling nothing but bitter irony.
Even his excuses were weak.
It was broad daylight. How could he possibly mistake her for someone else?
Helen stayed at the hospital for a few more days before checking out.
Coincidentally, her discharge happened to fall on the army’s open house day.
As soon as she stepped into the neighborhood, a group of enthusiastic army wives gathered around her.
“Helen, Carter’s been gone for a while now. You shouldn’t keep living like this. Let us introduce you to someone nice!”
“Exactly! Mr. Wilson’s youngest son graduated from a military school. He’s good–looking…”
Chapter 5
Helen was just about to mention Elliott’s proposal when she was pushed towards a young man in a military uniform..
“See? He works at a research center, has a stable home, and makes 15 dollars a month!”
The young man adjusted his glasses and was about to speak when someone charged in and punched him to the ground.
“Ah!”
Everyone froze.
Helen looked up and met a pair of red eyes.
Carter undid a few buttons of his uniform, his chest rising and falling quickly. “I appreciate your kindness.”
He said coldly, “I’ll take care of my sister–in–law. None of you need to get involved.”
Without waiting for a reply, he grabbed Helen’s hand and led her away.
Helen didn’t break free from his grip until they were far away. She jerked her hand back. “Caleb!”
She emphasized his name sharply. “Caleb, you’re the one sticking your nose into my life.”
Carter’s pupils shrank.
“Besides, there’s nothing between us,” she said, smoothing out the wrinkles on her sleeve. “It’s my freedom to meet or marry whoever I want.”
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Chapter 6
Just as she turned to walk off, a loud thud sounded behind her.
Carter had punched a tree. Blood dripped from his hand.
She walked away without turning around.
***
That night, a faint sound woke Helen.
Before she could reach for the light, someone heavy fell onto her.
The sharp smell of alcohol and a familiar pine scent filled her nose. Carter’s lips crashed into hers.
“Hmm…”
He was clearly drunk. His kiss was rough and desperate like he was trying to consume her.
Helen tried to shove him away, but he caught her wrist and held her down.
“Don’t leave…” His voice was low and raspy, warm tears sliding onto her face. “Don’t go on those dates… Please…”
Helen trembled, unsure whether it was from anger or shame. “Carter! You’re Freya’s husband now!”
“I’m not…” he said, pressing his forehead to hers. “Just give me a bit more time…”
“Get out!”
Helen suddenly kneed him, sending him crashing to the floor with a
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groan.
The commotion stirred someone next door. Freya stepped in. “What happened?”
The lights lit up the room. Helen turned her face aside, letting her hair hide her wounded lip.
“Caleb was drunk and came into the wrong room. Freya, please take him back.”
Freya’s eyes paused on the blood at Helen’s mouth. Her fingers curled tightly into her palms.
She said nothing, only went over and helped Carter up gently. “Caleb, let’s go.”
He stumbled as she led him out, but he turned back at the doorway.
His eyes were full of pain, like a dying beast.
Helen shut the door and slid down against it slowly.
Her lip stung, but the pain inside her chest was far worse–already torn to pieces.
Chapter 3
