Chapter 2

Those words felt like a poisoned hook ripping through my soul, dragging me back to the horrific kidnapping case that shocked the city six years ago.

Out of the nine victims, I was the only survivor.

Back then, it was Ethan who carried me out of that damp, putrid basement.

It was him who took a knife wound for me to stop the suspect.

And it was him who pursued me, pulling me out of the deep, dark abyss.

On our wedding night, I had told Ethan.

Because he had raided the basement in time, the kidnapper hadn't actually managed to assault me.

So, I was still pure.

I vividly remembered Ethan's eyes at that moment.

They were filled with a complex, conflicted look.

Six years ago, as the sole survivor, I was gossiped about and labeled as "ruined." I thought that was the most painful thing I would ever endure.

I never expected the most excruciating pain to come from the very person who brought me into the light, pushing me back into hell with his own hands.

The man I loved thought...

"She was kidnapped. She's dirty."

I turned around, wandering through the base quarters like a lost ghost.

Suddenly, a blinding flashlight beamed into my eyes. It was the night patrol.

Seeing my erratic behavior, they took me to the security office.

Ethan got the call and came to pick me up.

Unsurprisingly, Vivian was right behind him.

I sat on the cold metal chair. Before he could speak, I let out a mocking laugh.

"It's so late. Why is Dr. Vivian still hanging around the married quarters?"

I emphasized the words "married quarters" heavily.

An annoyed look flashed across Ethan's face.

Vivian lowered her gaze, putting on her professional, innocent doctor act.

"Scarlett, please don't misunderstand. The Captain and I are just friends."

I scoffed.

"Friends? I've never heard of 'friends' sneaking into the woods together in the middle of the night."

"Enough!"

Ethan roared.

"Scarlett! Vivian is a doctor. She saves lives and helps people. Show her some respect!"

"Are you really that desperate? Does every man and woman standing together look like an affair to you?"

Everyone on the base knew about Ethan's "impotence."

Hearing his words, the officers nearby began whispering, throwing mocking, pitiful glances my way.

It was as if I, sexually frustrated and bitter, was intentionally trying to ruin Vivian's reputation.

I dug my nails into my palms, using the physical pain to keep myself from breaking down.

Ethan reached out to grab my arm.

But as he drew closer, the unmistakable scent of sweat, cheap perfume, and raw sex washed over me.

My stomach churned instantly, and I slapped his hand away.

Ethan's face turned incredibly dark.

"Fine. If you want to make a fool of yourself, go ahead!"

"Spend the night here then. Let's see when you'll finally realize you're wrong!"

He turned and stormed off without looking back.

Vivian gave me a look of pure disdain before quickly following him.

The October night was freezing.

I curled up on the hard chair, shivering as silent tears streamed down my face.

By morning, I had developed a fever.

I checked the time.

Ethan would be at morning drills right now.

Dizzy and exhausted, I dragged myself back to our quarters, planning to pack my bags and leave this place forever.

But when I pushed the door open, I saw Vivian. She was wearing the sexy nightgown I had brought, posing in front of my mirror.