Chapter 1
“We’ve gathered the details of your case. You’ve been missing for five years, but your husband applied for your death certificate and had you declared deceased two years ago, the officer said, “We’ve contacted him for you, but… you need to prepare yourself. He’s remarried.”
At the police station, Courtney sat stiffly in the chair, listening to the police officer’s words, her surroundings feeling strangely unfamiliar.
Five years ago, she had joined a medical relief team heading to Zomlonia, During an accident, she and her team were kidnapped by terrorists. It was only recently that peacekeeping forces rescued them, allowing her to return home.
Five years. For five long years, she had clung to the memory of her husband, Austin. Their love had sustained her through the horrors. They had been together for five years before marrying right after college. They were each other’s whole youth.
Courtney had imagined countless reunion scenarios: joyful tears, a heartfelt embrace, the bliss of being reunited. But never had she expected to hear that he’s remarried.
, and the sunlight was gentle and warm. Courtney sat numbly by the
Outside, Henisburg was in the midst of spring. The leaves rustled softly, an window, reaching out as if to grasp a fragment of that warmth.
Five years in the desert had left her almost entirely disconnected from the world. The trauma of war and the constant stress had rendered her
mute
The day she was rescued, she cried–freely and without restraint–for the first time in five years. She thought that as long as she could see Austin again, her shattered soul would find comfort and healing.
But reality had dealt her a cruel blow. Austin had applied for her death certificate in her third year of disappearance. Not long after, he remarried
The door to the station opened abruptly. Austin rushed in, his expression anxious. He hadn’t changed much in five years–perhaps a linle more mature and composed.
Dressed in a tailored suit that screamed affluence, he exiled confidence. The watch on his wrist alone was worth a fortune. Clearly, life had been kind to him in her absence.
“Courtney His gaze swept the room before landing on her in the comer. His eyes reddened instantly.
Courtney opened her mouth, but no words came out,
If the officer hadn’t told her about his remarriage and his child, she might have believed that Austin still cared for her.
“You’ve been through so much,” he said, walking up to her and holding back the urge to embrace her. “Come home with me.”
Courtney froze, unmoving in her seat. She wasn’t sure if she still had a home to return to.
“Courtney, don’t be afraid. It’s all over now. You’re back.” Austin said gently, crouching in front of her, trying to reassure her.
Her eyes reddened as she stared at him, wondering if the officer had been mistaken. She couldn’t believe that the Austin who had once loved her so deeply could have remarried.
Back then, Austin had climbed a mountain in the dead of night just to hang a love lock at the summit for her. She refused to believe that all his affection had been a lie.
“The situation has been explained to you, Mr. Gilbert. After the traumatic events, she developed aphasia The officer handling Courtney’s case approached, speaking in a low voice.
A flicker of pain flashed in Austin’s eyes. He instinctively took Courtney’s hand. She obediently followed him, step by step, out of the police station. She had thought that leaving hell behind would mean stepping into heaven. But reality made her tremble uncontrollably,
“Courtney, Ill take you to a hotel for now. A lot has changed over the years, and the situation at home is Austin hesitated, clearly reluctant to bring her back to his house, fearing it would upset her,
Courtney swiftly pulled out a notepad and pen, scribbling furiously. [Take me home!]
She meant their marital home, the testament to their five years of love. It was where all her happiest memories had begun.
Austin froze, his silence stretching unbearably. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. “Courtney, I’m sorry…
Courtney was trembling, her hands clutching tightly in fear. She had never been this terrified, even on the battlefield, with bullets whizzing past her
1/2
Chapter 1
But then he said the words she feared most. “Courtney, you’ve been missing for five years. Everyone thought you were dead. So… I remarried. My wife and daughter live there now, I’m sorry, but can’t let them get hurt.”
In that moment, Courtney l
felt her heart, pounding fiercely just seconds before, shatter into pieces.
SEND GIFT
