Chapter 20
On a crisp morning when the spring snow was just beginning to melt, Valentina received a telegram. The telegram was from her hometown; the handwriting was rushed and messy.
She only had to glance at it once before her heart sank. The message was from her parents, mostly inquiring about how she was adjusting to her new life.
But at the end, they hesitantly mentioned that her former mother–in–law–the Pierce family matriarch, Iris Hart–had passed away. She stood in the cabin doorway holding the thin piece of paper, watching Marcus chop firewood in the distance, unsure how to bring this up.
Marcus noticed her staring and set down his axe to walk over. His injuries still hadn’t fully healed, and he moved a bit stiffly, but his eyes were as gentle as ever.
“Val, what’s wrong?”
॥
Valentina silently handed him the telegram. After reading it, Marcus was quiet for a long time. His expression remained neutral, but he didn’t say a word.
“I’ll go back with you.” Valentina took his hand and spoke softly. “But… your identity…”
“It’s okay. It’s time I faced this anyway.” Marcus squeezed her hand gently.
“Alright,” she whispered, her eyes growing warm as she leaned into his arms.
The process of restoring his identity went more smoothly than expected.
That “suicide mission” from years ago had actually been highly classified. Marcus‘ team had successfully prevented a border crisis.
The military had kept his files active all along, only publicly claiming he’d been killed in action. When this “fallen hero” suddenly appeared at military headquarters, it sent shockwaves through the entire command structure.
At the ceremony, Marcus stood in the sunlight wearing his crisp dress uniform, the stars on his shoulder boards gleaming brightly.
Valentina stood in the gallery, watching his straight, proud silhouette. A smile spread across her face without her realizing it.
“What are you thinking about? You look lost in thought.”
After the ceremony, Marcus walked over to her, the new uniform making him look even more distinguished. Valentina shook her head and wrapped her arms around him, her eyes sparkling with laughter.
“I was thinking about you. About how lucky we were to find each other in that remote place.
Chapter 20
But now that you’re moving up in the world, you won’t start treating me badly, will you?”
22
A hint of amusement flickered in Marcus‘ eyes. “Having second thoughts? You could still run, you know.”
“In your dreams.” Valentina put on a mock–serious expression. “I’m giving up my peaceful life in Montanias to go back with you.”
They looked at each other and smiled, their chemistry so natural it felt like they’d been together for years. When the train pulled into the familiar station, Valentina felt a wave of nostalgia.
People bustled across the platform, and the air carried scents from her memories–coal smoke, the fresh smell of vegetation, and the savory aromas drifting from nearby food stalls. So much time had passed, yet this city seemed both unchanged and completely different.
“I still have some business to wrap up at headquarters. Why don’t you head home first, Val? I’ll come get you as soon as I finish.”
Valentina nodded. She knew his responsibilities couldn’t wait.
The Pierce family estate was draped in black mourning crepe, with the funeral service area set up in the main parlor. Valentina stood at the entrance, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.
There weren’t many people in the room, just a few distant relatives sitting quietly near the casket. They all looked surprised to see her.
She ignored their stares and walked directly to the flower arrangements, placing a simple white lily among the other tributes. The Pierce family might not have many decent people in it, but Iris had been one of the rare exceptions. She’d always treated Valentina fairly well.
It was only right that Valentina paid her respects.
“Val?”
A familiar voice came from behind her, and Valentina’s entire body went rigid.
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
