Everyone in the capital city used to say Aubrey Vance was fortunate, that she’d married a wonderful husband. Caleb Vance, Chief of the Elite Security Task Force, was a rising star. Accomplished and exceptionally capable, he was the man every woman dreamed of. He was cold and distant to everyone, yet his sole tenderness was reserved for Aubrey. But only Aubrey knew that Caleb’s heart had long been claimed by another woman. Aubrey’s eyes were red when she found Serena Harrison outside the State Department. Before she could even speak, her wrist was seized in a death grip. It was Caleb. He dragged her towards their home, his strength frightening. “What kind of scene are you trying to create here? Get in the car, now!” Aubrey struggled. “I need to find Serena, to get to the bottom of what happened to my father all those years ago!” “That case was closed ages ago!” Caleb’s voice was devoid of emotion. “That was a rivalry between their fathers, it has nothing to do with Serena. Stop making things difficult for her!” Aubrey scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her. “I’m not making things difficult for her! I just want the truth! Make her father, Mr. Harrison, come and face me!” “Aubrey, stop making baseless accusations.” Caleb’s brows furrowed into a tight knot. “Serena is a vital diplomatic talent, just returned from studying abroad. She can’t afford any negative publicity!” “Your father’s case was handled by the authorities a long time ago. Why are you still clinging to this? It won’t do you any good.” “I will not let it go!” Aubrey stared into Caleb’s eyes, wanting to say more. He knew how much this festered inside her— *“Slap!”* A sharp, stinging sound. Aubrey’s face was knocked sideways, a fiery pain erupting on her cheek. She looked at him, utterly disbelieving. “You… you hit me? For her?” Caleb looked at his own hand, momentarily stunned, a flicker of regret crossing his face. But he quickly hardened his expression, resuming his righteous demeanor. “If I hadn’t slapped you, how would you have calmed down? Stop being so irrational.” “Serena just returned, and I’ve been assigned by command to protect her. If you cause any more trouble, I’ll have to handle this officially!” That single slap shattered the last vestiges of hope in Aubrey’s heart. Aubrey didn’t argue with Caleb any further. That very night, she took a train back to the county precinct where her father had once worked and submitted a transfer request. Mr. Hayes, an old comrade of her father, was overjoyed to see Aubrey. “Aubrey, I’m so glad you’re transferring back and reopening your father’s badge number! All us old timers are thrilled!” Then his expression shifted, a hint of worry in his voice. “But your husband is with the Elite Security Task Force in the capital. If you come back here, won’t you two be separated?” Aubrey’s hand paused. She offered a dry laugh. “Mr. Hayes, I’ve taken a week off to finalize my divorce.” Mr. Hayes was momentarily stunned but didn’t press further. He simply patted Aubrey’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. All of us here, your uncles and mentors, will look out for you.” Aubrey’s nose stung. She took a deep breath and strode out of the police department. Returning to the home she’d lived in for years, Caleb’s scent still seemed to linger. Aubrey pulled open a drawer and dumped out all the old items inside. Faded photographs, letters he’d written to her, and the bullet casing ring he’d made with his own hands. She was lost in thought when the door burst open with a *bang!* Caleb stormed in, radiating a chilling aura. He snatched the photos from her hand, glaring at her fiercely. “Aubrey! Why did you run back to the county without telling me? Why haven’t you answered my calls for the past two days?” “Are you still obsessed with what happened, looking for your father’s old comrades to go after Serena again?” “I’m telling you, they’re old men. No matter how far they try to reach, I’m in the capital. If they think they can hurt Serena, they’re dreaming!” His eyes were bloodshot as he gripped her wrist, his force so strong it felt like he might crush her bones. Aubrey endured the searing pain in her hand, staring coldly at him, a sarcastic smile twisting her lips. “What’s wrong? Is she feeling guilty? Afraid I’ll uncover something by returning to the county?” Caleb knew she was talking about Serena, and his face darkened further. He thought she was still jealous, still throwing a tantrum. He looked down and saw the red marks his grip had left on Aubrey’s wrist, finally softening his tone. “Aubrey, don’t be like this. While I do have personal feelings for Serena, my primary duty in assisting her is to complete the mission assigned by command. It’s for the country, for…” “Stop using that as an excuse!” Aubrey cut him off directly. “Caleb, aren’t you disgusted with yourself?” Caleb was already at a loss for words, knowing he was in the wrong. He suddenly swept Aubrey into his arms, roughly tossing her onto the bed. The next second, his hot body pressed down on hers. Aubrey’s lower abdomen had just endured a catastrophe; she hadn’t even fully recovered from the miscarriage yet, and her body ached terribly. She struggled with all her might. “Let go of me!” “Caleb, stop pretending you care! Don’t touch me, you make me sick!” Caleb saw Aubrey’s resistance, and anger surged through him. How *dare* she say such things? She used to blush at his slightest touch. Now she found him disgusting? Caleb scoffed. “Stop playing innocent! Isn’t this just because you feel neglected and are trying to get a rise out of Serena? I’ll satisfy you right now!” “It’ll save you from constantly throwing jealous fits and interfering with my work!” Aubrey’s body was incredibly sore; she was no match for Caleb. But even so, she fought back with every ounce of strength. The thought of his tenderness towards Serena made her stomach churn. Just then, the phone by the bed rang, its sound piercing. Caleb’s movements froze. He got up to answer the call, his voice instantly softening. “Serena? What’s wrong? Don’t rush, I’ll be right there.” He hung up, not even glancing at Aubrey on the bed. He grabbed his jacket and rushed out. The door clicked shut, and silence descended upon the room once more. Aubrey lay on the cold bed, dizzy and disoriented. Caleb didn’t return all night, and Aubrey lay there, fully clothed, enduring the entire night. Chapter 3 The next morning, Aubrey changed into casual clothes and went to the police department. Her residency was still registered in the capital, and with her job transferred to the county, her residency would need to be moved as well. Just as she was about to enter the department, Aubrey saw a few familiar figures across the street. Caleb and Serena stood side by side under a large oak tree, with Officer Miller, Caleb’s aide, standing nearby. Even from a distance, Officer Miller’s loud voice carried clearly. “Caleb, you and Serena were so good together back then. Now that she’s come back for you, why don’t you make a move?” Serena hung her head, a faint smile on her lips. Officer Miller pressed on. “Serena studied abroad, she’s a highly educated talent, now a junior diplomat. She’s beautiful, so many people are asking about her!” Caleb’s brows were furrowed, and he was about to speak, but Serena, blushing, spoke first. “Officer Miller, don’t talk nonsense.” “Caleb is married. It wouldn’t be good if Aubrey heard that.” As she spoke, a hint of worry clouded her brow. Officer Miller seemed deeply sympathetic, unconsciously raising his voice. “You don’t understand! He doesn’t have those kinds of feelings for Aubrey. They’re just settling for each other!” Aubrey looked at Caleb from afar. He didn’t refute it. Instead, he abruptly changed the subject. “Enough. It’s more important to take care of Serena’s business. I still have to get back to my post later.” Serena chuckled softly. “You’re truly too kind, both of you.” The three walked side by side, a sight that sent a sharp pang through Aubrey’s chest. Leaving him was a rational decision. But her heart, it was disobedient. It wasn’t like a faucet that could be turned off at will. All she could do was tell herself, *It’s okay. The pain will fade soon.* Aubrey entered the police department first. After greeting her old colleagues, she handed her household registration booklet to the counter. “I want to transfer my residency out of the capital.” No sooner had she spoken than a soft, sweet voice came from behind her. “Hello, officer. I’m here to apply for a residency transfer.” Aubrey turned around, directly meeting Caleb’s deep, unfathomable eyes. His face was devoid of emotion, his voice giving no hint of his feelings. “You’re transferring your residency out?” Caleb was always like this. He wouldn’t ask why she was back in the county, wouldn’t ask why she was transferring out. It was as if any decision she made had nothing to do with him. Aubrey casually retrieved her registration booklet. “Yes.” “You’re processing her transfer in? Perfect. I’m transferring out, making room for her.” Caleb’s gaze darkened, but he said nothing. Aubrey sighed inwardly. He truly didn’t care. Caleb glanced at her casual clothes, remembering her miscarriage, and his voice dropped a few tones. “Your body hasn’t even fully recovered, and you’re causing trouble again? Did you follow me just to argue? Can’t you make a little less fuss?” Aubrey was about to say something when Serena, who had been at the counter, suddenly walked back, looking wronged. “Caleb, the officer at the counter says my documents are incomplete, so I can’t process it.” She saw Aubrey standing beside Caleb and her tone suddenly softened, pleading plaintively. “Aubrey, he’s your colleague. Could you… could you help him out?” “My current department requires capital residency to get official benefits…” She hadn’t finished her sentence before Aubrey cut her off. “I’m sorry, Serena. Rules are rules. They apply to everyone; there are no exceptions.” “Next time, please bring all your documents.” Serena’s eyes immediately welled up, and she stood there helplessly, looking utterly wronged, as if she’d been bullied. Caleb’s brows instantly furrowed into a tight knot. “If she can’t process it, she can’t process it. Do you need to be so rude to her?” Aubrey raised her eyes, her voice slightly hoarse. “Chief Vance, don’t you always say that without rules, there’s no order?” “If one person gets special treatment, then everyone will expect it in the future, right?” Caleb was choked by her words, unable to retort. “This isn’t some major principled matter. Why are you being so aggressive?” “We’re all colleagues. It’s something you could easily handle, so why stick to the rules so strictly?” Aubrey was utterly stunned. Caleb Vance, Chief of the Elite Security Task Force, a man known for his strict self-discipline and rigid adherence to orders, whose private life was as meticulously structured as a ruler. But when it came to Serena, all rules, all principles, simply vanished. Serena, tearful, whispered from the side, “Please don’t argue. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have made such an unreasonable request…” Caleb immediately comforted her. “It’s not your fault.” Aubrey forced a smile. If it wasn’t Serena’s fault, then it must be hers, right? Of course. When you’re not loved, everything you do feels wrong. An indescribable surge of injustice welled up in her throat, and her eyes quickly misted over. She turned and walked quickly towards the inner offices. By the time she finished her paperwork and emerged, Caleb and Serena were no longer in the lobby. Only the murmur of her colleagues’ gossip drifted over. “Did you see her? That was Chief Vance’s first love. She’s really beautiful.” “No wonder Aubrey’s transferring out. Who could stand that?” “What makes that woman better than Aubrey? Aubrey’s amazing, a top investigator at the department!” “You don’t get it. Women who are too strong aren’t good. Men like those soft, sweet ones who can flirt…” Aubrey didn’t dare look up, walking quickly out. She feared someone would see her reddened eyes. She didn’t stop until she reached the main entrance, then she paused, turning to look at the Wall of Honor outside the police department. Her photo hung there, in uniform, looking dashing and resolute, with a long list of awards beneath it. Aubrey looked at her reflection in the photo, wiped away her tears, and whispered to herself. “Aubrey, remember, you became a police officer not to be liked by any man.” “You have more important things to do. Look up, move forward. For your father, you must be strong!” Her dream was to be a good police officer, to uncover the truth behind her father’s unjust case. And then, like her father, to uphold justice, fight evil, and protect the innocent! Aubrey straightened her back and walked out the police department doors. Chapter 4 It was still early, and Aubrey, having left the police department, suddenly didn’t know what to do. In all her years in the capital, her heart had been solely focused on her work and Caleb. She hadn’t really explored the city on her own. She had once playfully tugged on Caleb’s arm, saying she wanted to go boating in Northlake Park, wanted to see the sunset from Hilltop Garden. But Caleb always put her off, citing his busy schedule. Aubrey followed the crowd, unknowingly visiting many places. Northlake Park, Hilltop Garden, the Department Store… All the places she’d wanted to go with Caleb but had been repeatedly refused, she now visited alone, one by one. Aubrey stopped abruptly outside the Culture Palace. Caleb was walking into the movie theater with Serena. The chalkboard outside the cinema announced the day’s screening: *Love on Mount Lushan*. It was a romance film, one she had wanted to see. But when she’d asked Caleb, he’d said, “Given our positions, it’s not appropriate to spend all our time watching these romantic things.” But she hardly ever watched them. Caleb seemed to have forgotten that they had never once been to the movies together. Aubrey leaned against the wall, watching Caleb hand Serena a cream popsicle as they walked in, shoulder to shoulder. She offered a helpless smile. It turned out Chief Vance wasn’t busy; he just wasn’t busy *with her*. It turned out she, his wife, wasn’t allowed any special treatment. Aubrey simply let her mind wander, strolling aimlessly until she found herself home. By the time she pushed open the door, it was half past five. Caleb was already back. In their three years of marriage, his military duties kept him so busy that he’d never been home this early. Aubrey asked, “So early? No need to look after her anymore?” Caleb didn’t answer. Aubrey glanced at the sunset outside the window, speaking to herself. “I walked around a bit today. The capital is really vast!” Caleb flinched, his brows unconsciously furrowing. “We agreed I’d take you when I had time.” Aubrey recalled all the unfulfilled promises and simply chuckled softly. “I realized that many things, I can do by myself.” A peculiar, unidentifiable feeling stirred in Caleb’s heart. He skipped the topic. “Tonight, let’s eat at the classic restaurant downtown. Serena insisted on treating us to dinner.” He added, “A few of my comrades will be there too. It’s not just her and me.” Aubrey’s brow subtly twitched. She didn’t want to go, not at all. She didn’t even care how many people would be at the dinner, or if Serena would be alone with Caleb. “What? You don’t want to go?” Caleb noticed her hesitation, and his tone instantly turned cold. “Serena feels a little bad about today’s incident and genuinely wants to treat you to dinner. You’re unwilling to go?” “Aubrey, are you trying to make us look ridiculous? To make Serena think you’re narrow-minded and still holding a grudge?” “Everyone knows we’re married. How can a wife not attend? Won’t people think you’re bothered by Serena?” “Do you really want to see her talked about behind her back?” Aubrey looked at the pressure in his eyes and finally conceded. “Fine, I’ll go.” Caleb breathed a sigh of relief, rubbing her hair as he often did. “Give me a moment to shower and change.” When Caleb emerged from the room, he had changed out of his uniform. White shirt, black pants, hair still damp, even freshly shaven. He looked incredibly refreshed. Aubrey forced a smile. It seemed not only women primped for those who pleased them; men did too. She remembered once complaining that Caleb’s stubble was scratchy, and he’d lectured her then, telling her to focus on her work. By the time they arrived at the classic restaurant, Serena and the others were already there. Caleb’s comrades were seated in the private room. When they saw Aubrey, they greeted her warmly as “Chief’s wife.” Only Officer Miller was busy pouring tea, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Aubrey didn’t mind and found a seat. Halfway through the meal, a plate of stir-fried chicken chunks was brought out. Serena saw it and naturally served Caleb a piece with her fork. “Caleb, you love this the most. Eat more.” Caleb’s hand, holding his fork, paused. He said in a deep voice, “Eat your own. Don’t worry about me.” He said that, but still put the chicken in his mouth. Serena then seemed to realize Aubrey was present, suddenly looking up with an apologetic expression. “Aubrey, Chief’s wife, please don’t misunderstand, we…” She stopped mid-sentence, her face gradually turning red, looking distressed and unsure how to explain. Aubrey finished her sentence for her. “I know. You two were first loves.” The entire private room fell silent. No one had expected Aubrey to bring it up so directly. Serena’s face turned from green to pale. But Aubrey smiled faintly, as if stating the most ordinary fact. “But that’s all in the past. Now, we’re all comrades, pure and simple. Helping each other, looking out for each other, is only right.” “Let’s eat!” Forks clinked again, but everyone at the table was lost in their own thoughts. Caleb’s eyes were shadowed, lost in thought. Serena also settled down, making no more subtle gestures. After a few rounds of drinks, one of Caleb’s comrades raised his glass. “Come on, it’s rare for Chief Vance and his wife to join us for dinner. Let’s all drink a toast!” Serena coughed lightly, delicately covering her mouth. “Oh dear, I… I can’t drink much. My throat hasn’t been feeling well lately.” Caleb’s gaze immediately fell on her, with a hint of concern. He turned to Aubrey, his tone calm but unyielding. “Aubrey, Serena isn’t feeling well. Please drink on her behalf.” Aubrey’s body stiffened. Drink on her behalf? She had just had a miscarriage, her lower abdomen still ached, and her body hadn’t fully recovered. He was actually asking her to drink for Serena! Aubrey’s face paled. She looked at Caleb, searching for a trace of hesitation or pity in his eyes. But Caleb’s eyes held only Serena. “Drink it. I know you can handle your liquor. Is it so hard to help Serena?” he spoke again, his voice deeper. Seeing this, the other comrades also started urging her to drink. Aubrey’s hand trembled as she picked up the glass. Under everyone’s gaze, she tilted her head back and downed it. The pungent liquor slid down her throat, burning her esophagus, and her heart. As soon as the alcohol hit her stomach, she immediately felt dizzy, and her stomach began to ache. The comrades around them exchanged glances, the atmosphere becoming even more subtle. They had expected Aubrey to cause a scene, but she had drunk it down so readily. Caleb ignored his wife’s pale face, pouring a bowl of soup for Serena. “You haven’t been well lately. This soup is good for you, drink more.” Serena’s lips curved slightly. “Mmm, Caleb, you’re still as thoughtful as ever.” Aubrey swayed, almost falling. She clenched her hands tightly under the table, her nails almost digging into her palms, finally regaining her composure. After dinner, Serena suddenly smiled and invited everyone. “It’s still early. Why don’t you all come over to my place for a bit?” She added, a little shyly, “Actually, today is my birthday.” “I was afraid you wouldn’t want to come, so I only dared to say it now.” Everyone chuckled and agreed to go. Caleb, without asking Aubrey’s preference, pulled her along with him. Upon arriving at Serena’s apartment, while she was in the back room boiling water, Caleb walked over to Aubrey. He lowered his voice, with clear reproach. “Aubrey, you shouldn’t have said those things at the dinner table earlier.” “Serena isn’t married yet; how will she face people later? You embarrassed her so much, and she’s a sensitive person…” “How many times do I have to tell you? Your fathers’ old feuds are their business. It has nothing to do with her. Stop deliberately making things difficult for her!” Aubrey looked into his eyes and asked very seriously, “So, do I need to apologize to her?” Caleb was silent for a moment, then his tone softened, but his words were even more hurtful. “Yes.” “Not only do you need to apologize, but I also hope you’ll talk to her and comfort her. She must be very upset right now, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone.” In an instant, a thick layer of mist clouded Aubrey’s eyes. She suddenly let out a soft laugh, but a clear sniffle came with it. “Caleb, do you remember what day it is today?” Chapter 5 Caleb frowned, asking confusedly, “What day?” Today was her father’s death anniversary. He didn’t remember. Aubrey shook her head, a smile still on her lips. “Never mind.” “Caleb, let’s get a divo—” Her words were abruptly cut off by a sharp scream. Serena’s hot water kettle *clanged* to the floor, splashing scalding water onto her foot. Before Aubrey could react, the man beside her had already rushed past everyone. Caleb was known for his composure. But at this moment, the panic in his eyes was something Aubrey had never seen. He didn’t even wait for someone to bring the car, instead bending down to scoop Serena into his arms and striding rapidly towards the nearest hospital. At the hospital, a group of people crowded around Serena like stars around the moon. “It’s nothing serious, just a minor burn. Apply some ointment, and it’ll heal in a few days.” Caleb, who had been guarding the door of the hospital room, finally let out a sigh of relief when he heard the doctor’s words. A nurse helped Serena walk away. Caleb strode over to Aubrey, who was in a corner, his face as cold as ice. “Aubrey, come with me.” Aubrey was silent for a moment, then looked up. “Caleb, I have something to say to you.” Caleb frowned deeply, his eyes cold. “Whatever it is, say it later.” “Right now, come inside with me and apologize to Serena.” Aubrey flinched, staring at him in disbelief. “Apologize? Why should I apologize?” “Did I push her? Did I scald her? She couldn’t hold the kettle herself, and that’s my fault too?” Caleb’s eyes became even more accusatory. “You’re still being sarcastic!” “If you hadn’t said those things at dinner, making Serena distracted, how would she have gotten hurt?” “Go and admit your mistake to her. It might make her feel better.” Aubrey’s hands trembled slightly as she countered, “So you think her injury is my fault?” Seeing Aubrey’s pale face, Caleb felt a pang of guilt, but thinking of Serena, he hardened his expression again. “If we’re to trace the cause, you also bear some responsibility.” “Go apologize. Whatever you want to say to me, I’ll listen seriously later.” Aubrey stared fixedly at Caleb, and a laugh escaped her, but there was no mirth in her eyes, only tears that streamed down her face. Caleb had never seen Aubrey like this. He instinctively reached out to wipe her tears. But Aubrey sharply turned her head, avoiding his hand. “Yes, I was wrong.” “I shouldn’t have been foolish enough to marry a man who didn’t love me at all.” Caleb tried to step closer, but she stopped him with a raised hand. “Don’t come near me.” Between them, it was as if an unbridgeable chasm had opened. “Caleb, let’s get a divorce.” She laughed freely. “It’s time for me to pay for my mistakes.” After she spoke, she saw a momentary blankness and helplessness on Caleb’s face. It took him a long time to find his voice. “Aubrey, don’t say things you don’t mean.” “If you don’t want to apologize to Serena, then don’t. Just don’t be like this.” Aubrey smiled, her eyes misty with tears. “I’ve never been more serious than I am right now.” Even at this point, he still thought she was saying it out of anger. He truly had never understood her. “Let’s go home and talk, okay?” Caleb’s voice held an urgency he hadn’t even noticed himself. “You must have misunderstood something…” Aubrey closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, they were clear. “Alright, let’s go back first.” She also didn’t want to make a scene in a hospital, for all to know. His status was special; a divorce required his consent and military approval before paperwork could be processed. Just as they were about to turn, Officer Miller’s voice suddenly came from behind them. “Caleb, where are you going? Serena is looking for you.” Caleb paused, then frowned and looked back. “Tell her I’ll see her tomorrow.” No sooner had he spoken than Serena’s muffled sobs and screams erupted from the hospital room. Caleb didn’t hesitate for a second, turning and rushing inside. Aubrey smiled, her face showing indifference. She turned around, tilted her head back slightly, and forced the mist from her eyes. Tears, like anything else, had their worth. If no one cared, they were shed in vain. Chapter 6 Aubrey returned home alone. This home, which she had personally decorated and once believed she’d live in forever, now felt like an ice-cold vault.
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