1 In the third year of my marriage to Gabriel Mercer, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Even as a sharp, agonizing pain radiated through my leg, I forced myself not to call him. He was a Major General, a man of high standing whose duties meant he could not take personal calls during work hours. The woman who had hit me was sobbing, holding onto my handlebars to keep me from leaving. “My boyfriend is on his way. Please wait, we will definitely give you a solution you are happy with.” But when the black military SUV with the high-ranking plates pulled up behind her, my entire body went rigid. Gabriel got out of the vehicle, immediately wrapping his uniform jacket around the crying woman’s shoulders, his voice filled with a rare, gentle concern. “I am late. Are you hurt?” It was only then that I realized Gabriel’s phone was not off to everyone during work hours. It was just that his emergency contact list was reserved for the girl from his past. He frowned, his gaze dropping to my bleeding knee, staring at it for a long, silent moment. The woman, Hannah, looked between us with a hesitant glance. “Do you two know each other?” Before Gabriel could speak, I cut in. “We don’t.” After all, in the contract he had handed me three years ago, the very first clause dictated a strictly hidden marriage. Now, our three-year agreement was about to expire. I was already preparing to leave. … I had always known Gabriel had someone else in his heart, but I never imagined it would be the very woman who had just run me over. When Gabriel first arrived, I had frozen, instinctively assuming he was there for me. But Hannah had already scrambled to her feet, running straight into his arms. “Gabriel, what do I do? I hit someone.” The man draped his heavy service jacket over her shoulders, his voice as calm and steady as ever. “I will handle it.” I slowly pulled my gaze away, staring down at the raw, scraping wound on my knee. The pieces finally fell into place, explaining why Gabriel had barely been coming home lately. His childhood love, Hannah, had returned to the country. Hannah stepped back from his chest, turning to offer me a bright, privileged smile. “My boyfriend is here now. Whatever compensation you want, just speak to his assistant.” “I am so sorry for delaying your commute and causing this injury. Please, don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. My boyfriend is highly capable, he will make sure it is taken care of.” I offered a quiet thank you, but Gabriel’s assistant, who was standing nearby, looked incredibly uncomfortable. He was one of the very few who knew about our hidden marriage. He stammered, looking at my leg. “Mrs… I mean, ma’am, why is your wound still bleeding so heavily? It has been half an hour since the accident. Do you have a coagulation issue?” “Just a minor one,” I replied, nodding. Gabriel’s head snapped toward me, his voice dropping an octave. “Clotting issues?” Hannah looked confused. “What’s wrong?” He did not seem to hear her, his eyes locked onto my bleeding knee, his brow furrowed in a tight line. Hannah finally sensed the tension, looking between Gabriel and me with growing suspicion. “Do you two know each other?” Before Gabriel could find his voice, I answered for him. “We don’t.” As expected, he looked satisfied with my quick thinking. He took Hannah’s hand, offering a casual instruction to his assistant before they walked away. “Take her to the clinic.” I watched their retreating figures, swallowing the faint bitterness in my throat. There were exactly two months left before our contract expired, and it was time for me to start packing. 2 Our convenience marriage had been remarkably straightforward. Back then, I desperately needed tuition for graduate school. Through a mutual acquaintance, I ended up signing a contract with Gabriel. On our wedding day, there was no ceremony, no rings, and no vows, only a legal document. He needed a sham marriage to satisfy his family’s constant pressure, and I needed the financial security. The terms were simple: keep the marriage hidden, and occasionally play the doting wife at family dinners. We had no marital obligations, no responsibility toward each other, and I was even free to date as long as I kept it out of the public eye. I was paid three thousand dollars a month. Once the three years were up, I would receive a three-million-dollar exit fee. At the time, Hannah was studying abroad, and I had no idea she even existed. I had absolutely no reason to refuse the offer. After we married, Gabriel kept me close, teaching me how to navigate his world. I learned to play the role of the perfect General’s wife, selecting his suits, managing his social calendar, and dealing with difficult politicians. Once, at a high-profile gala, a corrupt local commissioner tried to touch me. Gabriel, who usually kept his emotions entirely under wraps, kicked the man’s knee so hard he buckled. He then shoved a heavy wine bottle into my hand, wrapping his arms around me from behind, his deep voice vibrating against my ear. “Do you know what I am teaching you today?” Enveloped by his cold, woody cologne, I tried to keep my breathing steady. “You are teaching me to negotiate from a position of strength, to maintain boundaries…” He caught my wrist, lifting my hand with the bottle. “My dear, this isn’t a textbook problem. Don’t be so formal.” “It’s just a fight.” With a sickening crack, the bottle shattered over the commissioner’s head. My palm went numb from the impact. Gabriel pulled a linen handkerchief from his pocket, gently wiping the sweat from my hands. “Don’t forget this. I am your backing.” “Don’t let anyone else bully you.” I had quickly pulled my hand away, muttering a hasty thank you before escaping to the restroom. If I had stayed a second longer, the affection in my eyes would have given me away. Perhaps it was the thrill of a first love, or perhaps Gabriel’s occasional indulgence made me lose my head. I moved into his villa, spending every evening waiting by the window for his headlights to appear in the driveway. Until the night of a major victory banquet. He came home heavily intoxicated, supported by a female subordinate. His arm was slung over her shoulder, their faces mere inches apart. “Mrs. Mercer, please step aside,” the woman said, her voice laced with a subtle disdain. “I need to help the General inside.” I remained where I was, extending my hands toward him. “I can take my husband from here.” Before I could close the door, the secretary let out a soft laugh. “As the General’s wife, you should learn to be more accommodating. If you get jealous over every little thing, you’ll end up miserable.” I had not realized that Gabriel was still somewhat conscious, nor did I know he had heard the entire exchange. Later, when I brought a bowl of hangover soup to the living room, he was lying on the sofa, his eyes remarkably clear as he stared at me. I set the bowl down. “Since you are awake, drink some of this. It will help.” Gabriel did not touch the bowl. Instead, he asked, “Do you know why I never let you into my study?” The lingering annoyance in my chest vanished, replaced by curiosity. I shook my head. He stood up, refusing my assistance, and led me toward the locked room. When he pushed the door open, a massive oil painting met my eyes. A young girl, barely sixteen, stood in a field of wildflowers, her eyes closed as she breathed in the scent of a blossom, her face half-hidden. It was the reason I had not immediately recognized Hannah when we finally met in person. Gabriel leaned against the doorframe, lighting a cigarette. “I have loved her since I was seventeen. It has been ten years.” “If we hadn’t quarreled before she left, she would be the one standing here with me today.” His tone was conversational, yet each word felt like a physical blow to my chest. Before I could process the pain, he drove the point home. “I cannot give you the affection you are looking for, Darla. Do not develop feelings you shouldn’t have.” “I will be adding an amendment to our contract,” he continued, his tone entirely businesslike. “If you cannot manage your emotions and cross the boundary, it will be considered a breach of contract. You will lose your compensation and face a heavy penalty.” The hallway light cast a long, narrow shadow across the floor of the dark study. I stood there, frozen, recalling a comment Gabriel had once made about greedy associates. They hover at the boundaries, always testing the limits. It is incredibly off-putting. That night, I became the person who disgusted him. Gabriel left the room shortly after. I stood in the dark until the first light of dawn broke through the window, the cold air finally clearing the fog from my chest. From that day on, I managed myself perfectly. I kept my distance, offering him nothing but polite, professional respect. And slowly, the feelings faded to nothing. 3 My leg wound was dressed at a local clinic, and after taking a day off, I went straight to the hospital to visit my mother. She had been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, and there were only a couple of specialists in the country capable of performing the surgery. She was constantly worrying about the cost, pleading with me to let her check out. I popped a slice of fresh pear into her mouth. “Absolutely not. You fainted the last time you went for a scan. I heard that Dr. Bennett, the leading neurosurgeon, is coming to our local hospital next month.” Our physician had promised to secure a slot for us if the rumors were true. The thought of my mother recovering made my steps lighter as I went down to the cafeteria, but the head nurse stopped me in the corridor. “Darla, about the private suite we reserved for your mother… a new patient with heavy backing just arrived and took it.” The nurse sighed, lowering her voice. “I heard her boyfriend is a Major General. He pulled some serious strings…” Almost at the same moment, I saw a flash of white fabric near the stairwell, identical to the sundress Hannah had been wearing that morning. I pulled my gaze back, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Nurse. The room doesn’t matter. I just want my mother to get her surgery.” When I returned to the villa that afternoon, Gabriel was sitting on the sofa. It was unusual for him to be home at this hour instead of accompanying Hannah. I offered a polite nod. “Major General.” I turned to head to my room, but his voice stopped me. “How is your knee?” “Dressed and healing. It is fine,” I replied. Gabriel set his coffee cup down, checking his watch. “We need to go to my parents’ house for dinner tonight. Are you free?” According to our contract, I had to make myself available for family events. I nodded. “Yes.” I selected a classic designer outfit, applied my makeup, and ensured I looked every bit the elegant wife of a military officer. When we arrived at the Mercer estate, I automatically slipped my hand through his arm, greeting his family with practiced warmth. During dinner, Gabriel’s mother looked at us expectantly. “Have you two started trying for a baby yet?” I choked on my soup, coughing into my napkin. Gabriel reached over, handing me a glass of water while gently patting my back. “Darla is still young.” His mother frowned. “She is twenty-five. It is the perfect time to start thinking about these things.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, offering a quiet nod. “I understand, Mother.” A violent rainstorm broke out that evening, forcing us to stay the night. We shared the master suite, sleeping under separate blankets. After three years, the arrangement was familiar and comfortable. When I came out of the bathroom in my silk gown and sat on the vanity bench to apply ointment to my knee, Gabriel looked over. “I am sorry I couldn’t take you to the clinic myself the other day.” He looked tense, as if struggling to explain his relationship with Hannah. I cut him off gently. “It is fine, Major General. Our contract doesn’t require you to take care of me. You don’t need to explain.” “Whatever is going on between you and Miss Hannah is your business. I will continue to play my part until our contract ends in two months.” He raised his eyes, staring at me. “Two months?” It seemed he had forgotten the date. “Yes,” I reminded him. “In two months, our agreement expires, and we can finalize the divorce.” Gabriel set his wine glass down, his voice cool and detached. “You certainly have the date memorized.” He turned and walked into the bathroom, ending the conversation. 4 A few weeks later, my mother’s physician called with incredible news: he had managed to secure a consultation slot with Dr. Bennett. For the next two weeks, I spent every evening after work at the hospital. One afternoon, as I stepped into the elevator, the doors began to close before being held open. Gabriel and Hannah walked in. Hannah did not recognize me from our brief encounter, her eyes scanning right past me. Gabriel hesitated for a fraction of a second but said nothing. As the elevator rose, Hannah clung to his arm, her voice sweet and filled with affection. “Thank you, my amazing boyfriend, for sorting out everything for my mother. Now we just have to wait for the results.” “How should I thank you? Maybe I’ll let you take me out to dinner tonight.” I kept my eyes glued to the floor indicator, waiting. “What do you want to eat?” Gabriel’s deep voice finally replied. “Let’s go to your place. I want your homemade pasta!” The elevator dinged at my floor. I stepped out into the quiet corridor, realizing I would need to find a hotel tonight. After feeding my mother, I booked a room at a nearby boutique hotel. I showered and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from the long day. Sometime during the night, my phone rang. I answered it sleepily. “Hello?” “When are you coming home?” Gabriel’s voice came through the receiver. “I made dinner. I am waiting for you.” I buried my face deeper into the pillow. “Aren’t you with Hannah?” “I didn’t want to get in your way… so I got a hotel room for the night…” The line went silent before Gabriel’s voice dropped, carrying a distinct edge of displeasure. “Send me your location. I am coming to pick you up.” I was too tired to care about his authority. “No, Gabriel. I am already asleep. Don’t bother me.” He remained silent for a few seconds before his tone softened, carrying a hint of amusement. “You have quite the temper when you’re tired, don’t you?” Without the barrier of my usual professional restraint, I simply let out an annoyed sigh. I heard a soft chuckle from the other end of the line. “Alright, go back to sleep. I won’t disturb you.” The call disconnected, and I drifted back into a heavy sleep. The next morning, the conversation felt like a dream. When Gabriel called again, I assumed he was going to reprimand me for my lack of respect. I kept my tone carefully polite. “Is there something you need, Major General?” There was a long pause before he spoke, his tone completely flat. “Nothing. I simply forgot to ask what you were doing at the hospital yesterday.” “My mother is admitted,” I replied casually. “But it is nothing serious. She will be discharged soon.” “If you need any assistance, contact my chief of staff directly,” he said. I thanked him politely, though I had no intention of doing so. His position was sensitive, and I was not about to involve military personnel in my personal matters. The contract dictated that I keep my distance, and I intended to honor it. The silence stretched, yet he did not hang up. “Major General? Is there anything else?” I could hear the rhythmic tapping of his fingers against his mahogany desk, a habit of his when he was deep in thought. “I was just wondering what time you usually take your afternoon nap,” he said. I blinked, entirely thrown off. Before I could process the question, he added, “I will make sure to call you during those hours from now on.” I had no idea what he was playing at. Was this some new method of torment? Dr. Bennett was scheduled to arrive on the seventeenth, with a very limited three-hour window for consultations. We had secured the very last slot. Gabriel had been deployed to a training exercise in the north and was not expected back for a week. Whenever I saw Hannah at the hospital during those days, she was always alone. On the morning of the seventeenth, I saw her chatting with the receptionist at the nurse’s station, eating an apple with a relaxed, casual air. “My mother’s results are only partially back, but the director told me not to worry,” she was saying. The nurse looked up from her paperwork, offering a polite smile. “That is good news. Perhaps you should take a walk? We are preparing for Dr. Bennett’s arrival this afternoon.” Hannah paused, her interest piqued. “Dr. Bennett? Who is that?” “The leading neurosurgeon in the country. His slots have been booked for months.” “But your mother’s case doesn’t require a specialist of his caliber,” the nurse explained. Hannah took a slow bite of her apple, her eyes narrowing. “I see…” A sudden chill of unease washed over me, but I tried to brush it off. Hannah’s mother did not have a brain tumor; surely she would not take a critical slot from someone who actually needed it. But my hope was shattered. At two o’clock that afternoon, our physician called me into his office, his face incredibly grim. “The slot is gone.” The words felt like a physical blow, leaving my ears ringing. “Major General Mercer’s girlfriend claimed it, using her military dependent priority,” the doctor said, his brow furrowed. “I tried to explain that her mother’s condition is standard, but she insisted she wanted the absolute best opinion.” I leaned against the wall to keep my balance. “Can we request an extra slot?” “Impossible. Dr. Bennett is flying out for an international conference at five.” I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms to keep from breaking down. I immediately dialed Gabriel’s number, but as always, the call went straight to his secure line’s automated busy signal. With no time to lose, I took a taxi back to the villa, grabbed our marriage certificate, and rushed back to the hospital. I marched straight into the director’s office. Before he could speak, I set the document on his desk, my chest heaving. “I am Gabriel Mercer’s legal wife. You can verify the registration.” “I am not here to steal anyone’s slot. I am simply taking back the one that belonged to my mother.” The slot was restored. Once the consultation was finished and the surgery date was locked in, the heavy weight in my chest finally lifted. I asked the director and the physicians to keep my identity quiet, but Hannah was persistent. As I walked out of the hospital that evening, she blocked my path, staring at me before her eyes crinkled into a sharp, mocking smile. “I remember you. You’re the girl from the bicycle accident. No wonder Gabriel was so focused on your clotting issue.” “I didn’t take your mother’s slot, Hannah,” I said quietly, looking down. “I can explain my relationship with Gabriel.” She had no interest in listening, extending her hand. “Just show me the certificate.” Her voice carried a distinct threat. “Otherwise, I will make sure your mother has a very difficult time staying in this hospital, let alone getting her surgery.” With no other choice, I showed her the document. Hannah stared at it, her smile widening into something cold. She immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Gabriel’s number. The call was answered almost instantly. With tears welling in her eyes, she looked straight at me. “Gabriel, you have a wife.” A brief silence followed before Gabriel’s voice came through. “Who told you that?” “How could you treat me like this?” she sobbed, her voice breaking. “We are done.” She hung up the phone and turned to leave. I took a step forward, but she did not look back, her voice dripping with venom. “Don’t you dare follow me.” “Enabling your husband’s affair makes you just as pathetic, Darla. Don’t make me get my hands dirty in public.”
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