Chapter 7

Gabriel frowned, maybe picking up on what she was feeling. He explained, "Look, it's not like I didn't want to help you back there. As a soldier, my first responsibility is to protect civilians. You're my wife. You should get that." Eliana just looked at him, saying nothing. All she could think about was that moment at the rink—Gabriel shielding the woman in the white puffer jacket without even looking back to check if she was okay. "I get it," she said quietly. "You'd rather risk everything for someone who looks like Linda than even spare a look for your wife." Gabriel's jaw tightened, but he kept his cool. "Think whatever you want." He turned away and pulled out a sheet of paper from his briefcase. "By the way, my transfer to the island base just came through. I'll be leaving in three days." Eliana glanced at the orders and suddenly remembered the last time this happened. He'd handed her the transfer papers just like this, telling her he'd be gone for years, leaving her behind to take care of the family. But this time, she wouldn't lose herself over him. She had her dreams and a future to chase. She wasn't giving any of it up for him. When Eliana was finally discharged from the hospital, Gabriel came to pick her up himself. He was standing straight as a board by her door, sharp as ever in his uniform. He did not bother to ask if she was feeling any better. He just said matter-of-factly, "There's a farewell party for me tonight at the base. As my spouse, you're required to attend." Eliana didn't answer. She just packed up her things in silence. The party was held in the main hall at the base. In the brightly lit hall, glasses clinked as everyone smiled cheerfully. Eliana followed Gabriel inside and quickly spotted Linda sitting right up front, with the two kids happily gathered around her. Jamie kept piling food onto Linda's plate, while Hannah clung to her arm. Both of them were grinning from ear to ear, as if Linda were their real mother. The moment Eliana got close, both kids gave her a look of disdain, then turned right back to cuddling up to Linda. "Linda, I really wish you didn't have to leave," Hannah said as she pouted. "What are we gonna do when you're gone?" "Yeah!" Jamie piped up. "We'd rather be anywhere than stuck here with her!" Linda gently stroked their hair and spoke softly. "Don't worry. When I get a chance, your dad and I will come back and visit." Eliana stood to the side, a sarcastic smile tugging at her lips. None of this surprised her. It was just like in her past life—Gabriel heading to the island base with Linda by his side. Gabriel would be gone for 30 years, while she stayed home to take care of his aging parents and raise their kids. She'd give up her dreams, her career, even her life, just to keep the family going. When he finally came back, all she'd get were divorce papers. And the two kids she'd poured her heart into would take Linda's side and tell her she was never good enough for their father. In this life, she wouldn't make the same mistake again. Gabriel seemed to notice Eliana spacing out and shot her a sharp look before walking over to Linda. He murmured something to her, then shot a quick signal to the kids. Moments later, Gabriel and the kids stood beside Eliana. To everyone else, they looked like the perfect happy family. But Eliana knew they were only putting on a show to keep people from gossiping about Linda. All evening, even as Gabriel and the kids stood beside her, their eyes never really left Linda. Eliana sat there quietly, feeling like an outsider. Then, just as the party was hitting its peak, a scream rang out from the second floor. Eliana looked up and saw Linda suddenly topple over the balcony railing and fall.