The Wrong Woman

"I'm sure you'll find a way. Just try to make it work," Mila said.

She understood her discomfort with Fenna might stem from her insecurities, but she was also aware that loyalty wasn't enough to sustain a marriage

Mila would never feel safe as long as Fenna was around Nathan.

Nathan stroked Mila's hand and reassured her, "Mila, I've had assurances from Fenna that she won't interfere in our marriage. She's not a bad

person, so you don't have to worry about her doing anything outrageous.”

Mila's mood darkened. She pulled her hand away and wrapped herself in the covers. She turned away and closed her eyes.

"Take care of yourself and come back safely," she murmured.

"All right." Nathan felt her indifference and decided to say nothing more. He tucked her in, turned off the light, and left.

It was 5:00 am in Phoenicia. Soldiers from the military base surrounded Hoffis Manor. Everyone was jolted awake. Avery showed up dressed in thick

pajamas and with her hair disheveled.

"What's going on? Trespassing in Norvania is a

Avery a search warrant. She watched worriedly as armed soldiers

couch and sat down. His expression was grave as he waited

Avery pretended to be calm and asked, "General Morrison, we haven't seen each other in six months.

what's with all the

maintained his stoic look in

assumed a seductive pose, with one hand resting

smiled. "You're charming, but

gaze hardened and cut right through Avery's facade. Her heart pounded, and she swallowed nervously. His intense

made her

her emotions in check after years of corporate life. Feigning calm, she teased, "General

kind of woman you fancy? I don't know if someone like

being a widow. "Oliver's dead?" he asked with a look of

He was killed in a fire two months ago. His ashes were scattered

expression hardened further. He stared

continued, "I have all the paperwork—death certificate, cremation certificate, everything. I can

doubt me."