My General Husband Sacrificed Me for Her

Ten years later, I saw Adrian Cross again. It was at a veterans’ reunion held by the military district. Time had changed many things. Almost everyone had settled down. They were married, had children, and lived peaceful, ordinary lives. The hall was filled with laughter, memories, and familiar faces. Only Adrian and I were still single after our divorces. “Aurelia,” someone whispered beside me, “Adrian has been waiting for you. He never dated anyone or remarried all these years.” I didn’t respond. Just then, the doors opened. Adrian walked in. In his crisp military uniform, he instantly drew everyone’s attention. Even after ten years, he was still as striking as ever. The sharp edges of his youth had softened, replaced by calm authority and restraint. Our eyes met across the crowded hall. For a brief moment, the noise around us seemed to fade. Knowing our history, the organizers hesitated before deliberately seating us together. The air between us felt heavy. He watched me quietly for a long time, as if he had many things he wanted to say. Finally, he spoke in a low voice. “Aurelia, long time no see.” “Yes,” I replied calmly. “Long time no see.” My face showed no emotion. But inside, memories surged. I thought back to the night before the military awards ceremony. The night my private photos suddenly appeared online. Overnight, my reputation was ruined. My honor was destroyed. My award nomination was revoked. And the person who leaked those photos— Was my husband. That night, I collapsed and rushed to confront him. Just as I was about to push his office door open, I overheard a conversation that shattered everything. “General Cross, isn’t this going too far?” the adjutant said carefully. “Captain Voss has given everything to this district. After this, she may never be able to wear the uniform again.” Adrian’s voice was ice-cold. “Seraphina needs this military honor. Sacrificing Aurelia once is worth securing her future.” A chill spread through my entire body. The adjutant hesitated. “Your plan… was extremely thorough.” “First, you assigned her to that near-fatal mission, earning her loyalty. Second, you personally led the rescue, making her trust you completely. Finally, you coaxed her into taking private photos, so you could use them at the critical moment.” Adrian let out a quiet chuckle. “More interesting than taming a wild horse, isn’t it?” My hands trembled violently. Every word carved into my heart. “Then why did you marry her?” the adjutant asked cautiously. “Did the fake relationship become real?” A brief pause. Then Adrian replied calmly, “Three years ago, Seraphina caused that helicopter accident. It killed Giselle and her mother. If the truth came out, her career would be over.” My breath stopped. That accident.. My mother. My unborn child. “So I married Aurelia,” he continued coldly. “To bury the truth forever. As long as she stayed close to me, no one would investigate further.” My knees nearly buckled. After my mother’s death, I had collapsed in grief. Adrian had held my hand and promised, “I swear I’ll find out what really happened. I’ll get justice for you.” A month later, he told me the footage was corrupted. I had believed him. Every single word. I stared down at the wedding ring on my finger. So this marriage — the happiness I once believed in — was built on my mother’s blood. I backed away silently. Not until I reached the empty corridor did I finally breathe. My chest hurt so badly it felt like it was being torn apart. That night, I made a decision. I would disappear. And I would make them pay. ---