Divorce Me, Then Watch Me Marry Your Billionaire General

Evelyn's PoV The parade ground at Fort Bragg was very loud and busy. Hundreds of soldiers stood in straight lines under the morning sky. Flags waved gently in the cold air. Everything felt full of pride and honor. But I felt tiny and unimportant. "Move a little, Evelyn," Ryan whispered coldly in my ear. "You're blocking Isabella's view." His voice was cold. Where was the warm man who promised to love me forever? I turned slowly to look at him. My husband, Captain Ryan Mitchell stood tall in his green military uniform. His chest was covered with gold medals that glistened in the sun. He looked handsome, powerful, and successful. His cologne smelled good. Little did he know that I had been sewing all night and into the night till my fingers bled to buy this perfume for him. It was my promotion gift. I wanted him to be happy. I wanted to be a good wife. Isabella stood next to her, right behind her. She had bright red lipstick, that's for sure, and a large and proud smile. Her hair was blonde and it could be blown in the wind. When I looked at her, she didn't show any pity. She wore a tight short skirt. It was just the wrong outfit for a serious military ceremony. But for some reason I was the one who did not belong here, in my simple dress. "Ryan," I whispered softly. "This is an official military ceremony. Why is she standing with us?" Ryan didn't even look at my face. He adjusted his black hat in the car window reflection. "Don't start, Evelyn," he said casually. "We already talked about this. Isabella is my future wife. Your place is over anyway." His words hurt me deeply. "I never agreed to a divorce, Ryan!" I pleaded quietly, reaching out to touch his arm. "I love you. We can fix this..." Slap! He pushed my hand away angrily. “Don't touch me,” Ryan hissed, disgusted. "You're embarrassing me." "Didn't you hear my son, Evelyn?" My mother-in-law, Victoria, walked up next to Isabella. She gave me a disapproving gaze. Victoria shouted out, "Ryan is soon going to work at the Pentagon. You're nothing but a dorky little girl from a rural town. Look at Isabella, her father is a rich defense contractor. She can actually help Ryan's career. What can you give him? Nothing!" Her words broke my heart. For three years, Ryan never allowed me to attend any officer parties. He said he was protecting me. But now I understood the truth. He was ashamed of me. "Listen carefully, Evelyn," Ryan warned in a dangerous whisper. "When the ceremony starts, you will smile. You will put this rank on my uniform. Do not ruin my big day in front of the General." I swallowed my pain. He forgot who stayed up all night helping him study. He forgot who ironed his clothes every morning. He forgot who prayed for his safety every single day. And this was how he paid me back. "Promoted soldiers, step forward!" the loudspeaker called out. "Walk faster," Ryan snapped, marching ahead. Isabella walked closely beside him, holding his arm. I followed them three steps behind, like a ghost. Suddenly, the whole field became quiet. A tall, broad-shouldered man walked onto the stage. General Alexander Vance. He was the youngest Four-Star General in the U.S. Army, at the age of 34. He appeared to be a strong, cold, stern man. His sharp gray eyes looked over the soldiers. His eyes looked at me and I saw a darkness and depth there. "Spouses, step forward to put on the rank pins," the announcer said. I was shaking with trembling hands as I held the little gold pin. Ryan was standing in front of me and had a proud smile on his face. He whispered through his teeth, "Hurry up, Evelyn. Isabella is taking pictures. Smile and do your job." He offered his shoulder, waiting for his moment of glory. I looked into his eyes. I saw no love. Only pride and greed. You want your glory, Ryan? I thought. Get it yourself. I raised my hand slowly. But instead of pinning it to his uniform, I opened my hand. Clink. The metal pin dropped straight onto the hard ground. The sound echoed loudly across the quiet field. Ryan's smile froze. His face turned pale, then dark red with anger. "What are you doing?!" Ryan hissed in panic. "Pick it up! NOW!" I didn't bend down. I didn't say sorry. I turned around. I walked straight toward the high stage where the Commanding General stood. "Evelyn! Stop! Come back!" Ryan whispered desperately. But he couldn't leave his spot without ruining his army career. I ignored him. Two guards moved to block me, but General Alexander Vance raised his hand. "Let her pass," the General said coldly. I stopped right in front of the most powerful man on the base. I stood tall and looked directly into his gray eyes. "Permission to speak freely, General," my voice rang out loud and clear. "I am reporting Captain Ryan Mitchell for cheating, spousal abuse, and violation of UCMJ Article 134." Total silence covered the entire base. To be continued...