Shattered Dreams, Lingering Years

On the day Brett Graham threw his big victory celebration, he held my hand and told everyone I was his destiny.

Even though we were already divorced.

He declared to the whole room that he didn't regret his life-or-death decision, especially since his wife had been among the captives.

Too bad the truth was, on that battlefield, the person he was trying to save wasn't me. It was his mistress.

Just as Brett thought his bright future was finally within reach, the name on the military commendation medal turned out to be mine.

Looking down at Brett from the stage, I spoke frankly to the cameras. "I believe if a peacekeeping soldier, during a hostage exchange with the enemy, only cares about the safety of his lover, it's a true disgrace to the profession."

"Dr. Jenkins, why had we never heard you and Colonel Graham were a couple before this?"

"Was it because you were among the hostages that Colonel Graham acted so recklessly?"

"Colonel Graham seems to be injured. As his wife, do you have anything to say to the public?"

Stepping off the plane, I was immediately swarmed by reporters. A flicker of irony was all that showed in my eyes.

This was my first time back in the country in a year.

I glanced at my watch. It was 10 P.M. Brett had said he'd pick me up at 9 P.M.

Even now, he couldn't keep a promise.

I wasn't sure whether to feel heartbroken or angry.

Luckily, the Special Dispatch vehicle arrived.

"Dr. Jenkins, get in. We'll take you back."

The one speaking was Dominic Mills, leader of the team assigned to protect us medical personnel.

"Thanks, Dominic."

Once I was in his car, my mind finally started to settle.

"Dominic, I owe you one from the field. Not sure I'd be here without you."

"Don't mention it, Dr. Jenkins. I couldn't just stand by and watch so many people sacrifice themselves."

Right. No decent person could stand to watch that many people walk into death.

But Brett could.

He did it all for Yolanda Evans.

Then, I remembered that surveillance footage was still on my laptop. What a show.

Just then, my phone rang.

I knew without looking that it was Brett calling to pick me up.

But there was no way I would answer.

Just thinking of him brought back the scene of him risking everyone, just to save Yolanda.

The phone rang for a long time. I didn't pick up.

Until our car was forced to a stop.

"Dr. Jenkins, I'll check it out."

"I'll go."

I'd already seen Brett's license plate.

"Is this how the Peacekeeping Corps operates now?" I deliberately taunted him.

"Can't we talk about this at home?" He said, his voice suddenly low, clearly noticing Dominic in the car.

"At home? We're divorced."

My face was cold.

"Divorced? Have you forgotten what I said to you on the battlefield yesterday?"

Our eyes locked. Brett suddenly couldn't speak. He looked