Love in the Shadows, Shattered to Ice

After my private photos were leaked by my own husband, a decorated General, I quietly filed my discharge papers and applied for an overseas aid mission, telling no one.
The next time I saw Fred Cole was ten years later, at a reunion for our old unit.
Most of my friends were married with kids. Only Fred and I, divorced, remained single.
Aria, a friend whispered, nudging me, hes definitely still waiting for you. He hasnt dated anyone in a decade, never remarried.
Just then, Fred walked in.
Clad in his immaculate dress uniform, he commanded the rooms attention. Ten years had passed, but he was still strikingly handsome, the sharp edges of his youth softened into a calm, authoritative presence.
Knowing our history, our friends had deliberately seated us together.
He watched me for a long time, a thousand unspoken words in his eyes, but all that came out was a quiet greeting.
Aria. Its been a long time.
Yes, it has, I replied coolly, my face a mask, betraying none of the turmoil his presence stirred.
I remembered the night before my commendation ceremony, when the internet had exploded with my intimate photos. Overnight, my reputation was in ruins, my medal of honor rescinded.
And the man who had released them was my husband, Fred Cole.

I had run to his office, desperate for an explanation. But as I reached for the door, I overheard a conversation that stopped my world.
General, isnt this a bit too harsh? Captain Evans has bled for this division, nearly died for it. After this, she might not even be allowed to wear the uniform again.
Freds voice was as cold as ice. Maria needs this commendation. For her future in the military, sacrificing Aria once is a worthy trade.
I pressed myself against the wall, a chill seeping into my bones.
Brilliant strategy, sir, his aides voice oozed with sycophancy. Three simple steps to bring the legendary Hawkeye of our Special Forces to heel.
First, upon her transfer to the Falcon unit, you assigned her that impossible extraction mission, the one doomed to fail.
Second, you personally led the rescue, earning her undying gratitude and turning her into the sharpest weapon in your arsenal.
And finally, you coaxed her into taking those risqu photos, the perfect leverage to use at the most critical moment.
Fred chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth, full of cold control. More interesting than breaking a wild stallion, wouldnt you say?
The aide hesitated. But why marry her, sir? Did the act become a little too real?
Fred toyed with his sidearm, a soft, dismissive sound in his throat, as if it had all been a necessary burden. Three years ago, Maria had just gotten her helicopter pilots license. During a night training exercise, she lost control and collided with a military vehicle carrying Aria and her mother. The three-month-old fetus she was carrying, and her mother they didnt make it.
Maria was terrified. It wasnt her fault, Freds voice remained unnervingly calm. The other vehicle failed to yield in time.
I clapped a hand over my mouth, my nails digging into my palm until they drew blood.
After my mother died, I had been consumed by grief. Fred had held my hand and sworn to me, Aria, I promise I will find out what happened. I will get justice for you and your mother.
A month later, he had returned, looking weary. The dashcam data was corrupted. Unrecoverable.
He had pulled me into his arms. Dont be afraid. Im your family now. Ill protect you with my life. Marry me, Aria.
I looked down at the wedding ring on my finger. This marriage, this so-called happiness, was built on the blood of my mother and my unborn child.
I married her to bury the incident for good, Freds voice shattered my last illusion. Maria needs a clean slate, and I will personally pave the way for her, every step.
I stumbled back, my combat boots silent on the polished floor. I didnt stop until I was outside the command building, where I doubled over, my stomach churning violently. I retched until only sour bile came up, then wiped my mouth and pulled out my phone, dialing a number buried deep in my contacts.
It was answered on the first ring.
Do you still need that bone marrow match for your sister? My voice trembled in the night air. Ill do it.
On one condition.
I want Fred Cole and Maria, their careers, their reputations, utterly destroyed.
A low voice on the other end replied, Done.
After hanging up, I immediately called my lawyer to draft the divorce papers. I had just finished reviewing them when Fred walked in.
Youre back. Why didnt you tell me? He reached for my shoulder. The guard said you looked pale.
I sidestepped his touch. He probably assumed I was still reeling from the photo leak. He swept me up and set me down on the sofa.
Im sorry, he said, his voice a convincing imitation of concern. I kept those photos in an encrypted drive. I never thought a hacker could get through. But I promise, Ill handle this.
I looked into his eyes, clear and sincere, and saw not a flicker of guilt. How many lies had he told me over the years?
I pushed him away wearily. Im tired. Im going to take a shower.
The next morning, Fred was already gone. I opened the military forum. The top post was still about my photos. But the one right below it was about Maria.
#BREAKING# Lieutenant Colonel Maria Caught in Late-Night Tryst with Political Officer!
The post included a grainy video of a car rocking violently. After ten minutes, a woman in a disheveled uniform, her face hidden by a mask, got out.
But I recognized her immediately. It was Maria.
No wonder Fred had disappeared so early. He was probably off doing damage control for his precious Maria.
I scoffed, printed the divorce papers, and slipped them into a thick stack of documents on his desk awaiting his signature. I knew his habit. He never double-checked paperwork, just flicked the corner and signed.
Then, I started to pack.
Opening a storage locker, I froze. For every gift Fred had ever given me, Maria had a matching one. Even my wedding ring had a counterpart on Marias finger. Hers and Freds looked more like a set than ours did.
I ripped the ring from my finger and threw it into the locker, slamming the door shut.
Captain Evans! A guard knocked urgently on my door. General Cole is holding an emergency press conference!
On the live feed, Fred stood at a podium in front of the military crest, Maria standing just behind him, her eyes red-rimmed.
Regarding the recent rumors of misconduct within the ranks, the Disciplinary Committee has confirmed the incident did, in fact, occur.
A wave of murmurs went through the press corps. I clenched the hem of my fatigues. Why would he admit it? My eyes darted to Maria. As she lowered her head, I caught the ghost of a triumphant smirk.
A chill ran down my spine.
However, the individual involved was not Lieutenant Colonel Maria, Freds voice was firm. Last night, she was with me in the command center, planning a joint-forces exercise.
The reporters surged forward, microphones outstretched. Then who was it, General?
Freds gaze seemed to pierce through the camera, landing directly on me. It was my wife, he said, each word a hammer blow, Captain Aria Evans.
I stared at the screen, my nails digging so deep into my palms that beads of blood soaked through the fabric of my uniform.
On the screen, Maria stepped forward at the perfect moment, her voice thick with emotion but firm. Although Captain Evanss actions have caused me to be unjustly accused, I believe she must have had her reasons. As her comrade, we should give her a chance to reform.
She turned to Fred, her voice breaking. But General Cole, you have been wronged. Thank you for clearing my name.
In front of the entire world, she saluted him, then fell into his arms.
The flashbulbs went off like a volley of gunfire. Several high-ranking officers in the front row began to applaud.
A reporter shoved a microphone in Freds face. Youre the youngest General in the division, sir. Why would Captain Evans be involved with someone else?
Will you be filing for divorce?
How will the military compensate Lieutenant Colonel Maria?
Freds expression was one of profound pain. No matter what happens, I will not abandon my marriage. As her husband, I will always be Arias support.
He looked down at Maria, still in his arms. As for compensationafter careful consideration, command of the Thunder Special Operations unit, formerly under Captain Aria Evans, will be transferred to Lieutenant Colonel Maria, effective immediately.
The words had barely registered before I was running to the bathroom, vomiting violently into the toilet.
It was disgusting. He was stabbing me in the back while publicly declaring himself my support.
My eyes burning, I opened the military forum again. My inbox was flooded with hate mail.
Disgrace to the army!
You call yourself Special Forces? Get out!
Divorce him already! Maria and the General are the perfect match!
Fred knew exactly how devastating a disciplinary action was to a soldiers career. And he hadn't hesitated to throw me to the wolves.
Why?
I opened the internal grievance system, but as I started to type, a message popped up: ACCESS DENIED.
A secure line from the Chief of Staff patched through.
Captain Evans, all your system access has been temporarily suspended by direct order of the Joint Chiefs. He paused. General Cole asked me to inform you that if you make any unauthorized statements, you will be prosecuted for leaking military secrets.
The comms unit slipped from my hand, clattering to the floor.
I bit my lip until I tasted blood. Fred Cole, I whispered to the empty room, you are a master.
Fred came home late, reeking of alcohol. I was sitting on the sofa in the dark. He walked past me without a word.
Dont you have anything to explain to me?
He stopped, rubbing his temples. It was an emergency. There was no time to consult you. Maria was innocent. She was set up.
And me? I stared at him. I deserved to be the scapegoat? General, did you give any thought to my rank, my honor?
He avoided my gaze, fiddling with the cuff of his uniform. Officially, Maria was also on the shortlist for the commendation. Your disciplinary action was already logged. The military had to protect one of you. Unofficially, shes my foster sister. Youre her sister-in-law. Were you going to stand by and watch her career be destroyed? It was just one disciplinary mark.
Every word was an icicle, piercing the last of my illusions. In his eyes, officially or unofficially, I was worth less than a single hair on Marias head.
Look, he said, his tone softening slightly, I have leave in a few days. Ill take you away, well clear our heads.
He reached for my face, but I flinched away.
His expression darkened. Aria, Im already at my wits end trying to bury your photo scandal. Cant you see the bigger picture for once? He turned and strode into his study, slamming the door behind him.
I stood there, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. A little longer. Just until he signs the papers. Then I would make him pay for everything he owed me, a thousand times over.
I wiped the tears from my eyes, heated a glass of milk, and brought it to him in the study, my customary peace offering.
His expression softened, and he pulled me into his lap. Just be good. As long as you follow orders, I will always have your back. His hand slid under my shirt, his palm hot against my skin.
Fighting back a wave of nausea, I pushed the stack of documents in front of him. You should work first. Then you can come to bed.
He chuckled, squeezing my arm, and started signing, one document after another. He didn't even notice when he signed his name on the divorce agreement I had slipped into the middle of the stack.
For the next few days, I stayed in my quarters, waiting for the divorce to be finalized. But Maria wasn't done with me.

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