The Husband She Left To Freeze Has No More Forgiveness

I was the most emasculated husband in the Command Quarters.

My wife, Veronica Shawa high-ranking Colonel on the General's Staffcame with an entourage: her sister's widower, Mitch Thompson, and his daughter. I was the supporting character in my own life.

The scene was always the same: Mitch would stumble out of our bright, spacious master bedroom, flustered, with obvious red marks on his neck.

Veronica would start to explain, to stammer out an apology, but I would always cut her off, throwing her a lifeline, and severing my own in the process.

I know you had one of your episodes again, V, Id say, my voice steady, even reassuring. You mistook Mitch for me. Its okay. I don't mind.

Then came the field trip. A school outing to the mountains. A sudden mudslide.

Veronica only had time to grab her niece, Kinsley, and rush away, leaving our own daughter, Juliette, behind.

Juliette, or Jules, was later rescued by one of the junior medics, covered in blood, burning up with a fever. Even then, barely conscious, she shook her head and whispered the lines shed learned from her father.

Its fine. I know Mom just had one of her episodes. She mistook my cousin for me.

Everyone praised me for being such an understanding mana rock for a powerful womanand my daughter for being so mature.

But deep down, Veronica was fracturing. She would sometimes rage at us, pleading for us to be the family we used to be. She was losing the war against her own lies.

I burst into the hospital room. All I could see was Jules's little face, bright red from the fever, her tiny body seemingly swallowed by the white hospital bed.

Daddys late, I choked out. I reached a trembling hand toward her cheek, but my tears splattered onto the crisp sheet first.

Juless eyes fluttered open. She forced a weak, brave smile, her voice muffled and hoarse. Dont cry, Daddy. Jules is fine. Its just a fever. Its better than the last time

I clapped my hand over her mouth instantly, shaking my head violently.

Shh, Jules, sweetheart, its over. Its all in the past. This time, I wont let anything happen to you.

A chill ran through me, a profound, bone-deep coldness that defied the scorching peak of summer outside. It felt like the icy grip of the last life, the agonizing final moments when the pain had swept through my frozen limbs.

In that previous life, Veronicas anxiety and guilt over losing her sister, Lydia, combined with the stress of her promotion, had sent her spiraling. She constantly mixed up Mitch and his daughter with Jules and me.

I swallowed the sharp, internal pain, telling myself we were family. I tolerated it alluntil her delusion cost our daughter everything. She made the mistake again, giving the one available dose of the life-saving specialized medication to her niece, Kinsley. Jules died.

Broken and desperate, I went after Mitch and Kinsley.

Mitch just laughed, a cruel, open-mouthed sound. Stress? Anxiety? You actually bought that pathetic excuse? Veronica is tougher than anyone! It was just a necessary sacrifice to protect her reputation! Now go die quietly, Calvin. Ill take care of Veronica.

They stripped me of my clothes and threw me out of the house in the dead of winter. I froze to death on the street.

I was not letting that tragedy replay.

In the past, Jules was trapped in the mudslide, overjoyed when she saw Veronica arrive. She ran toward her mother, only to be bypassed. Veronica went straight to Kinsley, swept her up, and left without a backward glance.

It wasn't until a full day later that Veronica finally remembered Jules hadn't come home. Finding her in the hospital, still alive, she hadnt offered comfort, only harsh questions: Why didn't you shout? Did you expect to risk your life just to get my attention?

Id fought with her then. Shed stormed out, taking Kinsley with her to the Command Quarters barracks, refusing to see Jules. It was then, using the flimsy excuse of being unfamiliar with Jules due to her episode, that she diverted the life-saving medication.

This time, Id planned to keep Jules home. But while I was out talking to the doctor about her initial fever, Veronica had gone behind my back and forcefully sent Jules on the trip. A high-ranking officials daughter, shed declared, must be a role model for collectivism.

The next time I saw Jules, she was on a stretcher.

Staring at the grim diagnosis on the chart, I made a decision. I told the nurse to watch Jules closely, then borrowed the doctors desk phone and dialed a number I hadnt touched in years.

The reply I got made me exhale a shuddering sigh of relief.

But securing the specialized medication through my connection would take time. I couldn't risk it. If Juless condition worsened suddenly, Veronicas readily available supply was still the best, fastest option.

Reborn, I no longer craved Veronicas love. I would be silent, compliant, allowing her and Mitch to continue their disgusting charade of stress and mental fatigue. I simply needed her to perform the most basic duty of a motherto care for her child when it mattered mostfor the sake of our history, and for Jules. I needed her to get the drug without another mistake.

The following afternoon, Veronica arrived, Mitch and Kinsley trailing behind her. The security guard was hauling massive bags of shopping. Mitchs new Omega Seamastera watch that screamed status and expenseflashed an arrogant gleam on his wrist, twisting a fresh knife in my gut. I knew how many favors and how much of our savings Veronica had burned for him.

Veronica cleared her throat, a nervous, unnatural sound. The rain was so heavy yesterday, Calvin. I was highly reactive, Ill admit it. I I mixed up Kinsley and Jules. Thats why I left her in the cave.

Kinsley was also traumatized, so I took her to the mallto the citys designer shopsto soothe her nerves. As soon as she felt better, we rushed here to see Jules She paused, catching my flat stare, and added, awkwardly, Calvin, you know how close Lydia and I were. Losing her has been incredibly hard on my mental state

She abandoned Mitch and Kinsley when she ran off and then died of cancer. Theyve had nothing. You

Once, Veronica loathed Mitch, convinced he'd stolen her sister and led her to an early grave. After Lydia died, Veronica had spiraled into a deep depression. To give her an anchor, and because I genuinely felt for Kinsley, Id persuaded Veronica to let them move in.

I never imagined that "moving in" would extend to her bed.

I looked at Mitch, resplendent in his crisp, silk-blend shirt. I said nothing.

Mitch, sensing the advantage, smirked, patting Kinsleys head. Oh, right, Kinsley, sharing is caring. We shopped all day and picked up something for Jules. Hand over that dress

Its a designer silk-georgette! It was so hard to find

But Kinsley clutched the bag tightly, and a few dramatic tears welled up. No! You said every dress here was mine! If she wants one, she can go pick out her own!

Mitch feigned sternness, lightly scolding Kinsley, then forced a chuckle. Apologies, Calvin. The childs been spoiled. The subtext was clear: We are the real unit here.

I instinctively looked at Jules. In the last life, this was the moment shed compete, trying to win Veronicas attention. Now, even through the haze of her fever, she managed a painful, distorted smile.

Its okay. She can keep it if she likes it.

My eyes stung. My seven-year-old daughter was learning appeasement in front of her own mother.

Veronicas brow furrowed at Juless sad resignation. A flash of guilt crossed her face, and she reached out to embrace Jules.

Jules subtly turned away. Please dont come too close, Mom. I have a fever. I dont want to give it to you.

The utter emotional distance in Juless eyes made Veronica stumble backward. Unable to rage at the frail child, she turned the heat on me.

What kind of father are you, Calvin?! Letting her get this sick! And then letting her use her illness to spite us!?

I sighed, not engaging the accusation. I simply handed her the medical chart.

Advanced Lymphoma. She needs the specialized medication immediately. Without it, she will die. Shell be admitted to the hospital. Room 30.

I deliberately stressed the room number. No matter how bad her "episodes" were, she could only confuse people, not suffer hearing damage. This time, she would not make the mistake.

Veronicas hands shook as she read the file. She took several deep, shuddering breaths to compose herself. Okay, Calvin. Dont worry. Ill make the call. Ill make sure the medication is routed to our daughter.

I felt a small release of tension. At least she still cared.

To try and appease Jules, Veronica promised she could re-enroll in the Conservatory Prep School for singing, which she loved. Veronica had pulled her out of that school only because Kinsley also liked to sing, and she didn't want the girls competing.

Mitchs face went white. He viciously pinched Kinsleys arm.

Kinsley instantly fell to the floor, gasping and wailing. I I dont want her to take my spot!

Mitch pretended to scold her sternly. Kinsley Thompson! Be sensible! Cant you let your cousin have this one thing?!

Normally, Veronica caved instantly to Mitch and Kinsley's demands. Today, she held her ground, her expression chilling.

I intervened with a smile. Its fine. It doesnt matter. If Kinsley doesn't like it, well drop it.

Before Mitch and Kinsley arrived, Jules had been the apple of Veronicas eye, the pearl of the Command Quarters. If Jules wanted the moon, Veronica would try to reach it. We were the envy of the base. Veronica always carried a photo of the three of us in her briefcase and spoke of us constantly.

Then, Juless needs became secondary. Kinsley got the first pick of everything. Veronica claimed Kinsley was motherless and that she had to fulfill that duty, telling Jules she needed to be the bigger person. She forgot Jules was only seven.

Veronicas face darkened, a flicker of genuine anger igniting in her eyes.

I am Juless mother! And my daughter is sick! What is wrong with her wanting to sing? Do I need your permission, Mitch?

Mitchs feigned smile froze. He picked up Kinsley awkwardly, moving toward the door. I understand. Lydias elopement disgraced the family. Were outsiders. Well just leave, so were not in anyones way.

Since Veronicas feelings for him began, she was constantly trying to measure up to her dead sister, Lydia. Hearing her sisters name, Veronica immediately snapped, her voice laced with panic.

Dont be ridiculous! Where are you going in the middle of the night?!

She looked at me, struggling for words, finally spitting them out.

Calvin, lets put the singing on hold. Jules isnt in a rush. I need to take them back first, then Ill return. We can talk about the hospital admission details tonight.

I nodded, watching them go with a blank smile.

I knew she wouldn't come back. That manipulation was second nature to her. In the last life, my hope for her love made Mitchs digs excruciating. This time, Id already extinguished all the soft, tender parts of my heart.

The next morning, Veronica arrived, dark circles ringing her eyes, with Mitch in tow.

Mitch made sure to expose the hickey on his neck, his tone laced with a possessive, smug complaint. Veronica, you really need to get your stress under control You were clinging all night But shes so dedicated to you, Calvin. She barely slept but rushed straight here. Ill need to get her some supplements He didnt finish the sentence, a flush of artificial modesty rising on his cheeks.

Veronica flinched, shooting him a glare, then turning to me to start her explanation.

I kept peeling the orange for Jules, my hands steady. Since youre here, talk to the hospital. Juless injuries will heal, but the lymphoma is the priority.

She acknowledged this with a simple Mhm. She was all business, handling the logistics with her usual ruthless efficiency.

I glanced at her. She was wearing her pressed uniform, but embroidered, almost inappropriately, on the cuff, were a few tiny, delicate flowers.

I froze. I remembered finding a stain on her uniform once, offering to clean it. Shed flared up in a rare fury, snatching it from me. This is sacred. Dont you dare touch it!

Her past declaration now sounded like a clowns pathetic act.

Veronica followed my gaze, her body tensing, ready to explain.

I cut her off, bringing up Juless condition instead.

Suddenly, Mitch slapped his forehead. Shoot! Veronica, I just remembered! Kinsley was throwing a fit when we left. Since you didnt take her to school, I bet shes sulking at home. But shes the lead in the big performance today!

Veronicas face hardened.

Mitch played the distressed parent. You know how much Kinsley practices. If she misses this performance, shell be heartbroken. Shell cry for weeks.

I exchanged a glance with Jules. Even pale and weak, she offered Veronica a soft, gentle smile.

Its okay, Mom. Go with Kinsley. She cant miss her performance.

Veronica mumbled, Shes seven years old. She needs to learn some discipline! But she was already halfway out the door.

I knew it was coming, yet the pain was still a fresh, deep wound. I wiped a silent tear and turned to Jules, telling her a silly joke, trying to distract her from the inevitable disappointment.

A moment later, my early-generation cell phonethe clunky "brick" modelrang. It was Veronica.

My heart lifted briefly. Had she secured the medication?

Her apologetic tone froze me.

Calvin. The medication is on hold. Well have to wait. Also, I have a necessary business trip to Seattle. Theres a plus-one slot for family, and Mitch and Kinsley have never been.

I promised Kinsley Id take her if the performance went well.

My heart dropped, crashing into a dark, empty pit.

The same excuse. They've never been.

Was I, Calvin Rhodes, somehow indebted to them?

Veronica tried to compensate. Dont worry. The next batch will be secured. I promise. Well bring you back a gift from Seattle. Didn't you always want an Omega Seamaster? Ill look for one for you

For the first time since my rebirth, I let the fire out.

Youre lying! You have the drug right now! Youd rather see our daughter suffer than disappoint Mitch!

My memory of the past life confirmed it: the specialized drug was available. Veronica was choosing Kinsleys vacation over Juless survival. I thought of the time she was nearly crippled by shrapnel, and I had pulled every string to get her the best care, massaging and rehabilitating her until she walked again. When she was pregnant with Jules and overwhelmed by her career, I put my own academic future on hold, taking an unpaid leave to be a full-time father.

Shed wept then, promising me everything. Calvin, marrying you was the luckiest thing I ever did. Whatever you want, Ill give it to you.

Shed forgotten that promise. All I wanted was our daughter's health.

My words pierced her carefully constructed facade. Veronica, enraged at being called out, snapped.

Enough! Im the one managing the logistics! Do you think you know more than I do? I am Juless mother, why would I hurt her?!

Besides, there are top specialists in Seattle who might be able to help with my episodes. You hate me mistaking Mitch for you. If I get better, it stops! This helps us all!

She didn't give me a chance to argue, hanging up with a definitive click.

My knuckles were white. After all my silent sacrifice, she didn't have an ounce of pity left.

The Command Quarters hospital was small. The gossip quickly found its way to me.

Can you believe Calvin? The Chief of Staff is touring Seattle with Mitch and his girl, looking like a family of three!

Mitch is constantly flaunting those hickeys. No shame.

Specialized drugs? Only she has the clout to get them. Shes stalling for some pathetic reason.

Jules, catching the whispers, was scared I was upset. She threw her little body into my arms, comforting me. Its okay, Daddy. I can wait We only have six months left to wait. I made it through the last time, I can make it through this one

Later, while cleaning out the study, I found a faded, yellowed journal hidden in a drawer.

On a morbid impulse, I opened it.

The truth hit me, fact after fact, like a cluster of depth charges shattering my inner world. Mitch and Veronica had been involved for years.

And Kinsley? Kinsley was their daughter.

My hands clenched the pages. No wonder the brutal favoritism! But Jules was also her daughter! How could her heart be so ruthlessly biased?

Her so-called grief over her sisters death wasn't grief at all. It was a calculated performance, a strategy to make me pity her and agree to take Mitch and Kinsley in.

My genuine affection was a tool in her campaign.

I rushed out, borrowed a camera, and, with shaking hands, photographed every single page of that journal.

I looked at Jules, fragile, tormented by the disease, a gust of wind away from breaking.

I was done being the silent victim.

I developed the photos and walked straight into Veronicas superior officers office. I presented the evidence and filed for divorce.

Faced with the undeniable facts, the Generals superior grew serious. Poor personal conduct. I never thought Veronica had grown so arrogant. Mr. Rhodes, the issues youve raised are severe. I approve the divorce immediately. The process will just take a little time.

The immense stone that had been lodged in my chest finally rolled away.

Veronica was gone for two weeks. I stopped checking in, stopped calling.

She returned to the hospital looking exhausted, immediately rushing to my side, her voice filled with feigned hurt.

Calvin. Why didnt you check on me? Everyone elses spouse called. Look, I got the Omega Seamaster you wanted. Try it on.

She paused, a thread of suspicion entering her tone.

Im just watching out for Lydias family, thats all. I also made a lot of breakthroughs on the research into my episodes in Seattle. Next time, Ill take you. I swear I'll fix myself.

And I secured the specialized medication for Jules.

I was indifferent to Veronica. The Omega Seamaster was meaningless.

But the words specialized medication snapped my head up.

Good. Give it to her immediately. This time, Juless disease had been more aggressive, more violent than the last. The antidote from my connection was still days away.

Before Veronica could answer, Mitch appeared at the door, his face a mask of manufactured anxiety. He called her away.

I saw the flash of poisonous resentment in Mitchs eyes as he looked at me.

I hurried to the nurses station to arrange the injection, but the doctor stammered. The medication, he said, had been given to Room 26. By Veronica's request.

Room 26? I specifically told her Jules was in Room 30. Who did she mistake for Jules this time?!

The doctor avoided my gaze, forcing a calm professionalism as he checked the chart. No mistake, sir. Room 26. The patient is Kinsley Thompson. She apparently developed a sudden illness while traveling in Seattle

Jules lay on the bed, weak and fading. My heart clenched into a tight, hard fist. Was the previous lifes dark finale truly unavoidable?

My rational mind burned away.

I flung myself toward Room 26.

Inside, the same doctor was present. Mitch had Veronica wrapped in his arms, sighing with practiced difficulty.

You know how sensitive Kinsley is. This illness is aggressive. If we dont treat her immediately, shell lose her ability to sing. You know shed rather die

Veronicas voice was ragged with tears. But Jules I cant bear it. Its both my hands, Mitch! I cant choose. Im so afraid Calvin will hate me.

I distinctly saw a flicker of triumph and malice in Mitchs eyes as he glanced at the doctor.

The doctor cleared his throat, sounding reassuring. Colonel Shaw, your daughters condition is stable. A slight delay in the medication wont hurt her. But Room 26 cannot wait.

My nails dug deeply into my palms. Just as I suspected. Mitch had already bought the doctor off.

Mitch smiled, his usual polished veneer intact. Exactly. If you dont trust me, trust the doctor. Besides, Calvin hasnt contacted you once in two weeks. That proves Jules is fine, right?

And Calvin loves you too much. You can simply win him back later.

A wave of bitter nausea rose in my throat.

Just as I was about to burst through the door, Veronicas next words stopped me, a heavy lead binding my feet to the floor.

I owe Lydia, and I owe you both. This is my atonement.

Since Jules can wait, Kinsley gets the first dose. Ill just claim I had an episode, that I mixed up the two girls again

My entire body shook with fury. Twice, in two lifetimes, with the exact same excuse, Veronica had willingly chosen to sacrifice Jules.

In that critical moment, a hand slammed down on my shoulder.