Chapter 3The Colonel's Price

Back at the cold, empty villa, I began to pack our son’s things. When he first arrived, Evelyn hadn’t allowed him to bring much, claiming a soldier’s true test was to make something from nothing. So, he had only smuggled in a single photograph of the three of us.

I tore Evelyn’s half from the photo, wrapped Aaron’s ashes and bloody uniform in the flag, and called for a bus to the airport. Evelyn would never offer me a convenience like a driver. Even when I first came here, she forbade me from using her private car, forcing me to stumble my way from the bus stop to this house.

The dog she kept was tied up by the gate. I kept my distance. As expected, it began to bark furiously the moment I approached. I’d lived here for years, but it still only recognized Evelyn and Christopher.

Some dogs can never be tamed.

I took the long way around, only to see a black government sedan parked out front. I froze as I heard a familiar voice.

“Evelyn, I’m not a child. You don’t have to guide me out of the car.”

Then, Evelyn’s voice, softer than I’d ever heard it. “You’ve never been here before. It’s unfamiliar territory. I was worried.”

Christopher Croft’s polished leather shoes stepped onto the pavement. Though he’d said it wasn’t necessary, his hand casually found its way to the small of Evelyn’s back, resting on her waist.

Evelyn’s face flushed, but she didn’t pull away.

The guard dog immediately started wagging its tail.

Christopher was about to pet it when he saw me. He jumped back with a theatrical gasp. “Ah! You scared me to death!”

Evelyn turned, her brow furrowed in annoyance. “What are you doing, looking like that?”

I’d cried for days. My chin was covered in rough stubble, my eyes were undoubtedly red and swollen with exhaustion. Evelyn didn’t ask what had happened to me. She just demanded, “Didn’t I tell you to have Aaron report to me by five? It’s already dark. Where did he run off to? Everyone has already been by to congratulate Cece, but he’s the only one hiding. His Uncle Christopher is here and he doesn’t even come to greet him. Who does he think he is? Don’t think I’ll favor him unconditionally just because he’s my son!”

I finally snapped. “What have you ever favored him with?!”

I had always been calm, even-tempered. Even when she sent our son here, I had never been this hysterical. Evelyn was stunned into silence.

My eyes blazing, I grabbed her by the collar. “You always talk about favoring him, but when have you ever done it? He was bullied by Cece in the army, and you looked the other way! Cece got a scratch on her hand from roughhousing with her subordinates, and you had her flown back to the States for treatment! Our son was suppressed by her, and you did nothing! She had less experience than him, but you promoted her to Major straight away! Even I am stuck here, living in filth, while you support Christopher’s glamorous life back home! So tell me, Evelyn! What have you ever favored him with? Who is your real family?!”

Faced with my tirade for the first time, Evelyn seemed to buckle, grabbing my hands. “What are you talking about? Christopher and I are just friends! Can you stop being so jealous?”

“Who’s jealous of you?!” I slapped her across the face.

Her head snapped to the side. She turned back slowly, her eyes wide with disbelief.

I gritted my teeth. “Don’t act like I can’t live without you. Evelyn, I regret it. I should have divorced you years ago. Then our son wouldn’t have…”

At the word “divorce,” Evelyn’s pupils contracted. “You…”

But she was cut off by Christopher. “Noah, don’t you think you’re going too far?”