Chapter one hundred and forty two.“I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”Her heart pounded so loud it drowned out the silence. She hesitated, then whispered, “The bad one.”The doctor nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking.“We still can’t figure out what’s wrong with the General,” he said softly.She tried to process everything and when realization hit her, her eyes widened. “What?” she gasped, her knees almost giving out. The doctor quickly reached out to steady her.“You have to be strong,” he urged.“Strong?” she shook her head, tears brimming. “You don’t even know what’s wrong with him, no diagnosis, no treatment! Tell me, how am I supposed to be strong?” Her voice cracked into a scream as she grabbed his arm, trembling.“Get a grip on yourself,” the doctor pleaded gently. “He needs you right now. You can’t fall apart, not now.”Victoria’s chest heaved with sobs, but she nodded through her tears. “I... I hear you,” she whispered, sniffing.

“I heard you were looking for me.”Ethan’s voice cut through the noise. He didn’t step out fully, only half-visible, body tense as if ready for a fight. The reporters surged forward, cameras flashing, but his guards moved fast, blocking them.Victoria hurried to him, her heels scraping the floor. Her chest tightened at the sight of him, rigid shoulders, clenched jaw. She felt something was weird but she couldn't name it. Something is wrong. Why does he look like that? A cold prickle ran down her arms.“Ethan…” she whispered, searching his face. “What’s happening?”He let out a low, dry laugh, one with no humor.“Clear them out first,” he murmured, eyes still fixed ahead. “We talk when they’re gone. They’re watching.”She swallowed hard and nodded. Turning to the press, she lifted her trembling hands, trying to look calm.“We… we would appreciate some privacy, please,” she said, voice softer than she intended. “Can you all leave now?”Ethan's guards moved immediately, pushing the cro

Jack tossed and turned all night, sleep refusing to come. The moment sunlight crept through his window, he jumped out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. The cold water hit his skin, but it didn’t wash away the fear twisting in his gut.He couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan. He needed to end this, fast. Every second felt like a countdown. If Ethan ever found out Jack had a hand in everything, he was finished. Just the thought made his stomach knot tighter.“God forbid,” he mumbled, gripping the edge of the sink, knuckles white. “I’m not dying in Ethan’s hands.”When he was done, he dressed quickly and checked out of the hotel. He’d been staying there for weeks, keeping his trail cold, moving like a shadow no one could follow.Outside, the morning air was sharp, the city already humming to life. Jack slid into his car, started the engine, and headed toward the presidency mansion.After driving for two hours, he got to the president's house. High white walls gleamed under the sun,

Victoria’s gaze snapped to Ethan. His brows were pinched, the same confusion mirrored in his eyes.“Did you have business with the president?” he asked, voice low and uncertain.She gave a quick shake of her head, lips parting in disbelief. “I don’t even know what his house looks like.”A quiet laugh slipped from Ethan, the sound easing the tension just a little. Victoria’s lips curved faintly before she turned to the door.The hinges creaked as she nudged it open a crack. A hand slipped through, holding a letter. She hesitated, then reached out, fingers brushing the rough paper. “Thanks,” she murmured, almost to herself.The door clicked shut. For a moment, she only stared at the envelope, tracing the edges.“What do you think’s inside?” she asked, her voice barely above a breath.Ethan stepped closer, eyes fixed on the letter like it was alive. “Guess we won’t know,” he said with a half-smile, “until you open it.”Victoria nodded, though uncertainty clouded her face. Her fingers

Victoria parked by the gate and stepped out, smoothing down her gown. One of the guards came forward, his hand resting lightly on his gun belt.“I’m here for dinner with the President,” she said with a polite smile.The guard reached for his phone but froze mid-motion, squinting at her. “Wait… Victoria Ethan? You’re General Ethan’s wife?”She nodded, her smile steady.His face lit up instantly. “No way! I’m a huge fan of your husband! Where is he tonight?” he asked, grinning wide enough to show every tooth.Victoria chuckled softly. “He's on his way, he will soon be here,” she responded, raising her hands up in the air, for him to search her. “Never mind,” he said quickly, waving her through. “Please, go right in. No need for any protocols, it would be disrespectful to the General otherwise.”“Are you sure?” she asked, hesitating.“Positive,” he said, stepping aside with a proud smile.Victoria returned the smile, her voice warm. “Thank you so much.” Then she walked through the gat