The General's Ex-Wife's Regret

Chapter 2

“Are they all here?” Carl asked.

The warden gave a firm nod.

“Yes, Sir. They’re all waiting for you.”

The warden opened the wooden door, and Carl stepped inside.

The conference room stretched wide, its steel-gray walls gleaming under the glow of recessed lighting. At the center stood a massive oval table, where a holographic projection hovered—maps, figures, encrypted codes dancing like constellations in the air.

Authority filled the room, heavy and suffocating. But it was an atmosphere Carl had lived in for years.

Around the table sat men and women in uniform, medals pinned proudly to their chests, expressions carved from stone. At the head, seated with commanding presence, was none other than the President himself.

The moment he saw Carl, President Leo Nicholson rose to his feet.

“Mr. Donovan!” he greeted warmly.

Carl strode forward, ignoring the sharp, appraising eyes that tracked his every move.

“You’re here, at last,” President Leo said with a smile—one not of politics, but of genuine pride.

Carl shook his hand firmly.

“We are honored by your presence, Mr. Donovan,” the President continued.

The atmosphere shifted. Every official around the table rose to their feet, backs straight, fists pressed firmly against their chests.

“For your years of unparalleled service to the Republic,” President Leo declared, voice solemn and commanding, “we honor you today.”

He gestured, and the hologram flickered, shifting until it displayed a blazing insignia—five gleaming stars.

“In recognition of your sacrifices, your victories, and your unwavering loyalty, we hereby confer upon you the rank of Five-Star General.”

The officials saluted as one, their voices silent but their respect thunderous.

Carl swallowed hard. He had been called many names before—but none like this. Today, he stood not as a shadow operative, but as a man recognized by the very nation he had bled for.

With practiced precision, he returned the salute.

The room erupted in applause.

For years, Carl had been the ghost in the dark, the nameless hand pulling his country back from the brink. Countless missions, countless sacrifices—none of them ever seen by the public. But today, all of it had finally been acknowledged.

If only Jasmine had waited. If only she could see this moment. He had even been preparing to retire after this.

But the President had other plans.

“Leave us,” President Leo commanded.

One by one, the officials filed out until only he and Carl remained.

The President motioned to the seat beside him. Carl obeyed, sitting down with quiet respect.

“I know we’ve spoken about this before,” Leo began, his tone shifting, grave. “But your country still needs you, Carl.”

Carl said nothing. He only glanced at the folder the President slid toward him.

“From now on, you will wield the highest authority in the country. The United Nations has also granted you three exemptions. But remember,"

The President's voice lowered, "Your mission will directly decide the fate of the nation, we can’t afford mistakes.”

Carl’s brows knitted. In all his years, he had never failed a mission. Not once.

Carl straightened his expression and saluted the President sharply. “I guarantee the mission will be completed!”

—

After the meeting, Carl stepped out, his mind already shifting into mission mode. His time in prison was over, his cover complete—and with it, his freedom was officially restored.

He had planned this day to be a surprise for Jasmine. But that dream was gone now. He shook his head. Best to erase her from his mind. She would never understand his world anyway.

“Carl!”

He stopped short. He hadn’t even left the prison grounds when a familiar voice cut through the air.

Before he could react, someone wrapped their arms tightly around him from behind.

“You’re finally free!”

Carl spun, startled, only to find a young woman clinging to him. Her soft frame pressed against him without hesitation.

The guards rushed over in alarm.

“Sir! Apologies—she insisted on entering.”

Carl exhaled slowly, signaling them off with a small nod. He pried her arms gently from his waist.

“Sophia. What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice low.

Sophia Carson gave a sultry smile, her eyes brimming with longing and anticipation. She’s the CEO of Carson Corporation, and Carl once saved her during a mission. From that moment on, Sophia fell hopelessly in love with him.

But Carl was already married to Jasmine back then, so he never returned her feelings. Even while serving his sentence, Jasmine had shown through her actions that she had given up on him, and he never once accepted Sophia’s visits.

“Does your family even know you’re here?” Carl asked, his eyes darting away to avoid her burning gaze.

Sophia winced, then rolled her eyes.

“That doesn’t matter, Carl. I came as soon as I heard about your divorce. Honestly, it’s about time you woke up—she didn’t deserve you!”

Carl sighed. “And how exactly did you hear about that?”

Sophia only smiled coyly and slipped her hand through his arm.

“I have my ways. “But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ve regained your freedom today, and I just happen to be single.”

“Let's go, let me give you a proper welcome!”