The Underestimated Ex-husband

The Hidden Mission

The massive conference room was silent with rows of officials standing at attention while the holographic projection of the President filled the space.

“Adrian Kane.”

The President’s voice carried authority “For years you’ve bled for this country. You’ve done missions no other man would dare. Today, we salute you.”

Every official saluted at once “General Kane, thank you for your service!”

The sound echoed like thunder while Adrian stood tall with his expression steady. His prison uniform was gone, replaced with a military one freshly pressed. On his chest, the badges shone under the light.

The President lifted a hand “By the authority vested in me, I now bestow upon you the title of Five-Star General; the highest rank in the military.”

Applause broke out, but Adrian didn’t move instead he only gave a slight nod as a guard stepped forward and handed him the golden insignia which he clipped it to his chest without a word.

For a moment, his chest tightened; years of sacrifice, betrayal, and bloodshed finally meant something. Maybe he could disappear now, retire with honor, and rest.

But the President’s hand went up again, and the clapping stopped instantly.

“Everyone else, step outside” the President ordered.

Chairs scraped as the room emptied, and soon only Adrian and the President’s hologram remained.

“Adrian,” the President’s voice dropped low “I know you’re tired. I know what you’ve given. But there is one last mission. Only you can handle it.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed “…One last mission?”

A black file slid across the table.

 “This is highly classified,” the President said with his tone grim. “It involves a certain individual. The details are inside. From this moment, you have the highest clearance. Mobilize any resources. No one will deny you.”

Adrian rested his hand on the file but the weight of it made his palm feel heavy.

The President softened slightly “I know you want retirement. You’ve earned it. But just this one last time… the nation needs you.”

Adrian closed his eyes with his breathing slow but when he opened them again, his gaze was hard “Yes, sir.”

The hologram blinked out and Adrian tucked the file under his arm and walked out.

The corridor was empty while Adrian’s echoing footsteps were steady until a sudden yell cracked the silence.

 “Adrian!”

Before he could react, a blur of auburn hair and fiery curves slammed into him while slim arms locked and squeezed around his waist.

 “Adrian Kane! You’re finally out! I knew the day would come!”

Guards sprinted down the hallway with panic etched on their faces “General, forgive us! We tried to stop her, but she…”

Adrian lifted one hand, silencing them. “Enough. Stand down.”

Adrian sighed, prying her arms loose “You still act like a child, Seraphina.”

Seraphina Doyle; daughter of his former subordinate and current CEO of Starlight Group, a woman feared in the business world but notorious for her boldness.

“Child? Hmph! Don’t call me that!” she huffed, though her arms refused to let go. “I’m a full-grown woman now, thank you very much. And I’ve been waiting for this day.”

Adrian sighed, prying her arms off gently “Waiting to ambush me in a government building?”

Her grin widened “If that’s what it takes!”

Adrain fixed her with a steady look “Seraphina, what are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” she shot back, hands on her hips. “I heard about your divorce. Everyone’s talking about it. The great Elena Hart finally threw away her useless husband. Tsk, tsk. The gossip is everywhere. But me? I rushed straight here to welcome you back. And guess what I found out? You were being released today!”

Adrian’s gaze darkened “Enough with the gossip.”

Seraphina leaned closer, lowering her voice “I only brought it up because it pissed me off. She divorced you like you meant nothing. And you… you just let her walk away? Really, Adrian? That’s not the man I know.”

His jaw flexed “What do you expect me to do? Chase after someone who already decided I’m a burden?”

“Anyway!” She clapped her hands, tone bright again. “I came to celebrate. You’re out. Finally. So tonight, dinner’s on me.”

Adrian already feeling the headache brewing “Seraphina…”

She leaned in closer while lowering her voice “Don’t worry, I am not here to cause trouble. I just want to spend some time with you because you have been locked away for so long, or don’t you think you deserve a little… freedom?”

Adrian’s headache grew “I don’t have time.”

“You always say that.” She pouted dramatically. “Work, work, work. What are you even planning? Go home and stare at your walls? Come on, Adrian. You deserve at least one night of fun.”

He exhaled slowly “Look, Seraphina… I appreciate your concern, but I have work to do. A dangerous work that you shouldn’t get involved...”

She cut him off, stepping close enough that her perfume wrapped around him “Adrian, I’m not taking no for an answer, and if you don’t agree, I’ll follow you everywhere today until you give in. Do you really want that headache? One dinner. That’s all I’m asking.””

He pinched the bridge of his nose “You haven’t changed.”

“Exactly,” she said cheerfully. “So stop fighting me and say yes.”

Adrian exhaled slowly seeing the determination blazing in her eyes that she wasn’t going anywhere.

Finally, he muttered, “One dinner. Nothing more.”

Her grin was instant, bright as fire. She looped her arm through his “Deal! And don’t worry… I’ll make sure it’s a night you won’t forget.”

Adrian shook his head with his lips tightening; trouble, that’s what Seraphina Doyle had always been. Trouble wrapped in beauty and charm.