Jocelyn traded her uniform for an apron, her medals for a wedding ring, her squadron for a man who never once asked who she really was. She had flown fighter jets, commanded elite teams, and spoken five languages in service of her country. But to Carter, she was just the secretary who poured his coffee and typed his memos—a woman who "could never compare" to his glamorous, independent female pilot friend. On the day she stood at the military cemetery to receive her parents' ashes—heroes who had given everything for their country—Carter was at a hospital, holding another woman's mother's hand for a minor injury. That was the moment Jocelyn remembered exactly who she was. She filed for divorce, packed her parents' ashes and walked toward the airport. The city stopped. Generals and soldiers lined the terminal to salute the daughter of heroes—the woman who had once been their finest operative. And Carter? He watched from a distance, finally understanding what he had lost. But it was too late. Because standing beside her now was Edgar Barrett—the most powerful man in the city, the patriarch of the Barrett dynasty. He held her like she was the only thing that mattered, his voice possessive and trembling at once. "You are mine. If your ex-husband so much as looks at you, I will destroy him." Jocelyn rolled her eyes and swatted him away. That night, Edgar cornered her against the door, his composure shattered, his voice raw with something between desperation and worship. "Love me," he begged. "Please. Just love me."

Chapter 1Jocelyn Quinn was dropping off the project proposal at Carter Grayson's office when she caught him fastening a ruby necklace around Yolande Sinclair's neck.She stared blankly at the brilliant red jewels. It was the exact piece she had begged Carter to win at the auction after seeing the exhibition catalog.In their three years of marriage, she had never asked him for a single thing. Begging him to win this necklace was her very first request, simply because it was her mother's relic."Look at her, staring at a piece of jewelry like she's never seen money before. I told you this orphan was shallow," Carter's buddy, Lyle Lockwood, sneered with blatant disgust.Jocelyn ignored his taunt. She lunged forward, reaching straight for Yolande's neck.But before she could touch it, Carter caught her wrist in a vice grip. "I already gave the necklace to Yolande.""But you promised to give it to me!" Jocelyn snapped, a rare flash of fury breaking her usually calm demeanor.Carter frowned, his displeasure obvious. "Stop making a scene. This is my gift to Yolande to celebrate her promotion to co-pilot."Making a scene? A bitter chill swept through Jocelyn's chest. "What if I insist on having it?"Beside them, Lyle scoffed. "Carter, I told you Jocelyn wasn't good enough for you. She's vain and completely useless. You should just divorce her already. A woman like Yolande is the only one who truly matches your status."Only a select few knew that Carter and Jocelyn were secretly married, but almost everyone in their circle knew Yolande was Carter's first love."Don't talk nonsense. I have absolutely no interest in being the other woman," Yolande said with a disdainful smirk. She unclasped the ruby necklace and casually dropped it at Jocelyn's feet.The multi-million-dollar piece hit the floor, discarded as carelessly as actual trash.Jocelyn's eyes burned red. This was her mother's most treasured possession!Slowly dropping to her knees, she reached out, gathering the delicate chain into her palm. The cold, sharp edges of the rubies dug painfully into her skin.Yolande looked down at her with sheer contempt. "A real woman should value her education and worldly experience. Instead of fighting me over a piece of jewelry, maybe you should work on improving yourself!""What education does she even have? She probably went to some diploma mill. If Carter hadn't been kind enough to let her slack off in his company, she'd be sweeping the streets by now!" Lyle mocked.And through it all, her own husband didn't utter a single word in her defense! Jocelyn stood up, ignoring Lyle entirely, and locked eyes with Yolande. "You claim you have no interest in being the other woman, yet you gladly accept a multi-million-dollar gift from someone else's husband?"Yolande scoffed coldly. "I simply saw it as a casual gift from a friend. I never cared about its price tag!""Is that so? I didn't realize friends casually handed out multi-million-dollar necklaces. I suppose Lyle is your friend too—has he ever bought you anything in the millions?" Jocelyn fired back.Yolande was rendered speechless, and even Lyle's expression stiffened awkwardly."Enough," Carter interrupted sharply. "It's just a necklace. Stop blowing things out of proportion!"Jocelyn clenched her fist around the rubies. Carter brushed it off so lightly—just a necklace! Yet this was the very necklace her mother had used in a war-torn foreign land, trading it for medicine and rations to save the lives of fifty orphans.To her, this was never just a necklace; it was her mother's legacy and conviction!Taking a deep breath, Jocelyn thought of the phone call she'd received right before entering his office. Her parents' ashes were finally on a flight back and would arrive in Aethelburg tomorrow.She looked up at Carter. "Fine, let's drop the necklace. My parents' ashes are being flown back from overseas tomorrow, and I want you to come with me to receive them."Before they died, her parents had constantly worried about her future, desperately hoping she would marry and settle down. She wanted her husband by her side to bring them home, to give her parents that final shred of dignity.Carter froze slightly. When they first got married, Jocelyn had mentioned that her parents died overseas in an accident.Yolande's eyes flickered, while Lyle let out a scoff. "Jocelyn, have you no shame? Using a morbid excuse like that just to force Carter to spend time with you!"Jocelyn ignored Lyle, keeping her eyes fixed on Carter.A hint of hesitation crossed his handsome face, but he eventually relented. "Alright. I'll go with you tomorrow."Jocelyn didn't say another word, turning on her heel and walking out of the executive suite.Just as she stepped into the hallway, she heard Lyle speak up again. "Are you seriously going with that woman tomorrow?""Regardless of everything, Jocelyn is my wife," Carter replied in a low voice. "It's only right that I help her receive her parents' ashes.""She's totally making it up. Who would transport the ashes of some random orphans' parents all the way back from overseas?"The constant, mocking use of the word 'orphan' felt like daggers in Jocelyn's heart. She looked down at the necklace in her hand. "Mom, Dad... I'm coming to bring you home tomorrow."————The next day arrived, but as the agreed time came and went, Carter was nowhere to be found.A knot of unease tightened in Jocelyn's chest.She dialed his number, only to be met with his impatient tone. "Yolande's mother sprained her ankle. I'm with them at the hospital.""Carter, hurry up and help me support my mom," Yolande's voice echoed through the line."Coming," Carter replied, his voice instantly softening into something incredibly gentle.Before Jocelyn could say another word, the line went dead.A freezing chill washed over her, and her throat tightened as if a hand were gripping it. She wanted to scream, to curse him, but no words came out.It was sickeningly laughable. Her husband had all the time in the world to coddle another woman's mother over a twisted ankle, but he couldn't spare a moment to welcome his own wife's deceased parents home!Taking a deep breath, she stood up with resolute determination, walked out of the villa, and drove straight to the military base.The base was imposing and solemn, guarded by uniformed soldiers gripping their rifles.Jocelyn stepped out of her car, her back ramrod straight, her strides measured and firm. Even though she had been discharged three years ago, her posture was still every bit that of a soldier.She marched right up to the gates, stopped, and raised her right hand in a textbook-perfect salute.Even if she was entirely alone, she would bring her parents home with honor!Jocelyn took a breath and shouted with absolute clarity, "Former soldier of the 'Eagle Wing' Special Forces, Jocelyn Quinn, reporting to receive the ashes of former UN Peacekeeping Forces officer Warren Quinn, and military medic Audrey Gaines!"Her crisp, powerful voice echoed through the air, reverberating above the solemn grounds.Slowly, the heavy gates of the military base began to open...Whoosh!Two rows of soldiers marched out in perfect unison, flanking the gates. They raised their right hands, saluting Jocelyn as one.Then, she saw General Abner Judson. Dressed in full uniform, he personally carried a solemn black sandalwood funerary urn toward her.The urn was draped in the national flag. The vibrant colors instantly stung Jocelyn's eyes.That flag represented her parents' unwavering conviction! When they had first accepted the government's mission to join the UN Peacekeeping Forces overseas, they had already made peace with the ultimate sacrifice."When your parents' remains were recovered, they were already intermingled. The overseas authorities cremated them together, and they are both resting in here," Abner said, a heavy trace of apology in his voice."That's for the best." Jocelyn gazed at the urn beneath the flag. "They loved each other so deeply. I think they'd be happy to stay together in death."Abner nodded. He suddenly snapped to attention, standing perfectly straight as he extended the funerary urn toward her. "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"Behind him, the rows of soldiers echoed in a deafening roar, "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"The thunderous chant pierced the clouds.Tears welled in Jocelyn's eyes. Keeping her spine perfectly straight, she delivered one final, solemn salute to the General and his men."I, Jocelyn Quinn, am bringing my parents home!" she shouted as she took the urn.It was heavy in her arms, yet it brought an inexplicable sense of peace to her heart. Three years after they perished in a foreign land, she was finally bringing them home!With the solemn handover complete, Abner finally realized she was alone."Where is your husband? He didn't come with you?" he asked, knowing she had married.Jocelyn lowered her eyes. "He's busy. He couldn't make it."Abner had watched Jocelyn grow up. The fiercely bright and spirited girl he remembered now looked exhausted, ground down by three years of marriage."If you ever run into any trouble, come to me. This old man still has some sway," he said, gently patting her shoulder."Thank you, Mr. Judson," Jocelyn replied softly."And remember, if things get too tough out there, you can always come back. The gates of this base will always be open to you!" he added.Jocelyn nodded slightly. After bidding the General farewell, she carefully carried the urn back to her car. Placing it securely in the passenger seat, she started the engine."Mom, Dad... I'm taking you home!"————The moment Jocelyn walked into the villa, her mother-in-law's shrill voice drifted from the living room."Now that Yolande is back, and a female captain no less, you need to hurry up, divorce Jocelyn, and marry her.""Yolande and I are just friends," Carter's deep voice replied."What kind of friends? Everyone knows she's the one you truly love! She's highly educated, has a prestigious job, and is the first female captain at Stratus Air! Jocelyn has absolutely nothing to her name. She isn't worthy of you!" his sister, Jeannie Grayson, chimed in.A freezing chill gripped Jocelyn's heart. For three years, she had worked herself to the bone helping Carter build his startup. She pulled all-nighters, worked overtime, and had even gone into the office with an IV drip in her arm. And this was her reward? Being told she wasn't worthy?Just then, Jeannie suddenly spotted her. "Jocelyn, do you have no shame? Eavesdropping on us!"Jocelyn stepped fully into the room. "I didn't hide, and I didn't sneak around. How is walking into my own house eavesdropping?""Good thing you heard it, then. If you know what's good for you, you'll divorce my brother so you stop holding him and Yolande back." Jeannie's tone dripped with her usual condescension.Chapter 2Jocelyn Quinn was dropping off the project proposal at Carter Grayson's office when she caught him fastening a ruby necklace around Yolande Sinclair's neck.She stared blankly at the brilliant red jewels. It was the exact piece she had begged Carter to win at the auction after seeing the exhibition catalog.In their three years of marriage, she had never asked him for a single thing. Begging him to win this necklace was her very first request, simply because it was her mother's relic."Look at her, staring at a piece of jewelry like she's never seen money before. I told you this orphan was shallow," Carter's buddy, Lyle Lockwood, sneered with blatant disgust.Jocelyn ignored his taunt. She lunged forward, reaching straight for Yolande's neck.But before she could touch it, Carter caught her wrist in a vice grip. "I already gave the necklace to Yolande.""But you promised to give it to me!" Jocelyn snapped, a rare flash of fury breaking her usually calm demeanor.Carter frowned, his displeasure obvious. "Stop making a scene. This is my gift to Yolande to celebrate her promotion to co-pilot."Making a scene? A bitter chill swept through Jocelyn's chest. "What if I insist on having it?"Beside them, Lyle scoffed. "Carter, I told you Jocelyn wasn't good enough for you. She's vain and completely useless. You should just divorce her already. A woman like Yolande is the only one who truly matches your status."Only a select few knew that Carter and Jocelyn were secretly married, but almost everyone in their circle knew Yolande was Carter's first love."Don't talk nonsense. I have absolutely no interest in being the other woman," Yolande said with a disdainful smirk. She unclasped the ruby necklace and casually dropped it at Jocelyn's feet.The multi-million-dollar piece hit the floor, discarded as carelessly as actual trash.Jocelyn's eyes burned red. This was her mother's most treasured possession!Slowly dropping to her knees, she reached out, gathering the delicate chain into her palm. The cold, sharp edges of the rubies dug painfully into her skin.Yolande looked down at her with sheer contempt. "A real woman should value her education and worldly experience. Instead of fighting me over a piece of jewelry, maybe you should work on improving yourself!""What education does she even have? She probably went to some diploma mill. If Carter hadn't been kind enough to let her slack off in his company, she'd be sweeping the streets by now!" Lyle mocked.And through it all, her own husband didn't utter a single word in her defense! Jocelyn stood up, ignoring Lyle entirely, and locked eyes with Yolande. "You claim you have no interest in being the other woman, yet you gladly accept a multi-million-dollar gift from someone else's husband?"Yolande scoffed coldly. "I simply saw it as a casual gift from a friend. I never cared about its price tag!""Is that so? I didn't realize friends casually handed out multi-million-dollar necklaces. I suppose Lyle is your friend too—has he ever bought you anything in the millions?" Jocelyn fired back.Yolande was rendered speechless, and even Lyle's expression stiffened awkwardly."Enough," Carter interrupted sharply. "It's just a necklace. Stop blowing things out of proportion!"Jocelyn clenched her fist around the rubies. Carter brushed it off so lightly—just a necklace! Yet this was the very necklace her mother had used in a war-torn foreign land, trading it for medicine and rations to save the lives of fifty orphans.To her, this was never just a necklace; it was her mother's legacy and conviction!Taking a deep breath, Jocelyn thought of the phone call she'd received right before entering his office. Her parents' ashes were finally on a flight back and would arrive in Aethelburg tomorrow.She looked up at Carter. "Fine, let's drop the necklace. My parents' ashes are being flown back from overseas tomorrow, and I want you to come with me to receive them."Before they died, her parents had constantly worried about her future, desperately hoping she would marry and settle down. She wanted her husband by her side to bring them home, to give her parents that final shred of dignity.Carter froze slightly. When they first got married, Jocelyn had mentioned that her parents died overseas in an accident.Yolande's eyes flickered, while Lyle let out a scoff. "Jocelyn, have you no shame? Using a morbid excuse like that just to force Carter to spend time with you!"Jocelyn ignored Lyle, keeping her eyes fixed on Carter.A hint of hesitation crossed his handsome face, but he eventually relented. "Alright. I'll go with you tomorrow."Jocelyn didn't say another word, turning on her heel and walking out of the executive suite.Just as she stepped into the hallway, she heard Lyle speak up again. "Are you seriously going with that woman tomorrow?""Regardless of everything, Jocelyn is my wife," Carter replied in a low voice. "It's only right that I help her receive her parents' ashes.""She's totally making it up. Who would transport the ashes of some random orphans' parents all the way back from overseas?"The constant, mocking use of the word 'orphan' felt like daggers in Jocelyn's heart. She looked down at the necklace in her hand. "Mom, Dad... I'm coming to bring you home tomorrow."————The next day arrived, but as the agreed time came and went, Carter was nowhere to be found.A knot of unease tightened in Jocelyn's chest.She dialed his number, only to be met with his impatient tone. "Yolande's mother sprained her ankle. I'm with them at the hospital.""Carter, hurry up and help me support my mom," Yolande's voice echoed through the line."Coming," Carter replied, his voice instantly softening into something incredibly gentle.Before Jocelyn could say another word, the line went dead.A freezing chill washed over her, and her throat tightened as if a hand were gripping it. She wanted to scream, to curse him, but no words came out.It was sickeningly laughable. Her husband had all the time in the world to coddle another woman's mother over a twisted ankle, but he couldn't spare a moment to welcome his own wife's deceased parents home!Taking a deep breath, she stood up with resolute determination, walked out of the villa, and drove straight to the military base.The base was imposing and solemn, guarded by uniformed soldiers gripping their rifles.Jocelyn stepped out of her car, her back ramrod straight, her strides measured and firm. Even though she had been discharged three years ago, her posture was still every bit that of a soldier.She marched right up to the gates, stopped, and raised her right hand in a textbook-perfect salute.Even if she was entirely alone, she would bring her parents home with honor!Jocelyn took a breath and shouted with absolute clarity, "Former soldier of the 'Eagle Wing' Special Forces, Jocelyn Quinn, reporting to receive the ashes of former UN Peacekeeping Forces officer Warren Quinn, and military medic Audrey Gaines!"Her crisp, powerful voice echoed through the air, reverberating above the solemn grounds.Slowly, the heavy gates of the military base began to open...Whoosh!Two rows of soldiers marched out in perfect unison, flanking the gates. They raised their right hands, saluting Jocelyn as one.Then, she saw General Abner Judson. Dressed in full uniform, he personally carried a solemn black sandalwood funerary urn toward her.The urn was draped in the national flag. The vibrant colors instantly stung Jocelyn's eyes.That flag represented her parents' unwavering conviction! When they had first accepted the government's mission to join the UN Peacekeeping Forces overseas, they had already made peace with the ultimate sacrifice."When your parents' remains were recovered, they were already intermingled. The overseas authorities cremated them together, and they are both resting in here," Abner said, a heavy trace of apology in his voice."That's for the best." Jocelyn gazed at the urn beneath the flag. "They loved each other so deeply. I think they'd be happy to stay together in death."Abner nodded. He suddenly snapped to attention, standing perfectly straight as he extended the funerary urn toward her. "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"Behind him, the rows of soldiers echoed in a deafening roar, "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"The thunderous chant pierced the clouds.Tears welled in Jocelyn's eyes. Keeping her spine perfectly straight, she delivered one final, solemn salute to the General and his men."I, Jocelyn Quinn, am bringing my parents home!" she shouted as she took the urn.It was heavy in her arms, yet it brought an inexplicable sense of peace to her heart. Three years after they perished in a foreign land, she was finally bringing them home!With the solemn handover complete, Abner finally realized she was alone."Where is your husband? He didn't come with you?" he asked, knowing she had married.Jocelyn lowered her eyes. "He's busy. He couldn't make it."Abner had watched Jocelyn grow up. The fiercely bright and spirited girl he remembered now looked exhausted, ground down by three years of marriage."If you ever run into any trouble, come to me. This old man still has some sway," he said, gently patting her shoulder."Thank you, Mr. Judson," Jocelyn replied softly."And remember, if things get too tough out there, you can always come back. The gates of this base will always be open to you!" he added.Jocelyn nodded slightly. After bidding the General farewell, she carefully carried the urn back to her car. Placing it securely in the passenger seat, she started the engine."Mom, Dad... I'm taking you home!"————The moment Jocelyn walked into the villa, her mother-in-law's shrill voice drifted from the living room."Now that Yolande is back, and a female captain no less, you need to hurry up, divorce Jocelyn, and marry her.""Yolande and I are just friends," Carter's deep voice replied."What kind of friends? Everyone knows she's the one you truly love! She's highly educated, has a prestigious job, and is the first female captain at Stratus Air! Jocelyn has absolutely nothing to her name. She isn't worthy of you!" his sister, Jeannie Grayson, chimed in.A freezing chill gripped Jocelyn's heart. For three years, she had worked herself to the bone helping Carter build his startup. She pulled all-nighters, worked overtime, and had even gone into the office with an IV drip in her arm. And this was her reward? Being told she wasn't worthy?Just then, Jeannie suddenly spotted her. "Jocelyn, do you have no shame? Eavesdropping on us!"Jocelyn stepped fully into the room. "I didn't hide, and I didn't sneak around. How is walking into my own house eavesdropping?""Good thing you heard it, then. If you know what's good for you, you'll divorce my brother so you stop holding him and Yolande back." Jeannie's tone dripped with her usual condescension.Chapter 3Jocelyn Quinn was dropping off the project proposal at Carter Grayson's office when she caught him fastening a ruby necklace around Yolande Sinclair's neck.She stared blankly at the brilliant red jewels. It was the exact piece she had begged Carter to win at the auction after seeing the exhibition catalog.In their three years of marriage, she had never asked him for a single thing. Begging him to win this necklace was her very first request, simply because it was her mother's relic."Look at her, staring at a piece of jewelry like she's never seen money before. I told you this orphan was shallow," Carter's buddy, Lyle Lockwood, sneered with blatant disgust.Jocelyn ignored his taunt. She lunged forward, reaching straight for Yolande's neck.But before she could touch it, Carter caught her wrist in a vice grip. "I already gave the necklace to Yolande.""But you promised to give it to me!" Jocelyn snapped, a rare flash of fury breaking her usually calm demeanor.Carter frowned, his displeasure obvious. "Stop making a scene. This is my gift to Yolande to celebrate her promotion to co-pilot."Making a scene? A bitter chill swept through Jocelyn's chest. "What if I insist on having it?"Beside them, Lyle scoffed. "Carter, I told you Jocelyn wasn't good enough for you. She's vain and completely useless. You should just divorce her already. A woman like Yolande is the only one who truly matches your status."Only a select few knew that Carter and Jocelyn were secretly married, but almost everyone in their circle knew Yolande was Carter's first love."Don't talk nonsense. I have absolutely no interest in being the other woman," Yolande said with a disdainful smirk. She unclasped the ruby necklace and casually dropped it at Jocelyn's feet.The multi-million-dollar piece hit the floor, discarded as carelessly as actual trash.Jocelyn's eyes burned red. This was her mother's most treasured possession!Slowly dropping to her knees, she reached out, gathering the delicate chain into her palm. The cold, sharp edges of the rubies dug painfully into her skin.Yolande looked down at her with sheer contempt. "A real woman should value her education and worldly experience. Instead of fighting me over a piece of jewelry, maybe you should work on improving yourself!""What education does she even have? She probably went to some diploma mill. If Carter hadn't been kind enough to let her slack off in his company, she'd be sweeping the streets by now!" Lyle mocked.And through it all, her own husband didn't utter a single word in her defense! Jocelyn stood up, ignoring Lyle entirely, and locked eyes with Yolande. "You claim you have no interest in being the other woman, yet you gladly accept a multi-million-dollar gift from someone else's husband?"Yolande scoffed coldly. "I simply saw it as a casual gift from a friend. I never cared about its price tag!""Is that so? I didn't realize friends casually handed out multi-million-dollar necklaces. I suppose Lyle is your friend too—has he ever bought you anything in the millions?" Jocelyn fired back.Yolande was rendered speechless, and even Lyle's expression stiffened awkwardly."Enough," Carter interrupted sharply. "It's just a necklace. Stop blowing things out of proportion!"Jocelyn clenched her fist around the rubies. Carter brushed it off so lightly—just a necklace! Yet this was the very necklace her mother had used in a war-torn foreign land, trading it for medicine and rations to save the lives of fifty orphans.To her, this was never just a necklace; it was her mother's legacy and conviction!Taking a deep breath, Jocelyn thought of the phone call she'd received right before entering his office. Her parents' ashes were finally on a flight back and would arrive in Aethelburg tomorrow.She looked up at Carter. "Fine, let's drop the necklace. My parents' ashes are being flown back from overseas tomorrow, and I want you to come with me to receive them."Before they died, her parents had constantly worried about her future, desperately hoping she would marry and settle down. She wanted her husband by her side to bring them home, to give her parents that final shred of dignity.Carter froze slightly. When they first got married, Jocelyn had mentioned that her parents died overseas in an accident.Yolande's eyes flickered, while Lyle let out a scoff. "Jocelyn, have you no shame? Using a morbid excuse like that just to force Carter to spend time with you!"Jocelyn ignored Lyle, keeping her eyes fixed on Carter.A hint of hesitation crossed his handsome face, but he eventually relented. "Alright. I'll go with you tomorrow."Jocelyn didn't say another word, turning on her heel and walking out of the executive suite.Just as she stepped into the hallway, she heard Lyle speak up again. "Are you seriously going with that woman tomorrow?""Regardless of everything, Jocelyn is my wife," Carter replied in a low voice. "It's only right that I help her receive her parents' ashes.""She's totally making it up. Who would transport the ashes of some random orphans' parents all the way back from overseas?"The constant, mocking use of the word 'orphan' felt like daggers in Jocelyn's heart. She looked down at the necklace in her hand. "Mom, Dad... I'm coming to bring you home tomorrow."————The next day arrived, but as the agreed time came and went, Carter was nowhere to be found.A knot of unease tightened in Jocelyn's chest.She dialed his number, only to be met with his impatient tone. "Yolande's mother sprained her ankle. I'm with them at the hospital.""Carter, hurry up and help me support my mom," Yolande's voice echoed through the line."Coming," Carter replied, his voice instantly softening into something incredibly gentle.Before Jocelyn could say another word, the line went dead.A freezing chill washed over her, and her throat tightened as if a hand were gripping it. She wanted to scream, to curse him, but no words came out.It was sickeningly laughable. Her husband had all the time in the world to coddle another woman's mother over a twisted ankle, but he couldn't spare a moment to welcome his own wife's deceased parents home!Taking a deep breath, she stood up with resolute determination, walked out of the villa, and drove straight to the military base.The base was imposing and solemn, guarded by uniformed soldiers gripping their rifles.Jocelyn stepped out of her car, her back ramrod straight, her strides measured and firm. Even though she had been discharged three years ago, her posture was still every bit that of a soldier.She marched right up to the gates, stopped, and raised her right hand in a textbook-perfect salute.Even if she was entirely alone, she would bring her parents home with honor!Jocelyn took a breath and shouted with absolute clarity, "Former soldier of the 'Eagle Wing' Special Forces, Jocelyn Quinn, reporting to receive the ashes of former UN Peacekeeping Forces officer Warren Quinn, and military medic Audrey Gaines!"Her crisp, powerful voice echoed through the air, reverberating above the solemn grounds.Slowly, the heavy gates of the military base began to open...Whoosh!Two rows of soldiers marched out in perfect unison, flanking the gates. They raised their right hands, saluting Jocelyn as one.Then, she saw General Abner Judson. Dressed in full uniform, he personally carried a solemn black sandalwood funerary urn toward her.The urn was draped in the national flag. The vibrant colors instantly stung Jocelyn's eyes.That flag represented her parents' unwavering conviction! When they had first accepted the government's mission to join the UN Peacekeeping Forces overseas, they had already made peace with the ultimate sacrifice."When your parents' remains were recovered, they were already intermingled. The overseas authorities cremated them together, and they are both resting in here," Abner said, a heavy trace of apology in his voice."That's for the best." Jocelyn gazed at the urn beneath the flag. "They loved each other so deeply. I think they'd be happy to stay together in death."Abner nodded. He suddenly snapped to attention, standing perfectly straight as he extended the funerary urn toward her. "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"Behind him, the rows of soldiers echoed in a deafening roar, "The spirits of our fallen heroes are immortal!"The thunderous chant pierced the clouds.Tears welled in Jocelyn's eyes. Keeping her spine perfectly straight, she delivered one final, solemn salute to the General and his men."I, Jocelyn Quinn, am bringing my parents home!" she shouted as she took the urn.It was heavy in her arms, yet it brought an inexplicable sense of peace to her heart. Three years after they perished in a foreign land, she was finally bringing them home!With the solemn handover complete, Abner finally realized she was alone."Where is your husband? He didn't come with you?" he asked, knowing she had married.Jocelyn lowered her eyes. "He's busy. He couldn't make it."Abner had watched Jocelyn grow up. The fiercely bright and spirited girl he remembered now looked exhausted, ground down by three years of marriage."If you ever run into any trouble, come to me. This old man still has some sway," he said, gently patting her shoulder."Thank you, Mr. Judson," Jocelyn replied softly."And remember, if things get too tough out there, you can always come back. The gates of this base will always be open to you!" he added.Jocelyn nodded slightly. After bidding the General farewell, she carefully carried the urn back to her car. Placing it securely in the passenger seat, she started the engine."Mom, Dad... I'm taking you home!"————The moment Jocelyn walked into the villa, her mother-in-law's shrill voice drifted from the living room."Now that Yolande is back, and a female captain no less, you need to hurry up, divorce Jocelyn, and marry her.""Yolande and I are just friends," Carter's deep voice replied."What kind of friends? Everyone knows she's the one you truly love! She's highly educated, has a prestigious job, and is the first female captain at Stratus Air! Jocelyn has absolutely nothing to her name. She isn't worthy of you!" his sister, Jeannie Grayson, chimed in.A freezing chill gripped Jocelyn's heart. For three years, she had worked herself to the bone helping Carter build his startup. She pulled all-nighters, worked overtime, and had even gone into the office with an IV drip in her arm. And this was her reward? Being told she wasn't worthy?Just then, Jeannie suddenly spotted her. "Jocelyn, do you have no shame? Eavesdropping on us!"Jocelyn stepped fully into the room. "I didn't hide, and I didn't sneak around. How is walking into my own house eavesdropping?""Good thing you heard it, then. If you know what's good for you, you'll divorce my brother so you stop holding him and Yolande back." Jeannie's tone dripped with her usual condescension.