Chapter 23

As Henry finished tidying and was about to take out the garbage, he collided with someone at the door. Ken recognized him and grinned. “Henry, fancy seeing you here!”

Henry paused. “Why are you here? Outsiders aren’t permitted on the base.”

Without a word, Ken pushed past him and strode into the room. “I’m here for Calista. She’s on this base, right? Do you know where she’s staying?”

“Hey, don’t just stand there. Pour me a glass of water; I’m parched.”

Wearing a conflicted expression, Henry poured him a glass. “Why are you looking for her?”

Ken took a sip and sighed. “Why else? To take her home, of course.”

“That girl, throwing a tantrum and running away like that!”

As they talked, Ken noticed the pendant around Henry’s neck. It looked strikingly similar to Calista’s old one. Just as he was about to inquire about it, the bedroom door swung open.

A woman’s voice called out, “Honey, do we have guests?”

At her words, Ken’s teacup slipped, shattering on the floor. “Calista?”

Elated, Ken pounded Henry’s chest. “Well, thanks a lot, Henry. You knew I was searching for Calista and called her over beforehand, didn’t you?”

Henry watched him, his eyes full of pity.

Ken approached Calista, his expression complex. “Calista, it’s been over a month since you left. It’s time to come home.” He reached for her hand, but Calista stepped behind Henry.

“Ken, I made myself perfectly clear. We’re done.”

Stunned, Ken stammered, “Calista, quit fooling around. I promise, if you come back with me now, we’ll get married immediately!”

Calista’s brow furrowed. “Didn’t you already marry Viola? Why are you bothering me…”

“No! I didn’t marry her, and I won’t. Calista, trust me.”

Henry sighed, positioning himself between them. “Ken, you came all this way just to take Calista back? I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

Ken’s gaze remained fixed on Calista, not even noticing the wedding photo in the living room. “Why not? I love Calista, and she loves me. What’s the problem?” Choking up, he added, “As long as Calista returns to me, I’ll do anything…”

“Oh, and Henry – thank you for looking after Calista all this time. From now on, I’ll—”

Henry cut him off. “No need to thank me. Calista is my wife. Taking care of her is my duty.”

“Calista—”

Mid-sentence, Ken’s face froze.

Chapter 23

“Henry, what the hell did you just say?”

Henry smiled softly. “Ken, I never imagined you’d end up being my brother-in-law.”

Ken stood rooted to the spot, his hands trembling. “Bullshit. You’re lying to me. Why would Calista marry someone else?”