Chapter 1

Roxanne O'Brien was the youngest chief engineer at the Aerospace Research Institute, yet she chose to keep her identity hidden and lived quietly as Callum Moreno's devoted wife for three years.

Callum was unaware that the National Meritorious Scientist, Chief O'Brien, whom he saw on the news every day, was the same woman who cooked his meals at home. Day after day, she cooked for him and brought food for his entire unit.

Everyone praised her as the model military wife.

Roxanne thought their life together would always be this peaceful—until the day she brought Callum lunch. She happened to overhear his comrade teasing him, "I can't believe you still carry Zoey's picture in your wallet, Callum.

"It's been years since you broke up. Have you not gotten over her yet?"

Her heart sank, as if an invisible hand had gripped it tightly.

Callum's cool, low voice followed. "Yeah."

That one word pierced her chest like an ice pick.

His comrade sounded indignant for her. "No offense, but Roxanne's been so good to you. I mean, she took care of you all these years without a single complaint. You mean to tell me… you've never once felt anything for her?"

A brief silence hung in the air before Callum's calm yet cruel voice sounded again. "I was never drawn to a virtuous wife who does nothing but cook and clean. The kind of woman I admire is someone like Zoey—brilliant, capable, and someone who can be my equal. If my mother hadn't fallen gravely ill and begged to see me married before she passed, I would never have married Roxanne."

As soon as his words fell, her lunch container hit the ground with a heavy thud. Hot soup spilled everywhere, steam rising in a thick cloud, startling the people inside.

The door swung open. Callum stood tall in the doorway in his neatly pressed uniform. When he spotted Roxanne outside, her face pale and stricken, his forehead creased. "What are you doing here?"

The sight of his handsome yet indifferent face made her feel like her heart was being ripped into shreds. The pain was so intense that it made it hard for her to breathe.

All of a sudden, she remembered the fire that had broken out in their home days ago. He had dashed into the flames like a madman and emerged with a worn-out wallet.

At the time, Roxanne had foolishly thought it must have contained some important military document or keepsake. Now, she knew the only thing he had treasured inside was Zoey Freeman's photo. And she, his wife who had lived with him all these years, mattered less to him than a single photograph.

The realization was both absurd and devastating.

Roxanne realized she had been nothing but a joke.

She didn't answer his question, nor did she take in the awkward looks on his comrades' faces. She merely gave him one hollow, despairing look before spinning around and staggering away.

Roxanne went straight to the Judge Advocate General's Corps and filed for a contested divorce. Then, she returned to the cold, empty house and dialed a number that had long been buried in her memories.

The call was answered almost instantly, and an excited, disbelieving voice came from the other end of the line. "Chief O'Brien? Is it really you? You're finally reaching out to us again!"

Roxanne closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she reopened them, only a quiet resolve remained. "It's me. I wish to return to the institute."

"That's wonderful!" The person on the other end almost leaped for joy. "Chief O'Brien, ever since you left, our rocket research has been at a standstill!

"Right now, the higher-ups are setting up a panel of specialists for Project SkyDome. The team will be sent to the northwest base to conduct top-secret research in complete isolation from the outside world for a minimum of five years.

"We urgently need someone who can really take charge. If you come back, the position of chief will unquestionably be yours! With you, our nation's cutting-edge defense will surely make a breakthrough. So… are you willing to take this on?"

Project SkyDome… Five years of isolation…

"Sure," Roxanne responded without the slightest hint of hesitation. "Count me in!"

"Excellent!" chirped the person on the other end. "Before setting out, the institute will host a grand farewell ceremony for you and the panel of specialists. As the leader, you'll have to take the stage and give a speech. Numerous senior officials and fellow researchers will be in attendance.

"Chief O'Brien, what happened back then really wasn't your fault. Sacrifice is inevitable in this line of work. Mr. Chapman… must've made that choice of his own free will."

"Yeah," she responded quietly before hanging up the phone.

Her gaze landed on the wedding photo on the wall. In it, Callum's expression was cold and stern. He didn't even smile on their wedding day, whilst she leaned against him with a bright smile, almost as if she had the whole world in her arms.

Memories surged back like a tide.

Three years ago, she had been the youngest researcher at the Aerospace Research Institute, hailed as a prodigy in rocket engine design. However, a single miscalculation in her data had caused the test chamber to explode.

Her mentor, Theo Chapman, had shielded her with his own body, taking the hit from the flying debris. Before he died, he had held her hand and said, "Roxanne, you were born for aerospace. Don't abandon your gift because of me…"

Yet, she had never been able to forgive herself.

One stormy night, Roxanne had walked to the river behind the institute, ready to end it all. She had been about to sink when a pair of strong arms pulled her out.

Callum, drenched to the bone, frowned as he said, "There's nothing you can't get past. As long as you're alive, there's hope!"

At that moment, he felt like the only beam of light in her dark world.

So, she hid her identity and found a way into his life. When she learned of his mother's illness and dying wish, she offered to be his wife.

However, after the wedding, she found out that Callum's heart had already been taken. Even as he lay with her, the name on his lips had always been Zoey.

She had foolishly believed that if she showered him with enough love and warmth, she would one day win his heart. Now, she knew that she could never enter it because he had never made room for her there.

In that case, it was best to go their separate ways and set each other free. He could return to his first love, and she would continue with her mission, toward the endless stars and vast skies.

That night, Callum never came home.

…

The next morning, Roxanne was quietly packing her things when she heard the front door open and voices in the entryway. She stepped out of her room and found Callum walking in with a young woman.

The woman was elegant and well-dressed, her makeup flawless. Roxanne recognized her instantly—she was the same woman from the photo in Callum's wallet, Zoey.

It felt as if her heart had been pricked by a thousand needles again, the pain spreading in thin, unending waves. Not only had he longed for Zoey all this time, but he had actually brought her into their home.

Callum noticed Roxanne and introduced calmly, "This is Zoey. She's a friend of mine who just came back from abroad. She hasn't found a place to stay yet, so she'll be staying with us for a while."

He didn't even ask Roxanne for her opinion. He merely informed her and led Zoey toward the guest room. "How long are you planning to stay this time?"

Zoey's voice was gentle and amiable. "I'll probably be staying for good. I was fortunate enough to join the Aerospace Research Institute No. 2. I'm just an intern who is still on probation, but I heard the institute has just launched Project SkyDome, a program open only to the very best specialists.

"They'll be heading to the base for five years of closed research, and the institute's holding a grand farewell ceremony for them. The project leader is said to be a legend in this field, and she'll be giving a speech at the ceremony… I wish I could meet her. I wonder when I'll be as remarkable as she is…"

Chapter 2

Callum's tone carried unmistakable admiration. "Getting into Aerospace Research Institute No. 2 at your age is no small feat! Don't be too hard on yourself."

The two of them chatted happily, completely unaware that Roxanne was standing silently in the shadows of the living room.

Just then, Callum's aide rushed in. "Commander Moreno! There's an emergency! The dam outside the city has collapsed. The floodwaters have broken through, several houses are submerged, and we've been ordered to move out for rescue right away!"

Callum's expression hardened. "Gather the troops at once!"

"I'm coming with you," Roxanne chimed in.

For once, he actually looked at her, slightly surprised.

"Every hand counts," she added calmly.

Zoey butted in. "I'll come with you, too, Callum! I can help!"

With no time to waste, he nodded. "Stay close to me and be careful!"

…

The rescue site was a mess, with torrents of water rushing everywhere.

Like everyone else, Roxanne helped evacuate the people and haul supplies. Her slight figure darted through the mud and rushing water without the slightest regard for her own safety.

When the last of the civilians were evacuated to safety, Callum grabbed a towel and an army coat, handing them to Zoey first. His voice was gentler than Roxanne had ever heard. "Here, dry yourself before you catch a cold. You haven't changed a bit—you still put everyone else before yourself."

Zoey smiled bashfully. "Don't just praise me. Roxanne worked really hard, too!"

That was when he glanced over at Roxanne. Drenched from head to toe, her hair clung to her face, her arms and legs streaked with cuts. She looked far more disheveled than Zoey, but he merely glanced at her and didn't utter a word.

Just then, his aide walked over again, asking about post-disaster arrangements, and Callum hurried off with him.

Zoey turned to Roxanne. "Everyone's safe now. Should we head back?"

Roxanne nodded.

However, at that moment, a thunderous roar came from upstream. The second wave of floodwaters came crashing down with even greater force.

"Watch out!" someone yelled.

In a heartbeat, the torrent engulfed the ground beneath Roxanne and Zoey.

The two of them were swept away by the current. Fortunately, they managed to grab hold of a floating log, sparing them from being separated. Still, their situation was still perilous.

"Roxanne! Zoey!" Callum spotted them from the shore.

The color drained from his face, and he hurriedly rallied the rescue team. However, the current was too strong, and the rescue boat couldn't get close to them.

"Commander Moreno! The current's too strong! We can only save one of them at a time, or else we'll lose them both!"

Callum looked torn as he stared at the two struggling figures. However, after only a few seconds, he ordered through gritted teeth, "Save Zoey first!"

The rescuer froze. "But… Roxanne—"

"Do as I say!" Callum barked. "Zoey's a vital researcher. We can't afford to lose her! Roxanne's just a housewife."

Those four words pierced right through Roxanne's heart. She watched as he directed the rescuers to pull Zoey onto the boat first. Then, he anxiously checked if Zoey was hurt without sparing so much as a glance at her, who was still struggling in the flood.

Nothing could possibly hurt more than that. Drained of all strength, she let go, surrendering to the raging flood.

As the freezing water poured into her lungs, her consciousness began to slip away. Clinging to her unyielding will, she braved the current and, by some miracle, caught hold of a fallen tree by the shore. Using the very last of her strength, she dragged herself onto the shore before passing out.

…

When she came to, she was in a hospital.

A nurse was changing her bandages. "You're awake! How are you feeling? Do you have any family? Please ask them to take care of your medical bills."

Roxanne shook her head, her voice hoarse. "I don't have any family. I'll pay on my own."

Enduring the pain that wracked her body, she dragged herself out of bed and, with the wall as her only support, inched her way to the payment counter.

When she passed by a ward, a familiar voice came through the half-open door. It was Callum. He was standing at the sink, washing Zoey's undergarments with his own hands.

Chapter 3

Zoey's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Callum… how could I possibly let you do something like this?"

Callum continued rinsing her undergarments. His tone was gentler than usual. "You're not in any shape to be dealing with cold water right now. This is nothing. Let me take care of it."

Roxanne felt her blood run cold as she witnessed this scene from outside the door. After being married to him for so many years, even when she had been doubled over in pain during her period, he hadn't so much as poured her a cup of hot chamomile tea, let alone offered to wash her undergarments.

Turns out, he wasn't cold by nature, nor was he clueless about how to care for someone. He had simply reserved all his warmth and tenderness for that woman named Zoey.

The ache in her chest spread like wildfire.

Roxanne could no longer bring herself to watch this scene any longer. She turned and forced herself to take one heavy step after another toward the payment counter.

…

In the days that followed, Callum never once came to visit her. Roxanne changed her own dressings, ate her meals alone, and bore the pain of her injuries and the emptiness in her heart all on her own.

On the day of her discharge, while she was handling her discharge procedures, she ran into Callum and Zoey, who were also there for the same reason. As soon as Zoey spotted her, she hurried over and fretted, "Roxanne! You're getting discharged as well? That's wonderful!

"After you were washed away by the flood, I kept asking Callum to go look for you. He said you'd be able to climb out on your own, though.

"Since I was frail, he had to stay behind to take care of me. I've felt so bad about it, but now that I see you're okay, I can finally breathe easy!"

Though it sounded like concern, it was really just her way of parading Callum's love for her. Roxanne didn't want to waste her breath on Zoey. After filling in the paperwork, she turned to leave.

Zoey, however, seized her wrist. "Since we've run into each other, why don't we head home together, Roxanne?" Instinctively, Roxanne wrenched her hand free.

Callum immediately stepped forward to support Zoey. Scowling at Roxanne, he chided, "What's with the attitude? The only reason I saved her first is because she's a researcher our country needs! Meanwhile, all you ever do is fuss around the kitchen!

"I know very well what's more important! Zoey's worrying about you out of the kindness of her heart. Who exactly are you giving that attitude to?"

Roxanne's heart twisted painfully. She was about to defend herself when Callum, who was already impatient, dragged Zoey into his car and said coldly, "Well? Get in!"

Not wanting to make a scene at the hospital entrance, she quietly climbed into the back seat.

On the drive home, Callum fussed over Zoey, asking if she was thirsty or hungry, tending to her every need with the utmost care. He had never treated Roxanne with such tenderness before.

"So, this was how he treated the woman he truly loved," Roxanne thought to herself.

All of a sudden, Zoey said, "Let's not go home just yet, Callum. Take me to the bookstore first; I'd like to buy some reference books."

"You're still as diligent as ever," he remarked with a note of admiration.

"One has to keep learning to improve."

When the trio arrived at the bookstore, Zoey went off to browse the shelves. Roxanne, too, picked up a couple of titles on advanced physics and fluid mechanics.

Callum's brows knitted the moment he saw them. "Do you even know what those mean? Are you copying Zoey just because I complimented her?"

Zoey stepped in to ease the tension. "Don't say that, Callum. It's a good thing that Roxanne wants to learn."

Without saying another word, he pulled out his wallet to pay for her books.

Roxanne, however, stopped him. "That won't be necessary. I'll pay for mine myself."

He froze for a moment, as if he hadn't expected her to refuse. It was the first time she had ever shown a sense of independence in front of him. An inexplicable twinge of annoyance stirred inside him, though he didn't press the matter. "Suit yourself."

After settling the bill, Callum instinctively reached out to take Zoey's books.

Zoey turned him down. "I can manage on my own. Why don't you help Roxanne instead? I think she injured her arm."

He took a look at Roxanne. "It's fine. She's used to doing housework, so she'll be fine on her own." With that, he went to retrieve his car.

There was a triumphant glint in Zoey's eyes as she hugged the books to her chest and followed after him to the stairwell. Perhaps she was so caught up in her own smugness, or she did it on purpose, but she abruptly lost her footing, let out a startled cry, and tumbled down the stairs.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Roxanne instinctively reached out but only managed to brush against the edge of Zoey's clothes. All she could do was watch as Zoey tumbled and landed hard at the corner of the stairs.

The loud thud instantly drew Callum, who had just reached the door, back. He rushed over, and the blood drained from his face the moment he saw what had happened.

Dropping to his knees, he carefully helped the groaning Zoey up. Then, he jerked his head up and shot daggers at Roxanne, who was standing on the stairs. "Did you push her?" he demanded.

Roxanne was about to explain herself when Zoey, who was wincing in pain, said pitifully, "Don't blame Roxanne, Callum… Maybe she's still upset that you saved me first. If this is what she needs to let off steam, I can take it…"

Roxanne's eyes widened in disbelief at such a blatant lie. "What are you on about? You were the one who—"

"That's enough!" Callum snarled. "Roxanne, when did you become so petty and narrow-minded? Haven't I already told you why I saved Zoey first?

"Put yourself in my shoes for once! If you had to choose between saving someone the country needs and someone insignificant, who would you save first?

"Besides, you're perfectly fine, aren't you? But if something really happened to Zoey, do you think you could bear that responsibility?"

Chapter 4

Callum didn't give Roxanne the slightest chance to defend herself. He scooped Zoey up in his arms and declared, "I'm taking you to the hospital."

Nestled against his chest, Zoey eyed Roxanne cautiously. "But… what about Roxanne?"

Without sparing Roxanne another glance, he said coldly, "She can walk home by herself."

As she watched the two of them hurry off, Roxanne stood frozen in the silent bookstore, her whole body chilled to the bone.

Explain? What was there to explain? The moment he saw Zoey tumble down the stairs, he had already condemned her.

His eyes had burned with such rage as if he wanted to tear her apart. How could he possibly believe a single word she said?

At some point, rain had begun to fall outside, a steady drizzle that seeped chill into her bones.

Roxanne trudged back to the base housing, braving the rain. Her clothes were soaked through, and her cold shoes chafed her feet raw with blisters. Every step she took sent a stabbing pain through her, leaving her in a pitiful, miserable state.

She finally made it to the door, but the sight that greeted her when she pushed it open plunged her into deeper despair. Callum was on his knees in front of the couch, carefully tending to the scrape on Zoey's knee. His movements were gentle and focused, his profile showing a tenderness she had never seen before.

Zoey soon spotted Roxanne, who was standing at the door, dripping wet. She immediately acted startled, pulling her leg back. "Callum… I think I'd better do it on my own. Roxanne's back. It won't look good if she sees this…"

Without lifting his head, he retorted coldly, "She's the reason you're hurt. What right does she have to be upset?"

Those words were the final straw, shattering the last bit of hope Roxanne had. Her chest went numb with pain as she quietly turned and returned to her cold, empty room.

After taking a hot shower to shake off some of the chill and exhaustion, she stepped out of the bathroom, only to see Callum holding her thick quilt and the small heater from her bed, about to head out.

"What do you think you're doing with my things?" Her voice trembled from both the cold and disbelief.

He stopped in his tracks. "Zoey's afraid of the cold. The quilt in her room is too thin, so I'm taking these over for her."

"What about me?" Roxanne stared at him, unable to believe what she'd just heard.

Callum frowned, as if her question was absurd. "Haven't you always been healthy? Even if you come down with something, the worst that could happen is you rest for a few days and don't do as much around the house.

"Zoey's different. She's an important researcher. If she falls ill, it could delay a national project! Can't you tell which is more important?" With that, he carried her quilt and heater straight into Zoey's room.

That night, the cold wind seeped in through the cracks in the window. Roxanne curled up under the thin sheet, shivering from the chill.

…

The following day, she came down with a high fever.

When Zoey knocked on her door, Roxanne was barely conscious, sinking in a feverish haze.

"Roxanne? Are you awake? Come out and have breakfast!" Zoey called out through the door.

Roxanne gathered what little strength she had, her voice hoarse and weak. "I… I don't feel so good. I have a fever…"

There was a brief silence outside before Zoey urgently called out, "Callum! Come quickly! Roxanne says she has a fever!"

Almost immediately, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

The very next second, the door to Roxanne's room was flung open, and Callum's tall figure filled the doorway, his presence cool and forbidding. His sharp gaze swept over Roxanne, who was curled up in bed with a flushed face, and his brows knitted.

However, what he did next sent her heart plunging into a frozen pit. In one swift move, he yanked Zoey behind him, shielding her as though Roxanne were some deadly virus. "Since you're running a high fever, you should stay in your room for the next few days. Don't come out and risk infecting Zoey."

Roxanne parted her lips, but her throat felt scoured raw, and she couldn't force out a single clear syllable. All she wanted to say was that she needed medicine, water, and a little concern.

However, he didn't give her the chance. He took a step back and gripped the doorknob. With a sharp click, he locked the door from the outside.

Chapter 5

Roxanne's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the locked door. Her blood ran cold. Not only had he locked her up, but he hadn't even left her any fever medicine, not a sip of water, not a single bite of food.

"C-Callum…" she called out hoarsely, pounding on the door with what little strength she had left. "Open the door… Medicine… Give me some medicine…"

Pin-drop silence stretched outside. Her pleas went unanswered.

Through the door, she could faintly hear Zoey's soft laughter and Callum's occasional low replies. It sounded like they were watching television or chatting. Their carefree laughter and lighthearted voices highlighted her misery, making her feel even worse.

Her heart felt as though it had been plunged into ice water, cold and aching. She sank to the floor, pressing her forehead against the cold wood. At last, her scalding tears spilled over, running down her fevered face, leaving her in disarray.

Callum could be this cold simply because he didn't love her.

The fever raged hard. Roxanne survived only because her body was strong enough and her will refused to break. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she endured the torment of shivering cold and burning fever until, somehow, she pulled through.

…

Several days later, when she finally managed to get out of bed in her weakened state, the lock on the door clicked open from the outside. Callum stood at the doorway, his face as cold and stern as ever, as if he hadn't been the one who had locked his feverish wife inside and ignored her for days.

Noticing her pallid complexion, he said apathetically, "It looks like you've recovered. Next time, take better care of yourself. Stop falling ill so easily."

Roxanne lowered her gaze and was just about to respond when Zoey walked over with a bright smile. "You're finally all better, Roxanne! There's a science fair at the Museum of Science and Technology today. I'll be giving a lecture and live demonstration on rocket fuel.

"Why don't you come watch? You've been cooped up at home long enough. It'll be good for you to get some fresh air."

Roxanne was about to turn her down, but Callum beat her to it. "Alright, let's all go together."

Zoey seemed surprised. "Didn't you say you had an important meeting this morning?"

His tone was calm and casual as he responded, "It's been delayed an hour. It's fine. I'll head over after I watch your demo."

Roxanne felt as if her heart had been stabbed all over again.

There was a time she had such a severe cold that it almost developed into pneumonia. Lying flat on the bed, she had been so weak she couldn't even get herself a glass of water.

Roxanne had begged him to take a single day off to accompany her to the hospital, but he had refused outright, claiming he was too busy with military work.

In the end, it was their kindhearted neighbor who had taken pity on her and had driven her to a clinic.

Roxanne realized then that his principles and excuses crumbled when it came to someone he favored.

In the end, the three of them went to the Museum of Science and Technology together.

…

Zoey, dressed in a white lab coat, stood at the center of a circle of curious students as she walked them through the fundamentals of rocket fuel and the proper procedures for handling it in the demonstration hall. Her words were crisp, her demeanor confident, exuding professionalism.

Callum watched her from a short distance away, his gaze unwavering. Those eyes that were usually cold now shone with admiration and approval.

Roxanne witnessed this scene from the sidelines. Her heart ached, yet she didn't utter a word.

After a while, Callum's aide hurried over and whispered, "The meeting's about to start, Commander Moreno."

Callum nodded, walked up to Zoey, and murmured something to her. She beamed at him and gestured for him not to worry. With that, he turned and strode away.

After he left, she started preparing for the hands-on demonstration. Zoey picked up a measuring cup and started mixing the simulated fuel.

Roxanne, who was standing on the fringe of the crowd, frowned.

Noticing the amount she was pouring in, her heart lurched. That amount was way over the safety limit.

Even though it was only simulated fuel, mixing it at this ratio could very well set off flames or even a small explosion. In a hall full of students, the consequences would be severe.

Instinctively, she lunged forward and seized Zoey's wrist. "Stop right there! You added the wrong amount. Something bad will happen if you don't stop right now!"

Zoey was caught off guard.

Then, her face twisted with anger at being interrupted. "Roxanne? What the hell are you on about? Do you really think buying a few books makes you an expert?

"You never even finished elementary school. Who are you to tell me what to do? Move aside. Don't get in my way!"

"I'm not making this up! This ratio is wrong; it's dangerous!" Roxanne pressed, attempting to stop her once more.

"That's enough!" Zoey snapped, shoving Roxanne aside. Without a moment's hesitation, she poured the rest of the fuel in. "I told you to stay out of my way!"

As soon as her words fell, a deafening explosion tore through the hall. In an instant, blinding flames and thick smoke burst from the stage. The shockwave hurled Zoey and Roxanne, who were closest to it, off their feet.

Heat scorched Roxanne's skin. Her head struck something hard, and everything went dark as she passed out.

Even though she was barely conscious, she could feel the heat closing in, acrid smoke filling her lungs. She forced her eyes open, realizing she was still lying at the scene of the explosion. All around her, flames raged, spreading and devouring everything in their path.

Roxanne tried to push herself up, yet every inch of her body screamed in pain, and she couldn't muster any strength.

"Zoey! Where are you?"