Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Thompson, are you sure you want to join the Fourth Task Force of 'Operation Dark Raven' as a full-fledged combat member?"

On the deck of the naval base, the California sun was scorching. The heat was making her scalp tingle, but Maya Thompson looked at the officer in his crisp white uniform and her eyes were firm. "Sir, I'm sure."

"Alright. Then I declare that from this day forward, you are officially a member of 'Operation Dark Raven.' You have two weeks to prepare. After that, your identity and your whereabouts will become classified, known to no one. Any questions?"

"No questions, sir!"

"As for your husband and child, we can arrange for the witness protection program if necessary..."

"Not necessary." Maya's voice suddenly turned cold, like a frigid current moving under a frozen lake. "In fact, I'd prefer if they never knew where I went. If they ask, just tell them..."

"Tell them what?" the officer asked, staring into her eyes, trying to read something in their calm, watery depths.

"Tell them I'm dead."

Under the officer's shocked gaze, Maya signed the last of the NDAs and walked away.

...

It was the next afternoon when she arrived back in Seattle.

A private driver picked her up from Sea-Tac. Staring out the window at the familiar, rain-slicked streets, Maya's mind was a storm of emotions as she thought about the last six years.

Six years ago, she had retired from the special forces and come to Lachlan Croft. She married him and had their son. After the wedding, she had hidden her sharp edges, becoming a full-time housewife, managing their mansion in Medina to perfection.

She and Lachlan had lived a quiet life, until Blaire Evans showed up. Everything changed then.

Blaire was an executive assistant at Lachlan's company. He considered her his savior after she supposedly saved his life during a fire at their office building. From that day on, he spent more and more time with Blaire.

What was worse was Leo. Her seven-year-old son had started to idolize Blaire, while treating her―his own mother―like she was invisible.

At first, Maya had tried to win them back. She made perfect breakfasts, kept the house spotless, and did everything a "good wife" was supposed to do.

But she soon discovered that no matter how hard she tried, the hearts of her husband and son had already strayed to Blaire. There was no pulling them back. Lachlan's gaze grew more and more indifferent, as if she were just another piece of furniture. Leo even started to pull away from her hugs, saying Blaire's perfume smelled better.

So, she gave up. If they wanted Blaire, they could have her. She didn't belong here anyway, did she?

Just then, the Lincoln Navigator came to a stop.

She looked up and saw the driver hadn't taken her home. Instead, they were parked in front of a large indoor climbing gym. It was a popular spot in downtown Seattle, its glass walls covered with posters of rock climbers.

The driver explained quietly, "Ma'am, Leo's private school is having its 'Parent Participation Week.' You and Mr. Croft need to complete a challenge here together."

Maya frowned, about to ask who gave him the authority to make this decision, when Leo ran over.

"Mom! You're finally here! Dad and Blaire and I have been waiting for you forever!"

He excitedly grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the car.

Sure enough, Lachlan and Blaire were standing by the entrance. Maya immediately took in the ridiculous sight: Lachlan and Blaire, side by side, both dressed in high-end Arc'teryx outdoor gear. They looked like a couple from the cover of a mountaineering magazine.

A sarcastic smile touched Maya's lips. She was wearing plain jeans and a basic sweater from Nordstrom. She looked like a tired housewife.

"You're late," Lachlan said impatiently, his brow furrowed. "Leo's event is critical for his evaluation at the private school. Parent participation affects whether he gets a board recommendation for the Ivy League prep program next year. The harder the challenge, the higher the score. I picked the 90-foot advanced wall. Go change, we're starting now."

He spoke to her like he was ordering a subordinate to complete a task.

The climbing gym had two types of walls: a 30-foot beginner wall and a 90-foot advanced one.

Maya had severely injured her wrist six years ago. The nerves and tendons were badly damaged. Doctors had told her explicitly that she could never lift heavy objects again, let alone attempt a sport like rock climbing that put immense strain on the wrist.

Lachlan knew this. He had even gone with her to a few physical therapy sessions right after her surgery. But he...

"Lachlan, you know about my old wrist injury. The doctor said I can't do this kind of high-impact activity," she stated calmly.

"That was six years ago," Lachlan said, annoyed. "You can't use that as an excuse forever. You should at least try, for Leo."

"Yeah, Mom, just try!" Leo chimed in, his little face full of anticipation. "My classmate Jackson's mom climbed 90 feet last time, and he got the highest score in the class!"

Maya looked at them and shook her head coldly. "I told you, I can't. The doctor's diagnosis was clear."

"You..." Lachlan's face flushed with anger, ready to explode.

Just then, Blaire stepped forward, moving with the grace of a cat, a sweet smile on her face. "Maya, if you're not feeling up to it, I can help. I've been practicing at Vertical World lately. My coach says I'm a fast learner. But after I finish..."

She paused deliberately, shooting Lachlan a suggestive look. "After I finish, Leo might just have to start calling me 'Mommy'."

She giggled, a bright, tinkling sound, as if she'd just told the funniest joke.

In the past, a comment like that from Blaire would have sent Maya into a panic. She would have ignored her injuries and forced herself to complete the task for Leo, no matter how much her wrist screamed in protest. He was her husband, her son. How could she just hand them over to a woman who was so obviously trying to steal her family?

But now...

She just stared at Blaire, stared for so long that Blaire's smile started to feel stiff. After a long moment, Maya nodded thoughtfully, her voice frighteningly calm. "Not a bad idea."

Then she turned to Lachlan, her tone polite but distant. "In that case, I'll leave it to you, Ms. Evans. I'm sure you'll take great care of Leo."

Blaire's smile froze on her face. "..."

She never expected Maya to agree so readily. The script was supposed to go differently. Maya was supposed to refuse hysterically, then try to climb despite the pain, and end up humiliated by her wrist injury. But now...

Lachlan was stunned too. He opened his mouth to say something, but found he had nothing to say.

Without another glance at them, Maya turned and walked toward the curb, pulling out her phone to call an Uber. Her back was straight and resolute, just like it used to be when she was on a mission in the military.

A cold wind blew past the entrance of the gym. Lachlan finally snapped out of it, his face red with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He yelled at her retreating back, "Fine! We don't need you anyway! Blaire, let's climb! I'll post the pictures on Instagram and tell everyone you're Leo's mom. We'll see if she regrets it then!"

His voice was loud, drawing glances from other parents. Some whispered among themselves, others just shook their heads. The Seattle upper-middle class was good at keeping up appearances, all polite smiles and vicious gossip behind closed doors.

Maya slid into the Uber that had just arrived. Through the window, she took one last look at them. She saw Lachlan take Blaire's hand and lead her into the climbing gym, with Leo skipping happily behind them. The sight stung her eyes, but she just gave a cynical laugh.

She was already giving them up. Why would she regret a picture or a video?

The driver, a young woman, glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Maya said, leaning back against the seat. "I'm great. I'm free."