Chapter 1

1

The day Garrett received the Medal of Honor, he made a passionate public confession on national television to his flight surgeon, Beverly.

"If Beverly hadn't been there, I would have died in that storm at sea," he declared. "She is the most important person in my life."

At that very moment, I, his lawful wife, was lying in a hospital bed drawing my final breaths.

I was exhausted and dying from twenty years of single-handedly taking care of his aging parents and raising our son.

I never imagined that after two decades of backbreaking sacrifice, I wouldn't even deserve a single word of gratitude from him.

Then, my son's voice delivered the final blow.

"Mom, look how perfect Beverly and Dad are together," Toby said coldly. "Why don't you just let go and give her your place?"

Fury and grief surged through my chest, and I took my last breath in absolute regret.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the eve of Garrett's departure to the Pacific coastal outpost.

In this life, I refuse to be the nameless ghost holding down the fort.

I am going to chase my own dream of ruling the skies.

……

1981, Western Command Flight Selection Center.

The Commander looked at me with a solemn expression.

"Candidate Natalie, congratulations on passing all the tests. You are set to become one of our nation's first female fighter pilots."

"However, being a combat pilot isn't a game. Even after selection, you will face long, brutal training. Have you really thought this through?"

I understood his hesitation, and my eyes gleamed with resolute determination.

"Commander, women can carry our weight and more. I want to serve our nation's air defense."

"Besides, my late father was among the first generation of fighter aces. A tiger's daughter is no coward. I will never back down."

Convinced by my conviction, the Commander nodded with approval.

"Well said! But…"

He hesitated, as if suddenly remembering something.

"In fifteen days, your cohort will be sent to the Capital Flight Academy for closed-door training. Garrett is leaving for the Pacific naval outpost soon. You two will be stationed thousands of miles apart. Does he agree to this?"

My gaze dimmed, and a bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

"He can't wait for me to leave, sir."

In my past life, Garrett gave the sole dependent transfer quota to Beverly.

Over the next twenty years, he only returned home twice.

Once was for our son's high school graduation.

The other time was when he received his Medal of Honor.

I had foolishly believed that because I kept our home together for twenty years until I collapsed from illness, he would at least mention my name on the podium.

Yet Garrett's eyes and heart held only Beverly, completely erasing everything I had endured.

Even the son I raised by myself believed Beverly was a better match for his father and resented me for occupying the spot.

In that moment, I finally realized what a joke my life had been.

I gave up my dreams of flying and slaved away for a family that didn't care.

All I received in return was my husband's betrayal and my son's disgust.

Fortunately, I was given a second chance.

In this life, I will soar through the blue sky like an eagle and live on my own terms.

After submitting my application, I rode my vintage cruiser bike back toward the military family compound.

As I turned the corner, I ran straight into the three of them walking toward me.

Garrett and Beverly were holding Toby's hands from either side.

Toby was chattering happily, and Beverly laughed as she gently ruffled his hair.

Garrett watched them with a warm gaze and a faint smile on his lips.

The three of them looked just like a picture-perfect, happy family.

When Garrett's eyes fell upon me, his expression darkened instantly.

"Where on earth did you go? How could you leave Toby alone at the clinic on an IV drip? He's only six years old!"

Toby, who had been excitedly talking to Beverly, stopped immediately and turned his head away with a cold huff.

I clenched my fingers and forced down the ache in my chest.

"Toby wouldn't let me stay," I replied calmly. "He said he only wanted Dr. Beverly by his side."

In my past life, long before Beverly left with Garrett, Toby had always been attached to her.

Back then, I assumed it was just because Beverly was gentle with children.

I never realized that what Toby truly wanted was for Beverly to replace me as his mother.

This time, he won't have to wait twenty years for me to die.

In fifteen days, his wish will come true.