Chapter 1

In the seventh year of our marriage, Logan Quinn looked down on me for being nothing but a woman who raised pigs.

He was obsessed with his old flame, Bianca, who had just been transferred to the base's PR department.

"Willa is just a farmhand, after all. Bianca is the only woman I've ever truly loved."

Even our son, Quincy, clung to Logan and acted spoiled.

"Dad, I want Auntie Bianca to be my mom. Why don't you just divorce that old, frumpy woman?"

In that moment, I decided to throw both of them away.

I signed the divorce papers and accepted an offer from the National Agricultural Research Center to serve the country.

1

At the livestock facility in rural Nebraska.

A batch of sows, crossbred with high-quality imported stock, had successfully given birth to a healthy litter.

Director Miller was so moved that he actually shed a few tears, praising me as the facility's greatest asset.

Standing nearby, Secretary Lee, who had come from D.C. to inspect the facility, took the opportunity to invite me again.

"Willa, our National Research Center needs experts like you who have the skills and aren't afraid of hard work!"

"Your expertise in postnatal care for domestic breeds is unmatched. Won't you reconsider joining us?"

This time, I didn't hesitate. "Secretary Lee, I'm in."

Director Miller's hand froze as he was recording the piglet count. He looked at me with a heavy heart.

"Have you really thought this through? If you go to the Research Center, you'll be separated from Commander Quinn. Can you really handle being away from your family for so long?"

The word "family" sent a sharp, bitter pang through my chest.

I thought of my husband and son, whose hearts belonged entirely to another woman. I gave a self-mocking smile.

Then, I nodded firmly and spoke with conviction.

"Joining the Research Center is about the greater good. I want to serve the people!"

"Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure my family understands."

Secretary Lee, who had almost given up hope, was so touched that he grabbed both of my hands.

"That's wonderful, Willa!"

"We're heading back to D.C. in five days. Make sure you get everything settled at home!"

After changing out of my work clothes, I took a bus back to the military housing complex.

As I walked up to our front door, I heard laughter coming from inside before I even pushed it open.

"Bianca, I made this pot roast specifically for you. Eat up, dear."

"Auntie Bianca, if you like it, I'll have Grandma make it for you every single day!"

Logan and Quincy's voices were dripping with affection. It was a stark contrast to the cold, icy silence they usually gave me.

When I stepped inside, their smiles instantly vanished.

It felt as if my presence had ruined a perfect family dinner.

Bianca quickly stood up to greet me. "Willa, you're back. Come, join us for dinner…"

Just then, my mother-in-law, Mrs. Quinn, walked out of the kitchen carrying a large bowl of beef stew.

Her eyes met mine, and she immediately frowned.

"Back so early today? Your leftovers are set aside for you."

Lately, I had been staying late at the farm waiting for the sows to give birth, leaving early and returning late.

Because of that, the family always left my dinner separate.

I glanced over at the plate meant for me. It was mostly just cabbage with a few scraps of fat.

Instead of taking it to my room like I usually did, I brought it to the dining table.

Under their shocked gazes, I pulled out a chair and sat down.

As soon as I sat, Quincy, who was right next to me, covered his nose and recoiled.

"Dad, she smells gross. I can't eat my food anymore."

Logan instinctively held his breath, though he tried to hide his expression.

"Quincy, that's your mother. Don't speak to her like that."

Quincy pouted, startled by Logan's stern tone, and looked like he was about to cry.

Bianca immediately pulled him into her arms, looking at me with pity.

"Willa… please don't be upset. Quincy is just a kid, and his nose is very sensitive."

"But you really should stay clean at home. After all, bringing back germs isn't good for anyone."

The two of them were playing good cop, bad cop, and the message was clearly for me.

Logan looked at me with a troubled expression, as if he expected me to be the "sensible" one and leave.

To his disappointment, I didn't give them a single glance today.

No matter how often I showered and changed, they would always complain that I smelled like the farm.

I hadn't eaten all day while watching the sows, and I was starving.

"Willa!"

With a loud *clack*, my fork was slapped out of my hand by Mrs. Quinn just as I reached for the pot roast.

The hot gravy from the serving spoon splashed onto the back of my hand. A searing pain followed.

Within seconds, a large red welt began to form.

"I made that specifically for Bianca to help her strength! Who do you think you are, trying to take some?"