Page 13 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“What do you mean, what do I want?! I just listened to the false news you spread of us still being together. You know that's not true. And another one says I shattered your image! That's not true, either. Why are you spreading lies?” I squeeze the remote in my hands and turn the TV off in anger.

“Lies? Lies? How dare you call me a liar? You deceived me! You led me to the altar, and ran away! Who's the liar? You're the liar!”

I want to defend myself, but I realize he's right. I led him on when I should have spoken up a long time ago.

“Ethan, I... I...”

As I try to explain myself, Ethan cuts me off with a tirade of accusations. “You've ruined everything, Nora,” he seethes. “Do you have any idea what you've done to my political career? You're selfish, always thinking about yourself. You need to fix this mess you've made.”

The accusations sting, cutting deep into my already-fragile state. Ethan's words weigh heavily as he launches into a rant. “I've done everything for you, Nora,” he says, his voice laced with bitterness. “I've sacrificed so much, and this is how you repay me? By destroying everything I've worked for? You owe me, Nora. You owe me your loyalty.”

As Ethan continues his pathetic rant, I feel the familiar sense of suffocation creeping in, the weight of his expectation pressing down on me like a lead cloak. I can't let him bully me into his own will, and this time, something inside me shifts. I refuse tocave in to his manipulative tactics. I refuse to sacrifice my own happiness for the sake of his political ambitions.

“Is that all you’ve ever cared about?” I yell into the phone, and he stops.

“What?” he asks, shock evident in his voice at my sudden outburst.

With newfound resolve, I stand my ground, pushing back against Ethan's toxic influence. I refuse to be swayed by his guilt trips or his attempts to control me! And in that moment of defiance, I realize that I'm finally free from the shackles of his expectations. Why am I hiding?

“Do you even care about me, or is your image all you ever cared about?” I ask this time, my voice dangerously calm. “Yourreputation!Yourimage!Yourlife! All you ever care about is you! You narcissist!” Without waiting for a response, I hang up the call and fling my phone onto the couch.

My phone dings with multiple messages and I angrily walk towards it. I read through its contents and suppress the urge to delete them.

You could still come back to me, you know. You should stop this drama while my parents are still ready to take you back. I'll pretend it never happened and take down all the news headlines. You have 48 hours to clear this mess up!

The nerve! Not once did he say he loves me. He’s not upset we’re not married—he’s upset that this looks bad on him.

I have to do something to get Ethan off my back or he'll still stand in the way. I rack my brain for solutions, but anger clouds my mind. I'm tempted to dial my dad's number but that will cause more drama and might put an end to years of family friendship. That's if I haven't done that already—and I should not make it worse.

Though I know I said I’d be fine, I wish for a minute that Chase was here. I know he can’t fix this, but his steady presence andfirm opinions make me feel sturdier. On my own, I’m afraid I’ll cave.

Just a few more days, and he’ll come back. I just have to make it till Chase gets home.

Chapter four

Chase

In the dimly lit confines of my home office, I stare at the giant situation board, wondering where it all went wrong.

My eyes trail to the notes on the table, looking at each word like I want to bore holes into them, and dig into each question. Maybe they would hold answers in them that would give meaning to this scandal.

Where could I have gone wrong? I have made mistakes, but none have ever been like this one.

This one threatens to destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to build. The weight of the accusations presses down on my shoulders, wanting to crush me. I swipe at the table, unable to contain my anger, the papers flying all over the room.

I have dedicated my life to serving my country, honing my skills and being ready to lay down my life. I’ve never come across anyone who goes to such lengths like me! Yet, in a single moment, it all seems to have unraveled before my eyes.

I can’t shake the feeling of betrayal that gnaws at my insides. Did someone do this to me? But who? Are they my past enemies, international bodies or my closest friends? I must figure this out and save my reputation.

I am drowning in a sea of doubt and uncertainty, my very identity questioned by those who once trusted me without hesitation. Careless is an understatement! The voice of my commander booms in my ears for the umpteenth time today, resonating in my eardrums like I’m still right in front of him. I can still see him fuming behind the mahogany desk. It’s the only thing that seems to keep his anger at bay, preventing him from flying across the room, and smacking me on the head multiple times. I shake my head to bring myself back to reality.

I look at the headlines again and drop the phone on the table, ignoring the rumors swirling around me like a relentless storm, each whisper threatening to dismantle my carefully constructed reputation. As a top-ranking Navy SEAL, I have weathered my fair share of storms, but none quite like this. With a swift motion, I shrug off my combat jacket and yank my top over my head with a primal roar, the fabric stretching taut before I hurl it away in anger, watching it fall in a crumpled heap on the floor.

There is a light rap on the door, and my anger wanes. That must be Nora.

It’s been a week since I’ve seen her. When I got in this morning, she was still sleeping, and though I know she’s been awake, I haven’t taken the time to go see her. I’ve been too busy with my own pity party.

She looks good, better than before. But she also looks tired. Exhausted, even, and I know she is dealing with the weight of her own issues.

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