From Heartbreak to a Second Chance at Love novel

Elara's POV
After we got married, my husband was stationed in the northwest.
He told me the border was plagued by sandstorms year-round, the conditions were harsh, and danger was everywhere. He said he didnt feel safe bringing me along and didnt want me to suffer.
And I believed him. I stayed home, took care of his parents, and helped raise his younger siblings.
Later, he said he was sending all his money to the widow of a comrade who had died shielding him from a bullet, asking me to understand and endure a bit more.
In that case, I worked day and night at a steel factory to support the family, holding on to the hope that one day hed come home.
It wasnt until the eighth year that one of his comrades returned to our hometown to visit family.
When I asked him about my husband, the man froze. Him? He was transferred to Washington ages ago. Hes a battalion officer now.
I stood there, stunned.
And he got married seven years ago. We all attended the wedding, he added, then pulled a photo from his pocket.
The woman leaning on my husbands arm was the same widow hed told me he was helping.
The next day, I went straight to the towns military office and signed my name on the list for the National Rural Service Program.
Hed trapped me in a fake marriage for seven years. From this moment on, I would never wait for him again.

I had just gotten home and hadnt even started packing when the door suddenly swung open. A well-dressed woman stormed in and slapped me hard across the face.
Looking like that and still trying to be someones mistress? Disgusting!
I fell to the ground along with the table, and shards of a broken bottle cut deep into my hands. Only then did I see clearly that the woman was Briar Alden, the widow who had married Callum Vance in Washington.
She was about to kick me when I scrambled to my feet and shoved her away.
Just as the door swung open behind me, a familiar figure rushed in, quickly wrapping an arm around Briar before she could fall.
Briar, are you okay? he asked her worriedly.
Then he frowned at me and snapped, Why would you hit her? Hurry and apologize to her!
Holding my bleeding arm, I swallowed the pain and spoke flatly. Callum, we havent seen each other in eight years. And the first thing you do is bring your lover into my home to hit me? She barged in and attacked me. Am I not allowed to push her away?
Only then did Callum notice the blood on my arm and the swelling on my face. His expression shifted instantly, and he tried to step toward me. What happened?
The woman, just moments ago all fire and rage, suddenly clung to his arm, eyes red with fake tears. Callum, when I walked in, I saw this woman sneaking toward your bedroom. I thought she was a thief. I was scared, so I tried to stop her. Maybe maybe I was too anxious and accidentally hurt her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she added, She looked so old-fashioned, I honestly didnt think she was your wife. Hey, if youre angry, feel free to hit me back if you'd like. But dont accuse me of having something with Callum. Thats an insult to both of us.
You didnt I frowned, ready to repeat every vicious word she had said when she first hit me.
But Callum grabbed my arm before I could finish. Enough, Elara. This is partly your fault, too. If you had just told her you were coming home, she wouldnt have mistaken you for a thief.
He then coughed lightly, trying to soften his tone as he explained, By the way, this is the widow I told you about. I came back this time to bring you, Mom, and my siblings to Washington for a better life. She kindly came with me to help organize the move. How could you misunderstand her relationship with me? Go on, apologize to her.
I stared at the man in front of me, disappointment weighing down my chest. Without a word, I turned and walked toward my room.
Behind me, Callum forced a smile and tried to smooth things over with Briar. Then he grabbed my arm and pushed me toward the kitchen. How about let Elara cook you a nice big dinner as an apology?


Elara's POV
You love fried carp fillet, dont you? Ill have her make it for you right now, Callum added.
Before I could react, he shoved me into the kitchen, ignoring my struggle, and tossed a slimy, foul-smelling fish onto me.
Make a good meal for her. Dont cause trouble, he ordered, then shut the kitchen door behind me with a loud bang.
I rushed forward and yanked at the doorknob several times, but it wouldnt budge.
Outside, I could hear Callum speaking softly to Briar. Inside, the fish slime clung to my clothes and skin, and I sank weakly to the floor.
Fried carp fillet was my specialty dish. Ironically, Ive always hated fish. Just the smell alone made me nauseous.
But Callum loved it. When he was young, a fish bone had injured him, and ever since, he could only crave fish but didnt dare eat it.
After we got married, he told me the story, and I decided to learn the dish just for him. I searched through recipes and even asked the chef at a state-owned restaurant to teach me.
To make it, every tiny bone in the fish must be sliced open, requiring a lot of effort and patience.
Each time, my back would ache, and my stomach would churn for days.
Back then, he used to feel guilty about it, massaging my back and complaining that his greedy appetite caused me so much pain. He even refused to let me make the dish again.
But now, he seemed to have forgotten all of that. Forgotten that he used to rather go without it than let me suffer.
I was lost in thought when the kitchen door opened. Callum walked in and paused when he saw me.
Then he stepped forward and lifted me up. Why arent you cooking? Are you mad at me?
He chuckled lightly and pulled out bandages to wrap my wounds. I already apologized to her for you. Shes not holding a grudge, okay? Youre overthinking. Theres nothing going on between us. I know youve had a hard time here. When we move to Washington, Ill make it up to you.
After saying that, he grabbed the dead fish and began cooking himself.
I stared at his back, my mouth opening and closing several times. He never used to step foot in the kitchen. He always said cooking would mess with his shooting precision.
So, how did he suddenly become so skilled after seven or eight years away?
In the end, I said nothing.
I had already made up my mind to leave him. There was no point in asking questions anymore.
Dinner tasted like sand in my mouth as Briar clung to Callum throughout the meal.
First, she claimed her arm hurt from when I pushed her earlier, so she needed him to feed her. Then, she brushed a grain of rice from the corner of his lips and popped it into her own mouth before gasping dramatically and apologizing to me, saying it was just a reflex, and I shouldnt misunderstand.
Callums gaze kept drifting toward me. But when he saw that I kept my head down and stayed silent, his expression darkened.
After dinner, I tried to say I needed to help my younger siblings with their homework so I could sleep in their room.
But my mother-in-law dragged me back toward the master bedroom and shooed the giggling siblings away in a low voice. Dont disturb your sister-in-law and brother.
Turning to me with a grin full of implication, she said, Youre shy, arent you? Youve waited long enough for your husband. Hurry now, let me hold a grandson by next year.
I pressed my lips together. Not wanting to disappoint her, I forced myself to enter the bedroom.
I planned to come up with a reason to sleep separately, but the moment I stepped inside, I froze.
Callum sat stiffly at the table, his expression cold and unreadable.
He slowly lifted his eyes at the sound of the door opening, his gaze like ice.
In his hand was a crumpled copy of my application letter to join the National Rural Service Program and a divorce agreement.
Suddenly, my mind went completely blank.


Elara's POV
He slapped the letter down on the table, his voice cold enough to frost over. What is this?
Then something seemed to click in his mind. No wonder you were acting weird today. First, you jumped to conclusions about Briar and me. Then at dinner, when we were talking, you didnt even get jealous.
His face twisted with sudden anger. So, this is it. Youre planning to divorce me and run off! Youre a woman. Why would you go to such a remote place alone? Someone must be taking you there, right? Who is he? How long have you two been together?
The absurdity of it almost made me laugh. He had built a whole life with another woman in Washington, and yet here he was accusing me of cheating.
I calmly walked forward, picked up the application letter and the divorce papers. I originally planned to go to the Northwest to find you. Thats why I had someone draft the letter. And the divorce agreement doesnt belong to me. I was helping someone else deliver it. Im giving it back tomorrow.
Callum stared at me, skeptical at first, but when he saw my expression hadnt changed, the frost on his face finally melted. He let out a relieved laugh and said, I knew it. You waited for me all these years, loved me all these years, how could you possibly divorce me?
I lifted my head and met his eyes. But if you ever betrayed me, if you ever settled down with another woman, then yes, I would divorce you. I waited because I love you. But that doesnt mean Im some fool whod forgive betrayal. So, Callum, in these eight years, have you betrayed me?
He froze for a couple of seconds before smiling helplessly and reaching for my hand. Why are you suddenly talking like this? Of course, I wouldnt betray you. If I ever did, may I die a terrible death. How about that?
He even raised his hand dramatically, as if making a casual oath, smiling like it was all a joke.
If I hadnt met his comrade, if I hadnt seen his wedding photo with Briar, I wouldve believed him without question.
But now, the cold in my chest was bone-deep.
He looked at me with a face full of affection and cooed, Elara, youre the person I love most in this world. Those hard years in the Northwest, I survived them by looking at your photos every night. All I dreamed of, these eight years, was working my way up, getting transferred somewhere better, buying a big house, and bringing you all to live with me, so you could finally have the life of a respected officers wife.
There was one time, I fell off a snowy cliff and was unconscious for days. The doctors said I might not make it. But the moment I thought about leaving you a widow at such a young age, I forced myself to wake up. Elara, come to Washington with me. From now on, Ill never let you suffer again, he even added.
I wiped the faint dampness at the corner of my eyes and gave a quiet reply. Alright.
Callum, you lied about never betraying me. So, I guess it was okay that I lied just now, too.
That night, we slept on the same bed. When he tried to hold me, I subtly shifted away. After the second attempt, he sighed and rolled over, no longer moving. Only then did I finally drift off.
In my dreams, all I saw were memories of us when he used to ride his bike every day to take me to high school in town, and after class, hed pull a warm roasted sweet potato from his sleeve for me.
When winter came, he secretly sold the familys eggs so he could buy me a bright red scarf from the supply store.
Once, while we watched a movie about a man proposing to a woman, he leaned close to my ear and whispered, When we get married, Ill buy you a wedding dress just like that.
But in the end, Briar was the one who got to wear that exact wedding dress he promised me.


Elara's POV
When I woke up, my pillow was soaked with tears. I wiped my face, stepped out of the bedroom, and saw the whole family gathered around the table, each wearing a different expression.
One glance was enough. My mother-in-laws eyes were red, and when she saw me, she quickly looked down in guilt. Briar, on the other hand, leaned against Callum with a bright, triumphant smile.
In that moment, everything became clear. They had confessed everything to his mother.
Even so, I pretended not to notice, quietly walked over, and made myself a cup of malted milk.
Elara, come here a moment. I need to discuss something with you, Callum said.
My hand trembled around the cup. Even though my heart had long gone cold, the bitterness still stung.
I answered softly and sat down.
Elara, he began, Im planning to sell our marital home. The place was assigned to you by the steel factory, so the sale needs your signature.
My fingers tightened around the cup.
Still, Callum continued, as if nothing were wrong. Ive already found a place in Washington. Selling this apartment will be just enough to cover the down payment for that one.
Briar chimed in too, voice overly sweet, We picked that apartment after comparing so many! And the bathtub, I love it. Its perfect for two peop Ow! Callum, whyd you hit me? Fine, fine, I wont say it.
She shot him a teasing, intimate look, then smiled smugly at me. But dont worry, Elara. Ive tested it for you. Its very comfortable.
Despite her provocation, I ignored her and kept my head down for a long moment before finally saying, Alright. Ill handle the sale tomorrow.
Callum pressed his lips together like he wanted to say more, but before he could, I stood up, walked straight to the wall, and took down the photo we had taken at the studio the day we got engaged, the one he insisted we capture as a memory.
Without hesitation, I threw it into the trash can.
His pupils shrank as he rushed over to grab my arm. What are you doing?! How can you throw away our engagement photo?
I answered calmly, If were selling the house, we should clear out everything inside, right?
Pretending not to see his complicated expression, I picked up the little ornament he once made for me out of bullets and tossed that into the trash as well.
Piece by piece, I threw away everything tied to our memories until nothing was left.
Callum pressed his lips tight, then suddenly relaxed as if struck by a thought. Well, youre right. Once we get to Washington, well have to hold another wedding anyway. And well take new wedding photos. This old picture wont matter. And these little trinkets are old anyway. Once we settle in, you can buy new decorations.
Not replying to what he said, I simply murmured, Im going to the bedroom to pack. Mom, you should help the kids pack their things, too.
After that, I closed the door behind me.
A few minutes later, my mother-in-law slipped inside. Her eyes were red as she grabbed my hands, guilt all over her face. Elara, dont blame Callum. He had no choice. He was just trying to repay a debt. I know youre hurting. This is my fault. Mine and Callums.
I gently pulled my hands out of hers. Please stop. I dont blame him.
Her lips trembled as she tried to comfort me over and over. No matter what happens, youll always be my daughter-in-law. Always! I promise you, Callum will treat you well.
I let out a small laugh and nodded vaguely. Got it.
After she left, I began sorting through my belongings and realized that there wasnt much. Everything I owned fit into a single small suitcase.


Elara's POV
Inside the box was the white cotton coat Callum bought me for our wedding. I still remember how defeated he looked back then as he told me, Elara, give me a few years. Once I save enough money, Ill buy you a wedding dress like the one in the movies. Ill make it up to you with a proper wedding.
I took the coat out and tossed it onto the bed. It belonged to him, and I didnt want it anymore.
The door swung open. Briar walked in, picked up the coat, and clicked her tongue with disdain. You wore this for your wedding? Pathetic. Do you know what I wore on my wedding day? A custom-made gown. Callum said his biggest dream was to see the woman he loved wearing a movie-worthy wedding dress.
My hands tightened as a dull ache spread through my chest.
When I didnt respond, she kept talking on her own. You didnt really believe that story about me being his comrades widow, did you? That was just a lie for you. When he fell down the snowy mountain in the northwest, I was the one who took care of him until he was discharged. Whenever he felt like giving up, he said seeing me gave him the strength to stay alive. So, the moment he recovered, he confessed to me.
He said he only felt guilty because you were back home taking care of his mother. Otherwise, he wouldve divorced you ages ago. Oh wait, no, thats not right. You two arent even married. I forgot. So, what does that make you? The mistress, she smirked.
Laughing, she continued, You didn't know yet, right? Well, let me be the one to tell you, he married me. He said he loved me too much not to give me security, so he filed the paperwork, and we got married in Washington.
She lifted her chin proudly and announced, And Im pregnant. The moment he found out, he was over the moon.
Then she leaned in, savoring every word, Youre lucky I can tolerate a mistress like you. Honestly, you should be on your knees thanking me. Selling your apartment to pay for my home? Thats what shouldve happened from the beginning. Even your dowry and your bridal gifts were meant to be mine.
With that, she snatched the gold bracelet from my hand. A mistress like you doesnt deserve something this nice.
A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. Give it back! That was my mothers. Its not Callums to give!
How would I know youre not lying just to keep something that belongs to my husband? she countered, eyebrow raising.
Briar shoved me again and again, her voice sharp and poisonous. Raised without a mother, no wonder you dont know shame. Clinging to someone elses man like a parasite.
My eyes burned, and I slapped her. Shut up!
But before my hand even reached her, a strong grip clamped around my wrist.
Elara! Callum roared and shoved me hard.
I stumbled, crashed onto the floor, and the back of my head slammed into the table leg. Pain shot through me, and for a moment everything went dark.
Briar burst into tears beside him. I only came in to help her pack. I just said I envied her because my husband never left anything behind for me. I asked if I could take a look, and she started cursing me, telling me to get out, calling me a mistress, saying I seduced you.
Callums face twisted with disappointment and anger as he yelled at me. Elara! She only wanted to look at your things. How could you treat her like that? If she likes something of yours, you should happily give it to her. She saved my life! And instead of gratitude, all you can think about is your filthy suspicions, trying to smear what I have with Briar?
Briar cried harder, gasping for breath, and Callums expression softened instantly. Dont cry. Its my fault. I havent made it up to you all these years. No wonder youd envy someone elses life. If you want anything, just take it. Whatever else you want, Ill get it for you.


Elara's POV
Watching Callum dig through my box and hand over the last of my mothers belongings to Briar, something inside me snapped.
I forced myself up from the floor and said with a shaking voice, Callum, those are my mothers keepsakes. Give her whatever you want, I dont care. But dont take those from me.
The more I spoke, the harder it was to breathe. Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face as I begged, Im begging you, please.
But Callum only looked at me with cold disdain. All you care about is a few things left behind by the dead? You hit and insulted Briar, and you wont even apologize? When did you become so selfish and vicious? Apologize to her!
I knelt on the ground, bowing over and over until my forehead ached. My voice broke apart as I cried, Im sorry. Im sorry. Please, please give me my mothers things back.
Briar softly murmured, It was my fault. I shouldnt have envied her for having a husband who loves her and so many nice things.
Hearing that, the pain in Callums eyes almost overflowed.
He pried my fingers off the box one by one, which desperately clung to the only things I had left from my mother.
Elara, he said coldly, when you do something wrong, you make up for it. These things, Ive decided, theyll all go to Briar as your apology.
Then his eyes suddenly widened as he noticed the blood dripping down my forehead. Youre bleeding? Did I push you too hard?
He took a step toward me, reaching out as if to help, but Briar immediately collapsed against him. It hurts, Callum, my stomach. When she pushed me earlier, I think I hit the baby.
Callums face drained of color. In an instant, he scooped her into his arms and rushed out.
Before leaving, he threw me one last sentence. Elara, hold on for a bit. Ill take Briar to the hospital and come right back to bandage your wound.
I watched them disappear down the hallway.
Slowly, I wiped away my tears and the blood on my face.
Then I closed my suitcase, set the signed divorce papers neatly on the table, and picked up my travel documents. Without looking back, I walked toward the train station.
Before boarding the train, I returned the house keys to the steel factory director.
He handed me the transfer payment and patted my shoulder with deep respect. Take care on your journey. We hope youll bring honor to our steel factory when you arrive in the Northwest.
His words lit a faint spark in my heart, one that had gone cold from betrayal.
I nodded and smiled. I will. I wont fail you.
I boarded the train with the others heading out to support the Northwest.
When I looked back, evening had already fallen. I wondered, just for a moment, whether Callum had rushed home to find me as he promised or if he stayed with Briar at the hospital.
But the thought barely formed before I scolded myself. What was the point of wondering about someone Id already decided to let go?
The train whistle blew, long and sharp, and the world began to drift away.

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