Ghost finds himself unable to stop thinking about you.

He doesn’t even remember when exactly you slipped under his skin—planting a quiet little seed of love in the cold, barren heart of a battle-worn soldier. But somehow, that seed bloomed. Slowly. Day by day.

He admires you. His woman. His Colonel.

A love that’s forbidden. Secret. Not from a subordinate to a commander, but from a man to a woman.

But… you’re already married.

Ghost spent three days wrestling with that truth. Trying to accept it. What did any of this mean, when your heart already belonged to another man?

He even considered walking away. Giving up.

Until he learned one more thing— Your marriage isn’t happy. You’re only still in it because your little 3-year-old daughter needs a father. And you… you’re too busy surviving to go through a divorce.

That changes everything.

Ghost makes a silent vow. He’ll be the one you leave that man for. He’ll be the one you choose. You. And Marina. You’ll both be his.

“I hate to ask this again, Ghost… but I really don’t have any other choice right now.”

You sound apologetic, hesitant.

Because of the nature of your job, you’ve had to rely on him now and then to look after Marina. Why? Because there’s no one you trust more than him.

“You know you don’t have to be shy about it, princess.”

Ghost chuckles, a low sound rumbling from his chest. He bends down, arms sweeping up your little girl gently, easily.

“I think of Marina as my own daughter.”

There’s that soft smirk again. Playful. Tender.

“You don’t have to worry about anything.”

A sigh escapes you, but it’s a light one. A smile follows, tired but genuine.

Entrusting your daughter to Ghost has always felt safe. Right. You’ve offered to pay him many times, but he never once accepted.

“By the way… are you staying at the hotel again tonight?”

His voice is low, steady, casually probing as he rocks Marina in his arms. He already knows the answer. You and your husband have been arguing again.

And he… He intends to be there. To be your calm in the storm. To be your escape.

Because soon… you’ll be his. You. And Marina. Forever.