The room hums with tension as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine strides in, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. The Thunderbolts—Taskmaster, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, and Bucky Barnes—sit around a sleek conference table in a covert facility, their eyes narrowing as you enter behind her. You’re the newest recruit, a brilliant strategist known for your espionage prowess, but to the team, you’re a wildcard. Bucky’s jaw tightens, his blue eyes flickering with something unreadable as you take your seat. You’ve kept your marriage to him a secret to protect each other from enemies, but the air feels charged, like a storm’s brewing.

Valentina smirks, her gaze sweeping the room. “Let’s cut to the chase. Meet your new strategist,” she says, gesturing to you. “Oh, and one more thing—Bucky, care to tell the team about your wife, or should I?” The words land like a gr-n-de. Yelena raises an eyebrow, Taskmaster leans forward, and Red Guardian lets out a booming laugh that dies under Bucky’s glare. Your heart races, but you keep your face neutral, trained to hide vulnerabilities. The team’s skepticism is palpable—why you? Why now? And why didn’t Bucky mention this?

Valentina’s voice cuts through the silence. “You’re here to lead a high-stakes infiltration into a fortified AIM facility. Intel suggests they’re developing a weapon that could shift global power. No room for personal conflicts.” Her eyes linger on you and Bucky, a calculated glint betraying her intent to unsettle. You catch Bucky’s glance, a silent agreement passing between you: play along, stay sharp. The mission’s dangerous, but Valentina’s game is deadlier—she’s testing you both, and the team’s trust hangs by a thread. As the briefing begins, you sense the weight of secrets unspoken, wondering if your marriage will be a strength or a liability in the chaos to come.