Chapter 23

However, as Henry finished tidying and was about to take out the garbage, he collided with someone at the door. Ken recognized Henry and grinned. "Henry, fancy seeing you here!"

Henry paused, speaking slowly. "Why are you here? Outsiders aren't permitted on the base."

Without a word, Ken pushed past him and strode into the room. "I'm here for Calista. She's on this base with you, right? Do you know where she's staying?"

"Hey, don't just stand there. Pour me a glass of water; I'm parched."

Wearing a conflicted expression, Henry poured him a glass. "Why are you looking for her?"

Ken took a sip and sighed. "Why else? To take her home, of course."

"That girl, throwing a tantrum and running away from home like that!"

As they talked, Ken noticed the pendant hanging around Henry's neck. It looked eerily familiar, nearly identical to Calista's old one.

Just as he was about to inquire about it, the bedroom door swung open. A woman's voice rang out, "Honey, do we have guests?"

At her words, the teacup slipped from Ken's grasp, shattering on the floor. "Calista?"

Elated, Ken abruptly punched Henry's chest. "Well, thanks a lot, Henry. You knew I was searching for Calista and called her over in advance, didn't you?"

Henry observed his reaction, his eyes full of pity.

Ken approached Calista, his expression complex. "Calista, it's been over a month since you left. It's time to come home." He reached out to take her hand, but Calista evaded his grasp, stepping behind Henry.

"Ken, I made myself perfectly clear before. You and I are done."

Stunned, Ken stammered, "Calista, quit fooling around. I promise, if you come back with me now, we'll get married immediately!"

Calista's brow furrowed. "Didn't you already marry Viola? Why are you bothering me..."

"No! I didn't marry her, and I won't. Calista, trust me."

Henry sighed, positioning himself between them. He spoke slowly. "Ken, you came all this way just to take Calista back? I'm afraid that's not possible."

Ken's gaze remained fixed on Calista, not even noticing the wedding photo prominently displayed in the living room. "Why not? I love Calista, and she loves me. What's the problem?" Choking up, he added, "As long as Calista returns to me, I'll do anything..."

"Oh, and Henry—thank you for looking after Calista all this time. From now on, I'll—"

Henry cut him off. "No need to thank me. Calista is my wife. Taking care of her is my duty."

"Calista—"

Mid-sentence, Ken's face froze.

Chapter 23

"Henry, what the hell did you just say?"

Henry smiled softly. "Ken, I never imagined you'd end up being my brother-in-law."

Ken stood rooted to the spot, his hands trembling uncontrollably. "Bullshit. You're lying to me. Why would Calista marry someone else?"