Chapter 3

The sergeant pushed open the door and stepped inside.

“Captain, headquarters just issued a set of the latest high-grade explosive ordnance disposal suits. There’s only one set—how do you want to allocate it?”

Robert instinctively glanced at me, his lips twitching slightly.

I cut in before he could speak, two voices ringing out in the office simultaneously.

“Give it to Vivian.”

The sergeant froze, and a flash of clear embarrassment crossed Robert’s face.

Clearing his throat, he tried to cover it up:

“That’s right. Vivian is new, and her physical stamina and psychological resilience lag behind. Good gear can save a life.”

The sergeant hesitated:

“But Emily takes on almost all of the most dangerous missions. Don’t you think—”

Before he could finish, Robert cut him off.

“It’s fine. Emily is a veteran with a high stress tolerance. She can manage just fine with the old gear.”

At that, the sergeant simply nodded before stepping out.

The moment the door shut, the pressure inside the room plummeted.

Robert pressed his lips together and looked at me, seemingly wanting to say something to diffuse the tension.

The corners of my mouth twitched into a self-deprecating smile.

“No need to explain. I understand. Leave the best gear for the rookie, show how selfless our captain is—and to avoid gossip, of course.”

Robert’s brows furrowed tightly. He strode over, placed a hand on my shoulder, and softened his tone.

“Emily, you’ve just been working around the clock lately and taking on too much stress.

“How about this? For this afternoon’s routine psych evaluation, I’ll cancel my schedule and accompany you myself.”

Because bomb technicians operate under constant high pressure, psychological evaluations after major operations were standard procedure.

That afternoon, I changed into loose, comfortable clothes and walked toward the evaluation room alone.

Just outside the door, I caught Vivian’s sweet, delicate voice floating out from inside.

“Captain, this amulet ring on the inside of your jacket looks so unique.

“I’ve been seeing bomb countdowns every time I close my eyes of late. Could you give it to me to calm my nerves?”

I held my breath involuntarily, waiting for Robert’s reply.

The very next second, the crisp sound of scissors cutting fabric echoed from within.

“Here, take it. Next time you have a nightmare, call me. No matter how late, I’ll answer.”

A memory flashed violently in my mind—my first mission with Robert.

Having barely escaped death, I clung to him in horror, unable to calm my racing heart for a long while.

He had pushed me away without a second thought.

“What was that for? What if someone sees us? Emily, you’re being far too fragile.”

Holding back my tears, I shoved the door open.

Vivian was playing with the amulet my father had given Robert.

Catching the look on my face, Robert instinctively stepped sideways, shielding Vivian behind his body.

“Emily, why didn’t you knock before coming in?”

His protective stance cut straight to my core, shattering my restraint as tears streamed down my face.

“That’s the only thing I have left of my father! What right do you have to give it away?”

Seeing me out of control, Robert stepped forward and snapped in a hushed, furious voice:

“Are you crazy? It’s just a ring! I’ll buy you a bunch if you wish!

“Stop making a scene! Do you want the entire squad rushing over to watch this circus and discover our relationship?”

The wound on my wrist throbbed with excruciating pain under his grip, yet it paled in comparison to the agony ripping through my chest.

At his glare, I finally snapped.

Prying his fingers off me one by one, I spoke with absolute calm:

“I’m done having anything to do with you. Now give me back my father’s ring.”

Staring at the dead silence in my eyes, Robert froze.

The very next instant, a red alert siren blared throughout the hallway.