LOGINA year later, I stood once again before my father’s tomb.Flowers from people of all backgrounds surrounded the tombstone. They framed the photo of my father, who looked strong and dignified.I did not cry. I placed a bunch of white daisies gently in the center. “Dad, I came to see you.”My hand rested on the cold tombstone. “This year, I visited many places where you once fought. I met many of your unnamed comrades. I think I understand you a little more now.”I was no longer the little girl who hid under his protection.Vanessa stood beside me and muttered, “I get it. Now I am just the unofficial support staff. My job is to feed my heroic best friend all kinds of good food so she does not forget to eat when she is busy.”She pulled a thermos from her bag. Inside were my favorite honey‑glazed ribs, still warm.Her words made me laugh. The weight I carried for a year finally found a place to rest.In the distance, a group of elementary school students wearing red scarves lined
Three months later, I had cut my long hair that once reached my waist, and I stood before Alfred.The office felt solemn and respectful. A large map of mountains and rivers hung on the wall. It was the same map that had hung in my father’s study.“I made up my mind.”I placed my father’s will and the eagle badge on the desk. “I want to join Great Wall.”Alfred’s grizzled eyebrows shifted. His sharp gaze felt as if it could see through my soul. “Child, this is not a joke. Once you join, you can never regret it.”“My father had no regrets, and neither do I.” I straightened my back. My voice was steady, and each word was clear.“My language skills and the anti‑espionage training he taught me since childhood may be useful.”I did not want to live only under the title of a hero’s daughter. I wanted to guard this land as he did.Alfred stayed silent for a long time before he picked up the badge and placed it back in my hand. “You are just like your father. Loyalty is in your bones.”
A week later, I stood before the cemetery with a brand‑new urn in my arms.Vanessa and Timothy stood on each side of me. Their hands rested gently on my arms, giving me silent strength.I saw many unfamiliar faces in the crowd. Some wore simple work clothes. Some wore formal suits like businessmen. Some looked like university professors, calm and refined.Their gazes held warmth and determination, as if they were looking at their own family.They were my father’s comrades. They had lived their lives in disguise, just like him, silently guarding the nameless heroes of this country.During the burial, I placed the urn into the grave myself.As the cold soil covered it layer by layer, I felt my world collapse.All the strength, patience, and hatred I had held inside for days broke apart. I could not hold on anymore. I fell to my knees before my father’s tombstone and cried loudly.Grief, anger, and longing poured out like a broken dam.I cried until it felt like my soul was being
In the courtroom, Layla and Ethan were dressed in prison uniforms. All their former glory was nowhere to be seen.I stood outside the courtroom, looking coldly through the small window at everything inside.In just one night, the entire internet was in an uproar.The hashtag #Honoring Hero Jeffrey# was followed by a bright red "Viral" text.Immediately after that were "#Severely Punish the Culprit Who Insulted a Martyr#" and "#Stanford Group and Lewis Group Stock Prices Hit the Daily Limit Down#".The tide of public opinion was far more fierce than Timothy's forceful measures.The two police officers were immediately dismissed from their positions and charged with abuse of power and insulting a hero. Severe legal punishment awaited them.When the judge sentenced her to 20 years in prison for multiple charges, including intentional injury, provoking trouble, and insulting a martyr, Layla slumped down completely, mumbling randomly, "My dad is the chairman of Lewis Group! You can't
I saw the genuine concern in Timothy's eyes and slowly shook my head."Mr. Summer, I want to handle this myself." My voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable determination.Timothy glanced meaningfully at me, and the two guards immediately dragged the limp Layla and the distraught Ethan over."Ah! What are you doing? Let go of me!" Layla was still screaming, trying to struggle. Only madness and fear remained on her once arrogant face.I slowly stood up and walked toward her. With all my might, I delivered a crisp, resounding slap to her face.Layla's screams stopped abruptly. She stared at me in disbelief, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.I withdrew my numb hand, my voice as cold as ice. "This slap is for my father."After beating her, I did not even bother to look at her again. My gaze turned to Ethan, the man I had loved for seven years.He trembled violently while his face was ghastly pale. His eyes were filled with fear and pleading as he looked at me.I d
He did not wait for anyone to answer.Under Ethan’s terrified stare and Layla’s confused gaze, Timothy bowed deeply toward the gray‑white ashes scattered before me.His straight back and solemn posture carried a weight that made everyone hold their breath.Ethan’s face turned completely pale.Layla’s arrogant expression froze.Timothy slowly straightened and faced the media cameras that had gathered without anyone noticing. His next words struck like a heavy blow. “What you are standing on is the ashes of Mr. Quinton. He was a secret agent on the hidden front. His code name was Falcon. Twenty years ago, he hid his identity and disguised himself as a cleaner to infiltrate the enemy for a top‑secret mission. Not long ago, while stealing major intelligence about an overseas force attempting to subvert our country, his identity was exposed. He fought the enemy in a desperate battle and sacrificed himself bravely. He used his life to protect our country from immeasurable losses.”Timo







