To Catch a Dream

"Mikayla, you can't be throwing a tantrum at a time like this! Military deployment is serious business. Once Franklin takes the children to the island, your family will be separated for months! Life on the island might be tough, but as a commander's wife, you need to set an example."

The familiar nagging voice reached my ears and made me realize I had truly been reborn. Looking up, I saw Franklin Wallace's sister-in-law, Elsie Faulkner. She looked concerned, acting like she genuinely worried about Franklin and me being apart.

In my last life, I was forced to break up with my first love, Reuben Sandoval. Obeying my family's arrangements, I married the rough, unpolished Franklin.

I resented this arranged marriage from the start and naturally showed Franklin nothing but coldness.

Every day, I caused drama at home. I picked fights with Franklin constantly and opposed him at every turn. I even grew to hate our twin children simply because they nearly killed me during childbirth.

When I learned Franklin was being stationed on the island, I was thrilled.

I thought I was finally going to be free!

However, I never expected Franklin's departure would mark the beginning of my life's greatest suffering.

The moment he left with the kids and Elsie, I could not wait to rekindle things with Reuben and indulge in all sorts of romantic escapades. For the first few months, life was indeed comfortable.

Franklin sent his military allowance on time, and I could freely spend the generous sum my parents had given me as my wedding gift.

Gradually, the money from Franklin stopped coming. Then, Reuben showed his true colors, forcing me to give him cash for gambling and beating me senseless when I refused.

The enormous amount of money my parents left me was completely gambled away by Reuben. To make matters worse, I discovered red sores covering my body that gave off a foul smell. It was not until I went to the hospital that I learned Reuben had infected me with an STI that could not be cured.

After Reuben stole the last of my remaining money, I called Franklin desperately, hoping he might help me for old times' sake.

Franklin did come back, but only to divorce me. He told me he had fallen in love with Elsie, and even our children considered her their actual mother.

I could not believe my last hope had turned to ash and refused to sign the divorce papers. Even so, I still could not escape being thrown out of the house and ending up homeless on the streets.

Eventually, I starved to death in despair and resentment.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day Franklin announced he was going to be stationed at the island.

I would never repeat the same mistakes.

Franklin and the children sat nearby, not daring to even breathe loudly.

I made my decision instantly and gripped Elsie's hand tightly. "Elsie, you're absolutely right. As a military spouse, I shouldn't be so selfish. I'm going with him to the island!"