Lahat ng Kabanata ng Love and Missiles: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 9

I was quietly packing my things to vacate my room when Claire Young suddenly called out to me, "Wait. Leave that bed lamp—Stan likes it."My late mother had made that for me with her own hands, and it was the last gift from her to me.However, Claire's expression remained cool despite seeing the sadness in my eyes. "Fine—what do I have to do for you to give it up?"I stayed silent.It was actually just scrap metal, and it was only valuable to me because it was a memento of my mother.However, I was also reminded of what happened when I refused to comply before.She had told me to let Stan Gosling drive my car, but because I said no, she had her bodyguards wreck it.As for me, I was manhandled and made to kneel outside the gates.Even as I remembered, I handed over the bed lamp and said, "I don't want it anyway."She was pleased to see me being so obedient. She chuckled. "As long as you behave, I can keep you around in my service. Stan's my husband, just like you."But just as

As I came to my senses, I suddenly realized Claire had turned and spotted me."What are you doing here?" she demanded right then.I kept my head down as I answered, "Just picking up some groceries—I'm leaving now, I didn't know you were here."Claire frowned and snapped, "Did I tell you to leave?"Beside her, Stan chuckled as he squeezed Claire's hand, "Thanks for sparring with me, Oliver—I really don't know what to do without you… Oh, you should join us later, my match is soon. I mean, we're family, aren't we?"Claire's lips curled into a smile in turn. "Oh, you're too sweet for your own good, Stan. But sure—we will be there to cheer for you!"I knew I had no right to refuse, so I simply followed.We arrived at the locker room together, where Stan opened his locker in front of us, showing us the tailor-made boxing gear that Claire had gotten him, and women's underwear.Stan scrambled to shove it in a black bag, while Claire pouted as she gave him a playful punch on the chest.

Stan's birthday party the next day was indeed impressive.As everyone watched Stan and Claire make their grand entrance, those who didn't know better would think that they were getting married.Claire's parents—who were unaware that Stan and Claire had already registered their marriage, even smiled and teased Claire, "Oh, darling… Aren't you worried Oliver would get jealous when he arrives?""Exactly. Men can be worse than us women when they really get upset!"Claire was afraid to even answer, but Stan simply gave her hand a squeeze.Still holding her hand, he raised their hands up in the air to show everyone as he said, "Actually, Claire has broken up with Oliver. And we already registered our marriage."Claire stayed silent, afraid to so much as look at her parents, who were left dumbfounded for a long while.After all, they liked Oliver, and considered Stan a good-for-nothing—he had always skipped school, and refused his own parents' offer to send him abroad for further stud

Meanwhile, it had been a long train ride for me.When I arrived, I saw several men waiting, each wearing a familiar uniform, with one holding up a board with my name written on it.They must be the local garrison, and they were all smiles as I approached."Over here, Mr. Cross!" One of them stepped up, shaking my hand. "It must have been a tiring journey. Come on—let's get you to our dorms first."I nodded. "Thank you."After we arrived at base, a middle-aged man wearing shades approached us, nodding at me."Oliver Cross, I presume?" He asked. "I'm Bill Tyson, the professor in charge of this project—specifically, ballistics."I shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Professor Tyson."The professor beamed. "Well, I've read through your resume—the new aircraft model you designed was really impressive. We're really lucky you finally decided to join us after we asked for so long! There's a forum in a couple hours too. Please join us!"I attended the forum, meeting several other res

After that day, I put my mind and spirit into the research of new elements.One day, my young assistant was pointing at the screen as he cried excitedly, "The new flight data is simply… beautiful!"Bill heard and came running, though he waited to study the data before flashing a rare grin, "The arrangement works, Mr. Cross! I shall report this development to the higher-ups tomorrow!"Even the cafeteria helper went out of his way to provide seconds, nodding as he smiled, "The nation is proud to have geniuses like y'all."When I returned to the dorms later, I could only lay in bed, too excited to sleep.It had been so long since I felt approved and acknowledged.In the eight years I had spent by Claire's side, it was as if the only purpose of my existence was meant to satisfy her demands, while my accomplishments always went unseen.That was when my phone screen glowed as I received a text. [Please remember your 3pm session tomorrow at the counselling room.]I smiled, somehow l