The Lighthouse After the Last Glow Chapter 2

She couldn’t tell anyone about the mission. “I quit,” she said, her voice flat.

Liam was stunned. “But they were going to move you to a desk job, weren’t they?”

Anya turned to look at him. “I told you, Liam. My dream was the medal. It was being on the front lines.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, devoid of blame.

But her words twisted his heart into a knot. A film of sweat coated his palms. “I’m sorry,” he stammered, a flash of regret in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to bring it up.”

Anya just shook her head and zipped up the last box. “It’s not your fault.”

His guilt only deepened. He had deceived her, and because of him, her career was over. He fumbled for words. “Quitting… quitting is good. You can rest. I’ll take care of you.”

Take care of me?

Anya looked at him, a complex mix of emotions swirling inside her. He never understood her.

She said nothing, just went to wash up for the night.

Later, in the darkness of the bedroom, Liam wrapped his arms around her from behind, his warm breath on her neck. He tried to kiss her.

Anya stiffened, using her elbow to create a space between them, and shifted to the far edge of the bed.

“Anya…?” Liam’s voice was laced with surprise at the rejection.

“Sorry, my hand is bothering me tonight. I just want to sleep.”

“Oh. Okay. Goodnight, then.”

Three days later, it was Anya’s birthday. Liam took the day off and cooked a feast.

Wearing a paper party hat, she stared at the table laden with spicy dishes, her mind drifting. Liam loved to cook for her, but he always loaded every dish with chili peppers. She had told him countless times she couldn't handle spicy food, but he always said it was the only style he knew how to cook. To not disappoint him, she had learned to eat it, enduring stomach aches and heartburn, all for him.

Now she knew the truth. It was someone else who loved spicy food. He was just reliving memories of another woman through her.

She didn't want to force herself anymore. She didn't pick up her chopsticks.

Liam noticed. "What's wrong?"

Anya rolled up her sleeve, revealing the jagged scar on her wrist. She reached for the cake. "At my last check-up, the doctor said I need to eat bland food for a while."

A flicker of guilt crossed his face. He stood up to clear the plates, saying he would cook something else.

Anya stopped him as she opened the cake box. "Don't bother. I'm not hungry. I'll eat later."

Liam hesitated, then simply helped her put the candles on the cake and lit them.

She closed her eyes, her hands clasped together, and made a wish. "This year, my wish is to finally earn the Medal of Valor."

The last few words made Liam’s brow furrow in confusion. She had quit, hadn’t she? How could she earn the medal now?

He was about to ask when his phone vibrated. He saw the caller ID—Dr. Evans—and a jolt went through him. He answered without a second thought.

"Mr. Thorne, Monica is awake!"

The words were like a thunderclap. He shot up from his chair, not even bothering with his coat or shoes, and sprinted for the door.

He left without a word.

Anya opened her eyes to the sight of his frantic, retreating back. She didn't know what had happened, but after a moment's hesitation, she grabbed his coat and ran after him.

By the time she got downstairs, Liam was already peeling out of the driveway, driving like a man possessed. The sheer recklessness of it terrified her. Her professional instincts kicked in. Fearing he would cause an accident, she hailed a cab and followed him.

He sped all the way to the hospital on the west side of town and rushed to the third floor.

She followed, breathless, and stopped outside a hospital room. Through the window, she saw Liam, holding someone in his arms, his face streaked with tears. She had never seen him so emotional; his job had taught him to be perpetually composed.

When the person in his arms looked up, her face tear-stained and lovely, Anya froze.

The kidnapper had told her she looked just like Monica Reed, especially in profile. It was as if they were cast from the same mold. Today, seeing her for the first time, Anya knew it was true.

After the initial shock, a wave of understanding washed over her. She finally knew why he had been so frantic.

The woman he had waited five years for was finally awake.