clothing.
Their conversations faded as they stared at the four children standing beside me.
I kept walking.
We entered the grand hall together, passing a towering Christmas tree decorated with golden ornaments and glowing lights.
The polished marble floor reflected the chandeliers overhead.
Near the enormous fireplace stood Daniel.
He wore his formal colonel’s uniform, looking every bit the distinguished military officer his family adored.
Beside him stood a beautiful younger blonde woman in an elegant evening dress.
Her hand rested comfortably on his arm.
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A small velvet jewelry box lay open in his hand.
He had apparently been preparing to propose.
For one brief moment, Daniel looked annoyed by the interruption.
Then he recognized me.
His expression changed.
His gaze moved over my uniform, my insignia, and the confidence with which I entered the room.
He clearly hadn’t expected any of it.
But when he noticed the
