Chapter 4 Christopher Yaeger

• In front of a grave in Jadeborough Cemetery, Julianna had already dissolved into tears.
• Christopher's every word and repentance reminded her of her grandfather's words and the torment and embarrassment she had endured in the last three years.
• Slap!
• She slapped his face and said with a trembling voice, “I do yearn for freedom, but what I desire more are an explanation and a responsible husband. Do you think I waited for three years to listen to you express your willingness to return my freedom? Grandpa told me if I dared to divorce you, he would never be able to rest in peace. And he said to me that you, Christopher Yaeger, are a man among men! I've never thought about divorcing you, so who gives you the right to return me my freedom? Do you think you can reduce the agony in my heart by casually uttering those words? Don't you think you're supposed to shoulder the responsibilities of a man now?”
• Julianna did not vent her anger earlier in the Murray residence's living room. However, standing before her grandfather's tombstone in the wilderness at that moment, she could no longer contain the intense heartache in her chest. Three years of suppressing her emotions were too much for Julianna to handle.
• At that instant, she vented three years' worth of helplessness and shame on Christopher.
• Christopher's eyes hurt. He had never cried even when he fought on the dangerous battlefield. However, he felt anguished now, looking at Julianna weeping hysterically.
• She paused briefly before continuing, “I do not want to be looked down on and disdained by others anymore. I do not want others to say that I, Julianna Murray, am an undesirable woman. You should not be returning me my freedom. Instead, you should be proving to my grandpa that he made the right decision in choosing you. You should prove to me that I did not waste the last three years waiting in vain!”
• Julianna's voice shook.
• With that, she turned on her heels and ran toward the parking lot, unable to control her emotions anymore.
• Christopher did not expect her to utter those words. After she jogged far away, he finally regained his senses and shouted, “Okay!”
• Christopher stood in front of Reginald's grave for a long time before he turned around. By the time he exited Jadeborough Cemetery, Julianna was already at the entrance with her car. When she saw Christopher, she hesitated briefly before saying gently, “L-Let me send you back.”
• “That's not needed. You should go back first. I have some unfinished army retirement procedures to deal with. Also, you can rest assured because I'll never leave you again, nor will I allow Jared to hurt you.”
• With that, he turned on his heels and jogged toward the bus stop. Julianna felt sorrowful, looking at his leaving figure from behind. She muttered, “How great would it be if Grandpa could be here to witness your return.”
• Christopher got off the bus after passing three stops. He walked toward a secluded area behind a large tree, where a jeep was parked. Even the mayor of Jadeborough had to act respectfully when he saw the plate number affixed on the military jeep.
• At that moment, a burly man was smoking inside the car. He was none other than Lupine.
• “Lupine!” Christopher tapped on the car window. Lupine immediately put out the cigarette and said politely, “General, you're here!”
• Christopher nodded and climbed into the jeep. Lupine asked hastily, “How does it feel to be back home?”
• Christopher smiled bitterly. The guilt he felt was overwhelming, especially when he recalled Julianna's tear-stricken face.
• At the sight of Christopher's demeanor, Lupine piped up angrily, “I've heard about what happened to Julianna. Don't worry, sir. Since that b*stard, Jared, dared to bully her, I'll end his life tonight.”
• His eyes gleamed maliciously after saying that, as if he was a demon from hell.
• “Don't be reckless. You are Chanaea's soldier and a member of Draco Battalion. Do you want to commit a crime?” Christopher lectured him while wearing a grimace.
• He believed Lupine had the ability to do as he said. After all, even the drug lords Lupine targeted could not escape their imminent deaths, much less someone like Jared.
• Christopher reckoned Jared would not even realize how he died if Lupine decided to make his move.
• “Mr. Yaeger, I would have died in the past if it weren't for you. So what if I commit a crime for your sake? I'm willing to be discharged from the military for you. I have nothing to fear since you've already submitted your resignation letter. I used to be a mercenary, after all. I would not have bothered staying in Draco Battalion if not for you. Discharging me from the army would fulfill my wish because I'll be able to follow you then and continue to serve you further!” Lupine said cheerfully.
• “Lupine, you must remember your duty is to ensure the nation's safety. I'll handle this matter personally. Also, even if I wish to end someone's life, do you think I'll require your help?” Christopher said coldly while gazing calmly ahead.
• Lupine could not help but fall into a momentary daze. Then, he put on a wry smile. That's right. Mr. Yaeger joined the army when he was sixteen. Within half a year, he was given the exception to be assigned to the strongest special forces in Chanaea, Draco Battalion Special Operations Forces. In the subsequent two years, he achieved multiple accomplishments on the battlefield and was promoted to become the team leader of Draco Battalion. He was only eighteen that year and had become the youngest team leader in Draco Battalion's history. In the next three years, his continuous attainment of miraculous feats placed him at an unprecedented level in Chanaea's military world. Among the Draco Battalion members, as well as the entire Chanaea's special forces, he became a symbol of reverence and a legend. His accomplishments were no different from a myth! A single command from him is sufficient to shake the entire Jadeborough to its core, much less the Cordringtons.
• “By the way, did the higher-ups give me a reply?” Christopher asked nonchalantly while turning to look at Lupine.
• “They did reply. They intend to accept your resignation, giving you the freedom to deal with your personal matters, and you do not even need to return to the army forever. However, your position as Draco Battalion's team leader cannot be amended for now,” Lupine responded with a smile.
• “What does that mean? Does that mean I'm not allowed to retire?” Christopher asked in confusion.
• “Of course not, Mr. Yaeger. You are also aware of your status at the borders. The higher-ups are afraid that your departure will cause some serious consequences. Moreover, you're just holding on to the title without having to do anything. This is their only condition. Mr. Yaeger, if you refuse their terms and they do not accept your resignation, you'll be branded as a deserter!”
• Christopher uttered helplessly, “Continue to help me submit my resignation application. Also, I want to meet with someone. You can go back first after you send me there.”
• Meanwhile, at Julianna's house.
• When Julianna arrived home, she was immediately dragged to the couch by her parents.
• Frank said at once, “I just discussed this with your mother earlier. You must divorce Christopher. With your qualifications, you'll be able to find any partner of your liking.”
• “That's right. Moreover, our family's debt is piling up. He's just a retired military man. What can he do? He does not have any money or power. If he's a company commander or someone with a position, he can still be a leader in the city council after retirement. In that case, who will dare to bully our family? However, he's just a normal soldier, so you must divorce him!” Julianna's mother hastily added.
• “Dad, Mom, this is our problem. You two should not interfere in this matter. I'm going back to my room to rest now.”
• After saying that, she turned around and went back to her room.
• “I don't care how she thinks. I cannot allow my son-in-law to be a poor b*stard,” Julianna's mother said fiercely.
• Inside one of Jadeborough's high-end private clubs.
• Christopher, the so-called poor b*stard, stood before a window, gazing silently at the flowing river outside.
• Soon, the door to the private room was pushed open, followed quickly by the sound of someone's choked voice. “M-Mr. Yaeger!”
• If the Murrays were to witness that scene, they would have suffered an emotional breakdown because the person standing behind Christopher was none other than the elderly at the Murray residence earlier, the chairman of Hubbard Group as well as Jadeborough's wealthiest man, Dennis Hubbard.