THE GENERAL'S BRIDE

Evelyn Carter sat across from her father in his home office, her spine stiff with tension. The polished oak desk between them was the same one he had sat behind for years, issuing commands with unwavering authority. Today, however, the command wasn't for a soldier under his command-it was for her.

"You will marry General Damian Calloway," General Carter announced, his voice devoid of emotion.

Evelyn felt the air leave her lungs. She had braced herself for something bad when he called her in, but this? This was beyond anything she had expected.

She let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "You can't be serious."

"I wouldn't say it if I weren't." His eyes, the same sharp blue as hers, remained steady. "The arrangements have already been made."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. "Arranged?" she repeated, feeling like the word itself was a cage closing around her.

Her father leaned back, his hands clasped in front of him. "This is bigger than you, Evelyn. The Calloways have been key allies in the military for generations. Damian is a decorated leader, and he holds influence that is crucial for our family. This marriage is about securing a future-one that benefits us all."

Evelyn shot up from her chair, her hands slamming against the desk. "Us all? What about me?" Her voice cracked with outrage. "What about what I want?"

Her father's gaze didn't waver. "What you want doesn't matter."

Her breath hitched at the sheer finality of his tone.

"I will not be a pawn in one of your military strategies!" she snapped.

"You already are." His voice was cool, as if he had accepted this as fact long ago. "You were born into this world, Evelyn. You carry the Carter name, and with that comes responsibility."

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists. "Responsibility?" she spat. "To be sold off like some political tool?"

Her father exhaled sharply, clearly losing patience. "Enough. This discussion is over."

But Evelyn wasn't done. "And what if I refuse?"

For the first time, his expression hardened, his gaze turning ice-cold. "Then you will no longer have my support."

The words struck like a slap.

She knew exactly what he meant. Her father wasn't just threatening to disown her emotionally-he was threatening to cut her off financially, to erase her existence from the family entirely.

Evelyn swallowed hard, fighting back the sting of betrayal. "You'd do that?" she whispered.

His silence was all the confirmation she needed.

Tears burned at the back of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She wouldn't break in front of him.

After a long moment, she straightened her shoulders, masking her pain with defiance. "Fine," she bit out. "But don't expect me to be happy about it."

Her father's expression remained unreadable. "Happiness isn't the goal here."

Evelyn turned on her heel and stormed out, her heart pounding with fury.

This wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

One Week Later – Fort Irwin Military Base

The moment Evelyn stepped out of the black SUV, the reality of her new life slammed into her.

The military base stretched before her in neat, rigid perfection. Soldiers moved in synchronized formations, their boots striking the ground in perfect unison. The air was thick with discipline and order, and already, she felt suffocated.

She didn't belong here.

Her father's words from a week ago still echoed in her head. You were born into this world, Evelyn. You carry the Carter name.

But she had spent her entire life trying to escape it.

Now, there was no escape.

A figure approached, his posture commanding, his uniform crisp and immaculately pressed. Even if she hadn't seen his photo before, she would have known who he was.

General Damian Calloway.

Her future husband.

He was taller than she expected-easily over six feet-with broad shoulders and an air of authority that made her spine stiffen instinctively. His short, dark brown hair was neatly styled, and his sharp gray eyes locked onto her with an intensity that sent a chill through her.

"Miss Carter," he greeted, his voice deep and precise. "Welcome to Fort Irwin."

Evelyn lifted her chin. "General Calloway."

His gaze didn't waver. "You're punctual. Good."

She let out a dry laugh. "Would you have me court-martialed if I were late?"

His expression remained unreadable. "Discipline is expected in my world."

"And I don't belong in your world," she shot back.

His jaw tightened slightly. "You do now."

The weight of those three words settled deep in her chest.

This was real. There was no turning back.

Damian gestured toward the path leading into the base. "Come. I'll take you to your living quarters."

She hesitated for half a second before falling into step beside him.

As they walked through the base, soldiers passing by saluted him, their gazes flickering toward her with curiosity. Evelyn kept her expression neutral, though inside, unease prickled at her.

"How long do I have before this... wedding takes place?" she asked.

"Two weeks."

Her head snapped toward him. "That soon?"

"There's no reason to delay." His tone was matter-of-fact. "The sooner we finalize the marriage, the sooner we can move forward."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "Move forward," she echoed, bitterness creeping into her voice. "Like this is just another military strategy to execute."

He didn't deny it.

She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "This is ridiculous."

He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "Listen, Evelyn," he said, his voice lowering just slightly. "You don't want this. I don't want this. But here we are."

His honesty caught her off guard.

He took a step closer, his towering presence making her pulse quicken. "I will not interfere in your life beyond what is necessary," he continued. "In return, you will not interfere in mine. We do what is expected, and after that, we stay out of each other's way."

Evelyn swallowed.

So that was it. A business transaction. A formality.

Not a marriage.

Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to nod. "Fine."

His gray eyes lingered on her for a second longer before he turned. "Follow me."

Evelyn hesitated, then did as he said, knowing that with every step she took, she was walking deeper into a life she had never wanted.

But if General Damian Calloway thought she was going to make this easy for him...

He had another thing coming.