A girl with braided pigtails who looked like a strong breeze could knock her over was pinching her nose and complaining to the man beside her.

I glanced at the man—tall, ramrod straight, with a stern expression—and rolled my eyes.

"You're Jack Cole, right?" I asked. "I'm your fiancée, Sadie. Check the marriage certificate. If it’s all good, find me a place to lie down."

With that, I tossed my luggage in his direction, ignoring the wounded look on the girl's face as I pushed myself to my feet.

"Jack, I don't think your fiancée likes me…" the girl whispered behind me, her voice trembling.

Already exhausted and dizzy, a flash of irritation went through me.

"Like you? I don't even know you."

"Jack Cole, are you a man or a statue? Can we get a move on?"

Without waiting to see their expressions, I stalked out of the building with a scowl on my face.

A few steps later, I sensed someone behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw it was Jack, carrying my bags, his face an unreadable mask.

He didn't seem to have any intention of explaining the situation with the girl.

No wonder Claire was so miserable in our last life.

Between this damsel-in-distress and Captain Clam here, a proud woman like her didn't stand a chance.

Too bad for them, I wasn't the type to suffer in silence.

If I'm happy, we can make this work.

If I'm not, I'll make damn sure you're both just as miserable as I am.

Since the family promise was real, Jack had already gotten the call from back home and knew I was coming.

He'd already submitted the paperwork for our marriage license.

So, a couple of days later, our wedding was thrown together with the help of the other officers' wives on the base.

Jack’s parents were gone, and mine were a country away, so the guests were all his military buddies and their families.

Still, the atmosphere was lively, and the small community yard was buzzing with activity.

"I'm so jealous of Sadie," a familiar syrupy voice said. "Getting to marry Jack just because of some old family promise. You're so lucky."

"Unlike me..."

She trailed off, her head bowed, and started to sob quietly.

The cheerful chatter in the yard died instantly, replaced by the sound of her sniffling.

All the guests just stared at each other, not knowing what to do.

I watched Heather's shoulders shake as she covered her face, a small smirk playing on my lips.

I took two steps forward, stood on my tiptoes, and wrapped my arms around Jack's head.

Then, smack.

I planted a loud kiss right on his lips.

I shot a triumphant look at Heather and raised an eyebrow.

"You're right, I am lucky, aren't I? Your Jack here has a great career, the looks, the body…"

"A man like this requires a woman with a strong constitution. A more fragile person probably couldn't handle all this good fortune."

As I said it, I tightened my arm around his waist and gave him a sharp, hard pinch.

Then I smiled at him, a look of pure threat in my eyes.

"Isn't that right, Jack?"

The man’s expression didn't change, but the tips of his ears turned a fascinating shade of red.

Before Jack could speak, Heather looked at him, her eyes red and brimming with tears.

"Jack… Sadie… please don't misunderstand. I'm truly here to wish you both happiness."

"If Sadie doesn't like me, I won't stay for the ceremony, but…"

Two perfect tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Jack, please remember to come get me tomorrow. For all these years, we've always spent that day together."

Jack just nodded.

"I'll have everything ready to pick you up tomorrow. Don't worry."

The moment I heard that, the hand I had around his waist shifted its grip, and I flipped him over my shoulder.