Chapter 1

1985, Los Angeles.

My name is Elara Vance. I’m a star.

Tonight is the tenth-anniversary concert of my debut.

After finishing a song, I walked with the microphone to the front of the VIP section, to the most striking man there—a young, handsome military officer.

"Captain Rexford, a sudden question for you—do you have any plans to get married in the near future?"

The entire venue erupted in a chorus of teasing cheers.

My heart began to pound in my chest.

Then, Landon Rexford's indifferent voice echoed beside my ear, "I follow my family's arrangements."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, my heart sinking as if plunging into the deepest sea.

But realizing the cameras were on me, I quickly forced a graceful smile.

No one knew that this year marked the tenth anniversary of my secret relationship with Captain Landon Rexford of the special forces.

Because of our unique positions, our love had always been a secret.

Before this concert, Landon and I hadn't seen each other for nearly half a year.

Ten years ago, I couldn't give up my skyrocketing career to settle down and play house for him.

But now, I wanted a home.

I just wanted to ask him if he had any intention of giving our ten years together a proper resolution.

But Landon’s answer was a knife to my heart.

A sharp pain shot through me, but thankfully, no one could see it.

Just then, a soldier next to Landon jeered, "Ms. Vance is almost thirty, isn't she? Getting desperate to get married and have kids?"

His shout quieted the venue, the atmosphere turning instantly awkward.

I suppressed the stabbing pain in my heart and forced a calm smile. "That’s a bit of a narrow-minded view, soldier."

"This is a new era. Even the country promotes equality. Can’t I have both a career and love?"

"Actually, I think I do my job quite well."

The host on stage immediately chimed in, "That's right! Elara's concert tonight is just the first stop on her tour!"

"We welcome everyone to come and hear Elara sing again!"

I glanced at Landon from the corner of my eye.

He just lowered his gaze, utterly unmoved by anything concerning me.

The concert continued, but I didn't dare look in his direction again.

I don’t know how I managed to sing the last few songs.

After the show, I stayed to sign autographs for countless fans.

By the time I got home, it was already ten o'clock at night.

I lived in a new, modern apartment building.

I chose this place because across the street was Fort Irwin—

The base where Landon was stationed.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open.

I turned to see Landon walking in, his posture ramrod straight.

I was about to call his name when he closed the door and asked, "Did you forget to take your medication?"

I froze, a bitter taste filling my mouth as I came to my senses.

Very few people knew that I had been diagnosed with depression two years ago.

Did he think I only asked him that question in public because I hadn't taken my pills?

I took a deep breath, pushing down the surging pain in my heart. "I took them."

Not wanting to talk about it anymore, I quickly changed the subject. "Are you on leave? Can you stay with me for a few days this time?"

Landon paused, then said, "There's a mission. I just came back to get some clothes."

With that, he went into the bedroom to grab his things.

Watching his back, my eyes dimmed, and I collapsed onto the sofa.

Just then, the door was suddenly thrown open again.

My manager, Renee, strode in, her face etched with anxiety. "Elara, we have a problem!"

I looked up, stunned, and saw the newspaper in her hand with a bold, black headline—

【Famous Singer Elara Vance's Secret Love of Many Years Exposed, Partner's Identity Revealed!】