My Wife Fell for the Enemy on a Mission

Holy hell, getting married only took ten minutes.

Stepping out of County Clerk's Office, Alan Greene still felt a bit dazed.

He was actually married. Not to his fiance, Catherine Summers, but to a stranger hed met less than a week ago.

Sorry, Dr. Greene, this mission came up suddenly, the voice beside him said apologetically, drawing Alans gaze to her.

The woman's features were delicate, but she lacked the usual girlish softness.

Instead, she carried an air of sharp competence and steady resolve.

Her posture was straight, unwavering. The bearing of a soldier.

This was his new wife, Zoe Bennett.

Its fine, Alan nodded in understanding. Your duty comes first.

Zoe gave a small smile, stepping forward to give Alan a brief, light hug.

I'll come get you in a month, and we'll have the wedding in Oceanview. Wait for me to finish my task.

The hug was over in an instant, the clean, crisp scent at her neck gone just as quickly as she hurried away.

It took him a minute to fully process the fact that he was now married, Alan hailed a cab home.

The house was still empty. Alan went straight to the bedroom to pack.

He and Catherine had been engaged since childhood, so staying in her familys house had made sense.

But now he was married to someone else, he needed to leave as soon as possible.

Hed just pulled out his suitcase when a voice sounded from the doorway.

Where are you going?

Alan looked up. Catherine, who hadnt been home in two weeks, stood there. Exhaustion was etched on her perfectly made-up face.

Alan, Ive been swamped lately. Stop with the whole running away drama, okay? I dont have time for it.

There it was again. That same impatient tone whenever she spoke to him, like she was squeezing him into her precious schedule.

He was genuinely leaving, and she thought he was just throwing a tantrum.

Alan didnt bother explaining. He kept folding clothes.

The hospitals sending me to Frostburg for a conference soon. Just getting ready.

Realizing shed misunderstood, Catherines expression softened slightly.

Frostburgs colder than here. Pack some heavy coats.

Yeah.

Watching Alan rummage through the closet, Catherine hesitated, then finally spoke.

Alan, I I still need to move Ben and Benny in here. I need to take care of Benny. You know, theyve got no one else here in the States, and they saved my life

Alan turned, cutting her off before she could finish. I dont mind. Its fine.

Ben Carter and his son Benny were Catherines saviors, practically heroes to the entire Summers Corporation.

Six months ago, Catherine had gone on a business trip to Mexico and vanished after a terrorist attack.

Then, a month ago, at Grandma Summers 70th birthday bash, shed reappeared, Ben and Benny in tow.

On that day, at a major commercial elite gathering in Riverbend City, his fiance had walked in on another mans arm, introducing him solemnly to everyone.

That day, Alan became the laughingstock of Riverbend City.

Afterwards, Catherine had explained. She said she was just grateful to Ben for saving her and protecting the companys confidential files.

But Alan saw it clearly. The deep affection in her eyes when she looked at Ben couldn't be faked.

Before, he would have objected to Ben ,moving in.

Now, he wouldnt.

Catherine was completely taken aback by Alans agreement.

Surprise flickered in her eyes. Pleased by his concession, her tone became even softer.

Alan, dont worry. Once Ben gets settled here and finds a job, hell move out.

Alan wasnt interested in Bens affairs. He changed the subject. Our engagement

Catherine didnt let him finish, cutting him off sharply.

The companys crazy busy right now! Well talk about marriage later!

Alan tried to explain, I wasnt

But before he could finish, Catherines phone rang again.

Ben? Whats up? Benny misses me? Okay, Im on my way!

She hurried out, only seeming to remember Alan as she reached the doorway, tossing back an instruction.

Alan, make sure the bedroom is tidied up by tomorrow. Ben and Benny are moving in.

A moment later, the front door clicked shut.

Alan looked down at his hand, still slightly extended, his gaze dimming.

I wasnt going to talk about getting married... it was about calling it off..

When had Catherine stopped having the patience to listen to him?

She always looked at him with that impatience, like talking to him was some chore she despised.

But she hadnt always been like this

The Greenes and Summers were old friends.

Alan and Catherine had grown up together, bound by by a childhood engagement.

They were once considered the perfect match among Riverbends elite circles.

They grew up side by side.

They never explicitly declared their feelings, but whenever he turned around, she was always there.

She was a few years older.

Since childhood, shed protected him, supported him, like his personal guardian angel.

They were supposed to get married as soon as he came of age.

But disaster struck when Alan was sixteen. His parents died in a car crash.

The Greene family assets were shamelessly seized by his uncle and aunt.

They barged into the Greene mansion, treating him like a servant, even abusing him.

In that darkest hour, it was Catherine who shielded him.

She took him into her home, and cared for him, allowing him to finish school and become a doctor.

After college, Alan had wanted to fulfill their engagement.

But after inheriting the family business, Catherine got increasingly busy, always telling him to wait a little longer.

He waited. And waited. Six years he waited.

Catherine went from patient and gentle to frowning at the mention of marriage.

Alan thought she was just exhausted. He figured he should be more understanding, not add to her pressure.

As long as she loved him, what was a little more waiting?

Until Ben Carter showed up, shattering all of Alans illusions.

Turns out, Catherine could meticulously arrange someones daily life without finding it a bother.

Turns out, Catherine could check in on someones well-being every single day, afraid they might feel neglected.

These were things Catherine had never given Alan.

A sharp ringtone yanked him from his memories, the ache piercing his heart.

Dr. Greene? Emergency just brought in a patient with a ruptured liver hemangioma.

All the senior surgeons are tied up in the OR. Can you take it? It was the OR calling.

Alan snapped into action. Prep the patient. Ill be right there.

He arrived at the hospital at 9 PM. Given the patients critical condition, Alan performed an immediate hemihepatectomy. By the time he stepped out of the OR, it was 2 AM.

Exhausted from the intense focus required for the long surgery, Alan returned to his office and fell asleep in his clothes.

He didnt know how long hed slept when he felt something soft being draped over him. Blinking his eyes open, he saw Dr. Winifred Young, the hospital director, standing before him.

Besides being his superior, Dr. Young was also a friend of his fathers. S

hed seen firsthand how this young man struggle and strive all these years.

A mix of pride and heartache washed over her. Alright then, get yourself home to rest.

She started towards the door.

Alan hesitated for a moment, then called out, Dr. Young? I I want to resign.

Winifred immediately turned back, unable to hide her surprise.

Why? Whats brought this on so suddenly?

I got married.

Hearing this, understanding dawned on Winifreds face, followed by a warm smile.

Oh! Catherine Summers, right? Congratulations, Alan!

After all your years together, it's finally happened.

Seeing her misunderstanding, Alan gave a faint, bitter smile but didnt correct her.

Winifred, oblivious to Alans discomfort, continued excitedly, And your grandmother! Wasnt she always hoping to see you married? The old lady must be overjoyed.

Mentioning his grandmother softened Alans gaze, and a genuine smile touched his lips this time.

Yeah, I hope it makes her happy.

If it werent for his grandmothers final wish to see him find a good partner quickly, he wouldnt have rushed into marriage with Zoe Bennett.

Next time he saw Grandma with the marriage certificate, shed be thrilled, right?

After chatting with Winifred for a bit, Alan went through the resignation paperwork, finished his rounds, and headed home.

The sleepless night and lack of rest left Alan feeling heavy-headed and dizzy in the cab.

All he wanted was to crawl into bed and sleep for a week.

But the moment he stepped inside and saw the scene in the bedroom, all fatigue was burned away by a surge of anger.

Benny Carter! What are you doing?!

Alan snatched the picture frame from the little boys hands. The beautiful oil painting inside was ruined by thick, black scribbles. Alans vision swam, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

This was the only surviving keepsake of his mother!

Rage roared in Alans chest as he glared at Benny.

But before he could demand an explanation, the little boy started wailing at the top of his lungs.

Waaaaah! Uncle Alan, youre so mean!

Daddy! Daddy, come quick! Uncle Alans gonna hit me! Im scared!

The next moment, Ben Carter rushed in, scooping his son into his arms.

Oh, my sweet boy! What happened? What happened?

After soothing Benny for a moment, he seemed to finally notice Alan standing behind him.

His voice was smooth, but laced with something unpleasant.

Dr. Greene, Bennys just a kid. Whatever he did wrong, whatever he broke, Ill pay for it, Ill take responsibility. Surely a grown man like you wouldnt stoop to picking on a child?

Ben Carter was Mexican-American, with soft, wavy blonde hair and delicate, handsome features.

But as he spoke, there was no real apology in his tone, his eyes held nothing but malicious challenge.

Alans temple throbbed. He held up the ruined frame, his voice sharp.

Who said you could enter my room and destroy my things? Youll pay? What exactly do you think you can pay with?!

Benny, emboldened by his fathers presence like a little dog with its master, barked defiantly from behind Ben, Its just a stupid old picture! Ill get Aunt Catherine to pay you back! Stingy old man! No wonder Aunt Catherine doesnt like you, she likes my daddy!

Alans eyes flashed crimson. He lunged forward, intent on teaching Benny a lesson himself.

Bens gaze flickered. A thought seemed to cross his mind. With calculated force, he shoved his own son backwards.

Ow! Daddy! It hurts! Im bleeding!

A shrill scream pierced the air.

Benny sat on the floor, howling, a nasty gash bleeding profusely on his forehead.

Blood streamed down the childs face, making it look serious.

Ben immediately rushed to his son, cradling him, his voice thick with feigned concern as he looked at Alan.

Dr. Greene! Even if Benny really made you angry, surely you didnt need to hit a little kid like that? Ill apologize, okay? Isnt that enough?

Alan had seen Bens action clearly. Hearing this, he instinctively frowned, confused by Bens game.

But the next moment, he understood.

Benny! Catherines high heels clicked urgently as she rushed in from outside. She crouched beside Benny, took one look at the wound, Alan Greene! Bennys just a child! How could you hurt him like this?

Hearing Catherine condemn him without even asking for his side, Alan felt his entire heart freeze over.

Ben, however, began to "defend" him.

Catherine, really, its not Dr. Greenes fault. Its us. We got the rooms mixed up. We moved into his room by accident.

Back in Mexico, we lived in basements for years. Seeing this nice room... we couldn't resist picking it. Benny messed with Dr. Greenes painting, thats why he got mad!

Ben sounded utterly pathetic. Catherines heart instantly ached for him.

When she turned her furious gaze back to Alan, it was even more intense.

Its just a stupid old painting! Was that worth hitting Benny over? Alan Greene, your temper is unbelievable! Apologize to Ben and Benny right now!

Just a stupid old painting? This was the only thing his father had left him!

Ben didnt know that, but Catherine certainly did!

Alan looked up, locking eyes with Catherine, his fingers digging into the picture frame.

I wont apologize. I didnt push Benny.

Catherine grew even angrier, her handsome face tight with fury.

Still refusing to admit it?!

Ben grabbed her sleeve, ever the understanding one.

Forget it, Catherine. If Dr. Greene wont apologize, so be it. It was our fault for barging into his life. He has every right to be angry!

But the more Ben said things like this, the more Catherine felt Alans impassive expression was utterly unreasonable.

She gritted her teeth. What right to be angry? This is my house! Its not up to some outsider to dictate who stays where!

From now on, Ben, you and Benny move into the bedroom. He can move to the living room!

Outsider? After all these years, was that all he was to her? Just an outsider?

How utterly laughable!

Ben, hearing Catherines declaration, felt a surge of triumph, though his face showed only concern.

The room isnt urgent. But Bennys wound looks serious. Catherine, could you could you come with me to take him to the ER? Get him patched up?

As he spoke, Ben scooped Benny up from the floor.

Catherine didnt hesitate, grabbing her car keys and heading out.

Alan stopped her, his face expressionless.

Catherine Summers. Lets end our engagement.

Catherine didnt even turn back.

Enough! Stop these childish games! Stay home and think about what youve done!

With that, she hurried out with Ben and Benny.

All remaining energy left Alan's body.

He slowly sank to his knees, holding the oil painting as if it were his entire world.

He didn't know how long he sat there before a vibration came from his pocket.

It was a friend request from Ben Carter.

Alan accepted it, but no message came through.

Then, a a new post immediately appeared on Bens feed.

It was a video. Catherine sitting by Bennys hospital bed, carefully peeling an apple for him.

The caption read: [Thank God for bringing you into my life.]

Alan clicked play. Ben and Catherine's conversation was clearly recorded.

Bens voice, laced with fake worry, Catherine, is Dr. Greene okay?

I saw him packing earlier. What if he gets angry and moves out? Where would he go?

Hes an orphan. Where else would he go?

At most, he'll run off to another city for some surgery. I've seen this act before.

Alan switched off his phone, closed his eyes, and let out a bitter laugh. How utterly pathetic he was.

The memories of her shielding him, once so touching, had become boomerangs, whipping back to strike him.

Sharp points digging into bone, piercing all his soft spots.

For the next week, Alan threw himself into hospital work, never returning home.

He genuinely was busy. Besides needing to clear his scheduled surgeries, a massive fire had broken out in downtown Riverbend City.

The number of patients needing surgery skyrocketed. Every surgeon was run off their feet.

Thanks, Dr. Greene! Tough case!

Alan nodded to his colleague as he pulled off his mask.

Changing out of his scrubs back in his office, he hadnt even had time for a sip of water when Ben Carter showed up with Benny.

Dr. Greene! Please! Please dont kick us out!

The nurse whod shown them in hadnt even left the office before Ben pulled Benny down to kneel in front of Alans desk.

Bens face was pale, his eyes bloodshot, an expression of forced endurance that would evoke pity in anyone who didnt know better.

The nurse looked shocked, quickly ducked her head, and fled, closing the door behind her.

Alan sat in his office chair, unmoving, his brow furrowed coldly.

Catherines not here. Who are you performing for?

Ben looked up, his eyes red-rimmed.

Dr. Greene, I know you hate me. I swear I never meant to steal Catherine from you.

Benny and I, were strangers here. We just needed a place to stay for a while. Well move out soon, I promise! But now youre having us thrown out of Catherines place? How are we supposed to survive?

Alan retorted impatiently, When did I

Before he could finish, his phone rang. It was Grandma Summers.

Alan, dear? Are you busy?

The elderly voice on the other end was kind. Alan couldnt help but soften his own.

Not busy, Grandma. Just finished a surgery.

Grandma Summers had watched Alan grow up, treating him like her own grandson.

Alan cherished this elder in return. In his heart, only his own grandmother and Grandma Summers were the people who loved him most.

Hearing the fatigue in Alans voice, Grandma Summers first urged him not to overwork, then got to the point.

Alan, dear, I heard about what happened between you and Catherine. Dont worry, that Ben Carter fellow Grandma took care of it. I had security throw all his things out of Catherines house. Kicked him out!

The man for my granddaughter has always been you, Alan Greene.

Listening to her words, Alan froze, his gaze involuntarily shifting to Ben kneeling before him.

So, it was Grandma Summers who had him thrown out.

Alan gripped the phone, silent for a long moment.

Grandma Summers sighed into the silence, her tone unexpectedly pleading.

Alan, dear, I know Catherine has been awful lately. But I still hope youll give her another chance.

Shes just blinded by that man right now. Once you two are married, shell settle down. Grandma set your wedding date for next month, alright?

The lump in Alans throat was unbearable. He made an excuse and hung up.

The moment the screen went dark, his office door opened again.

Catherine stormed in. Seeing Ben and Benny kneeling, she rushed to help them up.

When she turned to Alan, her eyes were icy. Alan Greene! How old are you? Still resorting to tattling?

Now you get to marry me. Are you happy?

So manipulative. You disgust me!

With that, she didnt spare him another glance, shielding Ben and Benny as she slammed the door behind her.

Alan let out a scornful laugh, leaning back in his office chair and closing his eyes.

Fine. Whatever. Hed be gone soon anyway.

Alan thought he wouldnt see Catherine or Ben again before he left.

He was wrong.

That very night, Benny Carter, covered in blood, was carried into the ER by Catherine and Ben.

Theyd been in a car accident. Benny, the child, was the most severely injured.

Ben was frantic. Seeing Alan approach, he grabbed his hand. Dr. Greene! You have to save Benny! Please!

Alan was the on-call doctor. He had no reason to refuse and headed straight for the OR.

A routine surgery like this posed no challenge for Alan. It was over quickly.

But after the observation period, Benny showed no signs of waking up. He remained unconscious.

The next day, Alan got the update and went straight to Bennys room to check on him.

Catherine seemed to have stepped out. Only Ben was there.

The moment Ben saw Alan, his eyes reddened, and he launched into an emotional accusation.

Dr. Greene! Why isnt Benny awake? Did you do something to him? I know you hate me, but you cant take it out on my son!

Alan wasnt sure what the problem was and moved to examine Benny.

Ben became hysterical, shielding his son, crying out, Stop! Dont touch my Benny! You botched the surgery on purpose! Youre trying to hurt him! I want another doctor! Get me another doctor!

Alan just wanted to assess Bennys condition. Not wanting to argue, he pressed the call button beside the bed.

After pressing it, he locked eyes with Ben.

You can change doctors. But first, we need to find out why Benny isnt waking up!

I wont take the blame for a surgical error!

When the duty nurse arrived, Alan immediately ordered tests.

I need you to draw blood for a full panel immediately. Check for any pre-operative medications the patient might have taken that could conflict with anesthesia

Alan hadnt finished speaking when Ben suddenly interrupted him, agitated.

No! I wont allow it! My son didnt take any medication before surgery! He wasnt sick!

This is clearly your surgical mistake! Why should my son have his blood drawn?

He started crying again.

Watching Bens unnatural reaction, Alan suddenly grasped the inconsistency.