Chapter 1 Menu Chapter 1 Six years of marriage , and hed never touched me .
Out in public , I was only allowed to call him Uncle .
His words echoed in my mind , Besides that marriage certificate , theres nothing else I can give you .
After the 187th time that goddamn Ryder Landon bundled me like a burrito and tossed me into the backyard , I finally gave up up .
The next day , I found Professor Davies .
Professor , Ive made up my mind .
I want to join the core research team , go to Quantico with you .
The professors lab notebook slipped from his trembling hands .
He slowly turned , his eyes sharp , filled with a mixture of surprise and hope .
Claire , are you sure ? Once youre in , for security reasons , youll be cut off from the outside world .
The hardship , the loneliness … its not something everyone can endure .
He paused , his voice low .
If we fail … youll be like your parents , like countless others before you … nameless , forgotten … My fists clenched .
I nodded firmly .
A young person should have ambition , Professor .
Im willing to contribute to the advancement of our nation .
Good ! Go home and get ready .
We leave soon .
I nodded , said goodbye , and left the lab .
As I walked into my house , a familiar figure in olive drab met my eyes .
Ryder Landon .
11:35 0.1 % < Chapter 1 Menu contribute to the advancement of our nation .
Good ! Go home and get ready .
We leave soon .
I nodded , said goodbye , and left the lab .
As I walked into my house , a familiar figure in olive drab met my eyes .
Ryder Landon .
His brow was furrowed , his expression colder than the Alaskan winter .
Ryder … My lips moved , but I could only manage , Uncle .
Even though we were married , he never allowed me to call him by his name , much less husband .
He insisted I address him as Uncle , just like before .
An insurmountable chasm separated us .
Where were you ? His voice was glacial .
I removed my heavy coat , my head bowed .
I saw Professor Davies .
Youre lying ! A stack of papers landed on the floor with a sharp * thwack * .
Ryders voice was low , chilling .
Letters accusing me of not giving you sex for a long time … sent to the base .
Claire Montgomery , are you that desperate for sex ? I stared at the familiar handwriting , my heart plummeting .
The Montgomerys and the Landons were old friends ; our families had arranged a marriage before we were even born .
But then Ryders family had a late in life son , making him my uncle , and the wedding was called off .
But I was hopelessly , madly in love with him .
11:35 0.1 % < Chapter 1 Menu Id confessed , pursued him relentlessly , fearlessly crossing that forbidden line .
Ten years ago , when my parents were dying , Ryder had finally relented , promising on their deathbeds to take care of me for life .
I thought our love had conquered societal norms .

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But for six years of marriage , hed refused to have sex with me ! To solidify our marriage in his eyes , Id done some crazy things .
A year ago , Id kissed him in front of the entire base during a family visit only to be humiliated by his rebuke .
Six months ago , Id climbed into his bed in a flimsy nightgown , only to be bundled up and thrown back into my room .
Three months ago , on his 30th birthday , Id gotten him drunk , straddled him , trying to undo his crisp uniform , to break through his rigid shell .
But Ryders will was unshakeable .
Hed pushed me away , furious .
Claire Montgomery , do you have any shame ? You tried to seduce me ! Its disgusting ! His crimson eyes burned into me , a nightmare I couldnt escape .
After that , our relationship plummeted to freezing point .
He avoided me like the plague , treating me like a … a temptress .
And these letters … I didnt even remember when I wrote them .
Claire Montgomery , how many times do I have to say it ? Some things wont happen , cant happen ! His voice was like shards of ice .
It jolted me back to reality .
I forced a smile , asking the question that had haunted me for years : 11:35 0.1 % < Chapter 1 Menu If it cant happen , Uncle , why did you marry me ? The air thickened .
A heavy silence descended .
Finally , Ryder spoke .
Marriage and sex are two different things .
I promised your parents Id take care of you for life .
He paused , his voice harder than granite .
You wanted to marry me , so I did .
Besides that marriage certificate , I can give you nothing else .
A sharp pain pierced my heart .
So thats it .
His marriage to me had nothing to do with love .
Seeing my pale face , his harsh expression softened slightly .
Claire , three strikes , youre out .
If this happens again , Ill reconsider our marriage .
He grabbed a bag of candy from a nearby table , the gesture almost hesitant .
I hope you understand .
Aside from physical intimacy , everything else remains the same .
Get some sleep .
Im going back to the base .
He turned and left , his departure as cold and abrupt as the arctic wind .
I stared at the bag of candy , untouched .
Snow fell outside .
A bitter smile touched my lips .
Uncle , I whispered to the empty room , it will be the same as before .
Once this winter storm passes … youll be free .
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