Name: Through The Flames of War
Rating: 3.5 (3 reviews)

Chapter 1 The Summer of Separation

It was the summer of 2039, and the world was embroiled in the chaos of World War III. The air was thick with uncertainty and fear, and the draft was in full swing, pulling young men from their homes and thrusting them into the front lines. For Mary Ellen and Don, high school sweethearts from the small town of Harpersville, this summer marked the end of their carefree days and the beginning of a journey neither of them had anticipated.

Mary Ellen, with her long blonde hair and big brown eyes, had always been the spirited one, full of dreams and laughter. Don, with his dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, was her anchor, steady and dependable. They had spent their high school years planning their future together, but now those plans were being torn apart by the draft notice that had arrived in the mail.

They sat together on the porch swing at Mary Ellen's house, the letter between them, as if acknowledging it would make it less real. Don held her hand tightly, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. "I don't want to leave you," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Mary Ellen blinked back tears. "I don't want you to go either, but we have to be strong. We'll get through this, Don. We have to."

As the reality of their situation sank in, they made a desperate plea to their parents: to let them get married before Don had to leave. There were practical benefits to being married, especially during the war. Mary Ellen would be provided housing and other benefits, and in the worst-case scenario, she would be better protected if Don didn't return. After much discussion and heartfelt persuasion, their parents agreed, with the condition that Mary Ellen would house her older sister, Eloise, as well.

The next two weeks passed in a blur of preparations and goodbyes. They decided on a simple wedding in Don's parents' backyard. Mary Ellen wore her mother's wedding dress, its delicate lace and ivory fabric complementing her natural beauty. She wove light purple flowers into her wavy hair, matching the bouquet she held. As she walked down the makeshift aisle, her heart pounded with a mix of love and fear. Don stood at the altar in a gray suit with a black bow tie, his eyes never leaving hers, his expression one of awe and adoration.

Their best friends, Alice and Cody, stood by their sides as maid of honor and best man. The ceremony was short but filled with heartfelt vows and promises. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Don kissed her with a tenderness that brought tears to everyone's eyes.

The reception was a modest affair, filled with laughter, tears, and the bittersweet knowledge that this was both a beginning and an ending. They danced under the stars, holding each other close, trying to memorize the feel of each other's embrace.

Two days later, Don left for basic training. Mary Ellen stood at the train station, watching as the train pulled away, taking her heart with it. She clutched the locket he had given her, a small picture of them together inside, and whispered a silent prayer for his safety.

Back home, Mary Ellen threw herself into her work, cleaning five different homes a week to make ends meet. It was exhausting, but it kept her mind occupied. Eloise, who had lost her fiancé early in the war, moved in and provided much-needed support. The sisters leaned on each other, finding solace in their shared grief and determination to survive.

Every day, Mary Ellen checked the mailbox, hoping for a letter from Don. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, with only a few letters making it through. Each one was a lifeline, filled with his love and reassurance.

One crisp autumn morning, a knock came at the door. Mary Ellen's heart leapt as she rushed to answer it, hoping against hope it was news from Don. A young soldier stood there, holding a sealed envelope. Her hands trembled as she took it, the world narrowing down to the piece of paper in her hands.

She opened it and saw Don's familiar handwriting. He told her he was safe and missed her more than words could express. He asked her to stay strong and promised he would come back to her. Tears streamed down her face as she read the letter, a mixture of relief and longing filling her heart.

She looked up at the soldier, her voice breaking as she said, "Thank you."

The soldier nodded and left. Mary Ellen stood in the doorway, clutching the letter to her chest. For the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of hope. Don was alive, and as long as he was, she would keep fighting. She would make it through this war, one day at a time, until they could be together again.

You'll also like

The Warlord's Lovely Prize

Burnard Gilles

4.4

Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.

My Coldhearted Ex Demands A Remarriage

Selinda Andreasen

3.6

It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”

Dear Ex-wife, Be Mine Again!

R. Ink writer

4.6

After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!

Ex-Wife Returns for Revenge

Crystal L.C.

5.0

Caught in a web of betrayal, Nicole's life shatters in a single evening when her mother-in-law, Veronica, sets her up in an elaborate scheme. Blindsided, Nicole faces her husband Taylor's cold rage as he casts her out of his life and home, accusing her of infidelity and theft. As she tries to defend herself, her best friend, Sarah, adds another blow by denying their loyalty. "Please, Taylor, you have to believe me!" Nicole pleads, her voice breaking, but his icy response is a dagger to her heart. "I don't hate you, Nicole," he sneers. "I despise you." When Nicole reveals she's pregnant, she hopes for compassion, but it only fuels Veronica's determination to rid the family of her. After signing the divorce papers, a dejected Nicole wanders alone, where a brutal attack leaves her bleeding, helpless, and desperate to protect her unborn child. Six years later, Nicole returns from the ashes to inflict seven times the pains upon those who humiliated her and left her to die. "I'll make them pay so dearly that they'd regret ever been born!" She declares. This is a story of romance and revenge you don't want to miss!

The 5-time Rejected Gamma & the Lycan King

Stina‘s Pen

4.9

COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?

Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me Now

Theodora Birnir

4.6

The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."

Through The Flames of War

About

Contents