klmorgan

Having left his hometown with shattered relationships due to his decision to join the military Matthew Rong returns after nine and a half years, uncertain of how people will treat him.

Lexi Yao, the only person who supported his decision, left less than two years later leaving her family and her child.  Just weeks after the birth of her child in an arranged family marriage her husband of less than a year died, putting her in a position that she could not cope.  Eventually, when she was ready, she returned to her hometown to resume full-time care of her child bringing her now successful fashion business with her.

Matthew had never forgotten the promises Lexi made to marry him prior to and in the twelve months after he joined the military, despite her marriage and becoming a widow.  He hoped that he would be able to marry her and secure for them both the future that they had believed was there for them as teenagers.

Just after Matthew’s return, having reluctantly agreed to drive Matthew home after a celebration for not only his return but the engagement of their brothers, Lexi and Matthew were kidnapped by the terrorist who helped make Matthew’s career seeing his rapid promotion to General.  To protect Lexi, Matthew knew he needed to use changes in the law to protect her and their assets that the Terrorist sought to exploit and committed to her through a forced marriage ceremony at the hands of the Terrorists.

For Matthew this was the one thing that had kept him going, and for Lexi she only agreed to protect herself believing there was no legal validity in the ceremony.

On their rescue Lexi was confronted with the truth of another forced marriage and was determined to escape this to have her own life, free from domination by men.

Matthew not only was left to fight to secure the love of his life but to protect his friends and family from the terrorist who decided that they were fair game in the pursuit of his goals.

Can Matthew succeed and win?  Can Lexi learn to trust and forgive Matthew?  Will the one secret that she has been keeping for eight years drive them apart?

This is the story of their journey, with their friends and family along for the ride.

Note – for those who have read my first story Offer to the CEO, our favourite couple makes appearances here, with Anna becoming a huge supporter and friend of our Female Lead.

Extract:

“Matthew, you b*stard.  You knew our marriage would be valid, and you forced it on me.  You are no better than my parents who arranged my first marriage?”

“What did you want me to do?  Let you be killed?”

“You should have thought about me, not your own selfish needs.  Get the hell out of my sight and let me be I'm going to stay away from you.”

“Forget it.  You are the wife of a military officer.  You will live in my villa and forget about going anywhere without my permission.  It is not safe.”

“Safe?  I am not safe from you, everyone, everything and everywhere else is safe!”


Please note the cover artwork is not mine.
Also while at the start of this story it may seem that the lead is male, in fact the lead is a female lead (be patient for this to be shown)

The Soldier Husband

June and July, 9 years ago, City K at various locations.


After leaving the recruitment centre Lexi turned to Matthew and said, "Now that you have made your commitment, why not open the letter from your grandparents."


Matthew pulled it from his pocket and opened it.  As he read the contents, he was shocked.  They had opted to ensure if he took the path, they knew he wanted to take and acted to ensure that he would not lose out.  Unlike the terms of their wills as his parents and Phillip had said, it was clear that on joining the military their Villa, and thirty-five percent of JL International's became his.


Not being able to say anything, Matthew simply handed the letter to Lexi, whose eyes as she was reading it became wider and wider.  Unlike Matthew's fears yesterday, as a result of what was said at his birthday celebrations, he had choices.  His grandparents had made sure he was provided for but did it in a way that ensured he could make his own choices.


"Talk to the lawyers about implementing this, but not saying anything until just before graduation.  If things go wrong, and I think they will, I want as much time with my family before they disown me for following me dreams."


Before Matthew could reply, Lexi's mobile rang and she answered it "Yes Mother, what do you need?"


A few minutes later Lexi ended the call and quietly said "Matthew I have to head home."  He gave her a brief kiss before putting her into a taxi to take her home, handing the driver enough funds for the fare and a tip.  Matthew took another taxi and headed to the lawyer's office to discuss the letter from his grandparents given he had enlisted in the military.


Three weeks later, two days before graduation the Rong, Yao, Nang, Gu and Hou families had gathered to celebrate the impending graduations of Matthew, Andrew, John, Steven and Paul at the Yao family villa.  Chester uncomfortably was sitting beside Susan and Phillip was sitting alone not wanting to interact with people.


Lexi had spent time talking to everyone before sitting beside Matthew who had moved slightly away from everyone.  In a quiet voice she said, "Are you going to tell everyone?"


"Lexi, I need to.  I must report in three days to the city's military base for the commencement of my training.  I have put it off and off because I am fearful of the reaction."


Squeezing his hand Lexi said, "You know you still have me, regardless of everyone else's reactions."


"Thank you, Lexi, you do not know how much this means."


Before either of them could say anything, Andrew called out "Lexi, leave Matthew alone.  He does not need you bothering him."


Matthew knowing that they were treading a fine line about anyone finding out about their true relationship called back "Stow it Andrew.  Your sister has spoken to everyone else now she is speaking to me."


"Damn it, Matthew, get over here.  Our parents want to make their speeches."


"Fine," Matthew called back, before turning to Lexi and quietly saying "We will talk later."


They headed back to where everyone was gathered, listening to their parents make small speeches about how proud they were of each of them and their intended University study.  Matthew did not know how his parents had arranged to be the last to speak, but this made things easier.


Anthony Rong started "Finally we have now reached my son Matthew, who from what the school has told me it the top student.  That will make you pursue a business degree as we have discussed so much easier …"


"Father, stop.  You want me to pursue a business degree but that has ignored what I want.  Three weeks ago, just after my eighteenth birthday I made the decision and enlisted in the military.  I am to report for training to the base outside town the day after graduation."


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