I Broke Off My Engagement With My Fiancé to Dedicate Myself to National Research

When she first arrived at the military compound, Kelly had been a timid girl. So, she was easily bullied by others. 

Back then, it was George who had been the one who chased off the other troublemakers and stood by her side to protect and take care of her. He took care of her with unwavering devotion even if there were scrapes on her skin, he would feel heartbroken.

General Palmer often joked, "George may be a tyrant to everyone else, but in front of his little sister, he'd suddenly become a doting older brother."

Kelly snapped back to reality, got the medicated oil from her room, put it on her wrist and began messaging her bruised wrist while comforting herself. 

It would only be a few more days before I would be able to leave this compound and at that time George and Amanda could do whatever they pleased and it had nothing to do with me.

The compound was a cluster of modest single-story homes, each with its own small quarters.

In another room, Amanda watched Kelly carefully apply the same medicated oil to her wrist. Her eyes shined with satisfaction.

“George,” she cooed. “Our art troupe got two tickets for Red Detachment of Women. Let’s go see it together in a few days.”

George who was holding Amanda's foot, couldn’t shake the memory of Kelly’s tear-filled eyes from earlier. His heart softened against his will.

“Could you get an extra ticket from the art troupe?” he asked as he looked up at her. “I’d like to give one to Kelly.”

Though Amanda was upset about it, she kept her smile and said, "Of course." Then she fished a ticket from her pocket and gave it to him.

As she gave it to him, she said timidly, "George, perhaps we should postpone the wedding. I don't think Kelly is ready to accept it. Her brother who has always doted on her is getting married and she must feel like I’m taking away your love for her.”

George's body stiffened and his jaw tightened. Without him realizing it, his hands had curled into fists. After he kept his silence for a long time, he finally said coldly, "She’ll understand her place.”

Early, the next morning, Kelly prepared to leave for her new unit. She had received a transfer order to a satellite research base. Before departing, she decided to bid farewell to her colleagues at the communication unit, where she had always gotten along well with her peers and superiors.

Captain Smith, her former leader, examined her transfer papers with a mix of surprise and admiration.

“Private Lambert, your dedication to serving the nation is commendable,” he said warmly. “However, you do realize working at a satellite research base means complete isolation from the outside world, right? Are you sure your brother will let you go?”

He chuckled. “After all, we all know how much he dotes on you.”

When Kelly first joined the communication unit, she had been harassed by a group of hooligans. Ever since then, George had made it a point to escort her to and from work every single day, no matter what.

Everyone at the unit knew about her “overprotective brother.”

What they didn’t know was that George was about to get married ... and that his world no longer revolved around her anymore. However, Kelly did not say anything. She just smiled.

After explaining her transfer to Captain Smith, she took out a bag of candies she had bought and distributed them among her coworkers.

“Why the sudden treat, Kelly?” someone teased. “Is this your wedding candy?”

Kelly's smile turned bitter. “Think of it that way if you’d like. There’s enough for everyone to enjoy.”

The room filled with laughter and chatter, as the time flew by.

As the workday ended, someone called out, “Kelly, your brother’s here to pick you up!”

George was a striking figure. He was one of the youngest officers in the compound. His presence always drew attention, no matter where he went.

Kelly stepped outside and saw him sitting in the driver’s seat of his car with one hand casually resting on the steering wheel. The backseat was piled with trendy fabrics and tins of cream.

Once, this had been their routine. George would show up with the latest treats and gifts. He would say they were for her. However, ever since Amanda entered the picture, those gestures had stopped. He even stopped picking her up.

When he finally did, he just took a quick look at her and turned his face away.