My Heart's Headed for the Lonely Shore

His retreat was practically a flight of shame.

Mariah stared after him without a word.

Dr. Mason paused in wrapping the gauze, his tone pointed. “Mariah, some things just aren’t meant to be. Better to let go early.”

Slowly, Mariah turned her gaze to him. “Joseph… has always loved Piper?”

Dr. Mason nodded, a hint of indignation in his voice. “Yeah. If you hadn’t taken that coveted headquarters posting, Joseph would’ve already proposed to Piper…”

The words out, he seemed to realize he’d spoken out of turn, licking his lips in a clumsy attempt to cover it up.

“But anyway, you two are married now. If you just… don’t make an issue of it, Joseph will keep his promise.”

Mariah looked down at her now-bandaged hands, a self-mocking twist pulling at the corner of her lips.

“No wonder,” she said softly. “From the proposal to the wedding, he had everything prepared in advance. None of it was ever meant for me.”

Dr. Mason let out a derisive snort. “Your parents, your brother and sister-in-law—they all knew the truth. Only you were kept in the dark, thrusting yourself into the role of the other woman.”

Mariah could feel Dr. Mason’s contempt.

If even a bystander could feel such righteous anger, how much more must Joseph, the one who’d made the choice, resent her?

Only now did Mariah finally understand. Joseph didn’t just not love her; he was filled with outright hatred.

How laughable. Mariah, you’ve been a fool from start to finish.

And it was in that moment she finally made up her mind.

She was leaving.

Even if the road ahead meant guarding a desolate, uninhabited lighthouse, she would no longer beg for this counterfeit affection.

When Joseph helped wipe the sweat from her brow, Mariah seemed utterly vacant, quiet and still.

He escorted her back to the ward, his movements noticeably gentler. “The base is going through reconstruction these next few days. I might not have time to come by. You stay here for now. If you need anything, tell Mason.”

Mariah nodded slowly. “Understood.”

Joseph let out a long, heavy sigh. “Be good. I won’t treat you like that again.”

Mariah uttered a single, flat word. “Oh.”

Before leaving, he promised he’d visit when he had time.

But he was busy for the better part of a month. By the day Mariah was discharged, he still hadn’t reappeared.

Leaning on her crutch, she limped her way to the base commander’s office.

Her face was still pale, but her gaze was unwavering.

“Sir, isn’t that remote watchtower station short a keeper? I’m applying for the post.”

“Ms. Carter, that place is in the complete opposite direction from here. Besides the lighthouse staff, there’s no one else on the island. And once your application is approved, you must serve there for a full three years. Are you absolutely certain you want to go?”

Mariah nodded firmly. “Certain.”

The commander looked at her bandaged hands and heaved a long sigh.

“Your dedication to service under these circumstances is noted and appreciated. If you have any needs, you can bring them to me.”

Mariah offered a small smile. “Thank you for your concern, sir. I don’t have any other requests.”

As long as she could get away from Joseph, that was the best possible outcome.

Holding her transfer approval document, Mariah made her way to her newly assigned quarters.

Unexpectedly, Joseph had returned ahead of time.

He was there with his men, cleaning the room.

“Get that spot clean over there. And the windowsill—don’t leave any dust.”

Joseph’s voice held a slight lift, as if he were in a good mood.

Mariah stood at the doorway, her thoughts stirring.

Was he so happy because she was discharged and coming home?

Was this thorough cleaning meant to be a surprise for her?

Clutching the approval document, she felt deeply conflicted.

Just then, Joseph brought out a pot of freshly picked flowers.

“Put this on the windowsill too.”

A gentle smile graced his face.

“Piper loves tulips. I picked a bunch specially. She’ll see them as soon as she arrives this afternoon.”

Mariah’s hand trembled. The approval document slipped from her grasp, fluttering silently to the floor.

Piper was coming to the island?

And arriving this very afternoon?

So Joseph’s meticulous cleaning and tidying were to welcome his beloved, not for her.

A young soldier helping wipe the windows grinned and asked, “Major, is Piper pretty? Can you introduce us?”

Joseph’s face instantly turned cold. “What nonsense are you thinking? Get back to work.”

The soldiers exchanged uneasy, complicated glances.

It was then that someone spotted Mariah standing in a corner outside the door. “Ma’am?”