Chapter 7
After a few days of rest at the Carter estate, I knew it was time to plan for the future.
I’d worried that people might gossip about my divorce or the scar on my leg.
But then Lizzy came back from town.
“Governor’s estate is falling apart without you,” she said.
“Sophia’s burning through money like it grows on trees.”
“Don’t tell me any more of that nonsense,” I told her.
But she couldn’t help herself.
“Richard deserves it!”
“You gave him everything and he threw it away.”
Lizzy had been with me since we were kids.
Even during our years in the military camp, she never left my side.
Aside from my parents, Lizzy cared most about my happiness.
She once told me she’d do anything, as long as it made me smile.
Turns out, the people who really loved me had been there all along.
I was just too blind to see it.
“Miss… what are you going to do next?”
She was worried, I could tell.
Maybe scared I’d never find love again.
But I’d already made up my mind.
Trouble was brewing on the northern front.
President Harrison wanted my father back in uniform.
And I… I wanted to go too.
Why shouldn’t a woman fight for her country?
I’d been the brains behind Richard’s success for years.
“Lizzy, I’ve made my decision.”
“I’m joining the military again.”
I told my father.
He and my mother were hesitant at first.
21.31
From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
44.1%
Chapter 7
But when they saw how serious I was, they agreed.
“Promise me,” Mom said through tears, “don’t do anything reckless.”
“We’ll be waiting for you to come home.”
I hugged her tight in my armor.
As I mounted my horse, I saw Richard in the distance.
He looked worried.
“Emily…”
He stepped forward.
But Lizzy and Mr. Dawson blocked him like bouncers at a club.
I didn’t even look back.
I rode through the city like I owned it.
People whispered, but I saw the awe in their eyes.
They respected me.
I thought the men in camp would treat me like a joke.
But I was wrong.
“Doesn’t matter if you’re a woman,” one of them said.
“If you can fight, you belong here.”
I trained hard.
After one month, the border was secure.
Two months in, we crushed the enemy in open battle.
By month three, we were unstoppable.
President Harrison named me Field Commander.
My fellow soldiers cheered louder than I did.
The day before our return, we celebrated around the fire.
Some old–timers told stories.
“Back in the day, Governor Richard was unbeatable.”
“Not anymore. President Harrison needed the real General Carter again.”
Funny thing is…
That was about a year ago.
Right around the time Richard got obsessed with marrying Sophia.
21:31
From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day. Different Groom
44.4%
Chapter 7
Without me guiding him, he crumbled.
When we returned to D.C., President Harrison held a banquet.
I saw Richard there–alone, drinking, invisible in the corner.
Meanwhile, officials toasted me.
“Commander Emily, fearless and brilliant–an example for us all.”
“General Carter, you’ve raised an extraordinary daughter.”
“The nation owes you both.”
The President kept the praise coming.
“I could give you all the medals in the world and it still wouldn’t be enough.”
“Tell me, Emily, what do you want?”
I bowed deeply.
“Sir, serving this country is reward enough. But I do have one request.”
“Speak freely,” he said.
I stood tall.
“Sir, the future of this country belongs to all who serve it.”
“Let women with talent and courage join the military.”
“Let them hold office. Let them lead.”
The entire hall went silent.
2
I was the first woman in American history to rise through the military like this.
If women could serve officially from now on- My name would be etched into history.
“Well said!”
President Harrison was beaming.
But just then, from the shadows- Richard stood up.
“Mr. President, I object.”
Gasps filled the hall.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Even the President had been ready to agree.
Why the hell would Richard speak up now?
21:31
