George Palmer had been spoiling me for ten years, showering me with affection and indulging me in everything that couples do. As a result, everyone assumed that we would be married, have children and grow old together.
Yet, he bought another woman home.
"Kelly Lambert, say hello to your sister-in-law," George introduced her to me with a smile.
I did not make a scene. Instead, I calmly wished them a long life together.
What George did not know that I would leave him and go to the satellite research base soon and cut all ties to the outside world. He and I would never ever meet each other again in this lifetime.
Three years later, he tried to find the base using every means possible, but unfortunately for him, I had already married his best friend.
When he learned about this, he was so sad, his eyes red with despair. He said, "Kelly, why did you leave me? Are you really joining the satellite launch research team?"
General Palmer looked at me with deep concern and asked again, "Are you sure about this? If you're joining the satellite launch research team, you won't be able to communicate with the outside world for at least ten years, even a lifetime."
The New Year was approaching. Snow fell heavily outside, while embers flickered warmly in the room.
Never seeing George again was exactly what I wanted. However, seeing the worry in her adoptive father, General Palmer's face made me hesitate.
“Uncle Rick Palmer,” I said softly. “My parents gave their lives for the satellite program. As their daughter, it’s only right that I dedicate my youth to my country.”
After a long pause, General Palmer sighed deeply. “Okay, I’ll submit your name in a few days. You are dear to George though; will he allow you to go?”
I just lowered my head as I got lost in though.
When my parents died in the line of duty, General Palmer took me in and adopted me. Since then, George, his son and my supposed "older brother" had been attentive and caring toward me.
I was inseparable from him since a child. I always followed him around. As a result, people kept teasing us, "Kelly, you and George are getting along so well. You two don't look like a sibling, instead, you look like a couple."
Their word made me blush in embarrassment. I felt like my secret was revealed so I sneaked a glance at George.
However, the young group leader just smiled dotingly at me as he ruffled my hair. "You can think all you want," he said. "Besides I love Kelly the most."
That promise bound me to him for years, like an unbreakable thread.
On my nineteenth birthday, George gave me a gold ring. It was a family heirloom, that he inherited from his late mother. It was very important for him. He told me, "I want to give this ring to you. You're the most important person in my life."
I was so moved by his statement and gave him my late mother's protective talisman. After we changed our "Token of love", we snuggled up and got intimated.
One rainy night, I mustered the courage to confess my feelings and told him my love for him over the years.
I never expected he would be disgusted by my confession. "Are you crazy, Kelly?" he admonished. "I've always seen you as my little sister!"
I still remember the disgust in his eyes as he said those words.
The clock in the study struck another hour before I finally spoke again. In a soft voice, "Uncle Rick, can you hide this matter from him first? Please, do this for me."
General Palmer gave me a long, searching look but held back whatever he wanted to say. Finally, he relented. “Stay for the New Year before you leave.”
As I stepped out of the study, I ran straight into George and Amanda Cain.
Amanda, my future sister-in-law and George's wife, was clinging to his arm while chattering away., "That performance of Silk Road Rain was amazing! When I go back to my dance troupe, I’ll stage something just like it.”
George gazed at her with tenderness. “With your grace, you’d be perfect for it.”
Amanda was so flattered that she blushed and lowered her head. As so happened, her eyes met mine. "Kelly," she greeted warmly. "Come here and take a look at the dress your brother brought me. Doesn't it look great?"
