Love Hides In the Dust And Smoke

To save the kidnapped fake heiress Grace, my boyfriend, the rescue team leader, handed me over without hesitation.

Knowing full well that I had a hefty bounty on my head from the rebels and that sending me over would likely be a death sentence, Nolan didn't hesitate for a second.

The kidnappers said they'd release me once the ransom was paid, but my birth parents, resenting me for causing the fake heiress to suffer a few extra days, insisted I should endure some hardship and refused to pay.

Left with no choice, I could only pin my hopes on my childhood sweetheart Kael, who was coming to the rescue.

But a week later, when I had been tortured beyond recognition, I learned that my boyfriend and childhood sweetheart were throwing a lavish birthday party for Grace at their base camp.

The militant leader saw it as a provocation and had my organs harvested, then threw my naked body onto the street.

In the moment of my bitter death, I was reborn.

This time, I dared not have any expectations. After ensuring my survival, I erased my identity and went into hiding under an assumed name.

But when my boyfriend and childhood sweetheart learned the truth, they gave up everything and spent seven years searching desperately for me.

————

Nolan knelt on the ground, pleading to me over and over.

"Lena, the situation is tense. As members of the aid mission, we need to prioritize the bigger picture."

"Look at how many people are still waiting for treatment in the field hospital. Grace is a doctor; she doesn't live for herself alone. She represents the hope of millions of patients."

"You, on the other hand, were born a spy. You're experienced, skilled, and mentally tough. Trading you for her is the best solution we have right now."

He analyzed the situation rationally, his logic clear, yet completely disregarding my safety.

Just then, an international call came through. It was my childhood sweetheart, Kael, pleading urgently.

"Don't be afraid, Lena. I'll be there in two days at the latest. Just hang in there for a bit, and I'll get you out as soon as I arrive."

"You're more qualified than Grace. I wouldn't trust anyone else with this job. I only trust you."

In my previous life, I didn't give in to their moral blackmail. I sneered and retorted.

"Is Grace's life worth more than mine? You know damn well I'm their number one target. They'd love nothing more than to tear me to shreds. If I go in there, I'm not coming out alive!"

But my resistance only made Nolan more irritated and disgusted.

"Have you forgotten the vow we made? To let doves of peace fly to every corner of the world, even if it costs us our lives."

"Lena, when I needed you most, you chose to back down. I'm so disappointed in you."

My childhood sweetheart, Kael, also scolded me:

"I know you're bitter towards Grace. You think she stole your life. But this is a critical moment - we can't afford your temper tantrums. These are orders from the organization. You must obey."

Even my birth parents called from back home to persuade me.

"It's all Mom and Dad's fault, not Grace's. We spoiled her since she was little. She's never known hardship like you have. Though you've had misunderstandings in the past, Grace has a soft heart. If you make the first move this time, I'm sure you'll become the closest of sisters!"

I ignored everyone's advice, coldly refusing.

Even when Nolan used threats and bribes, I struggled desperately, refusing to give in.

In the end, he knocked me unconscious and forcibly handed me over to the rebels.

After two days of torture, Kael arrived in the war zone with reinforcements.

But he didn't choose to save me right away. Instead, he said on the phone:

"Lena, the ransom they're demanding is way too steep. We can't afford to pay it right now. I'm sorry, but you'll have to hang in there for a couple more days."