The following week, I was scheduled to attend a high-profile naval gala at the Washington Navy Yard.

It was a formal event, filled with politicians, defense contractors, and high-ranking military officials.

I wore my full dress whites, the heavy gold braids and rows of ribbons weighing comfortably against my chest.

I was standing near the grand staircase, discussing naval fleet logistics with a Senator, when I heard a familiar, shrill voice.

"Excuse me! I am Admiral Hart's sister. Move out of my way!"

I closed my eyes for a fraction of a second, praying I was hallucinating.

I turned around to see Caroline arguing with two armed Marine guards at the ballroom entrance.

She was wearing a wildly inappropriate, sequined red dress, demanding entry into a highly secure, invitation-only military function.

"Ma'am, you are not on the cleared guest list," the Marine stated firmly, physically blocking her path.

"Do you know who I am?" Caroline screamed, stomping her foot like a toddler.

"My sister runs this entire place! She is an Admiral!"

I excused myself from the Senator and walked swiftly toward the entrance, my face a mask of cold fury.

"Stand down, Corporal," I instructed the guard.

The Marine immediately snapped to attention. "Yes, Admiral."

I grabbed Caroline by the arm, my grip tight like a vice, and pulled her out of the main hallway into a quiet side corridor.

"What in the world are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice low and lethal.

Caroline yanked her arm away, looking at me with pure, unadulterated entitlement.

"I needed to see you in person," Caroline said, crossing her arms.

"Nathan is completely ignoring my calls. He moved out of our apartment."

"You need to fix this, Evelyn. You need to order him to marry me."

I stared at her, genuinely astounded by her complete detachment from reality.

"You want me to issue a military order forcing a SEAL Commander to marry you?" I asked slowly.

"Yes!" Caroline insisted. "You are his boss! You ruined my life, so you have to fix it."

"He listens to you. If you tell him it was all a misunderstanding, he will come back."

"Caroline, the world does not revolve around your tantrums," I said harshly.

"Nathan is a grown man with a conscience. He saw your true character, and he walked away."

"That is the consequence of your own actions."

"You are just a bitter, jealous spinster!" Caroline shrieked, her voice echoing down the corridor.

"You are doing this on purpose because no man will ever want you!"

Suddenly, a deep, commanding voice cut through the air behind us.

"That is enough, Caroline."

We both turned to see Nathan standing at the end of the corridor.

He was wearing his dress blues, his chest covered in combat medals.

His face was carved out of stone, his eyes radiating absolute disgust as he looked at my sister.