Introduction

Dying, physically and emotionally bankrupt, I watched my wife, a celebrated Air Force Major, accept an award. Decades sacrificed for her career and our daughter, Lily, had cost me everything.

Katherine praised her unit's psychologist, Dr. Vance, as her "confidant," utterly ignoring me. Then Lily's chilling bedside whisper: "Mom and Dr. Vance are so good together. Maybe let go. So Mom can finally be happy with him." My heart gave out. Darkness.

I jolted awake, young and healthy, reborn 20 years earlier in 1993. A second chance! Yet the betrayal replayed. Katherine planned her Greenland deployment with Vance. Soon, Lily, barely six, clung to Vance, asking, "Can Dr. Vance be my new dad?" My world crumbled.

The betrayals escalated. At school, Lily publicly introduced Vance as her "Dad." The ultimate blow: after Lily fell (due to Vance's neglect), she lied. "It was Dad's fault! Dr. Vance saved me!" Katherine raged, "You did this on purpose! You're a failure!" This was a cold, calculated erasure.

My past agony solidified my resolve. "Fine," I stated, emotionless, "Let Dr. Vance be her father then." I walked straight to the courthouse and filed for divorce. The doormat they knew was gone. The man who dreamed of piloting jets was finally flying. This time, I'd reclaim *my* life.