‘I don’t owe Callie anything,’ Abby retorted defiantly. ‘She only intervened to show off and prove herself better than me. I won’t thank her for that.’
Stuart’s frustration deepened, his face reddening with anger. ‘Abby, this is not about your personal vendettas or petty rivalries. This is about patient care and professionalism. You must learn to put your ego aside and acknowledge the assistance you receive, regardless of who it comes from.’
Simon, a suave and ambitious surgeon who always had a smooth answer ready, stepped forward to defend his fiancée. ‘Mr Colman, it’s Abby’s first year as a surgical resident. Mistakes happen, especially in high-pressure situations. She was only trying to help. I can assure you that she has learned her lesson.’
Stuart glanced at Simon, his expression softened slightly. ‘Simon, as Abby’s future husband, I expect you to take good care of her at work. Ensure that she learns from this incident and improves her practice. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.’
Simon nodded earnestly. ‘You have my word, Mr Colman. Abby’s growth as a doctor is important to me, and I’ll do everything in my power to guide her.’
Stuart sighed, a mix of concern and resignation evident in his voice. ‘Abby, I hope you understand the seriousness of your mistake. Your future as a doctor rests on your ability to learn from it. Do not disappoint me.’
Abby, chastened by her father’s words, nodded solemnly.
Stuart had always been sceptical of Simon and Callie’s past relationship, but now, as he watched Simon passionately defend Abby, he felt a sense of relief wash over him.
‘Simon, I must say, your loyalty to Abby is commendable,’ Stuart said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ‘I have no doubt that you will take excellent care of her. And if you continue to perform well, the future here at Rosedale Hospital looks bright for you.’
Simon’s eyes sparkled behind his stylish gold-rimmed glasses as he soaked in Stuart’s words.
This was the moment he had been waiting for.
The position of director was within reach, and marrying Abby would provide him with the fastest path to the top.
He knew he had to play his cards right.
‘Thank you, Mr Colman,’ Simon replied, his voice dripping with calculated charm. ‘I assure you, I’ll give my utmost dedication both as a doctor and as Abby’s husband. Rosedale Hospital has been my home, and I’m determined to contribute to its success.’
Abby, her cheeks flushed with happiness, intertwined her fingers with Simon’s, relishing in her father’s approval.
She had always been daddy’s little princess, and this validation meant the world to her.
Stuart leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between Abby and Simon.
His mind danced with thoughts of the future, his cunning and self-serving nature beginning to take shape.
He had long contemplated retirement and leaving his prestigious position as director in capable hands.
Now, with Simon’s ambition aligning with his own desires, he saw a golden opportunity.
‘You know, Simon, I’ve been considering my future here at Rosedale,’ Stuart mused, tapping his fingers on the desk. ‘When the time comes for me to step down, I believe you have what it takes to lead this institution. I’m confident that you can continue the legacy I’ve built.’
Simon’s eyes widened with excitement, though he tried to maintain a composed facade.
He had always yearned for power and recognition, and the prospect of becoming the director of Rosedale Hospital was a dream come true.
He nodded eagerly, his mind already plotting his ascent to the top.
‘Mr Colman, your faith in me means the world,’ Simon replied, his voice oozing with sincerity. ‘I won’t let you down. I’ll ensure that Rosedale Hospital thrives under my leadership and that Abby’s happiness remains my top priority.’
Abby’s heart swelled with pride, her love for Simon blinding her to the ulterior motives that swirled beneath the surface.
She had always admired his ambition and determination, believing that he would always put her first.
Stuart returned Abby’s smile, a glimmer of satisfaction dancing in his eyes.
His plan was falling into place, and the future looked promising.
***
Callie took a deep breath as she entered the café, her heart pounding with anticipation.
This blind date, set up by her friend Lily, had her feeling a mixture of reluctance and nerves.
She glanced at her watch and realised she was running late, leaving her no time to freshen up after her long day at the hospital.
She hoped her casual attire wouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Scanning the room, Callie’s eyes landed on a man sitting in a corner booth.
He matched the photo Lily had sent her earlier—a gentleman with dark, tousled hair and a sharp jawline.
She approached the booth and offered a warm smile.
‘Hi, I’m Callie,’ she greeted, extending her hand.
The man made a noncommittal sound, not bothering to look up from his laptop screen.
Callie’s surprise flickered across her face, but she quickly composed herself.
She took a seat across from him, deciding to wait patiently for his attention.
Ordering an iced coffee, Callie tried to ease her nerves by savouring the cool beverage.
The café buzzed with conversation around them, but the man remained engrossed in his work.
It wasn’t until Callie was nearing the end of her drink that he finally closed his laptop, breaking the silence.
‘Sorry about that. I tend to get carried away when I’m working,’ he offered a perfunctory apology, his eyes meeting Callie’s briefly.
She sensed the insincerity in his tone but decided not to dwell on it.
Instead, she maintained her polite demeanour, brushing it off with a smile. ‘No worries. We all have our moments. I hope you’re not too swamped with work now.’
The man, Joshua Faulkner, introduced himself and wasted no time in getting to the point. ‘As your friend may have told you, I am the legal counsel for several multinational corporations. In our line of work, “Time is money” is more than just a saying. I hope you don’t mind if we skip the pleasantries.’
‘As a doctor, I can appreciate that sentiment,’ Callie said.
‘Good, let’s not beat around the bush,’ Joshua said, leaning back in his seat. ‘I’m not just looking for a casual fling. I want a wife. So, I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few questions to see if you fit the bill.’
Callie’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise, but she maintained her composure.She appreciated Joshua’s straightforwardness, even if his approach seemed a bit cold.She nodded, indicating her willingness to participate.‘How much do you earn per month?’ Joshua asked.‘Well, as a fifth-year surgical resident, I make around five to six thousand dollars a month.’‘Not bad. Now, what about your parents? What do they do for a living?’‘Actually, I don't have parents. I grew up as an orphan.’Joshua scowled. ‘I see. Moving on, do you own any property or are you living in a rental?’‘I currently live in a rented one-bedroom apartment.’‘Fair enough. Last question, are you currently in debt?’‘Well, I do have a student loan of about two hundred fifty thousand dollars.’ Callie shrugged. ‘Medical school loans, you know how it is.’Joshua stood up abruptly and started packing up his belongings. ‘Well, this has been a complete waste of my time. You should know better than to lead people on, Miss Hawth
Despite her tough exterior, Callie was still hurting from the breakup.She had poured her heart and soul into the relationship, only to be betrayed by Simon for the sake of his career.Simon’s face contorted with pain, his voice filled with anguish. ‘Please, Callie, give me another chance. Let me prove to you that we belong together.’He grasped Callie’s wrist, pleading with her. ‘I know you still have feelings for me. I remember the promises I made, that I’d take care of you for the rest of my life. I haven’t forgotten.’Callie’s eyes narrowed, disbelief written across her face.She said mockingly, ‘Take care of me? Really, Simon? With your empty promises and broken trust?’Simon’s voice quivered as he tried to explain himself. ‘You don’t understand, Callie. I’m just a surgeon from an ordinary family. I can’t give you the luxurious lifestyle you deserve. That’s why I had to marry Abby. But it’s only temporary, I promise. Once I have everything I want—the hospital directorship and wea
Abby, clad in her pristine white coat, finished her morning rounds and emerged into the bustling hospital hallway just in time to overhear Callie and Wendy’s conversation.A smug smirk danced across her lips as she savoured the opportunity to stir up trouble.She approached Callie, her voice dripping with false sympathy. ‘Oh, Dr Hawthorne, I heard about your article. Such a shame it got rejected. I thought it was top-notch.’Her tone was smooth and sugary, but her words rang hollow.Callie remained silent, refusing to take the bait set by her ex-boyfriend’s conniving fiancée.Abby continued, unfazed, ‘Maybe it just wasn’t good enough, Callie. It’s too bad. Such a rejection might even hinder your chances of getting your full-time position at the hospital approved.’Callie’s composure remained unshaken. ‘Thank you for your concern, Abby. But as a fifth-year surgical resident, I have offers from other hospitals. Staying at Rosedale isn’t my only option. Besides, you should be more concer
Callie bit her lower lip, her thoughts racing as she tried to gather her thoughts.The demands of her gruelling schedule as a surgical resident had left her with little time for personal matters, and she had honestly forgotten about Elias’s proposal.She looked up at him, uncertainty in her eyes.‘I... I’m sorry, Lieutenant Colonel Westwood, I—’‘Just call me Elias.’‘All right. Um, Elias, the past few days have been a blur. I completely forgot about your, um, your proposal.’ She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the decision pressing upon her.Before she could utter another word, her phone buzzed in the pocket of her pristine white lab coat.The caller ID flashed ‘Abby Colman.’Confusion washed over Callie’s face—why would Simon’s new girlfriend be calling her?The two women certainly weren’t friends, given the tension that had lingered since the end of Callie’s relationship with Simon.Curiosity gnawed at her, and she stepped away from Elias, answering the call. ‘Hello, A
Callie’s voice trembled as she demanded to know if he had been eavesdropping on her phone call with Abby.Elias’s gaze never wavered as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. ‘There were only the two of us up here on the roof, bunny. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. It wasn’t intentional eavesdropping.’His words held a mix of apology and understanding.Humiliation washed over Callie, her vulnerability exposed before this man she barely knew.Her voice broke as she sobbed. ‘Why? Why is she doing this to me? I don’t understand. All I want is to focus on my work as a doctor, to make a difference in people’s lives. Why is Abby persisting in tormenting me?’Elias’s strong presence remained unwavering as he leaned down, his voice a whisper against her ear. ‘Callie, be my woman. Marry me.’His words held a promise of protection, a vow to shield her from any harm that might come her way.He spoke with conviction, his voice tinged with the authority of a soldier accustomed to g
‘I... I didn’t...’ Simon stammered, his voice filled with desperation as he tried to salvage his delusion. ‘I know... deep down, you still have feelings for me. Your indifference only hides the space you’ve kept for me in your heart.’Callie’s patience wore thin as she listened to Simon’s feeble attempts to hold onto a love that no longer existed.She mustered her strength and shot back, ‘Simon, there is no space in my heart for you. You need to understand that and move on.’Desperation tinged Simon’s voice as he persisted, his words slurred and laden with false promises. ‘I want... I want to tell you not to come to my wedding. I’m afraid you’ll be hurt. Don’t worry, once I have everything, I’ll divorce Abby. I’ll choose you over her.’Callie clenched her teeth, her frustration boiling within her.She glanced up to meet Elias’s gaze, expecting to see a hint of disdain or triumph.However, to her surprise, his eyes held a clear, unwavering gaze.‘Give me the phone,’ Elias said, his voi
‘All right,’ Callie agreed, slipping off her white coat and making her way downstairs with Elias.Elias was in civilian clothes, his jacket devoid of any intricate design, yet the man exuded a charm that captivated those around him.His face remained impassive, and his dark eyes resembled the depths of a bewitching night, luring people into their enchanting gaze.As Callie and Elias stepped out of the lift, their mere presence drew the attention of the entire room, with most of the eyes falling on Elias.It wasn’t because Callie lacked in beauty, but Elias possessed a natural magnetism that compelled all eyes to gravitate towards him.Feeling overshadowed by his dazzling allure, Callie instinctively created a distance between them.She attempted to do so discreetly, but as a perceptive soldier, Elias caught onto her actions.Amidst the scrutinizing gazes of onlookers, he took the initiative and gently clasped Callie’s hand.Her hand, petite and delicate, was effortlessly enveloped by
The deafening sound of her own heartbeat made Callie wonder if Elias could hear it too.‘Are you mad?’ he asked.Rolling her eyes, Callie snorted. ‘Mad at you? Please, don’t flatter yourself.’‘All right, let’s go then.’ Elias stepped down on the gas pedal.The Pagani roared to life, then sped out of the parking lot.Under the night sky, Callie glanced at Elias by her side and couldn’t help but feel a whirlwind of emotions.Marrying a man she had only known for a few days—a soldier, no less—was beyond surreal.And on top of that, he was wealthy.It felt like she had stepped into a dream, a beautiful but unreal fantasy.Elias, observing Callie’s gaze, had the urge to flick her forehead. ‘Why are you looking at me like that? Having second thoughts? Bunny, let me make it clear: you’ve already made a promise, so there’s no turning back.’Callie shook her head, a playful smile curling her lips. ‘I wasn’t thinking about that. And who said I didn’t want to marry you? No matter how you look a
Callie, weakened but resilient, looked up as Elias entered the ward.A soft smile played on her lips despite the pain that lingered in her eyes. ‘I was wondering where you disappeared off to.’Elias took a moment to absorb the sight of her, the woman he loved, fighting her way back to health.The bandages on her abdomen marked the physical toll of the recent events, but the warmth in her eyes brought a sense of calm to Elias’s troubled soul.‘Hey, Bunny,’ Elias greeted, his smile genuine as he approached her bedside.He gently took her hand, mindful of her injuries. ‘How are you feeling?’Callie’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. ‘Getting there. The doctors say I’ll make a full recovery with time.’Elias nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of recent events. ‘There’s something I need to tell you.’As Elias shared the shocking truth about General Conway’s betrayal and the revelation about his parents’ deaths, Callie’s expression shifted from concern to disbelief and, ultimately, sorrow
Callie felt herself falling into his trap, struggling to maintain a hardened heart as his doting gaze softened her resolve.‘Callie, you’re my wife. We are supposed to share a bed,’ his voice, deep and intoxicating, whispered in her ear.He embraced her tightly, a possessive need evident in his hold.‘Callie, I want you to love me like before. I lied to protect you. But now I realise I was wrong. I promise, no more lies. Please, at least don’t ignore me. It breaks me...’ His eyes, full of affection, revealed vulnerability.Elias, usually so strong, trembled in his plea.His voice carried a hint of regret. ‘I messed up, and damn it, I know it. Are you willing to forgive me?’Callie sighed. ‘Elias, just promise not to pull something like this again.’‘I won’t hurt you with lies anymore,’ he vowed.‘No more lies, Elias. Not even one,’ she declared.‘I swear.’ To seal his promise, he planted kisses on her forehead, eyes, and nose, soothing her turmoil.Dylan’s knock shattered Elias’s plan
Callie drifted in and out of a dream-laden slumber, the ebb and flow of consciousness gently pulling her into the waking world.The enticing fragrance of chicken soup teased her senses, coaxing her from the depths of sleep.Elias had returned, a culinary saviour armed with a thermos of steaming chicken soup. ‘I used the mess hall kitchen to make this for you,’ he announced with a quiet pride.Drawing in a deep breath, Callie’s stomach couldn’t contain its eagerness, emitting a low growl that echoed through the room.‘Callie, tell me, what’s that sound?’ His question, though not a direct accusation, draped her in a blanket of embarrassment.‘Ahem!’ Callie, determined to maintain her composure, responded with a feigned nonchalance.‘I didn’t hear any sound,’ she declared, though the rumblings from her stomach suggested otherwise.She fought to suppress the impending growl, hoping Elias wouldn’t witness this audible betrayal.‘No sound?’ Elias’s raised brow and assertive tone exposed her
Elias’s eyes snapped open the moment he heard someone coughing.He sat bolt upright in the chair and turned towards Callie.Her eyes were open.‘Callie! You are awake!’In a haze, Callie recognised Elias’s voice.Struggling, she forced her eyes open, greeted by the familiar sight of a white ceiling—a hospital room.Elias’s hand held hers, his calloused palm brushing against her skin.‘Elias,’ she whispered weakly, her eyes glistening with tears.Her voice, frail, held a hint of disbelief. ‘Am I still dreaming?’The last she knew, Elias was in custody.The Elias before her now felt like a dream, and she doubted her reality.Elias, red-eyed and exhausted, held her hands tightly, reassuring her, ‘Bunny, what are you talking about? Of course I’m real.’Callie sighed. ‘Good…’Relieved, she closed her eyes, slipping back into sleep.‘Callie!’ Elias’s heart skipped a beat, fear gnawing at him.He rushed outside, calling for Jamison and the medical team. ‘Quick, take a look at her. She woke u
The puzzle of Mindy’s escape persisted, leaving Dylan in the dark, grappling with the mystery that allowed her to slip away undetected.A knock came on the door.‘Come in.’Dwight entered, settling gracefully into a chair opposite Dylan.He produced a pack of cigarettes, extending it toward Dylan.Dylan accepted it, extracting a cigarette, igniting it with a flick of his lighter, and indulging in the smoke that soon enveloped the room.Dwight, sensing Dylan’s foul mood, asked, ‘General Sheppard, not in the best spirits today?’Dylan retorted, ‘Aren’t you in the same boat?’A subtle smile played on Dwight’s lips as he selected a cigarette from the pack.His slender fingers expertly lit it, the room filling with the fragrance of tobacco and a haze of smoke.‘Any updates on Mindy?’‘Not yet,’ Dylan replied after a brief pause. ‘Which is a problem for you. That woman is more cunning than her father. I think she’s the one behind your assassination plot, not Carl. By the way, when do you pl
‘I planned everything single-handedly. This has nothing to do with my daughter Mindy,’ Carl pleaded. ‘I only had her run a few errands for me. She didn’t know what she was doing.’‘Do you think your excuse is convincing?’ Dwight retorted. ‘Mindy isn’t seven years old. She’s twenty-seven, an adult fully responsible for her own actions.’Dylan, acting on Dwight’s orders, directed his subordinates to arrest Mindy and release Elias.Carl, comprehending the depth of his miscalculations, lashed out at Dylan.He felt betrayed by the very person he trusted.‘Dylan, you ungrateful scoundrel! I trusted you so much, yet you did this to me! You even took advantage of my daughter. You are going to hell for this!’ Carl screamed, blaming Dylan for their downfall.Dylan was unfazed.Nothing Carl said mattered, not any more.Dylan exchanged a look with Dwight; there would be time to celebrate later.However, their joy was short-lived.About twenty minutes later, a soldier returned, reporting that they
Inga was supposed to be dead, but Dylan assured him that he’d killed her, even brought back her charred corpse.And the witness secured by Mindy couldn’t be Inga.Dylan must have made the switch.Carl was right to suspect him; his protégé had betrayed him.Carl glared resentfully at Dylan, at the culprit who crushed his dream of presidency.Dylan leaned against the wall, hands in pockets, unfazed.‘Dylan!’ Carl bellowed.The general seemed to have aged in a matter of minutes.Dylan gave him a mischievous smile. ‘Did I do something wrong, General Conway?’‘You—’ Carl yelled, ready to tear into Dylan for the betrayal.But glancing around the room, he halted.Others were present—Harriet, Dwight, and the three cabinet ministers.To reprimand Dylan would be akin to admitting to his own crimes.Fury painted his face as he contemplated his next move.Dwight glanced at Carl.The situation resembled a chess game, with Carl in the inferior position.He should sense his disadvantage, understandi
Carl waited in his office, too worked up to sit still.A knock on the door, and then Mindy entered. ‘Dad, it’s done. We have the witness and evidence. Everything will unfold just as you want.’Joy sparkled in Carl’s eyes, grateful for his daughter’s assistance. ‘Good, Mindy. Get Dylan here immediately. I want Elias’s trial to begin ASAP.’Mindy nodded, a wicked smile on her face, and left to find Dylan.She brought Natee along, with the woman’s face veiled to conceal her identity.Meeting Dylan, Mindy relayed Carl’s instructions.Dylan’s eyes lingered on her earlobes, adorned with the pink pearl earrings. ‘You did an excellent job. Your dad is right to be proud of you. I am, too.’Mindy shrugged. ‘It was easy.’Dylan shifted his focus to Natee. ‘Mindy, go get changed. I’ll handle your witness. We’ll gather everyone in half an hour.’‘Alright!’ Mindy nodded.***The Kurtazagg border weather was frigid, and the air threatened to freeze.Dwight, draped in a wool coat, moved towards the m
But Dylan’s eyes remained ice-cold as he swiftly secured the earrings onto her earlobes. ‘Done.’Standing on her tiptoes, Mindy gave him a quick kiss on the lips. ‘Thank you.’Dylan didn’t reciprocate the kiss.He just looked at her with a smile, concealing the disgust he felt.Duty called, and Dylan left the dorm shortly after.Usually, Mindy would have been disappointed.But tonight, she had other plans—meeting the leader of Kurtazagg’s largest militant group and collecting the evidence framing Elias.Once the trial was over, Elias’s fate would be sealed, and her father would be one step closer to the presidency.Mindy shed her luxurious coat for a sleek black suit and donned a plain black mask.She examined her reflection in the mirror and noticed that the pink pearl earrings seemed a bit conspicuous.About to take them off, she remembered Dylan’s words and kept them on.These were Dylan’s gifts, and she’d wear them always.Ready, she stepped out of the dorm and found two men in bl