Angelia hesitated for a moment before blurting out, ‘I think Callie is using you for personal gain. She’s manipulative, and she’s not good for you or this academy.’Elias’s jaw tensed, his eyes narrowing at the accusation. ‘What makes you say that?’‘She’s always seeking attention and trying to get ahead,’ Angelia continued, hoping to sow seeds of doubt in Elias’s mind. ‘I’ve seen her flirt with officers and use her charm to get what she wants.’Elias’s expression darkened.He knew Angelia and Callie had a strained relationship, but he never expected such a vicious attack on his new wife’s character.Emboldened by his silence, Angelia recounted the rumours she had heard from her cousin Abby about Callie’s past relationships.She mentioned Callie’s ex-boyfriend Simon and how she was still in contact with him even after he married Abby.‘I hear she’s also been involved with a lieutenant colonel before coming to the academy,’ Angelia added.‘Rumours are just rumours,’ Elias said coldly.
The cadets and staff alike were stunned by this unexpected display of affection between the Major General and the soft-spoken doctor.Elias turned to face the cadets, his voice booming with authority. ‘Everyone, this is Callista Hawthorn, who is now Mrs Westwood. We are officially husband and wife.’A collective gasp swept through the room as the news sank in.The soldiers had been curious about the relationship between Elias and Callie, but no one expected such a bold and public declaration.Elias’s confident announcement left no room for doubt.He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the young cadet who had been flirting with Callie earlier.A warning look from Elias was all it took to silence the young man, who quickly averted his eyes.Blushing under the attention, Callie couldn’t help but feel pleased by Elias’s declaration.He had taken matters into his own hands, making their marriage known in his usual decisive manner.It showed that he was proud of their relationship and h
‘Smuggling there has gotten out of control,’ Elias said. ‘And armed militias are fighting each other and the army for territory and survival.’‘Smuggling?’ Callie asked.An idea struck Elias. ‘Come. I’ll show you.’He logged onto his personal laptop and pulled up a declassified file.Callie peered over his shoulder. ‘What am I looking at?’Elias pointed to a map on the screen. ‘The southern border between Engalia and Kurtazagg. Each red dot represents an active drug trafficking operation. Yellow is for smuggling.’‘The map’s lit up like a Christmas tree!’‘Exactly.’‘I didn’t know there are so many drugs coming into the country.’‘Mostly heroin and methamphetamine. The traffickers have gotten smarter, using ingenious disguises and strategies to evade law enforcement efforts.’ He pointed to a green dot on the map. ‘And that’s the base where I’ll be deployed to.’Callie’s heart sank as she processed the gravity of the situation.She had heard about drug trafficking before, but to know t
‘Now, let’s make good use of those eight hours, shall we?’Elias carried Callie to the bed, their lips never parting.As he gently laid her down, their eyes locked, and the unspoken promise of their love filled the air.They made out with a passion that was both tender and intense.Their fingers traced each other’s curves, their hands exploring every inch of one another as they revelled in the intimacy of the moment.Their love for each other was evident in every touch, every kiss, every sigh that escaped their lips.The world around them faded into the background as they became lost in the depth of their emotions.As the hours passed, they made the best use of the time they had left.Their bodies entwined in a dance of love and desire, each moment treasured as if it were their last.Afterwards, Callie fell asleep, exhausted and sated.Elias gazed at her peaceful form for a long while.Then he rose quietly from the bed and went into the small living room.He sat down at the desk, took
‘I don’t understand,’ Angelia whispered to herself, her voice trembling with hurt and confusion. ‘Why wouldn’t he pick me? I’m a more experienced doctor than Callie, taller, prettier, richer, and I can understand a man’s needs better than she ever could.’She wiped away her tears angrily, unable to comprehend why Elias had chosen Callie over her.She had started developing feelings for Elias since the moment she saw him.His confidence and charisma had drawn her in like a moth to a flame.Deep down, Angelia knew that her feelings for Elias were not entirely genuine.It was not just about love; it was also about winning, about proving that she could have any man she wanted.***The helicopter’s rotors slowly came to a halt as the aircraft touched down on the helipad behind Valour Ridge Military Academy.Simon, wearing a long overcoat and a five-o’clock shadow, stepped off the helicopter with the help of a soldier.His face was still pale from the bumpy ride, and he felt weak-kneed afte
Angelia pulled up the jeep outside the health centre.Simon got out after her, looking somewhat tired after their long journey.They went into the pharmacy, where Angelia once again supervised the cadets unloading the medical supplies from the truck into the pharmacy.After ensuring everything was in order, she signed for the receipt before locking the door.She saw Simon glancing around, clearly eager to find someone.‘I’ll give you a tour of the place once you are settled in,’ Angelia offered. ‘Who are you looking for?’Simon looked at her with a rueful smile. ‘The other Dr Hawthorne—Callie.’Angelia’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her emotions. ‘I didn’t know you two were acquainted.’‘Callie’s my… girlfriend,’ Simon explained. ‘I haven’t seen her since she came to the academy.’‘I see,’ Angelia replied, trying to sound nonchalant.Deep down, though, she sneered at the situation.Simon was still married to Abby, and their divorce wasn’t even final yet.Yet here Simon
That night, Callie wrapped a thick blanket around her, trying to ward off the cold as an autumn wind blew through the open window.Elias had given her the keys to his dormitory, but the bed there felt emptier than ever without his warm embrace, and she missed him like crazy.Callie said a silent prayer, hoping for his safety and safe return.Tossing and turning, she heard footsteps approaching, signalling Angelia’s return.The three of them—Wendy, Callie, and Angelia—still shared a room, but ever since the news of Callie and Elias’s marriage became public, Angelia had barely spoken a word to Callie outside of work.Callie let out a heavy sigh, feeling both a sense of relief and frustration.On one hand, she was glad that, at least at work, Angelia remained as professional as ever.As the only two surgeons at the health centre, Callie knew the importance of maintaining a good working relationship.But on the other hand, the tension between them was palpable, and it was becoming increas
Callie’s eyes narrowed, and she didn’t hide her displeasure. ‘I don’t see why that should matter,’ she replied icily. ‘Our past is exactly that—past.’Wendy glanced back and forth between Callie and Simon, sensing the tension in the air.Simon looked taken aback by Callie’s cold demeanour, but he still tried to salvage the situation. ‘I just thought we could catch up, you know? It’s been a while.’‘We have nothing to catch up on,’ Callie retorted sharply. ‘I have moved on, and so should you.’Wendy cleared her throat, trying to ease the tension. ‘Simon, it’s good to see you again, but this is a military medical facility, not a social gathering,’ she said pointedly. ‘We’re here to work.’Simon seemed flustered, not expecting such a chilly reception. ‘I-I understand,’ he stammered. ‘I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.’Callie’s resolve hardened. ‘Just focus on your task and leave. There’s nothing for you here.’Simon’s words hung heavy in the air as he pleaded with Callie. ‘I know I’ve