‘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
When Callie was finally discharged, Simon gathered the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend, and she said yes without hesitation.Their relationship blossomed, and they shared moments of joy and laughter, growing closer with each passing day.But as time went on, the pressure of Simon’s ambitions had driven a wedge between them.He had pursued Abby, the director’s daughter, for the sake of his career, leaving Callie heartbroken.She couldn’t understand how someone could change so drastically in such a short time.The caring and compassionate doctor she had known had become someone else entirely, driven by ambition and willing to betray her in the process.As the memories flooded back, Callie couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger and hurt.But she had moved on from that Chapter in her life, and she wasn’t about to let Simon’s reappearance disrupt her newfound strength and independence.Wendy noticed the storm of emotions crossing Callie’s face and placed a comforting hand on her s
Callie shook her head, incredulous at Simon’s persistence.‘You are delusional. Get over yourself,’ she said firmly, attempting to dismiss his absurd claims.‘Come on, Callie, you can’t deny that you still have feelings for me. I can see it in your eyes.’ Simon tried to grab her arm.‘I don’t!’ Callie shot back, her tone unwavering. ‘I’m in love with Elias, and I’m committed to him.’Simon’s frustration grew, and he resorted to insulting Elias. ‘Elias is just a military man with a big ego. He’s not good enough for you,’ he sneered.‘How dare you!’ Callie’s voice rose with indignation. ‘Elias is twice the man you could ever hope to be. He’s brave, honourable, and he respects me. Unlike you, he’s never betrayed my trust.’‘But we were so happy together!’Undeterred, Simon tried to kiss Callie, but she pushed him away and delivered a resounding slap across his cheek.‘I told you to stop!’ she yelled, tears welling up in her eyes. ‘I won’t let you disrespect me or my husband.’She pushed
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