Elias felt the weight of his responsibility lift slightly, especially after confirming there were no fatalities on their side, then it was replaced by a sense of pride in the men and women who had followed his lead into the heart of danger.But he also knew that the mastermind behind it all—Kee Ting—might still elude them, and the battle against the cartels would continue.Elias checked his watch.It was twelve-fifteen pm.Callie would be taking her lunch break right about now, he thought with a smile.Walking back to his tent, he reached for his phone.***Callie wiped away her tears and got up from the bench, ready to head back into work.She couldn’t and wouldn’t let Simon get to her.She paused when her phone started buzzing in the pocket of her white lab coat.She fumbled to answer, her voice hoarse from crying. ‘Hello?’There was a pause on the other end, followed by a deep sigh.Callie sniffed, her heart skipping a beat as she recognised the voice.‘Elias?’ she whispered, her v
Back in his office, Simon’s eyes fell on a small phial resting on his desk.He glanced around, his heart racing, and saw no one else in the room.The phial contained no label.The liquid inside was colourless and odourless, though Simon had an inkling of what it was.Who put it here?His suspicions immediately fell on Angelia; he could almost picture her sly smile as she left the provocative concoction for him to find.Simon’s fingers hovered over the phial, his internal struggle evident.Should he use it?He thought of the three years he had spent with Callie – the shared laughter, the whispered confidences, and the promises they had once made.And now, she had moved on so swiftly, marrying someone else without a second thought.A dangerous idea slowly crawled its way into his brain as he looked at the phial again.If he could persuade Callie to share a moment of passion, she might reconsider their relationship.The plan could backfire; Callie could end up hating him even more.But S
Simon’s gaze flickered with something akin to desperation. ‘Callie, you don’t understand. I didn’t realise I never loved Abby. I thought I did, but I was wrong. I love you, and I’m willing to leave all of that behind for you. Doesn’t that prove how much you mean to me?’Callie’s lips curled into a sneer, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and disbelief. ‘Give it a rest, Simon. Drop the act. You probably want to divorce Abby because you can’t stand her anymore. But guess what? I’m not falling for your empty words again.’Simon’s facade crumbled, his shoulders slumping in defeat. ‘Callie, please...’‘No, Simon,’ Callie said, her voice firm. ‘I deserve someone who loves me for who I am, not for the gifts they can get from me or the lifestyle I can provide. Our Chapter is over, and it’s time for you to move on.’She stopped to face him. ‘If that’s all you wanted to talk about, then I think we are done here. Goodbye.’Then she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Simon standin
To keep her mind off Elias and the constant worries, Callie threw herself into work.Days blurred into nights as she honed her surgical skills, and, when she had the time, she learned about battlefield first aid from the experienced nurse Craig.Given his position as a major general, Elias was likely to be deployed to yet another active battlefield after he returned from his present mission.When that came, Callie didn’t want to just wait around for him; she wanted to join him.And Craig, a seasoned and battle-hardened nurse, whose weathered face bore witness to countless trials, was the best teacher she could find in the military academy.With a steady yet gentle voice, Craig began his teachings, each word carrying the weight of countless lives he had touched. ‘Now, Dr Hawthorne, out there, you won’t have all the fancy equipment and medications you’re used to. It’s your wits, your hands, and what basic supplies we can muster. But make no mistake, they’re often enough to make all the
The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows that danced at their feet.As the clock neared seven, the brief autumn daytime was already giving way to night.Callie’s thoughts turned to Elias, her heart aching for the sound of his voice, for the reassurance only he could provide.She longed to escape this walk down memory lane, to return to the present where her heart truly belonged.As Simon’s stories continued to flow, Callie stole a glance at her watch, her expression growing more distant.She was ready for this farewell to come to an end, for the memories to fade into the night.Simon continued as if oblivious to Callie’s lack of response. ‘You know, Callie, despite my short time here, I’ve come to appreciate the sacrifices soldiers make. The dedication they have to their training and their duty, it’s quite remarkable.’Callie nodded, her guard easing slightly. ‘It’s true. The academy is a place of discipline and commitment. It’s where future leaders are forge
Simon’s expression feigned innocence. ‘Nothing. I’m just taking you to the health centre.’Callie’s body swayed unsteadily, and she weakly tried to push Simon away.His arm around her waist held her firmly, his grip unyielding.As they stumbled forward, two cadets on patrol duty recognised Callie.They approached cautiously, concern etched on their faces. ‘Dr Hawthorne, is everything okay?’Simon spoke smoothly, his voice dripping with faux concern, ‘She’s not feeling well. I think maybe she’s running a fever, and I’m taking her to the health centre to have her temperature taken.’One of the cadets offered assistance. ‘Do you need a hand?’Simon’s dismissive tone cut through the night air. ‘No, I can take care of her. I’m a doctor, after all. You have your duties.’The cadets exchanged glances before continuing their patrol, leaving Callie and Simon alone again.Callie’s face was flushed, her eyes unfocused, and she clung to Simon for support.She didn’t realise her movements were gro
The guards, recognising both the vehicle and the prestigious passenger, saluted them.Elias acknowledged the salute with a nod of his head, a gesture of camaraderie shared by those who understood the sacrifices of service.The jeep pulled forward, and Lemuel turned to Elias with a yawn, his weariness palpable. ‘Sir, to your dormitory? I could use a hot shower and eighteen hours of sleep.’Elias’s gaze flickered to his watch before he shook his head. ‘No, drive me to… the medical personnel’s dorm building.’Lemuel complied, steering the jeep toward the three-story concrete structure.Elias was about to bound up the stairs when a familiar figure emerged from the building.Wendy, her face lighting up with surprise and delight, hurried towards them.‘Major General Westwood!’ Wendy’s voice held a mixture of respect and warmth. ‘You’re back, and Callie will be over the moon to see you.’Elias managed a tired smile. ‘Thanks, Wendy. Can you get Callie for me?’Wendy’s expression shifted to co
Tears streamed down Callie’s cheeks as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘Yeah, I…I think so.’The room transformed from a prison cell into a battleground, tension so thick you could slice it with a knife.Elias’s eyes blazed with an intensity that could melt steel as he faced off against Simon, his fists clenched at his sides.Simon got up.His pride wouldn’t allow him to show fear, yet, his smug grin faltered for a split second as he saw the fury in Elias’s gaze.But he quickly recovered, his arrogance still on full display. ‘You are too late. She’s mine now. She was mine before you ever showed up, Major General. And she’ll be mine again.’Elias’s restraint snapped like a rubber band stretched to its limit.With a guttural roar, he lunged forward, his fist connecting with Simon’s jaw in a satisfying thud.The force of the blow sent Simon stumbling back, crashing into a table that toppled over with a clatter.The walls seemed to vibrate with the impact.Simon’s attempt to