Elias spoke, his voice husky. ‘You can’t come on the mission this time.’Callie nodded. ‘I know, and I won’t pester you to change your mind. Just promise me one thing, Elias. Promise that you’ll return safely. I don’t want you getting hurt.’Elias held Callie’s hand, his gaze tender. ‘Your concern means the world to me. I’ll come back just the way I am now.’Callie blinked back tears.She had a strange feeling, a premonition of danger.Elias kissed her gently, appreciating her gentle and loving nature.She was unlike anyone else he’d known, a hidden gem radiating warmth.When Callie loved someone, they became her whole world, and Elias cherished that about her.‘Why are you crying? I’ll be fine, just like now.’Callie tried to deny her tears. ‘I’m not crying.’Elias chuckled. ‘You’re being stubborn again.’‘I’m not crying, and I’m not stubborn.’ Callie’s eyes welled up, but she fought back the tears that threatened to fall.Elias spoke firmly, ‘I’ll make sure to come back safely, just
Jamison gave Callie some glucose water.After a while, Callie groggily opened her eyes, her vision hazy.She saw Jamison’s concerned face.‘Where am I?’ Callie mumbled. ‘Dr Garcia, what are you doing here?’Jamison propped up a pillow for her. ‘You fainted. Don’t you remember?’‘I... fainted...Did I?’ Callie rubbed her temples. ‘I saw Angelia leaving the infirmary, and I wanted to follow, but then my head spun...’She had no recollection of what happened next.‘Angelia?’ Jamison’s brow furrowed. ‘She’s supposed to be resting in her dormitory early for tomorrow’s mission. When you fainted, an old man saw you and got the soldiers to bring you here. He said he found you alone and unconscious in the snow.’Hearing Jamison’s words, doubt crept into Callie’s mind.Had her eyes deceived her?Callie rubbed her eyes in disbelief, struggling to accept that her eyes could have played tricks on her.Yet, she couldn’t deny Jamison’s account.‘Did my eyes deceive me?’ Callie pondered aloud.But as
Callie’s body stiffened, and her doe eyes showed surprise.She hastily took a step back, trying to avoid his touch.‘Callie, don’t pull away,’ Jamison implored.‘Dr Garcia, this is inappropriate.’As Callie and Jamison were at a distance from the others, Wendy, Angelia, and the rest could only observe their actions without hearing their words.But Jamison’s behaviour and the affection in his eyes were unmistakable.Traci quipped, ‘Isn’t Dr Hawthorne...the major general’s wife?’Wendy had sensed Jamison’s infatuation for Callie long ago.She knew that Callie didn’t reciprocate his feelings and shrugged. ‘She is the general’s wife, but she’s also Jamison’s friend. Him touching her hair doesn’t mean anything.’‘That’s true,’ Traci agreed.After all, Jamison hadn’t made any further advances beyond touching Callie’s hair.However, Angelia had a different perspective.Jamison knew that Callie was Elias’s woman, and Callie didn’t care for him romantically, yet he openly displayed his feeling
‘I can’t let you take that risk,’ Elias stated firmly, each word weighted with concern. ‘I can’t bear the thought of losing you, Callie. I can’t, and I won’t even entertain that possibility. Do you understand? You don’t comprehend...’Callie’s eyes sparkled with determination.‘I don’t understand?’ She shook her head. ‘No, you are the one who doesn’t understand. Wendy had to go, and Lemuel didn’t stop her. I refuse to believe he doesn’t love Wendy or that he can bear the thought of losing her.’Elias felt the tension in his body increase.‘Everyone’s in the same boat,’ Callie continued, her tone resolute. ‘I can’t be an exception just because I’m your wife. I’m a doctor, and when I chose to come to the border, I accepted the responsibilities that come with it. I can’t choose to escape when it’s my duty.’Elias gazed at his wife, her face slightly pale with fatigue.Her fragrance enveloped him, and he found himself surprisingly receptive to her argument.‘Callie,’ Elias admitted with a
An enigmatic smile played at the corners of Inga’s lips as she smoothly zipped up her leather coat.‘Elias, I’d love to see just how important his woman is to you,’ she quipped, her voice holding a hint of challenge.For the one truly willing to wage a desperate battle on the brink of life and death, he couldn’t afford to stop and consider the consequences.Those who gambled too much on victory often ended up losing.Survival here demanded ignoring all else, even love and affection.They were mere distractions in the heat of battle.To Inga, Callie was such a distraction for Elias—she was Elias’s Achilles heel.***The biting cold sent visible puffs of white mist into the air with every exhale.Gunshots rang out, causing Callie’s already fair complexion to turn ghostly pale.She tried to reassure herself, telling herself that Elias was an indomitable force, the true War Machine in everyone’s eyes.This mission to rescue border hostages should be a routine task for him, nothing to worr
Dust filled the air, and the ground was littered with rubble and dilapidated buildings.Bloodied bodies lay scattered on the ground.Jamison gave a stern instruction, ‘Prioritise our soldiers. Distinguish them from the enemy. We’re here to treat our own, not the enemy.’It was a difficult choice for those who rarely saw combat.The wounded enemies pleading for help tugged at their compassion.But they knew that saving an enemy could lead to betrayal, with the wounded turning into threats.Jamison’s gaze fell on Callie, emphasising the importance of his words. ‘Let’s get to work.’Jamison led Traci and two soldiers, while Callie, Angelia, Wendy, and two other soldiers set out to find and treat the wounded.Angelia trailed Callie but appeared distracted, constantly scanning their surroundings.She knew this rescue mission was a ruse, and the enemy’s target was Callie.Unable to harm Callie directly, Angelia aimed to add chaos to her life and see her suffer.‘This way,’ someone called ou
Elias maintained his patience, avoiding any actions that could distress Rosalie.He couldn’t discern the connection between the deceased man and her, but he was certain Rosalie knew the man.Then, a glint of cold steel caught Elias’s attention.Before anyone else reacted, he had already noticed it.He took a step back, but Rosalie’s movements were swift, and she managed to graze Elias’s palm with the dagger, drawing blood.The injury was minor for Elias, but Rosalie’s actions seemed irrational.She clutched the dagger and wildly attacked Elias.Elias was caught off guard, and he was injured before he could react.It was unexpected that Rosalie would repay his kindness with an attack.Rosalie attempted another strike, but Lemuel acted swiftly, kicking the dagger from her hand.Overwhelmed, Rosalie fell to the ground, tears streaming down her face.‘Sir, are you okay?’ Lemuel asked anxiously.Elias inspected his injured palm with indifference. ‘I’m fine.’Lemuel raised his voice and unl
‘A woman! She’s not even a regular soldier, and she thought she could fight back with a mere trick,’ Tovar chuckled. ‘Either she’s overconfident or too naive.’When Callie saw Wendy collapse to the ground, she tried to rouse her. ‘Wendy, Wendy, can you hear me?’Wendy’s recklessness could be understood, given the circumstances they faced.They couldn’t continue to flee.Without putting up a fight, their fates remained uncertain.The bearded man had dealt Wendy a heavy blow, causing her to faint.Despite Callie’s attempts to awaken her, Wendy remained unconscious.Angelina observed the situation, her heart in turmoil.Her gaze focused on Callie, who was squatting beside Wendy.In an impulsive moment, Angelina bit her lip, stole up behind Callie, and used the gun to strike the back of Callie’s head with all her might.Callie experienced a sharp, debilitating pain at the back of her head and began to turn around, only to black out and lose consciousness.After this act, Angelia collapsed
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