Lemuel quickly intervened, holding Wendy back from behind.He lowered his voice and urged, ‘Wendy, what are you doing? Calm down!’‘Calm down?’ Wendy gritted her teeth. ‘How can I calm down in this situation? How can I, when they’re behaving like that?’Lemuel furrowed his brow. ‘Don’t act impulsively. It could be a misunderstanding.’‘Misunderstanding?’ Wendy’s eyes reddened. ‘What misunderstanding? I heard what they said. General Westwood? Ugh! He’s regretting marrying Callie and pining for Harriet again? What is Callie to him? How can he say such a thing?’Wendy had spent plenty of time with Callie, especially since they’d been transferred to Valour Ridge Military Academy from Rosedale Hospital.She’d witnessed how Callie had fallen in love with Elias.And now, Elias was regretting it and seemingly wanted to be with Harriet once more.What would happen to Callie?Lemuel clenched his teeth, hearing Elias’s words, and couldn’t help feeling a trace of anger.As a soldier, he deeply ad
Stepping back, Wendy hesitated, afraid that her words would shatter Callie’s heart into pieces.‘Wendy, what’s wrong?’ Callie asked, puzzled. ‘It seems like you’re hiding something from me.’‘That’s not true!’ Wendy denied, almost instinctively. ‘Why would I hide anything from you? I just had trouble sleeping last night, so I’m tired. You’re overthinking things. What could I possibly hide from you?’Callie didn’t press further, and seeing Wendy return to her usual carefree self, she let the matter go.Wendy continued eating her toast, taking bites as if she were trying to devour the very essence of Elias, the traitor.Callie, on the other hand, had lost her appetite, merely pushing her food around on her plate.As the saying goes, one’s fears have a way of becoming reality.Wendy’s greatest fear was that Callie and Elias would meet face to face.And just as they were finishing their meal, Elias and Lemuel entered the canteen for breakfast.On the base, it was common knowledge that the
Callie had seen Elias and Harriet standing together, laughing and talking as if they were a perfect match.It was as if they were advertising a picture-perfect couple in their military uniforms.However, when Callie appeared, Elias barely acknowledged her.If she hadn’t wished him goodnight before leaving, he might not have responded at all.She now realized that Elias and Harriet’s interaction wasn’t just about official business.And worse, he regretted marrying her.Callie was torn apart, unable to find the right words to express her pain.Though her marriage to Elias had been hasty, she had never regretted it.She believed she had found the right person, and their time together had brought her happiness.But now, her happiness seemed to have vanished overnight.Her heartache was palpable as she sat in silence, tears streaming down her face.Wendy hugged her friend, trying to offer some comfort.Callie cried for a long time until she was exhausted, wiping away her tears.‘Callie, do
In Wendy’s eyes, Elias wasn’t in the same league as that scoundrel Simon.Callie and Elias had displayed their affection for each other openly.How could he so easily claim he didn’t love her?She couldn’t believe Elias didn’t care about Callie.Elias remained silent but clenched his lips even harder.‘Callie’s running a slight fever, but she’s still working. No matter how hard I tried to convince her...’ Wendy sighed, ‘I wanted to tell you to talk to her, to ask her to take better care of herself, but it seems unnecessary now.’Wendy concluded her words and walked away, not looking back.She knew she had partially fabricated that story, but if Elias truly cared about Callie, he would definitely make some inquiries about her.As Wendy left, Elias stood rooted in place, clenching his fists.He had wanted to keep their distance, to ensure Callie’s safety, and prevent her from being caught up in the Shadowfire matter.He was determined to stay away from her.Each time he encountered Call
Callie hugged herself tightly and buried her face between her knees.Determined not to cry aloud, she bit her hand to stifle the sound.Her teeth sank into her skin so fiercely that the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.Yet, even that couldn’t distract her from the pain inside.Callie had once thought that being abandoned by Simon was the worst thing she could experience.But now, she realised that Elias’s indifference was enough to break her down.Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.He wanted her to stay away from him?How could she possibly do that?***In Elias’s office, Harriet knocked on the door, holding a yellow file in her hand.‘Come in.’Harriet handed the file to Elias. ‘This is a document from the Northern Theater. Please give it a read.’‘Alright.’ Elias accepted the file and began to review its contents.His face remained as cold and decisive as ever, a thin layer of ice seemingly covering his every expression.Harriet observed him carefully, concern etc
In the infirmary, Callie sat in an armchair with an IV drip in the back of her hand.A series of coughs racked her body, her face flushed with fever.Wendy helped Callie hang the IV bag, silently berating herself for what she’d said earlier.Callie had been perfectly fine, but Wendy had instigated this situation by falsely claiming Callie’s temperature was on the rise.Now, the lie had become a harsh reality, and Callie was truly unwell.Callie’s head throbbed, and dizziness washed over her.Her sore throat felt like it had been sliced by a knife, causing her immense pain.She had no desire to speak, so she leaned her head back against the chair, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes.Watching Callie’s silent suffering, Wendy’s self-blame transformed into deep concern.She immediately knelt beside Callie and asked, ‘Callie, what’s wrong? Are you in pain?’It hurt—her head ached, her throat throbbed, but nothing compared to the pain in her heart.In the past, she’d never been one
Elias’s eyes and demeanour exuded indifference, like the cold of winter.He descended the stairs with the two guards beside him saluting.When he noticed Jamison, there was a fleeting change in his narrow eyes, quickly concealed.Jamison reached Elias’s side, his pace deliberate, and spoke firmly, ‘Elias, I have something to tell you.’Elias raised an eyebrow, ‘Private matters or official business?’His coldness was almost suffocating.‘Private matters,’ Jamison replied.‘Do you think I’m free to discuss private matters with just anyone?’ Elias’s voice was low. ‘If it’s not official, please excuse me.’He turned to leave, but Jamison’s voice stopped him. ‘You love Callie. Why did you hurt her?’The mention of Callie seemed to anchor Elias’s feet to the ground, despite his efforts to move away. ‘Whether I love her or whether I hurt her is none of your concern, Jamison.’Jamison, unflinching, walked back toward Elias and looked into his eyes. ‘You once called her your wife and asked me
Wendy was concerned that Callie was putting on a brave face to mask the inner turmoil.‘I’m truly fine,’ Callie assured her.She adjusted her blanket, adding, ‘Even though my fever is gone, I’m still a bit dizzy. I want to sleep for a while. Wendy, you can go. No need to worry about me.’Wendy nodded and said, ‘Okay.’As Wendy left, Callie descended into a deep sleep.This time, she didn’t dream of Elias.***Callie’s recovery was swift, and she returned to work, but her interaction with Elias had dwindled.Initially, Wendy worried about Callie’s emotional state, but she soon noticed that Callie was handling things quite normally.However, just as the days were passing uneventfully, they received shocking news.Angelia was rescued by the army.Her body was battered, covered in bruises and bleeding wounds, and she was swathed in a dark green military coat.Callie sprang into action, ready to provide immediate care upon her return.Angelia lay on a hospital bed, her once beautiful and s
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