Elias’s knuckles turned white at the disturbing revelation.If what they said was true, someone must have injected the bacteria into Callie’s body.And if there was a culprit, it had to be Carl.He must have grown impatient to resort to such extremes.Elias nodded. ‘I understand. Thank you. I’ll go and keep her company.’Wendy positioned herself in front of Elias, blocking his path. ‘General Westwood, I assume you’re very busy. I will take care of her. You should go catch up on your work.’Elias raised an eyebrow. ‘Who are you to stop me?’Wendy, feeling the need to assert herself, tiptoed, making herself appear more imposing. ‘General Westwood, I’m her best friend.’‘And I’m her husband,’ Elias declared, leaving Wendy momentarily speechless.He was right; no matter the circumstances, they were still legally bound as a couple.Jamison intervened. ‘Wendy, let him in.’Elias entered Callie’s ward.She was in a deep sleep.Elias sat on the side of the bed, holding Callie’s hand.He light
‘Because of the way he’s been acting!’ Wendy looked serious. ‘Did you know I begged him to find a way to save you after you were taken away? I went to him. Lemuel went to him. We both begged him, but Elias refused every time. He didn’t seem to care about you at all. But now that you are out, he seems to have reverted to the role of a loving husband. So I am a little confused. What the hell is going on?’‘Um.’ Callie had not told Wendy about them putting on a show, mainly because she didn’t want her friend to get mixed up in trouble.But now that the crisis was partly over, she told Wendy everything.‘Wow.’ Wendy took a tissue from the box and wiped her tears dramatically. ‘So I was right about him. He never stopped loving you. Poor guy. I’m sure he suffered just as much as I did. Maybe more, since he had to put on a charade.’Callie nodded.It had been a difficult time, but she was glad they pulled through.***Elias met Harriet on the way to the canteen.She had a grave face.Harriet
‘I don’t have romantic feelings for you, but I care about you as a friend,’ Jamison said sincerely. ‘You are a good doctor. You treat your patients well. You risked your own life to save others. I don’t understand how you’ve—’‘I regret it.’‘Regret what?’‘Regret risking my life to save Callie.’ Angelia stared into space. ‘Life would have been much easier if she died back then.’Jamison was struck dumb by what he heard.After a long while of silence, he finally managed to say, ‘I’ll come visit you when I have time. If there’s anything you need, let me know.’Angelia shook her head. ‘You don’t have to come see me. I don’t want to see you.’***The wind raged, and sand and dust flew everywhere.Dylan swiftly leapt down from the armed vehicle, his black military boots caked in mud. ‘Stay put and wait for me.’‘Sure thing, General Sheppard.’Dylan waved at the driver and eyed the tile-roofed house nearby.With a forceful kick, he sent the fragile wooden door crashing to the ground, then
‘Yes, General?’ Dylan turned around.‘Let me ask you, do you really like that doctor Callie?’Dylan tensed. ‘Sir, may I know why?’‘You’ll know soon enough anyway,’ Carl said. ‘She got back together with Elias.’‘Oh.’ Dylan’s heart sank.This meant Callie and Elias’s facade had already been exposed.What happened after he left the camp?Carefully, he kept his voice even. ‘So that’s what it is. Sir, are you worried that I’ll get hurt because of love?’‘Won’t you?’‘Sir, I remember telling you that I was just playing with Callie,’ Dylan said nonchalantly. ‘I was just curious about the kind of woman Elias would fall in love with. I’ve never taken that girl seriously anyway.’‘Well, it’s a good thing you are not affected.’ Carl seemed satisfied with his answer.He had high hopes for Dylan, partly because he would soon become his son-in-law, but mostly because he’d chosen Dylan to be his successor.As Dylan left the general’s office, he did have a woman on his mind.But it wasn’t Callie.*
Reluctantly, Mindy said goodbye to Dylan and accompanied Carl back to the command division office.In Dylan’s presence, she seemed like a young woman, but alone with Carl, her demeanour shifted.‘Dad, the money from the arms deal has been transferred to our account.’‘Has it been laundered?’She gave him a look. ‘Dad, you underestimate me. I guarantee the money is safe. Even the best detectives couldn’t find out!’‘Good.’‘Dad, about Inga...’‘Dylan has dealt with her.’‘Then we’re not far from success.’Earlier, Mindy had arranged for soldiers to move boxes to Carl’s office.Now, her heels clicked as she approached one box, breaking the seal to reveal a bottle of wine.She pulled the cap with a pop, and the sweet fragrance filled the office instantly.Two expensive crystal glasses emerged from the box.She poured the wine, one for herself, and handed the other to her father.Military discipline frowned upon drinking in the army, but Carl took the wine without hesitation.‘Dad, with y
Harriet paced in her office, anxious and shocked.Elias had been taken away for investigation, charged with treason and colluding with foreign organisations for illegal arms dealing.She knew this was the general’s doing.Harriet hadn’t anticipated Carl’s ruthless approach.Once declared guilty, Elias’s life would be ruined.But what could she do?Carl Conway outranked her and she had no legal standing to challenge the investigation.Harriet crumpled a paper into a ball and hurled it into the trash can, frustrated.As she pondered how to save Elias, Dylan’s face flashed in her mind, but she dismissed the idea.‘He’s probably too busy courting Carl’s daughter right now.’ Harriet’s smile was bitter. ‘Why would he help me?’Her gaze turned towards the phone on her desk.Should she call Uncle Hershel?Elias was his adoptive son and protégé, after all.But she remembered how furious Uncle Hershel was when he discovered Elias had gone against his wish and married Callie.Hershel and Elias h
‘Callie, calm down,’ Wendy said. ‘I’m sure he only wants what’s best for—’‘He is a b*stard!’ Callie cried out breathlessly. ‘Did he think that keeping me in the dark is best for me?’Wendy handed her a tissue. ‘I don’t like it, either, but I can understand where he’s coming from.’‘Where is the evidence?’ Callie wiped her eyes. ‘What evidence does General Conway have to prove Elias is guilty of treason?’‘I don’t have all the details, but Lemuel said they found weapons at one of Shadowfire’s hideouts. Weapons made by Engalia.’‘That doesn’t prove Elias was the one who sold the weapons to them.’‘I know, but there’s something else, something more…d*mning.’‘What is it?’Wendy lowered her eyes. ‘A confession.’‘What?’‘General Conway has a confession, signed by Elias. It stated that he admitted to having colluded with Inga from Shadowfire and that he had done harm against the country.’‘How’s that possible?’ Callie was incredulous.Elias would never have signed something so ridiculous.
‘Dad.’ Mindy clung to Carl’s arm. ‘Once we are done here, I want to marry Dylan. I don’t want to wait until the presidential election is over, okay?’Carl scowled. ‘You are still so young. Why are you in such a hurry? Do you really like Dylan that much?’‘Yes!’ Mindy nodded. ‘I really like him.’‘Alright, alright.’ Carl sighed. ‘I can never say no to you. Fine. Do what you like.’‘Thanks, Dad, you are the best!’***The winter drizzle cast a gloom over Callie, the cold wind biting into her slim frame.Instinctively, she shuddered as her long black hair veiled her petite face.Though she had an umbrella, the rain, coupled with the biting wind, still clung to her clothes.Ignoring the discomfort, Callie stood resolute at the door, raindrops splashing on her head, face, body, and heart—each drop igniting pain within her.She yearned to see Elias, just once, yet circumstances held her back.Not far away, Jamison’s heart ached witnessing Callie braving wind and rain.His jealousy had waned
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