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Chapter 3 Scoundrel Supreme
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Elias’s eyes zeroed in on a dark bruise marring her pale wrist.
It was a stark reminder of the pain he had caused her unintentionally, when his mind was fogged by agony.
Elias touched her wrist, feeling guilty.
Though she didn’t recognise him, he remembered her very well.
He couldn’t resist the urge to caress her lips gently, savouring the memory of their sweet taste from last night.
But his touch interrupted Callie’s peaceful slumber, and she responded by biting down on his finger in annoyance.
Surprisingly, the sensation sent a jolt of arousal through Elias, his body instinctively responding before his mind could process the complex mix of emotions coursing through him.
Reluctantly, Elias withdrew his hand.
He got out of bed and stood.
She was still wearing the same blouse from the night before.
Its back was ripped open, exposing her fair skin to his view.
Elias swallowed hard and forced himself to look away, a difficult task.
At the same time, he couldn’t help but feel a little exasperated.
In her eyes, he was but a stranger.
Did she always let down her guard like this in front of strangers?
Baffled by her audacity, Elias frowned, but he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her rest.
Gently, he lifted her and settled her comfortably onto the bed, draping a cute quilt with little pandas over her.
Her petite frame felt light as a feather in his arms.
Glancing at the drizzle outside, Elias knew the rain last night had likely erased his tracks and thrown off his assailants from the Misehell Organisation.
Yet, he couldn’t stay here.
Her safety was at risk if he lingered.
Just as he was about to leave, a photo frame sticking out from the trash can caught his eye—a picture of Callie with another man, leaning into his arms, looking radiant with joy.
A feeling Elias had never experienced surged within him, and he longed to know what it was like to be genuinely happy like that.
With a final look at Callie, Elias left, closing the door gently on his way out.
***
Callie awoke in a daze, only to find herself in her own bed.
The stranger was gone, leaving her both puzzled and relieved.
But something bothered her more—how had she ended up on the bed, covered with the quilt?
She couldn’t remember doing that herself, which meant the stranger must have done it.
As she pulled away the thin quilt, she realised the sorry state of her clothes, barely hanging onto her body.
Her frustration grew at the realisation that the stranger might have seen her nearly n*ked.
‘Ugh! I’m never buying anything from that online boutique again!’ Callie ground her teeth, furious.
Why were her clothes so easy to tear, while his seemed indestructible?
Right then, Callie’s phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts.
Callie dug around the pile of quilts until she’d unearthed her phone.
‘Hey, Cece, I’ve set up a blind date for you. You better go and give it a shot!’ The voice on the other end belonged to Lily Hartwell, Callie’s best friend and a B-list actress.
‘Hey, Lilypad!’ Callie made a valiant effort to change the subject. ‘So, what exotic location are you off to this time for your ad shoot? Can you hook me up with some freebies? I need them for the orphanage—’
Lily cut her off with a booming voice, ‘Quit dodging the topic, Callista Hawthorne! I’ve set you up on a blind date. You better show up, got it?’
Callie yawned and grumbled, ‘Lily, seriously? I’m only twenty-five. Why do you always act like my mom and meddle in my love life?
‘If I had a clueless daughter like you, I’d give her a good shake.’ Lily’s words dripped with sarcasm. ‘How can I meddle in your love life when you don’t even have one?’
‘I had one,’ Callie protested.
‘Notice the use of past tense.’ It sounded like Lily was grinding her teeth. ‘That jerk Simon cheated on you, and now he has the nerve to invite you to his wedding. Don’t you think it’s time to show him what he’s missing? Going alone would be admitting defeat. Not going is even worse, and I know you’re better than that.’
Simon…
The name brought on a fresh wave of pain Callie thought she had long put behind her.
Simon Moncrieff was her colleague at Rosedale Hospital and her boyfriend for three years.
Well, ex-boyfriend now.
He also held the dubious title of ‘jerkwad,’ in Lily’s words, which had been upgraded to ‘Scoundrel Supreme’ status after he broke up with Callie, betraying her trust by having an affair with the hospital director’s daughter.
The wounds were still fresh, but revenge wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
Callie struggled to find the right words, but Lily seemed pressed for time. ‘Listen, I have to go now. I’ll have my assistant send you the details for the blind date later. You may act tough, but don’t think you can hide under your covers and cry just because I’m out of town. Stay strong, my girl!’
With that, she abruptly hung up, leaving Callie with teary-eyed frustration.
How did Lily always manage to see through her defences when she wasn’t even in the room?
Callie fell back into bed, staring at the ceiling.
She had turned down other blind dates in the past, but this time, she couldn’t refuse.
It was Lily’s way of looking out for her.
***
Time marched on.
The enigmatic stranger from that fateful night had vanished without a trace, as if he were a figment of Callie’s imagination.
Her demanding work as a surgical resident left her no room to dwell on him anyway—morning rounds at 6:30 am, assisting in surgeries from 7:30 till 11:30, afternoon clinics and consultations from 1 pm, then afternoon rounds at 3:00, followed by medical conferences at 5:00…
Meanwhile, Simon and Abby, his fiancée, seemed to revel in flaunting their relationship in front of Callie.
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Callie made a conscious effort to focus on her work, refusing to engage with Abby’s taunts.At least she had the satisfaction of not giving Abby the reaction she desired.But fate had a way of throwing unexpected challenges her way.One day, after finishing her gruelling morning shift, Callie was looking forward to heading home and catching some shut-eye.Just as she was about to change out of her white coat, she received an urgent notice, summoning her back to duty.The hospital had received an order from the military, requiring all available doctors to attend to a group of patients.These were no ordinary patients—they were soldiers wounded in a daring mission, their injuries severe and their lives hanging by a thread.The army made it clear that every effort must be made to save them.Callie hurriedly donned a pristine white coat and dashed into the bustling emergency room at Rosedale Hospital.Inside, she found a total of nine patients being triaged.Four soldiers were in critical
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‘Shut up! Shut up! I know!’ Panic washed over Abby as she futilely attempted to staunch the unrelenting flow of blood with surgical sponges, then suction devices.The bright red colour of the blood meant she must have nicked an artery somewhere, but with so much blood flooding his chest cavity, it was hard to identify the exact location of the leak.‘Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t!’ Abby’s hands shook violently.Her confidence had misled her into believing this surgery would be a breeze.Disregarding Callie’s warning, she had taken matters into her own hands, operating without proper authorisation.And now, everything had spiralled out of control.Not only had she violated the hospital’s rules, but she had also caused a medical mishap.To make matters worse, the patient lying before her was a soldier.What if he died on the operating table?The weight of the consequences pressed upon her, leaving her paralysed with fear.Her trembling hands failed to halt the bleeding, rendering her helpless.Wendy
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Wendy shot out an arm to steady her. ‘Are you all right?’Callie blinked away the black dots. ‘I’m fine. Just needed a sec.’Her entire left arm felt numb, like she had a dead tree branch attached to her body.Enduring the weird sensation, Callie removed her mask with her right hand and walked towards the door. ‘Wendy, let me know if anything changes.’‘Will do, Dr Hawthorne.’Callie beckoned at Abby, who had not made a sound since she entered the operating theatre. ‘You. Come with me.’Abby hesitated, her expression a mix of fear and defiance.But she had no choice but to follow Callie out of the room.Wendy shook her head as she watched the two women leave.Though both were surgical residents, in her mind, only one of them could be called a doctor.As they stepped into an empty hallway, Abby braced herself for a dressing-down. ‘I was only trying to—’Smack!Before she could finish her sentence, Callie’s right hand connected solidly with Abby’s cheek, leaving a fiery mark behind.The
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Some distance away, the emergency room buzzed with activity as doctors and nurses hurried past, their scrubs swishing in a flurry of purpose.But the hallway outside the operating theatres was quiet.Callie leaned against the wall, her white coat wrinkled and stained with blood.She tried to compose herself, wiping away the remnants of tears that stained her cheeks.Elias didn’t release his grip on Callie, his eyes penetrating into her soul.‘What happened?’ he asked, his concern seeping through the sternness in his tone. ‘Why were you crying? And what’s with the blood on your arm?’Callie’s guard shot up like a fortress wall.She wiped away her tears, determined not to let a stranger witness her vulnerability.‘It’s none of your business,’ she snapped, her voice tinged with defiance.Elias moved closer, his gaze unwavering.Callie’s breath hitched as she felt his proximity, his presence engulfing her.‘Maybe it is my business,’ he countered, his voice low and commanding. ‘I don’t lik
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Callie and Wendy exchanged amazed glances, struggling to process the revelation.Callie couldn’t help but feel a sense of astonishment at Elias being a soldier, as he wasn’t dressed in uniform.But then, it would explain all the bullet wounds and scars on his body.Lieutenant Colonel—a high-ranking position, she assumed, given the young soldier’s respect.There was something undeniably alluring about a man in uniform.Wendy, always the romantic, seized Callie’s hands, her eyes shining with excitement. ‘Oh my gosh, Callie! Are all soldiers that ridiculously attractive?’Callie was about to respond, but a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over her like a rogue wave.Her head spun, the world blurring into a whirlpool of confusion.And then, without warning, her legs buckled beneath her, and she slumped to the ground in a heap.‘Woah, hold up!’ Wendy lunged forward, but before she could catch Callie, a pair of strong arms swooped in and cradled her limp form.‘Callie!’ Wendy reached for Ca
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Callie could feel the waves of anger radiating from Elias, like a volcanic eruption about to happen.Why was he angry?What did any of this have to do with him?It was her embarrassment, her pain—it had nothing to do with him.‘Lieutenant Colonel Westwood, this is a hospital!’ Callie’s voice quivered.‘That night, you could have left me on the street. Why did you save me? Why did you take me home?’ Elias’s gaze locked with Callie’s reddened eyes, his own eyes deep and intense‘Because, like I told you, I’m a doctor,’ she replied with utmost seriousness. ‘A doctor’s duty is to save lives and heal wounds. What happened that night, I would have done it for anyone.’Elias’s fingers tightened gradually, conflicting emotions swirling within him.As he looked into Callie’s red-rimmed eyes, he knew she spoke the truth.And yet, the knowledge that she would have done it for anyone agitated him.In the next instant, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.Unlike their previous staged
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‘I don’t owe Callie anything,’ Abby retorted defiantly. ‘She only intervened to show off and prove herself better than me. I won’t thank her for that.’Stuart’s frustration deepened, his face reddening with anger. ‘Abby, this is not about your personal vendettas or petty rivalries. This is about patient care and professionalism. You must learn to put your ego aside and acknowledge the assistance you receive, regardless of who it comes from.’Simon, a suave and ambitious surgeon who always had a smooth answer ready, stepped forward to defend his fiancée. ‘Mr Colman, it’s Abby’s first year as a surgical resident. Mistakes happen, especially in high-pressure situations. She was only trying to help. I can assure you that she has learned her lesson.’Stuart glanced at Simon, his expression softened slightly. ‘Simon, as Abby’s future husband, I expect you to take good care of her at work. Ensure that she learns from this incident and improves her practice. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.
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Callie’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise, but she maintained her composure.She appreciated Joshua’s straightforwardness, even if his approach seemed a bit cold.She nodded, indicating her willingness to participate.‘How much do you earn per month?’ Joshua asked.‘Well, as a fifth-year surgical resident, I make around five to six thousand dollars a month.’‘Not bad. Now, what about your parents? What do they do for a living?’‘Actually, I don't have parents. I grew up as an orphan.’Joshua scowled. ‘I see. Moving on, do you own any property or are you living in a rental?’‘I currently live in a rented one-bedroom apartment.’‘Fair enough. Last question, are you currently in debt?’‘Well, I do have a student loan of about two hundred fifty thousand dollars.’ Callie shrugged. ‘Medical school loans, you know how it is.’Joshua stood up abruptly and started packing up his belongings. ‘Well, this has been a complete waste of my time. You should know better than to lead people on, Miss Hawth
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
