‘Yup,’ Wendy confirmed, her expression solemn. ‘I don’t know all the details, but rumours from other departments suggest that his wrist is fractured.’She looked pensive. ‘Callie, doesn’t it strike you as strange? It was his wedding yesterday, how could he end up with a broken wrist? I had to work yesterday, but you were there. Did you see what happened?’Callie bit her lip, torn between divulging the truth and keeping silent.She knew exactly what had happened, but she couldn’t reveal the truth to Wendy.Wendy tapped her chin. ‘Maybe his karma finally caught up with him. But who could’ve done it to him? I bet it’s not anyone from this hospital. You know, Simon’s the director’s son-in-law now. Wouldn’t he have kicked up a huge fuss if one of his coworkers did this to him?’Wendy was inching closer to uncovering the truth, but Callie remained tight-lipped.She could only nod in agreement, hoping the nurse would soon be distracted by another topic.***Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the C
Callie scooped up a spoonful of chicken soup and gently blew on it until it ceased steaming.She extended her hand, offering it to Elias. ‘Say aah.’A faint smile tugged at the corners of Elias’s lips, softening his cold expression.He parted his thin lips and tasted the soup. ‘Not bad.’‘Do you want more?’ Callie asked.He nodded.Callie obliged.When she noticed the soup was finished, she rose from her chair and said, ‘You should rest a bit longer. I have to go to work. After my shift, I’ll come back to see you. Don’t run around or your stitches might burst open again.’‘Yes, ma’am.’ Elias watched her leave.Callie left the ward.As she turned down a hallway, she spotted Abby making her way towards her.Callie had no desire to engage in conversation with Abby.However—Just as Callie was about to walk past Abby, the latter swiftly moved, blocking Callie’s path with her body.‘Callie, feeling quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?’ Abby arched an eyebrow, her eyes filled with unmistaka
Abby watched with satisfaction as the original form transformed into countless fragments.Her gloomy expression dissolved, and she settled back into the plush leather chair, a contented smile gracing her lips.When Stuart returned to his office, he found his beloved daughter occupying his seat, looking rather pleased with herself. ‘Abby.’‘Dad.’ Abby rose from the chair, greeting him with a smile. ‘Mom said you wanted to talk to me.’Stuart closed the door. ‘Your mother told me about the argument you had with Simon.’‘Oh.’ Abby’s smile faltered. ‘I thought this was about work.’Stuart’s tone carried earnest concern. ‘You two are married now, so you can’t act the way you did before. I don’t know who or what started the argument, but I’ve seen how Simon treated you. I’m inclined to think he’s not to blame in this case. You are going to have to stop picking fights with him.’‘Dad, I know what I’m doing,’ Abby replied nonchalantly. ‘Just because we’re married doesn’t mean he gets a free p
As he pondered this, Elias wondered what it would take for Callie to be jealous, or if she was even capable of such an emotion.‘Elias!’ Callie snapped her fingers when she sensed his distraction.‘What?’‘Hurry back to your room,’ Callie said. ‘What if you rip your stitches again? Even if I’m the world’s best surgeon, that’s not going to be of much use if you keep undoing my hard work!’Elias smiled. ‘Bunny, this is the first time a doctor has ever nagged at me and tried to boss me around.’‘So?’ Callie put her hands on her hips. ‘This is Rosedale Hospital, not your military camp. Pulling rank doesn’t work here. Actually, maybe it does—I’m the doctor, you are the patient. Therefore, I outrank you. You have to listen to me.’‘I’m kind of tired after my walk. Can you lend me a hand?’ he asked, raising an eyebrow.‘Fine.’ Callie gave an exasperated sigh, then extended her hand towards him. ‘I’ll help you.’But instead of leaning on her, Elias grasped Callie’s soft hand with his left.De
For the next three days, Callie juggled between work and caring for Elias, who reluctantly agreed to stay in the ward at her insistence.Her meticulous attention helped speed up his recovery.‘Time for a check-up.’ Callie entered the room, snapping on her gloves and reaching for the buttons on his hospital gown.Her touch sent a shiver down Elias’s spine.As her gloved fingers brushed against his warm body, his temperature rose even higher.Elias’s eyes fixated on Callie, whose head was bent close to his chest. ‘Callie.’‘What?’‘Do you always undress your patients like this? Even men?’ Elias’s question had a dangerous edge to it.‘No.’ Callie didn’t see the look on his face. ‘I don’t usually check on my patients this way. My work is in the operating theatre. Post-operative care is mostly done by the nurses.’That answer elicited a sigh of relief from Elias.‘But sometimes it’s unavoidable,’ Callie continued. ‘When I make my morning and afternoon rounds, I’d occasionally need to undre
‘Enough chitchat,’ Elias said. ‘What are you doing here?’‘Well, I heard you got shot.’ Marlon tilted his chin towards the fruit basket and lily bouquet. ‘So I came to see how you are doing. But now it seems you are doing more than just fine.’He had been seriously concerned when he received word of Elias’s hospitalisation.Given what he knew of his buddy, Elias would not go anywhere near a hospital unless he was in a coma or almost dead.So Marlon had dropped everything and rushed over, only to discover his friend alive and well, and enjoying a hot makeout session with a cute-looking doctor.Marlon ran his eyes over Elias’s hospital gown. ‘So? Where are you shot? Let me take a look.’Elias pointed towards the door. ‘Get out.’‘What?’‘As you can see, I’m doing fine. I don’t need you here. So, scram.’Whatever gratitude he felt for Marlon’s concern was offset by his annoyance at the man’s untimely intrusion.If Marlon hadn’t barged in, Elias might have made it to second base with his
‘Twenty-five?’ Marlon studied Callie intently once again. ‘I thought you were right out of college! At most twenty-one, twenty-two.’‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’ Callie smiled. ‘I’ve been out of college for a long while now. This is already my last year of medical residency.’‘Elias, you sly dog,’ Marlon muttered under his breath. ‘Marrying someone almost a decade younger than you...’Callie noticed the strange look in Marlon’s eyes as he scrutinised her. ‘What’s wrong?’‘Nothing.’ Marlon shook his head. ‘I’m just…happy for my friend. You two make a good match.’‘Um, thank you.’ Callie lowered her eyes bashfully.Marlon wanted to find out more about this intriguing woman, who would soon be part of his social circle. ‘I don’t know when you guys got engaged. You know how tight-lipped Elias can be. But I think we need to celebrate. How about this? After he’s discharged from the hospital, we’ll go for—’Before Marlon could finish his sentence, his phone rang, cutting him off.As he a
Elias’s heart swelled with adoration as he watched Callie’s every move.His eyes, a mixture of desire and admiration, never left her form.As Callie plated the dish, her hands moved with a grace that mirrored her skills in the operating theatre.She garnished it with fresh herbs, adding a touch of colour and elegance.With each deliberate movement, she poured her love into the meal, a silent declaration of her feelings.Finally, Callie turned and walked towards the living room, her eyes locked with Elias’s.She placed the plate before him, the steam rising from the dish, tantalisingly teasing his senses. ‘Give it a try.’Elias reached out, his fingers gently grazing hers as he took the plate.As Elias took the first bite, the flavours burst on his palate, a testament to Callie’s culinary prowess and her affectionate touch.Each mouthful was a sensual journey.As a soldier, he had most of his meals in the army mess hall.Since his parents’ passing, no one had cooked for him.Although t
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