Thirty minutes later, the vehicle came to a halt at a military camp nestled among the mountains.The guards at the gate recognised the vehicle and granted them passage.Finally, the SUV pulled up outside a magnificent courtyard.Elias opened the door and leapt out.Escorted by two soldiers, Elias arrived at General Hershel’s office.The door was ajar.Still, Elias knocked and waited to be granted entry.Hershel’s eyes shifted from the document in his hand to Elias at the door.His stern countenance softened. ‘Come in.’Elias entered, removed his hat and saluted Hershel. ‘General McCullough, Lieutenant Colonel Elias Westwood reporting for duty. Operation Shadowstrike was completed and all high-ranking members of the drug cartel were eliminated.’‘Very good.’ Hershel nodded, rising from his chair with hands clasped behind his back.‘I read the report.’ He approached Elias. ‘You did well. The mission was an unqualified success.’‘I just did what I was supposed to do, General,’ Elias said
Elias shot back, his voice cold and unwavering, ‘I don’t need someone who understands the military; I need someone who understands me. Callie does.’The tension in the room escalated as the two men faced off, neither willing to back down.Hershel’s displeasure grew as he saw the defiance in Elias’s eyes.‘Don’t be so hasty in your decision,’ Hershel warned. ‘Being a military wife is not an easy life. I’ve seen first-hand the toll it takes on families.’Elias’s resolve wavered for a moment, his mind racing with doubts.He hadn’t yet discussed the realities of military life with Callie, and the weight of Hershel’s words bore heavily on him.‘I know it’s not easy,’ Elias admitted, ‘but I believe in her, and I’m willing to face whatever challenges come our way. I won’t let fear dictate my choices.’Hershel’s frustration mounted, and he crossed his arms over his chest, trying to find a way to reach Elias. ‘I just want to protect you, Elias. I don’t want to see you make a decision you’ll re
Abby huffed indignantly. ‘You’re not worth my time anyway. Enjoy your little fantasies while they last.’Callie muttered under her breath, ‘Oh, I’m sure I’ll enjoy them more than your reality.’Abby narrowed her eyes. ‘What did you say?’Callie met Abby’s gaze defiantly. ‘You heard me. Now, if you’re done trying to pick a fight, I suggest you go back to your own life and stop meddling in mine.’Abby gritted her teeth. ‘Fine. But don’t think the lieutenant colonel will ever give you a second glance. You’re just a distraction, and he’s got bigger things to worry about.’‘We’ll see about that, won’t we?’ Callie waved a hand dismissively. ‘Now, please, go away and let me do my work in peace.’Abby stomped off in a huff. ‘Whatever. You’ll see I’m right sooner or later.’Abby’s face flushed with rage, but she managed to hold herself back, reminding herself of the transfer order that was surely on its way.Callie and Wendy were mere obstacles in her path, and with their departure, she would
In the hospital break room, Callie immersed herself in the latest medical journal, hoping to find solace in the pages and forget the ache in her heart caused by Elias’s absence.However, her peace was disrupted when Wendy hurried in, an urgent expression on her face. ‘Callie, we’ve been summoned to Director Colman’s office.’Callie looked up. ‘Do you have any idea what it’s about?’Wendy shook her head. ‘I have no clue. But we better not keep him waiting.’They made their way to Director Colman’s office, both puzzled by the sudden summons.Callie couldn’t help but be wary, knowing that Stuart Colman, Abby’s father, had never paid much attention to her before.As they entered the office, Stuart greeted them with a friendly smile, gesturing for them to take a seat.Callie’s guard went up; this was all too strange.Director Colman engaged in small talk, asking about their work and well-being.Callie and Wendy exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of where this conversation was heading.Final
‘Hello, miss, my name is Mark and I’m calling from Real Estate Investments. I wanted to share an exciting opportunity with you. We have a remarkable property available—a beautiful manor villa with street-side shops nearby. It’s located in a prime area, with great potential for growth and value appreciation…’Callie’s heart sank, her excitement dashed at the telemarketer’s voice.Frustration overwhelmed her, and she snapped at the caller before abruptly hanging up.Callie sank into the sofa, clutching a panda plush pillow, feeling lost and conflicted.She had always been independent, self-reliant, and unafraid of facing life’s challenges head-on.Yet, now she found herself deeply missing someone she had only known for a few weeks.She reflected on her upbringing in the orphanage, working tirelessly to support herself and the other children.It was this determination that had brought her to where she was now, a skilled surgeon with a bright future.But amidst all her achievements, she c
Callie explained with a grin, ‘Zack Mayo is the Aviation Officer Candidate from the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman” from the eighties. Played by Richard Gere, who’s so swoon-worthy!’Wendy gave her a blank look. ‘“An Officer and a Gentleman?” Seriously, Callie, you need to update your movie list. Watch something from this century.’Callie said a little defensively, ‘Hey, I love the old movies, the classics, the vintage charm.’Wendy gave her a teasing bump on the shoulder. ‘Is that why you fell for Lieutenant Colonel Westwood, who’s, what, ten years older than you?’Callie corrected her, ‘Eight years, thank you very much. And age doesn’t matter when it comes to, ahem, love.’Wendy laughed. ‘Oh, come on. Admit it, you have a thing for older men.’‘Maybe a little,’ Callie admitted. ‘But who knows, maybe you’ll find your own charming officer at the academy and finally settle down.’Wendy rolled her eyes. ‘Now you sound like my mom, and my dad, and the rest of my family.’Their friendl
Callie smiled kindly, feeling relieved that their travel arrangements were in capable hands.‘No worries at all. We’re just glad you’re here now,’ she said.Jonas nodded and gestured towards the vehicle. ‘May I help you with your luggage?’Callie and Wendy exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.‘That would be wonderful,’ Callie replied.Jonas swiftly took their luggage and stowed it in the back of the military vehicle.Wendy nudged Callie playfully and whispered, ‘Hey, can I ride shotgun this time?’Callie raised an amused eyebrow. ‘What’s the urgency? Are you that interested in our soldier friend, Jonas?’Wendy blushed slightly, but her eyes sparkled mischievously. ‘Maybe,’ she replied in a hushed tone. ‘He’s cute, and there’s nothing wrong with admiring from afar, right?’Callie chuckled. ‘You’ve got a point. But Jonas looks like he’s barely twenty. He’s practically a baby.’Wendy shrugged, undeterred. ‘Hey, age is just a number. If you can have a thing for older men, can’t
Angelia then turned her gaze to Jonas, her eyes wide and innocent. ‘Jonas, would you mind helping me with my bags?’ she asked, her voice soft and alluring.The young soldier blushed, flustered by Angelia’s request. ‘Of course not,’ he stammered, eager to assist her.Angelia’s smile deepened, revealing a pair of charming dimples.She then turned to Wendy and Callie. ‘Thank you both for helping. I really appreciate it.’Wendy sighed, taking in Angelia’s slender and almost frail build. ‘Fine, I suppose.’As the three women settled into their shared dormitory, they were informed by Jonas about the logistics of living at Valour Ridge Military Academy.They each received an expense card with a monthly credit of $500 to purchase provisions from the minimart on campus.Cash and credit cards were of no use within the academy.Jonas explained, ‘The minimart is your primary source for supplies. You can find its location on the map provided to each of you. If you can’t find what you need there, y