Eventually, the bonfire had dimmed, and the air was filled with the soft crackling of dying embers as the party gradually came to an end.Callie and Wendy were chatting with a group of soldiers near the edge of the field, exchanging laughter and stories.They seemed to have effortlessly blended in with the camaraderie, forming bonds with the cadets.On the other side of the bonfire, Elias was making his way towards the jeep.Lemuel followed closely behind him, his steps light with the anticipation of the upcoming rest.Angelia, however, had a different agenda in mind.Seizing the opportunity, she quickly navigated her way through the dissipating crowd, her high heels clicking against the rocky ground.As she closed in on Elias, she put on her best act, pretending to trip over something on the ground.‘Ouch! Oh, I think I twisted my ankle,’ she cried out, pitching sideways in a carefully calculated move.Elias instinctively turned his head at the sound of her yelp, just in time to see
With a flirtatious smile, Angelia approached the group, knowing exactly how to catch their attention. ‘Hey there, boys. Mind if I join the party?’ she purred, her voice dripping with honey.The soldiers turned to her, some with appreciative glances and others with shy smiles.Angelia relished the attention and quickly struck up conversations with them.She learned their names, cracked jokes, and even listened to their stories about life at Valour Ridge Military Academy.In the midst of the laughter and camaraderie, she subtly brought up Elias, acting nonchalant as she asked, ‘So, what’s the deal with Major General Westwood? Is he always this distant?’The soldiers exchanged glances, some looking uneasy, but one brave soul spoke up. ‘We don’t really know much about him. He’s new, you see. But from what we do know, the major general is focused on his duties. He’s not one for small talk or socialising.’Angelia feigned disappointment. ‘Oh, really? I was hoping to get to know him better,’
Elias didn’t want to come off as petty, but the flames of jealousy were burning within him, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.His heart was in turmoil as he looked away, searching for a way to express his feelings without driving her away.Callie stood in Elias’s arms, her face pressed against his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace.But his prolonged silence and tense grip puzzled and unsettled her.She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for answers. ‘Elias, what’s wrong?’He let out a heavy sigh, his fingers gently brushing against her hair. ‘Don’t you get it, bunny?’ he said, his voice tinged with frustration. ‘You danced with another man. Smiled at him. Do you know how that—’Elias checked himself.He wanted her to be his, and his alone.He wanted to hide her away from the world, keep her all to himself.Yes, he knew it was wrong to feel this possessive, but he couldn’t help it.He’d never felt this way about anyone before.Callie could feel the tension in Elias
A rush of warmth coursed through her at his words. ‘Fine, maybe those behaviours weren’t flirting,’ Callie said. ‘But what about the way you kissed me? You were so... proficient at it.’Elias couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride at her words, feeling smug and satisfied.He leaned in, his lips close to her ear, and said in a low voice, ‘Does that mean you liked it?’Callie turned away, her face flushed. ‘I, um... well, maybe,’ she mumbled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement.Elias couldn’t resist any longer.He drew her close and kissed her passionately, their lips melding together in a dance of desire and affection.Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, their longing finally finding expression in this tender moment.As they finally pulled apart from the electrifying kiss, Callie’s heart was pounding in her chest, and her breath came out in ragged pants.She was glad she was sitting down, as the intensity of the moment left her weak-kneed and o
Callie hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. ‘No, it’s fine. I’ll stick to the first floor with the cadets,’ she said, her voice soft but resolute. ‘I don’t want any special treatment just because of my connection with you. I want to earn my place here.’Elias admired her determination.‘You know, being the principal’s wife has its perks,’ he said with a playful smirk. ‘You don’t have to work too hard.’Callie blushed. ‘I want to be treated like everyone else. It’s important to me.’Elias chuckled, walking over to her and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. ‘All right, if that’s what you want. But remember, you’re always welcome on the second floor. And you’re not just an ordinary doctor; you’re my wife.’Callie’s eyes met his. ‘I know, and I appreciate that. But I want to prove myself on my own merit.’Elias smiled warmly at her. ‘I believe you.’With an attitude like that, she’d do great at the academy.Callie took a final spoonful, savouring the rich flavours. ‘Mmm, th
Elias shrugged. ‘It’s gone. If you want a taste, go catch another one yourself.’Lemuel’s heart sank. ‘You finished the entire pheasant all by yourself? That’s not fair! We both worked hard to catch it!’‘You took a shot and missed,’ Elias corrected his aide. ‘I took a shot and killed the bird. Ergo, it belonged to me.’Lemuel huffed. ‘But I was the one who plucked the feathers and gutted the bird. Don’t I at least deserve a thigh or a wing for that?’‘You should’ve said so sooner.’ Elias climbed into the jeep. ‘All right, let’s head to the training ground.’Lemuel sighed, then mumbled something to himself before climbing into the driver’s seat.***While Elias was supervising another training session, Callie was also up and ready for the day ahead.She gently nudged Wendy. ‘Come on, you said you wanted to get up early to watch the soldiers train. It’s already six o’clock.’Wendy groaned, refusing to budge at such an early hour. ‘It’s only six o’clock!’Callie chuckled softly, knowing
‘Looks like a pretty bad tear,’ Callie said, as she handed Angelia a pair of forceps.‘Yeah, it’s going to take some work,’ Angelia replied, as she used the forceps to gently pull the torn ligament into place.She then used a needle and thread to carefully stitch the ligament back together, taking care to ensure that the stitches were tight and secure.Callie assisted her, handing her the surgical instruments she needed and helping to hold the ligament in place as she worked.As the surgery progressed, the two surgeons worked in perfect harmony, their movements synchronised as they focused on the task at hand.‘Scissors,’ Angelia said, as she prepared to trim the excess thread from the stitches.Callie handed her the scissors, and Angelia carefully snipped away the extra thread, taking care not to disturb the delicate repair she had made.‘Okay, that looks good,’ Angelia said, as she stepped back to admire her work. ‘Let’s close him up.’Callie handed her the sutures, and Angelia care
Elias couldn’t concentrate on his work either, his mind preoccupied with the lovely woman on his lap.Unable to resist any longer, Elias wrapped his arms around Callie, pulling her close to him.She gasped in surprise, but the warmth of his embrace soon eased her nerves.In that tender moment, Elias’s voice softened. ‘Callie, my birthday is coming up.’Callie’s eyes lit up, and she smiled warmly. ‘Really? That’s wonderful! We should celebrate. When is it?’Elias grinned. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. The party’s tomorrow. Well, not so much a party as a small gathering. I’d love for you to be there.’‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ Callie replied, her heart swelling with affection.‘Good,’ Elias said.Then Callie’s face fell. ‘But I don’t even have a gift prepared.’‘Don’t worry about it. You being there is more than enough for me.’Callie’s face reddened again. ‘But... I still want to give you something special.’‘Well, you could always wrap yourself up as a present,’ Elias sugges
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