POV: ELISABETHI felt my blood freeze in my veins, my heart pounding erratically in my chest as if it wanted to burst. My body trembled violently, the persistent chill in my spine radiating through all my limbs. A knot tightened in my stomach, twisting as I realized my color had drained away, my hands were cold and sweaty, and my mouth was dry and bitter.“Pa... Pa... Pavel...” I stammered nervously, consumed by fear.“My light, you don't look very well.” Andreev approached, and I took a few steps back when he grabbed my wrist, pressing our bodies together and burying his nose in my neck, inhaling my scent. “Wow, it's exactly as I remember.”“Please, let me go.” I said, trembling, trying to push him away.“Is this how you treat me after five long years apart?” Pavel squeezed my waist harder, rubbing his body against mine. “Do you have any idea what I went through hunting you down?”“I... I'm sorry...” I couldn't contain the wave of terror that washed over me, being near the bastard wh
I ran, stopping to hide behind the enormous crates, desperately searching for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted an iron bar on the ground and pulled it, holding it tightly against my chest, ready to use it if necessary.“You know, my Light, I always wanted to play cat and mouse with you. It always excited me to see your need to fight for survival.” Pavel pushed some crates aside, looking for me and shooting at the spot afterward. “Can't you see we were made for each other? We are perfect together.”He laughed, moving to another part of the room. I walked slowly to the back, trying to hide even more, trembling nonstop.“When you left, it destroyed me. I realized where I was wrong—my light.” Kicking other crates and shooting, Pavel continued. “I wasn't giving you the necessary attention because of work; now I understand that. But it will be different; I bought a deserted island, and now it will be just you and me; no one else will interfere.”I covered my mouth, feeling the t
POV: PATRICKI left the room, wiping my face, while my legs wobbled slightly. Robert and James supported me, looking at me with concern.“Did you take your medication today? Eat anything?” John approached, examining me. “You're pale and cold.”“I'm fine!” I pushed them away, walking out. “Today isn't an easy day, as you might have noticed.”“We understand, Major, that's why we're here.” John stepped closer again. “But we need our commander to be well to proceed. We won't be able to save your fiancée if you're not well.”“John is right. I'll go to the kitchen to get a shake for you and fetch your medication.” James started to say when I punched the wall, shouting.“We don't have time for this! Elisabeth is in danger, and Heloise is extremely unbalanced. She killed her own son, what do you think she'll do to the woman she considers my lover?” I panted, breathless.“We know that, but if you're not well, how do you intend to save her?” Robert placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firm
“Damn it!” I threatened to rush in, but Robert held me back, shaking his head.“The gun is too close to her head; he'll kill her before you get close.” Robert kept me in place.“I can't stand here and watch him hurt her like this!” I clenched my fists, consumed by fury.“Major, your emotions are speaking. Think like a soldier. What would you do in this situation if we were at war?” John kept his tone low and calm. “He's just another enemy we need to take down.”I considered his words, looking back into the warehouse and thinking about what to do.“Robert, you and James go to the other side of the warehouse and start a shootout to draw his attention. Andreev won't want to kill Elisabeth so easily; he's a damned torturing psychopath.” My fists were clenched, and my hands squeezed tightly.“He'll want to take her out of here!” John observed, and I nodded. “And what will we do?”“Did you see where his car was parked?” I smiled, my eyes burning with determination. “We'll wait for him there
“It's okay, Lis; don't cry; everything will be fine.” I smiled gently at my apprentice, extending my hands for her to fasten the wristband. “Remember, I always come up with something in the end.”“What?” Elisabeth frowned before closing the wristband. Quickly, I pulled her behind me, and we all crouched as John, dragging himself, sat up injured with a gun in his hand, shooting five times at Pavel. He hit Pavel's leg, shoulder, arm, and neck.I pushed the wristbands off my hands, threw a knife to James to free himself and Robert, and went towards Pavel, who tried to raise the gun at me. I kicked his hands, pulled his body, and began landing several punches on his face.“You bastard, this is for torturing her for so long.” I punched harder, hearing the bones in his face crack and blood mixing on his face.“Is that all you got?” Andreev smiled with blood-stained teeth, diabolically. “You're too weak to protect her.”“This is just the beginning!” I smiled darkly when Lis came up behind me
POV: ELISABETHMy body still throbbed with pain, echoing the overwhelming impact of what had happened. The relief of knowing Greg was alive, fighting to recover, barely dissipated the anguish consuming me. As I put on the black mourning clothes, my reflection in the mirror revealed a profound sadness, where the eyes of that little girl who had lost her parents so long ago resurfaced in my gaze. My only family, my entire world, and my best friend, mother, and confidante had left without me being there to comfort her in her most frightening moment. The guilt for not being by her side tore at my heart. The most important person in my life was taken from me, leaving an unbearable void, an overwhelming loneliness. Then I felt his warm hands on my hips and his gentle kiss on the top of my head, a gesture of comfort amidst the abyss of loss.“Are you okay?” Patrick looked at my reflection in the mirror with understanding. “I'm so sorry for your loss, Lis.”“So am I...” I bit my trembling lip
“Who else would take care of that arrogant and conceited CEO?” I looked at him, amused. “I already told you, Patrick Morgan is my idiot.”“Seems fair.” Greg laughed, and I joined him. Together, we walked to the designated chapel. It was a simple ceremony, just Patrick’s platoon and us.I entered the church, hearing the soft sound of the violin in the background. At the altar, Patrick Morgan stood out in the wedding setting with his imposing presence. He was tall and dark-haired, and he exuded charm and elegance in his tailored suit. The dark fabric enhanced his skin tone, and the white shirt contrasted with his complexion, creating a sophisticated and attractive look. His brown hair was impeccably styled, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce my soul, locking onto mine. His sculpted body showcased his good physical shape, confirming his sensual aura. He smiled seductively when he saw me, subtly biting his lips with mischief. I blushed instantly, reprimanding him with a frown, which
I stared at the envelope, afraid to pick it up, fearing what was inside... Reluctantly, I opened it and found a hardcover book with our photo from our honeymoon, smiling happily in Cuba. In the image, Patrick was whispering something silly in my ear while hugging me from behind, making me blush and provoking a genuine smile. At the bottom of the envelope, there was a letter addressed to me, written in his elegant handwriting:“My sweet Elisabeth, if you received this letter, I'm afraid my time has come. You will probably hate me for how I chose to handle this, but I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt or upset you. In a cowardly and selfish way, I decided not to tell you my biggest secret. You had already suffered so many losses and so much pain that it didn't seem fair to put you through another turbulent time.”“What is Patrick talking about?” I bit my lip, growing nervous with every word, and continued reading.“I hid the truth about my joining the army. In reality, I disc