Abby, clad in her pristine white coat, finished her morning rounds and emerged into the bustling hospital hallway just in time to overhear Callie and Wendy’s conversation.
A smug smirk danced across her lips as she savoured the opportunity to stir up trouble.
She approached Callie, her voice dripping with false sympathy. ‘Oh, Dr Hawthorne, I heard about your article. Such a shame it got rejected. I thought it was top-notch.’
Her tone was smooth and sugary, but her words rang hollow.
Callie remained silent, refusing to take the bait set by her ex-boyfriend’s conniving fiancée.
Abby continued, unfazed, ‘Maybe it just wasn’t good enough, Callie. It’s too bad. Such a rejection might even hinder your chances of getting your full-time position at the hospital approved.’
Callie’s composure remained unshaken. ‘Thank you for your concern, Abby. But as a fifth-year surgical resident, I have offers from other hospitals. Staying at Rosedale isn’t my only option. Besides, you should be more concerned about your own future, especially after your recent near-fatal mistake in surgery.’
Wendy put her hand over her mouth to stifle a snigger.
Abby seethed with anger, her facade slipping momentarily.
Callie had touched a sore point.
Abby had entered the medical field not out of passion or a desire to heal but because it was her parents’ arrangement.
Her lacklustre academic performance and penchant for nightlife had hindered her progress.
The residency at Rosedale Hospital had been handed to her on a silver platter due to her father’s influence, but even he couldn’t guarantee her board certification.
Before Abby could respond with a snide remark, she was summoned away by another nurse, her attention forcibly diverted.
Wendy shook her head disapprovingly as she watched Abby sashay away, her high heels clicking on the hospital floor.
It was an absurd sight to see surgeons traipsing around in heels during work hours.
Wendy leaned closer to Callie, a tinge of suspicion in her voice. ‘You know, I can’t help but wonder if Abby had something to do with your article being shot down. Her family has connections in the medical field, including medical journals. It’s possible she pulled some strings.’
Callie was sceptical. ‘Wendy, I understand where you are coming from, but Abby is with Simon now, and they’re about to get married. She wouldn’t see me as a threat. Besides, her future at Rosedale is secure because of her father’s position as the director. I highly doubt she would go to such lengths.’
Wendy shook her head sagely. ‘Callie, my dear, you’re too naive. Women don’t easily forget their partner’s past flames, especially when they still work in the same hospital. If it weren’t for your exceptional skills as a surgical resident, Abby might have used her influence with her father to get you fired long ago, using some flimsy excuse.’
Callie sighed. ‘You’re probably right. But there’s no way to prove Abby’s involvement in the rejection now. I have to focus on moving forward.’
Determined to put the matter behind her, Callie dove into her daily routine.
She busied herself with morning rounds, clinic hours, and attending medical conferences.
Throughout the day, she had managed to avoid crossing paths with Abby.
It came as a relief, granting her some respite from the tension and conflict that had brewed between them.
The hours stretched long, the demands of her profession ever-present.
But finally, as night fell and the hospital quieted, she found a moment to catch her breath.
The night air embraced Callie as she found solace on the rooftop of the hospital’s main building.
It was her sanctuary, a place where the facade of strength could fade, allowing vulnerability to take its place.
She gazed up at the starry sky, seeking answers in the vastness of the universe.
The weight of recent events pressed upon her, threatening to crush her spirit.
‘How did I end up like this?’ she muttered to herself. ‘A broken relationship, a disastrous blind date, and now my article being rejected. What have I done to deserve all this?’
It was all too much... the pressure, the uncertainty.
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled by a deep voice that resonated through the stillness of the night. ‘What are you doing up here?’
Callie turned to face Elias, her eyes wide with surprise.
She took in his commanding presence, his strong physique, and the air of authority that clung to him.
He wasn’t wearing his uniform, but his erect bearing made his military background plain for all to see.
‘What are you doing here?’ As soon as she asked that, Callie realised her mistake. ‘Sorry, I forgot, your men are still recovering at the hospital.’
Elias’s eyes narrowed as he noticed her tear-streaked face, and concern etched itself onto his features.
He couldn’t bear to see her so distraught. ‘Bunny.’
‘What?’
‘I said, Bunny, because that seems to be a fitting name for you.’
Callie frowned. ‘My name’s Callie, Callista Hawthorne. And I don’t appreciate you giving me a nickname that like.’
‘But it seems that every time I see you, you are crying.’ Elias pointed to her face. ‘Your eyes are still red, just like a bunny’s.’
He took a step closer, his long strides closing the distance between them.
Callie took a small step back, instinctively retreating from Elias’s imposing figure.
She hastily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, attempting to regain her composure.
‘I’m not crying,’ she denied, her voice strained.
She refused to expose her vulnerability to a man she barely knew.
Elias’s gaze softened, his concern melting into a warm familiarity.
He took another step forward, his imposing frame casting a shadow over Callie’s petite figure.
‘Come on, Callie. You can’t lie to me, remember what happened last time you tried?’ He spoke with a teasing lilt in his voice, a reminder of their previous encounter.
Callie’s face burned with embarrassment at his reminder of their passionate kiss.
The memory of it still lingered on her lips, even more intense than any encounter she had ever shared with her now-ex-boyfriend, Simon.
Her gaze dropped to the ground, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her true emotions.
Elias watched her reaction with a mixture of satisfaction and impatience.
He leaned against the railing, a cocky grin playing on his lips. ‘You remember that kiss, don’t you, bunny? Which means you should also remember the proposal. I gave you three days to think it over. Now, time’s up, bunny.’
Callie bit her lower lip, her thoughts racing as she tried to gather her thoughts.The demands of her gruelling schedule as a surgical resident had left her with little time for personal matters, and she had honestly forgotten about Elias’s proposal.She looked up at him, uncertainty in her eyes.‘I... I’m sorry, Lieutenant Colonel Westwood, I—’‘Just call me Elias.’‘All right. Um, Elias, the past few days have been a blur. I completely forgot about your, um, your proposal.’ She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the decision pressing upon her.Before she could utter another word, her phone buzzed in the pocket of her pristine white lab coat.The caller ID flashed ‘Abby Colman.’Confusion washed over Callie’s face—why would Simon’s new girlfriend be calling her?The two women certainly weren’t friends, given the tension that had lingered since the end of Callie’s relationship with Simon.Curiosity gnawed at her, and she stepped away from Elias, answering the call. ‘Hello, A
Callie’s voice trembled as she demanded to know if he had been eavesdropping on her phone call with Abby.Elias’s gaze never wavered as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. ‘There were only the two of us up here on the roof, bunny. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. It wasn’t intentional eavesdropping.’His words held a mix of apology and understanding.Humiliation washed over Callie, her vulnerability exposed before this man she barely knew.Her voice broke as she sobbed. ‘Why? Why is she doing this to me? I don’t understand. All I want is to focus on my work as a doctor, to make a difference in people’s lives. Why is Abby persisting in tormenting me?’Elias’s strong presence remained unwavering as he leaned down, his voice a whisper against her ear. ‘Callie, be my woman. Marry me.’His words held a promise of protection, a vow to shield her from any harm that might come her way.He spoke with conviction, his voice tinged with the authority of a soldier accustomed to g
‘I... I didn’t...’ Simon stammered, his voice filled with desperation as he tried to salvage his delusion. ‘I know... deep down, you still have feelings for me. Your indifference only hides the space you’ve kept for me in your heart.’Callie’s patience wore thin as she listened to Simon’s feeble attempts to hold onto a love that no longer existed.She mustered her strength and shot back, ‘Simon, there is no space in my heart for you. You need to understand that and move on.’Desperation tinged Simon’s voice as he persisted, his words slurred and laden with false promises. ‘I want... I want to tell you not to come to my wedding. I’m afraid you’ll be hurt. Don’t worry, once I have everything, I’ll divorce Abby. I’ll choose you over her.’Callie clenched her teeth, her frustration boiling within her.She glanced up to meet Elias’s gaze, expecting to see a hint of disdain or triumph.However, to her surprise, his eyes held a clear, unwavering gaze.‘Give me the phone,’ Elias said, his voi
‘All right,’ Callie agreed, slipping off her white coat and making her way downstairs with Elias.Elias was in civilian clothes, his jacket devoid of any intricate design, yet the man exuded a charm that captivated those around him.His face remained impassive, and his dark eyes resembled the depths of a bewitching night, luring people into their enchanting gaze.As Callie and Elias stepped out of the lift, their mere presence drew the attention of the entire room, with most of the eyes falling on Elias.It wasn’t because Callie lacked in beauty, but Elias possessed a natural magnetism that compelled all eyes to gravitate towards him.Feeling overshadowed by his dazzling allure, Callie instinctively created a distance between them.She attempted to do so discreetly, but as a perceptive soldier, Elias caught onto her actions.Amidst the scrutinizing gazes of onlookers, he took the initiative and gently clasped Callie’s hand.Her hand, petite and delicate, was effortlessly enveloped by
The deafening sound of her own heartbeat made Callie wonder if Elias could hear it too.‘Are you mad?’ he asked.Rolling her eyes, Callie snorted. ‘Mad at you? Please, don’t flatter yourself.’‘All right, let’s go then.’ Elias stepped down on the gas pedal.The Pagani roared to life, then sped out of the parking lot.Under the night sky, Callie glanced at Elias by her side and couldn’t help but feel a whirlwind of emotions.Marrying a man she had only known for a few days—a soldier, no less—was beyond surreal.And on top of that, he was wealthy.It felt like she had stepped into a dream, a beautiful but unreal fantasy.Elias, observing Callie’s gaze, had the urge to flick her forehead. ‘Why are you looking at me like that? Having second thoughts? Bunny, let me make it clear: you’ve already made a promise, so there’s no turning back.’Callie shook her head, a playful smile curling her lips. ‘I wasn’t thinking about that. And who said I didn’t want to marry you? No matter how you look a
Elias frowned at Simon, still clutching onto him like a bear, his expression a mix of disgust and annoyance.Without hesitation, Elias delivered a swift karate chop to the back of Simon’s neck, causing him to instantly lose consciousness.With Simon incapacitated, Elias effortlessly lifted him in his arms, carrying him away from Callie’s house.He placed Simon on a bench about fifty meters away, ensuring he would be safe before returning to Callie.As the events replayed in Callie’s mind, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter once again, her joy infectious. ‘I can’t believe that just happened!’ she exclaimed, wiping away tears of mirth.Elias raised an eyebrow at her, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his eyes. ‘You really have no sense of self-preservation, do you? What would you have done if I wasn’t here today?’‘I... I don’t know,’ Callie stammered, her eyes flickering with vulnerability.She fidgeted, unsure of how to express her gratitude to Elias.The man just prot
Callie emerged from the bathroom, her damp hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders.Spotting Elias engrossed in a book on the sofa, she approached him with a smile.‘I’m done. It’s your turn now,’ she announced cheerfully.Elias looked up from his book and his eyes widened at the sight before him.Callie’s slender legs, flawless and captivating, seemed to go on forever.He couldn’t tear his gaze away, his thoughts veering into dangerous territory.‘D*mn, she’s got legs that could stop traffic,’ Elias thought, his mouth going dry.Callie, oblivious to Elias’s internal struggle, walked closer, her legs carrying her with grace.She absentmindedly wiped her wet hair with a towel, unknowingly intensifying the allure.Her proximity overwhelmed Elias.His normally disciplined self was being tested by the irresistible temptation.He swallowed hard, his desire threatening to break free.‘Uh, Elias?’ Callie’s voice broke through his trance. ‘Aren’t you going to shower?’Elias quickly s
Elias, who had been lying there still as a corpse, shifted slightly.With a gentle touch, he carefully turned Callie to face him, his arms effortlessly encircling her in a warm embrace.In that moment, his heart swelled with an unfamiliar warmth, melting away the icy barriers he had built around himself.It was a vulnerability he had rarely experienced.A soft chuckle escaped Elias’s lips as he watched Callie sleep, her peaceful expression accentuated by the moonlight filtering through the curtains.He marvelled at the stark contrast between the men he had slept beside, all muscular and imposing, and the delicate girl in his arms.‘You’re something else, aren’t you?’ Elias whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. ‘I never thought I’d find myself yearning for someone like you.’As the night enveloped them in its tender embrace, Elias’s heart danced to a different rhythm.The walls he had built to protect himself began to crumble, replaced by an overwhelming desire to protect and ch