‘Can you believe her, Callie? She acts like she’s the queen of this place just because she comes from a wealthy background. The way she looks down on everyone is infuriating,’ Wendy grumbled, rolling her eyes.Then she let out a sigh. ‘She and you may share the same last name, but the two of you couldn’t be more different.’Callie was busy battling with a piece of roast beef, too preoccupied to reply.The beef was overcooked, with no hint of pink in the centre, and lacked the juicy tenderness characteristic of a well-cooked roast beef.The meat was dry and tough, with a leathery texture that made it difficult to chew.Callie had often prided herself on her ability to survive in any environment, but as she struggled to swallow, she was starting to look forward to a weekend trip to Sandsville, where she could at least enjoy some normal food.Wendy was frowning, still concerned about the next six months they would have to work alongside Angelia. ‘I don’t know how I’m going to handle her.
Wendy couldn’t contain her indignation any longer. ‘I can’t believe I helped her lug those suitcases,’ she spat, feeling used and deceived.Callie placed a comforting hand on Wendy’s shoulder. ‘We didn’t know what kind of person she was when we offered to help. Now we do. Let’s just focus on having a good time tonight at the party,’ she said, trying to lift Wendy’s spirits.Outside, the sun had set, and the night was alive with excitement and anticipation.The training ground had been transformed into a festive gathering, with soldiers and cadets mingling, laughing, and dancing around a bonfire, whose crackling flames cast a warm glow over the crowd.Callie and Wendy arrived right on time, ready to embrace the night’s festivities.As they approached, a group of soldiers offered them non-alcoholic drinks, a gesture of hospitality.Wendy nudged Callie. ‘Look.’Callie followed Wendy’s line of sight and saw Angelia in the distance, surrounded by a group of soldiers.Her presence commanded
Amidst the flickering glow of the bonfire, Callie and Wendy found themselves engaged in animated chitchat with the soldiers.Wendy’s eyes lit up with excitement as she whispered to Callie about another young, cute sergeant who had caught her eye.Her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment as she shared her thoughts.Callie couldn’t help but tease her friend. ‘Oh, Wendy, looks like you’ve got a secret admirer,’ she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ‘Go for it, girl! Who knows what sparks might fly tonight.’Encouraged by Callie’s playful nudging, Wendy considered taking a chance on romance amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the party.Callie, on the other hand, was starting to feel a sense of belonging at Valour Ridge Military Academy, despite having been there for only two days.The environment was indeed challenging, with sandstorms threatening and the dry air taking some getting used to.The campus was nestled deep in the mountains, miles away from the nearest town, making i
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and revelry, but Elias felt a knot of jealousy tightening in his chest.Lemuel couldn’t help but join in the fun, whistling and hooting along with the others.He couldn’t deny that Callie looked stunning, her movements graceful and fluid.‘D*mn, that chick in the white dress looks good!’ he mused out loud. ‘She’s so supple, with a waist that could bend easily. Maybe she was a gymnast before she became a doctor.’Elias’s face darkened at Lemuel’s words.Memories of the time he and Callie had danced at Simon’s wedding flooded his mind.He had always known that she had a talent for dancing, but he never expected her to be this good.What irked him even more was the fact that she seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself, dancing with another man.Lemuel, oblivious to Elias’s internal turmoil, couldn’t help but voice his thoughts. ‘Hey, sir, do you think I have a chance with the girl in the white dress? I mean, I’m a captain, and that guy she’s da
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