Jamison’s words struck Elias’s heart.He knew what Jamison meant, but he couldn’t save Callie, not in the way Jamison wanted.He couldn’t march into the holding cell and demand Callie’s release, as doing so would only endanger her further.However, he couldn’t tell Jamison these things.Not yet.‘Jamison, don’t take out your frustration on me. If you believe she’s innocent, go ahead and save her.’ Elias released Jamison. ‘As for me, I won’t go against military protocol and risk my career for a woman. General Conway is handling the case. I suggest you steer clear of it.’‘Elias, you coward!’‘You are asking for it.’ Elias clenched his fist tightly and punched Jamison in the face.Jamison staggered backwards.He wiped a drop of blood from the corner of his mouth, a mocking smile on his face. ‘You know how to fight, but you won’t stand up for your wife. Elias, you are a b*stard.’Jamison left the ward.If Elias refused to help Callie, he’d have to find someone else who would.***Carl sa

In the darkness, Callie examined the needle hole on her arm.In a desperate attempt, she squeezed her arm, allowing more blood to flow, staining her sleeve in the process.She continued squeezing and tried to rid as much of the substance from her body as possible.Minutes passed, then hours.Callie lay sprawled on the cot, her body wracked with pain.Hot and cold sensations alternated, and beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead.Gradually, she passed out.***In Carl’s office, a soldier reported the serum’s effects on Callie. ‘She’s running a high fever, but hasn’t asked the guards for help.’‘Stubborn,’ Carl remarked with a cold smile. ‘Let’s spread the news. If Elias truly cares about that girl, he’ll take action.’The soldier acknowledged the order and left.Carl contemplated the unfolding drama.Callie’s feelings for Elias, Dylan’s loyalty—everything hinged on the impending events.With Elias’s demise, Carl envisioned a victorious return to the capital, where his lifelong ambi

‘Elias, didn’t...didn’t you hear what I said?’ Callie panted, her chest heaving. ‘I told you not to kiss me.’‘I can’t help it.’His answer was so direct that it gave her pause. ‘Still, you shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what I got. What if it transmits through saliva? What if you get sick too?’‘Then we’ll just share a hospital room,’ Elias said softly.His eyes were filled with indescribable tenderness.With his thumb, he gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks. ‘I swear I will never leave you alone again.’‘You should go.’ Callie shot a nervous glance towards the door. ‘What if they decide to lock you up, too?’‘Silly girl.’ Elias chuckled. ‘I came to bring you home. You are released.’‘Really?’ Callie was sceptical.‘Why would I lie to you? They’ve just arrested Angelia as the murderer. All charges against you are dropped.’‘Angelia? Why would she—’‘Shh. There’s plenty of time for us to talk later. But right now, let’s get you out of here.’Elias took off his coat and d

‘Because of the way he’s been acting!’ Wendy looked serious. ‘Did you know I begged him to find a way to save you after you were taken away? I went to him. Lemuel went to him. We both begged him, but Elias refused every time. He didn’t seem to care about you at all. But now that you are out, he seems to have reverted to the role of a loving husband. So I am a little confused. What the hell is going on?’‘Um.’ Callie had not told Wendy about them putting on a show, mainly because she didn’t want her friend to get mixed up in trouble.But now that the crisis was partly over, she told Wendy everything.‘Wow.’ Wendy took a tissue from the box and wiped her tears dramatically. ‘So I was right about him. He never stopped loving you. Poor guy. I’m sure he suffered just as much as I did. Maybe more, since he had to put on a charade.’Callie nodded.It had been a difficult time, but she was glad they pulled through.***Elias met Harriet on the way to the canteen.She had a grave face.Harriet

‘Yes, General?’ Dylan turned around.‘Let me ask you, do you really like that doctor Callie?’Dylan tensed. ‘Sir, may I know why?’‘You’ll know soon enough anyway,’ Carl said. ‘She got back together with Elias.’‘Oh.’ Dylan’s heart sank.This meant Callie and Elias’s facade had already been exposed.What happened after he left the camp?Carefully, he kept his voice even. ‘So that’s what it is. Sir, are you worried that I’ll get hurt because of love?’‘Won’t you?’‘Sir, I remember telling you that I was just playing with Callie,’ Dylan said nonchalantly. ‘I was just curious about the kind of woman Elias would fall in love with. I’ve never taken that girl seriously anyway.’‘Well, it’s a good thing you are not affected.’ Carl seemed satisfied with his answer.He had high hopes for Dylan, partly because he would soon become his son-in-law, but mostly because he’d chosen Dylan to be his successor.As Dylan left the general’s office, he did have a woman on his mind.But it wasn’t Callie.*