Wendy raised an eyebrow. ‘Lost? Seriously? Well, I guess it happens. Anyway, I’ve got to say, you look great in that white lab coat. But you know what would look even better on you? The military uniform! You should wear it more often.’Callie smiled. ‘Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate the compliment, but I actually prefer the lab coat. It’s more comfortable for me.’‘Come on, don’t be shy. I bet you’d rock the uniform too. Why don’t you wear it?’‘Because Elias told me not to,’ Callie thought.‘Well, let’s not make a big deal out of it.’ She quickly changed the subject. ‘So, anyway, I went to the training ground earlier, and it was intense! The soldiers were doing combat training, and it was quite impressive.’Wendy’s eyes lit up. ‘Combat training, huh? Any shirtless hunks among them?’Callie laughed. ‘Sorry to disappoint you, but they were fully dressed. Still, it was quite a sight to see.’‘Aw, man! I was hoping for some eye candy. Guess I’ll have to wake up early next time to catch them

Elias packed the muffin along with some berries into two separate containers.Then he left the officers’ mess hall and went downstairs, where a throng of soldiers lingered after their breakfast, trying to engage the three women in conversation.His presence commanded respect, and the soldiers quickly straightened up, saluting him as he passed by.‘As you were,’ he said, acknowledging their salute.Among the trio, Wendy was the first to notice Elias approaching, and she couldn’t contain her excitement.‘Hey, look! It’s your lieutenant colonel!’ Wendy nudged Callie.Callie looked up, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Elias making his way towards them. ‘Yup, that’s him.’Angelia, ever composed, noticed Elias too.Her eyes trailed over his tall and imposing figure, taking in the insignia that marked him as a Major General—a gold star surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves, with two red stripes on a red background, worn on the collar of his olive green uniform.She pegged the m

As the clock struck eleven, the health centre seemed to momentarily slow down.Callie finally caught a break from attending to the steady stream of cadets seeking her attention, medical or otherwise.She made her way to the triage desk, where Wendy was busy with paperwork.‘Hey, Wendy. How’s it going?’ Callie greeted, a hint of relief in her voice.Wendy looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of her friend. ‘Hey, Callie! It’s been a wild ride, but we’re managing,’ she replied, her voice filled with admiration for the soldiers they had been treating.Callie leaned against the desk, sharing a knowing look with Wendy. ‘I know what you mean. These soldiers are tough as nails. I’ve treated everything from broken arms to twisted ankles, and they handle it like champs,’ she said, genuinely impressed.Wendy nodded enthusiastically. ‘Oh, let me tell you about this one young soldier, just nineteen years old. He had some serious injuries from hand-to-hand combat training and rock climbing,

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

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