Chapter 9 Chapter 9

Callie could feel the waves of anger radiating from Elias, like a volcanic eruption about to happen.

Why was he angry?

What did any of this have to do with him?

It was her embarrassment, her pain-it had nothing to do with him.

'Lieutenant Colonel Westwood, this is a hospital!' Callie's voice quivered.

'That night, you could have left me on the street. Why did you save me? Why did you take me home?' Elias's gaze locked with Callie's reddened eyes, his own eyes deep and intense

'Because, like I told you, I'm a doctor,' she replied with utmost seriousness. 'A doctor's duty is to save lives and heal wounds. What happened that night, I would have done it for anyone.'

Elias's fingers tightened gradually, conflicting emotions swirling within him.

As he looked into Callie's red-rimmed eyes, he knew she spoke the truth.

And yet, the knowledge that she would have done it for anyone agitated him.

In the next instant, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.

Unlike their previous staged encounter, this kiss was real, raw, and filled with longing.

Elias's tongue explored her mouth with a sense of urgency, leaving Callie feeling overwhelmed and lightheaded.

She struggled to break free from his firm grip on her wrists, but he held her firmly in place, his eyes filled with desire.

Callie mustered all her strength and bit down on his tongue, hard enough to draw blood.

Elias pulled back, panting.

The sight of her lips stained with his blood only fuelled his desire for her even more.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?' Callie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. 'Is this how you treat someone who saved your life just weeks ago?'

His gaze lingered on her lips.

'Callie,' he began, his voice husky, 'crying over your ex-boyfriend won't solve anything.'

Confusion etched across her face, Callie furrowed her brows.

'Then what will?' she demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.

Elias leaned closer, his warm breath caressing her cheek. 'You need to show him what he's lost. Find a man who's more handsome, more powerful, and richer than him. Then, make a grand entrance into his life with your new partner.'

Callie scoffed, her eyes rolling in disbelief. 'Where am I supposed to find someone like that?'

Elias's fingers gently lifted her chin, locking their gazes together.

'I can be that man,' he said. 'If you agree to be with me, I'll protect you from any harm, including your ex-boyfriend.'

Flustered and caught off guard, Callie's mind raced with conflicting thoughts.

Elias, a virtual stranger, stood before her with an earnestness that she couldn't ignore.

She bit her lower lip, contemplating his proposal.

Revenge against Simon and Abby, her ex-boyfriend and his new flame, had been consuming her thoughts.

Callie's heart was torn between accepting Elias's proposal and remaining cautious.

She barely knew him, having only crossed paths with him twice.

Doubt clouded her eyes, and she found herself lost in the uncertainty of the moment.

Elias observed Callie with an unwavering gaze, tenderness gleaming in his eyes.

As a seasoned soldier, he was accustomed to making swift decisions and taking immediate action.

It was a trait that had propelled him through the ranks to become a lieutenant colonel.

But with Callie, he realised the need for patience.

He understood that their connection was still nascent, and he wanted to give her the time she needed to decide.

'Take your time, Callie,' Elias said, his voice gentle yet firm. 'If you're unsure about this, you have three days to think it over. Rest well and take care of yourself.'

With those words, Elias turned and left the hospital room.

Standing in the hallway, he glanced back through the window and caught sight of Callie pulling the blanket over her face, as if seeking solace or a means of hiding.

A smile crept onto his lips; it was evident that she didn't remember their first meeting three years ago.

In her eyes, he was merely a stranger.

But Elias didn't mind.

He remembered her well, every moment of their brief encounter etched into his memory.

He knew there would be ample time for Callie to get to know him better, to discover the depths of his character and the sincerity behind his proposal.

***

Stuart Colman, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and a pair of spectacles perched on his nose, sat behind his polished desk in his spacious office at Rosedale Hospital.

Dressed in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of authority and arrogance.

Before him stood his daughter, Abby Colman, her head bowed and tears welling in her eyes.

Stuart sighed deeply and removed his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose.

He had just scolded Abby for a grave mistake she had made earlier that day.

Her reckless decision to perform an unauthorised thoracotomy had nearly cost a patient's life, and it was only through the swift intervention of Dr Hawthorne that disaster had been averted.

'Abby,' Stuart's voice resonated with disappointment and frustration. 'Do you understand the gravity of your actions? You could have killed that soldier today. If I hadn't used my position as director to suppress this matter, you could have faced severe consequences. Your career as a doctor could have been ruined.'

Abby's voice trembled as she tried to defend herself. 'Dad, I only did it because the patient was in critical condition. There was no other qualified surgeon available at the time. I had to try and save him.'

Stuart's anger surged through his body, causing his voice to quiver with intensity. 'Abby, if that soldier had died on the operating table, it would have been a catastrophe. Even I, as the director, would not have been able to protect you. You need to realise the consequences of your actions. The soldier belongs to the Special Forces, and this hospital is accountable to them. If your negligence had cost him his life, you could have faced court-martial. Do you understand?'

As Stuart's words sank in, Abby's eyes widened with realisation.

The weight of her mistake pressed upon her, and she could no longer deny the severity of the situation.

However, her pride prevented her from expressing gratitude towards Callie Hawthorne.