Recipe for Disaster

Callie and Wendy exchanged amazed glances, struggling to process the revelation.

Callie couldn’t help but feel a sense of astonishment at Elias being a soldier, as he wasn’t dressed in uniform.

But then, it would explain all the bullet wounds and scars on his body.

Lieutenant Colonel—a high-ranking position, she assumed, given the young soldier’s respect.

There was something undeniably alluring about a man in uniform.

Wendy, always the romantic, seized Callie’s hands, her eyes shining with excitement. ‘Oh my gosh, Callie! Are all soldiers that ridiculously attractive?’

Callie was about to respond, but a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over her like a rogue wave.

Her head spun, the world blurring into a whirlpool of confusion.

And then, without warning, her legs buckled beneath her, and she slumped to the ground in a heap.

‘Woah, hold up!’ Wendy lunged forward, but before she could catch Callie, a pair of strong arms swooped in and cradled her limp form.

‘Callie!’ Wendy reached for Callie’s hand.

Elias, his brows furrowed with concern, shot Wendy a stern glance. ‘Seriously, nurse? You should know how to handle this situation.’

Wendy covered her mouth, her eyes wide with astonishment as she watched Elias embrace Callie protectively.

His voice dripped with annoyance, tinged with an underlying worry.

The man cared, that much was obvious.

Pulling herself together, Wendy found her voice. ‘Right, follow me.’

Elias scooped Callie up effortlessly, his strong arms cradling her gently as he followed Wendy’s lead.

The trio made their way through the hallways of Rosedale Hospital, Elias’s powerful strides matching Wendy’s hurried steps.

***

The sterile white room hummed with the soft sound of medical equipment.

Callie’s eyes fluttered open, and she found herself lying on a hospital bed.

The scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, and she noticed the IV needle secured to her arm, administering a mixture of saline and glucose.

She sat up, feeling exhausted and disoriented, her head throbbing.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Nurse Wendy hurried over, placing a pillow behind Callie’s back. ‘Easy there. You fainted, remember?’

Callie rubbed her temples, trying to recall the events that led to her current predicament. ‘Fainted? But why?’

Wendy removed the IV needle carefully and tended to the puncture on Callie’s hand.

She scolded Callie gently, ‘You shouldn’t have been moving about after donating so much blood.’

A sigh escaped Callie’s lips as she leaned back against the pillow. ‘I guess I pushed myself too far. Two surgeries and donating blood—it was a recipe for disaster.’

Wendy nodded, her face etched with a mix of admonishment and concern. ‘Girl, you should know better. Your blood sugar must have tanked after all that. Seriously, as a doctor, you should take better care of yourself. If Lieutenant Colonel Westwood hadn’t caught you in time, you’d have bashed your head against the floor.’

‘Lieutenant Colonel Westwood?’ Callie muttered the name.

‘Yeah, Elias Westwood, that’s him! A commander in the Special Forces,’ Wendy answered casually. ‘The soldiers admitted here earlier are his men. And let me tell you, he’s got quite the high rank. You should’ve seen the way Director Colman fawned all over him.’

Wendy rolled her eyes. ‘But our director never said a word about the medical mishap his precious daughter caused earlier. Almost killed one of the soldiers when she nicked the wrong artery during surgery.’

Callie let out a resigned sigh. ‘Let’s not dwell on that. The important thing is that the soldier survived. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let it slide.’

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Callie beckoned the person inside.

It was none other than Elias Westwood himself, striding into the room with an air of commanding confidence.

Callie’s grip tightened involuntarily around Wendy’s hand, nerves fluttering in her stomach.

Wendy withdrew her hand with a playful wink. ‘Dr Hawthorne, you have no idea how worried Lieutenant Colonel Westwood was about you. I thought he might explode with anger if anything happened to you. I’ll leave you two to chat. Rest up, Callie!’

With a knowing smile, Wendy discreetly slipped away, leaving Callie and Elias alone in the hospital room.

Elias closed the distance between them, his steps deliberate and purposeful.

With a low, almost whispered voice, he uttered a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’

Callie, taken aback, furrowed her brows. ‘Thank me? For what?’

‘For saving my men.’

Not only did she step up and perform the surgeries, she gave her own blood to one of his soldiers who otherwise might not have made it.

‘Oh, that.’ Callie shrugged. ‘You don’t have to thank me. I’m a doctor. It’s my job to save the patients in any way I can.’

Elias’s gaze softened, his eyes lingering on her calm expression, his mind wandering back to the image of her tear-stained face.

This woman, who shed tears for others with such sadness, treated herself with such ruthless disregard.

It stirred an uncomfortable feeling within him.

‘Why did you cry?’ Elias’s voice held a trace of coldness, tinged with a flicker of anger. ‘Just because of the man who betrayed you?’

Callie’s fingers tightened around the glass of water, a flicker of pain flashing through her puffy eyes.

She had always clutched her emotions tightly, not wanting anyone else to witness her sorrow and amplify her misery.

Yet, this man kept barging into places where he had no right to be.

‘I didn’t cry! I didn’t!’ Callie’s voice rose, her eyes welling up with tears once again.

She couldn’t understand why her eyes stung and tears flowed so easily.

‘What’s the big deal with crying anyway? It’s none of your business!’ Tears streamed down Callie’s face as she defiantly confronted Elias.

His irritation grew as he stared at the tears on her face, a maddening sensation overpowering his reasoning.

It made him want to shatter the fragile vulnerability of this woman standing before him.

In a sudden burst of anger, Elias seized the glass from Callie’s hand and set it down on the bedside table with a loud thud.

Callie, startled, glared at him.

Elias’s hands closed in around her, his long legs pressing against hers, trapping her against the bed.

It was a stark contrast to their previous encounter, where he was the one lying in bed and she the one standing.

Peculiar Proposal

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.

Blind Date

‘I don’t owe Callie anything,’ Abby retorted defiantly. ‘She only intervened to show off and prove herself better than me. I won’t thank her for that.’

Stuart’s frustration deepened, his face reddening with anger. ‘Abby, this is not about your personal vendettas or petty rivalries. This is about patient care and professionalism. You must learn to put your ego aside and acknowledge the assistance you receive, regardless of who it comes from.’

Simon, a suave and ambitious surgeon who always had a smooth answer ready, stepped forward to defend his fiancée. ‘Mr Colman, it’s Abby’s first year as a surgical resident. Mistakes happen, especially in high-pressure situations. She was only trying to help. I can assure you that she has learned her lesson.’

Stuart glanced at Simon, his expression softened slightly. ‘Simon, as Abby’s future husband, I expect you to take good care of her at work. Ensure that she learns from this incident and improves her practice. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.’

Simon nodded earnestly. ‘You have my word, Mr Colman. Abby’s growth as a doctor is important to me, and I’ll do everything in my power to guide her.’

Stuart sighed, a mix of concern and resignation evident in his voice. ‘Abby, I hope you understand the seriousness of your mistake. Your future as a doctor rests on your ability to learn from it. Do not disappoint me.’

Abby, chastened by her father’s words, nodded solemnly.

Stuart had always been sceptical of Simon and Callie’s past relationship, but now, as he watched Simon passionately defend Abby, he felt a sense of relief wash over him.

‘Simon, I must say, your loyalty to Abby is commendable,’ Stuart said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ‘I have no doubt that you will take excellent care of her. And if you continue to perform well, the future here at Rosedale Hospital looks bright for you.’

Simon’s eyes sparkled behind his stylish gold-rimmed glasses as he soaked in Stuart’s words.

This was the moment he had been waiting for.

The position of director was within reach, and marrying Abby would provide him with the fastest path to the top.

He knew he had to play his cards right.

‘Thank you, Mr Colman,’ Simon replied, his voice dripping with calculated charm. ‘I assure you, I’ll give my utmost dedication both as a doctor and as Abby’s husband. Rosedale Hospital has been my home, and I’m determined to contribute to its success.’

Abby, her cheeks flushed with happiness, intertwined her fingers with Simon’s, relishing in her father’s approval.

She had always been daddy’s little princess, and this validation meant the world to her.

Stuart leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between Abby and Simon.

His mind danced with thoughts of the future, his cunning and self-serving nature beginning to take shape.

He had long contemplated retirement and leaving his prestigious position as director in capable hands.

Now, with Simon’s ambition aligning with his own desires, he saw a golden opportunity.

‘You know, Simon, I’ve been considering my future here at Rosedale,’ Stuart mused, tapping his fingers on the desk. ‘When the time comes for me to step down, I believe you have what it takes to lead this institution. I’m confident that you can continue the legacy I’ve built.’

Simon’s eyes widened with excitement, though he tried to maintain a composed facade.

He had always yearned for power and recognition, and the prospect of becoming the director of Rosedale Hospital was a dream come true.

He nodded eagerly, his mind already plotting his ascent to the top.

‘Mr Colman, your faith in me means the world,’ Simon replied, his voice oozing with sincerity. ‘I won’t let you down. I’ll ensure that Rosedale Hospital thrives under my leadership and that Abby’s happiness remains my top priority.’

Abby’s heart swelled with pride, her love for Simon blinding her to the ulterior motives that swirled beneath the surface.

She had always admired his ambition and determination, believing that he would always put her first.

Stuart returned Abby’s smile, a glimmer of satisfaction dancing in his eyes.

His plan was falling into place, and the future looked promising.

***

Callie took a deep breath as she entered the café, her heart pounding with anticipation.

This blind date, set up by her friend Lily, had her feeling a mixture of reluctance and nerves.

She glanced at her watch and realised she was running late, leaving her no time to freshen up after her long day at the hospital.

She hoped her casual attire wouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

Scanning the room, Callie’s eyes landed on a man sitting in a corner booth.

He matched the photo Lily had sent her earlier—a gentleman with dark, tousled hair and a sharp jawline.

She approached the booth and offered a warm smile.

‘Hi, I’m Callie,’ she greeted, extending her hand.

The man made a noncommittal sound, not bothering to look up from his laptop screen.

Callie’s surprise flickered across her face, but she quickly composed herself.

She took a seat across from him, deciding to wait patiently for his attention.

Ordering an iced coffee, Callie tried to ease her nerves by savouring the cool beverage.

The café buzzed with conversation around them, but the man remained engrossed in his work.

It wasn’t until Callie was nearing the end of her drink that he finally closed his laptop, breaking the silence.

‘Sorry about that. I tend to get carried away when I’m working,’ he offered a perfunctory apology, his eyes meeting Callie’s briefly.

She sensed the insincerity in his tone but decided not to dwell on it.

Instead, she maintained her polite demeanour, brushing it off with a smile. ‘No worries. We all have our moments. I hope you’re not too swamped with work now.’

The man, Joshua Faulkner, introduced himself and wasted no time in getting to the point. ‘As your friend may have told you, I am the legal counsel for several multinational corporations. In our line of work, “Time is money” is more than just a saying. I hope you don’t mind if we skip the pleasantries.’

‘As a doctor, I can appreciate that sentiment,’ Callie said.

‘Good, let’s not beat around the bush,’ Joshua said, leaning back in his seat. ‘I’m not just looking for a casual fling. I want a wife. So, I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few questions to see if you fit the bill.’