Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 38

Elliot pushed open the door and walked in, noticing Lydia was there. "Sir, here’s our detailed operation plan."

Garrett took the plan with a weary sigh. "Elliot, perfect timing. Tell Lydia to stop insisting on going to the border with you."

Elliot smiled softly. "Lydia, the border’s too dangerous this time. Stay with the army and listen to me."

"Lydia, I’m not just a medic. I’m capable of taking care of myself-and of you. I won’t hold you back." Lydia’s voice was gentle, her eyes locked on Elliot.

Elliot and Lydia had met when he first joined the army. The moment Lydia saw him, she’d fallen for him. She pursued him relentlessly, and eventually, Elliot had agreed. They’d been together for years now.

"Lydia, staying with the army is the safest choice,"Elliot said firmly.

"Please, Elliot..." Lydia pouted, giving him a pleading look.

Garrett was speechless. ’Well, well, well, he thought. ’Girls will be girls.

Elliot was powerless against Lydia’s pleading eyes. "Fine, get ready. We’ll leave later."

"Sir, don’t worry. I’ll protect Lydia," Elliot assured Garrett with a respectful nod.

Garrett didn’t object further, but still gave his instructions. "At the border, follow Elliot’s lead. Stay safe."

"Got it, Dad. Don’t worry about me. I’ll protect Elliot too," Lydia teased.

"Sir, we’ll be leaving in an hour. We’re going to prepare," Elliot said calmly.

"Alright, take care," Garrett reminded them. "Understood."

Shadow Fortress.

Danielle finally had a quiet moment to eat, but then her phone rang. She glanced at the screen-David. ’Wasn’t I just on the phone with him a few hours ago?’ she wondered.

"Danielle, have you eaten yet?" David’s concerned voice came through.

"Yeah, I’m eating now," Danielle replied, chewing as she spoke.

"You’re having lunch this late? You need to eat on time and take care of yourself." If David’s subordinates heard this, they’d probably drop their jaws.

"I know," Danielle said, realizing David was a little clingy.

David, on the other end, could only ease his longing through words. "Danielle, do you miss me? I miss you a little."

Danielle could tell, especially with the way he called every few hours. "Well, sort of," she replied. She hadn’t really had time to miss anyone, so busy with work.

David didn’t like her response. "Danielle, you can’t just say ’sort of. You should always be thinking about me."

"Aren’t you busy with your trip?" Danielle changed the subject.

"I’m always thinking about you, no matter how busy I am," David replied smoothly, his words dangerously sweet.

Danielle rolled her eyes.

Her phone was on loud, and everyone at the table could hear it crystal clear. ’Are we eating lunch or listening to a romance novel?’ they thought to themselves.