Erica walked quietly through the dimly lit hallway, her bare feet making soft sounds against the wooden floor. The weight of the night still clung to her, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on her next task—checking on Evelyn.As she approached Evelyn’s room, Erica noticed the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open gently, she was surprised to find John sitting beside the bed. His tall frame was hunched over, his hands resting on the armrests of the chair, and his eyes were closed as he slept. She heaved a sighed as she stared him.His expression, usually so guarded and stern, seemed peaceful and almost vulnerable in sleep.For a moment, Erica stood in the doorway, her eyes softened as she took in the scene. She couldn’t help but think about how sweet they looked togetherJohn, the steadfast protector, and Evelyn was always fierce and she noticed she was independent woman.Often she found their bickering cute but she knew it was impossible between those two.But the fact still
When Erica got back the moment she opened the door the first person she saw was Sullivan. "Babe, Where have you been?" He asked with his eyes filled with drowsiness. "Are you up already?" Erica asked going over to his side. "Not really," He groaned. Before Erica could say another word he pulled her to himself. His arms were around her waist as he buried his face in her neck. "Let's stay like this a little longer. "He sighs."Hmm." Erica's hand goes into his hair and gently begins to caress it. The texture was so soft that Erica couldn't help but smile.She pulled back and looked into his eyes which were still trying to stay open. "If you are tired then you should get some sleep." Erica turned. "I don't want to. " Erica moved forward and pressed a kiss on his forehead. "You are tired and I don't like the way I'm ""You are tired, and I don’t like seeing you this way," Erica whispered, her lips lingering against his forehead.Sullivan tightened his hold on her waist, refusin
The next morning just before breakfast a meeting was fixed so they could discuss how to solve the problem they indirectly created for themselves. The atmosphere in the room was tense as Sullivan, Erica, Evelyn, and John gathered around the table, maps and documents spread out before them. The weight of their responsibilities hung heavily in the air, each of them acutely aware of the dangers that lay ahead. The South had become a critical battleground, and now they were forced to adjust their strategies in light of the new developments.Sullivan ran a hand through his hair, his expression grim as he surveyed the situation. "We need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more fortified their positions will become.""Since they already know we went to the south."John, standing by his side, nodded in agreement. His hand where in his pocket studying the items on the table. "We can’t afford to be caught off guard. Our enemies are expecting us, which means we need to outmaneuver the
Erica noticed that he wanted some alone time with Evelyn, so she followed John outside.She didn’t have a problem leaving her husband with Evelyn because she trusted her.She could see how John was beginning to get agitated, so she placed a hand on his shoulder."Don’t worry, she’ll be fine," she said to him."I wasn’t worried about her," John lied, trying to avert his gaze."You don’t have to hide it because I know you care about her," Erica said with a smile. "Do you have feelings for her?" she added.This time John flinched because he wasn’t expecting her to ask such a straightforward question."It’s okay to want something for yourself," she said softly."It’s just complicated," he sighed in distress."Don’t worry, you’ll be fine," Erica chuckled. "Come on, let’s go," she added as they continued to walk down the hallway.---Evelyn was still watching Sullivan as he stood in front of her.She felt her heart beating in her chest because she was scared of being alone with him.She fea
Evelyn's heart was racing, but she forced herself to remain composed. Sullivan's apology had caught her off guard, and she was struggling to process the emotions it stirred within her. For months, she had carried the weight of her past actions, believing she was beyond forgiveness, even from herself. Yet, here was Sullivan, acknowledging her pain, even thanking her."Set things right?" Evelyn echoed, her voice tinged with bitterness. "You can't just say a few words and expect everything to be okay.""I know," Sullivan said, his gaze steady. "But it's a start. I don't expect you to forgive me, and I don't expect us to go back to how things were. I just wanted you to know that I recognize the good you've done."Evelyn looked away, her fingers fidgeting as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill. She hated how vulnerable she felt in front of him, hated that despite everything, his words affected her so deeply."Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice barely above
"No, there's no need for you to be concerned," Evelyn replied with an amused expression."Then it's all settled and done," Sullivan sighed with relief.Evelyn took her leave and went to her room.When she got to the door, she found John standing outside."Hey," he started slowly."Hi," Evelyn replied, looking at him.The silence was beginning to get awkward, so Evelyn offered, "Do you want to come inside?""Hmm."Slowly, she opened the door and gestured for him to come inside."I want to talk to you about something," he began."We are walking, so you should just say whatever you want to say," Evelyn said, rolling her eyes."We'll be going to the south, and I know it's going to be really dangerous…""If you're trying to convince me not to go, I won't," she said firmly.The firmness in her voice made John realize that she had no intention of changing her mind, and it bothered him because he was scared.He had been on so many dangerous missions in his life, but he had never once been sca
"We have gotten news that the Dragon General will be coming to the South," Jason's father said as he stood in front of the other members of the five great families."If he's coming, then he must be trying to seize control of the South like he did with Lowell Tower, but we must stop him before he does," Mr. Brown said.The other members were already looking uncomfortable as they began to mumble among themselves."Silence!" Jason’s father yelled."There’s no need to fret; the situation will be sorted out," he said firmly."Men will be deployed to the South to ensure that our place is secure."Mrs. Martin, who had been watching the proceedings with a nonchalant expression, finally leaned forward to air her opinion."What if we meet resistance from the people because of the Dragon General?" she asked.Everyone’s heads snapped toward her, trying to understand what she was implying."I don’t think we understand what you’re trying to say," Jason's father frowned."The likelihood of the popul
"What was that all about?" Jason's father asked the moment they stepped out of the building.Mrs. Martin turned to him, feigning ignorance. "I don't understand what you're implying. You'll have to be specific.""It looks like you have everyone wrapped around your pretty little fingers."Mrs. Martin's lips curved into a smile as she leaned against the side of the car."Is that jealousy I smell on you, love?" she teased, arching an eyebrow and shaking her head in amusement.If only he knew the plans she had in mind for him."I don't get jealous.""Then I don't see how that is a problem," she shrugged. "You, of all people, should understand that it's all just business."Her assistant helped her open the car door, and she got inside."I hope I'll see you later tonight," she said with a wink."Keep your voice down," Jason's father warned, although the prospect of meeting up later excited him."The walls have ears," he remarked nervously, allowing his eyes to roam the garage."It's just us