Chapter 21
Allison stepped outside, gazing at the bright rose in her hand. Softly, she remarked, “You didn’t need to provoke him like that.”
Markus unfastened the top button of his military uniform. “Can’t I just want to give you flowers?”
“You can.” Allison smiled faintly. “But I still want to say this: I no longer need anyone’s love to validate my worth.”
Markus paused, then chuckled. “That’s a good thing.”
Allison’s expression looked serene, the gloom of the past days completely gone. “I can save myself now.”
Markus watched her, stepping forward but maintaining a respectful distance. “But why deliberately reject beautiful things?”
He gestured toward the delicate rose. “Accepting this won’t shackle you. You’re born free.”
Allison paused, then her smile deepened.
“True enough.” She shrugged, holding the flower. “Let’s have beef stew tonight. Simmer it longer–I dislike tough meat.‘
Markus grinned. “Yes, ma’am!”
After her formal transfer from the Special Investigation Unit to the
Chapter 21
Intelligence Unit, Allison and Markus developed an unspoken understanding following their first mission.
Over the following incidents, they jointly handled multiple terrorist attacks, achieving a record of zero casualties.
At each commendation ceremony, thunderous applause erupted as rescued individuals tearfully grasped her hand, while commendatory banners arrived in succession.
At dusk, Markus approached holding a flower–this time a pink rose.
Allison arched an eyebrow. “Today isn’t any special occasion.”
Markus smiled. “I passed the florist, and it was blooming too beautifully.”
Allison accepted the blossom without refusal, Markus’s eyes glimmering faintly.
He pressed further: “Then tonight, might we dine together?”
Allison lifted her gaze to him. Though Mr. Sanchez maintained a composed expression, nervousness flickered in his eyes–still like a slick
young man.
She smiled faintly, deliberately pausing before answering, “Alright.”
Markus instantly beamed brighter than the rose bouquet.
As Markus drove, they passed the military district’s honor roll–its largest photo featured them standing shoulder–to–shoulder at a medal ceremony.
He smugly arched an eyebrow. “We look perfect together.”
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Chapter 21
Allison simply chuckled before adding, “By the way, tonight-”
Suddenly, screeching tires cut her off. A speeding car careened around the corner, hurtling straight toward them!
Allison’s eyes widened in shock. In the next heartbeat, Markus wrenched the steering wheel and threw himself in front of her.
With a loud bang.
“Markus!”
The pungent smell of blood flooded Allison’s nostrils. Dizzy yet fighting unconsciousness,
Markus collapsed silently in her arms, blood gushing from somewhere
unseen…
The ambulance siren pierced the sky.
On the hospital waiting room bench, Allison clenched her fists until her knuckles whitened. Bloodstains covered her clothes–some hers, mostly Markus’s.
At the critical moment, Markus had jerked the steering wheel, exposing himself to the full impact while shielding Allison.
She’d only suffered scrapes on her arm and a mild concussion. Refusing medical attention, she waited outside.
The surgery light glowed. Four hours had passed. Still not out of danger.
Chapter 21
“Is he badly injured?”
The voice made Allison whip around. He saw Jacob standing not far in a hospital gown.
Rumor was he kept attempting suicide during detention–not his first hospital visit.
Allison stared coldly, voice icy: “Get out.”
Jacob didn’t move. A twisted smile played on his lips.
away
“Skull fracture, internal bleeding… probably won’t make it? Can’t expect Mr. Sanchez to always be this lucky, can we? Playing with fire like this…. sooner or later-”
“Get out now.” Allison clenched his fists, gaze locked on Jacob.
Jacob suddenly chuckled. “Wouldn’t it be better if he died?”
Allison shot to his feet.
“If he dies… you can come back, just like before.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Allison angrily raised her hand and slapped him hard.
Slap! The sharp sound echoed through the corridor, leaving a bright red palm print on Jacob’s face.
“Jacob, I never want to see you again!”
