Perfect Candidate

‘All right,’ Callie agreed, slipping off her white coat and making her way downstairs with Elias. Elias was in civilian clothes, his jacket devoid of any intricate design, yet the man exuded a charm that captivated those around him. His face remained impassive, and his dark eyes resembled the depths of a bewitching night, luring people into their enchanting gaze. As Callie and Elias stepped out of the lift, their mere presence drew the attention of the entire room, with most of the eyes falling on Elias. It wasn’t because Callie lacked in beauty, but Elias possessed a natural magnetism that compelled all eyes to gravitate towards him. Feeling overshadowed by his dazzling allure, Callie instinctively created a distance between them. She attempted to do so discreetly, but as a perceptive soldier, Elias caught onto her actions. Amidst the scrutinizing gazes of onlookers, he took the initiative and gently clasped Callie’s hand. Her hand, petite and delicate, was effortlessly enveloped by his larger one. Elias couldn’t help but chuckle. Who would have thought that such a small hand possessed the power to save lives on the brink of death? Her touch felt soft and cool against his skin, a comforting sensation. Elias realised something in that moment—he didn’t mind holding her hand at all. Once he had taken hold, he had no desire to let go. His grip tightened, prompting Callie to fidget and whisper, her voice barely audible amidst the hospital’s bustling atmosphere, ‘Elias, we’re still... in the hospital. It’s not appropriate.’ Elias glanced at their interlocked hands and loosened his grip slightly. Callie seized the opportunity to withdraw her hand, but he swiftly entwined their fingers together, creating an even more intimate connection. ‘You...’ Callie uttered in disbelief, her voice tinged with incredulity. ‘What are you doing?’ Elias leaned in, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine. ‘When you become my wife,’ he began, his tone possessive yet laden with promises, ‘I will do many things like this and so much more to you.’ His words carried an air of dominance, revealing a hint of arrogance beneath the surface. And it surprised Callie. Soldiers were supposed to embody dignity, solemnity, and honour. However, this man before her, with his bold declaration, shattered the image she had envisioned. A blush crept onto Callie’s face as she reluctantly allowed Elias to take her hand, and together, they made their way towards the underground parking lot. When she caught sight of Elias’s Pagani, she couldn’t help but be taken aback. Now, Callie wasn’t a car connoisseur, but she could tell that this was no ordinary vehicle with just a glance. It screamed luxury and exclusivity. Her surprise spilt out in the form of a question. ‘Elias, are soldiers all balling like this? This ride must have cost a fortune!’ Callie possessed a forgiving and compassionate nature, but she held her principles dear. Working in a hospital affiliated with the army, she had some inkling about the military pay scale. This car could have easily cost more than what a typical soldier could make in five years. If Elias got his money from some shady business, Callie wouldn’t have any part in that. Sitting in his lavish car was out of the question, let alone marrying him. Elias opened the passenger door. ‘Don’t worry, bunny. My assets are all hard-earned. The army has vetted every penny. Not a single cent was obtained unlawfully.’ Instead of being irked by her scepticism, he was pleased. At first, Elias perceived her as a kind and innocent girl, and maybe even a bit of a pushover when it came to dealing with her scumbag of an ex. But the more he discovered about her, the more he realised she possessed an unwavering resolve beneath her fragile exterior. She held her principles steadfastly. With this revelation, Elias cast a more appreciative gaze upon Callie and congratulated himself for having picked a perfect candidate for a wife. Just like Callie, he had his own agenda for the impulsive marriage, and it was two-fold. On one hand, he sought to marry her, or any woman, to avoid the suffocating confines of an arranged marriage. On the other hand, he genuinely wanted to care for Callie. She had come to his aid twice before. When he witnessed her pain caused by her ex-boyfriend, he could have used other means to bring the scoundrel to justice. However, he chose to keep her by his side and protect her in his own way. Callie nodded, her doubts dispelled. ‘All right, then.’ She settled herself in the passenger seat. Elias closed the door and positioned himself behind the wheel. As Callie clumsily fumbled with the seatbelt, he leaned over slightly, interlocking his large hand with her small one, guiding her through the process. Just moments ago, the seatbelt had stubbornly refused to cooperate, but now, it seamlessly slid into place with Elias’s touch. Callie pressed her back against the seat, holding her breath. Elias glanced sideways, his eyes fixed on Callie’s restive gaze and the way she nervously bit her lip. Deliberately, he leaned closer. ‘Am I... making you nervous?’ His words hung in the air, accompanied by the warmth of his breath grazing her cheeks, igniting a rapid heartbeat within her chest. He was the epitome of perfection, and the proximity between them only heightened her unease. How could she not be nervous? ‘Elias!’ Callie pushed him aside, her tone a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. ‘Do you find it funny to toy with me?’ Elias raised his hand to conceal his amused smile. ‘No.’ Callie couldn’t believe Elias was lying to her face. She blurted, ‘Seriously? You’re a soldier, and you’re lying right to my face?’ Elias chuckled, affectionately patting her head. His face was cast in a shadow due to the dim car lights, but it only accentuated his unparalleled handsomeness. His well-defined features seemed even more striking, and his eyes held a dark, mysterious gleam. In that moment, Elias was as captivating and dangerous as a fallen angel. Callie couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. ‘Damn, this man is too damn good-looking.’ The rapid beating of her heart made her flustered, and she couldn’t ignore the loud thump-thump echoing in her chest. It was embarrassing, to say the least.