But before she could say anything, Terence’s phone rang. He turned away to take the call, his expression shifting the moment he answered.
The voice on the other end was urgent. “Captain Bacchus, Captain Benson’s leg wound is infected. She’s in a lot of pain and can’t move. She might not be able to go on the mission.”
Terence’s brow furrowed deeply. “I’ll be there right away.”
Hearing this, Halle tucked the gift box into her pocket, grabbed the medical kit, and marched to the door.
“What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” she called over her shoulder.
Terence, momentarily stunned, quickly followed her.
After some basic treatment, the infection seemed under control.
“She shouldn’t move for now,” Halle advised the surrounding team members.
On the bed, Darlene tried to sit up despite the pain, her forehead slick with sweat.
“That won’t work,” she said firmly. “The poachers are set to move at dawn. We need to prepare our ambush this afternoon.”
Terence’s expression darkened as he snapped, “You’re staying here to recover. That’s an order!”
His frustration was palpable, his tone brooking no argument.
For the first time, Halle noticed the thin sheen of sweat on Terence’s forehead, despite the cold wind. It wasn’t from exertion but worry—a side of him she rarely, if ever, saw.
Darlene, however, was less than pleased with his decision. The two of them began arguing fiercely, their voices rising.
Eventually, Terence ordered everyone out of the room—including Halle.
Halle lingered outside, clutching the gift box in her pocket as she paced nervously.
The shouting stopped after a while. Curious, Halle peeked through the window.
Inside, Terence was gently wiping sweat from Darlene’s brow, his face etched with worry and tenderness.
It was a stark contrast to the Terence she knew.
Not when she was held at gunpoint during their first meeting. Not when she got lost in the mountains, drenched and terrified.
The Terence she saw now was someone entirely different—a man who showed his care openly, without reservation. But it was the care that was never meant for her.
Third Person's POV
Terence always seemed so composed.
Halle once thought it was because his job had trained him to handle anything with unshakable calm. But now, she realized it wasn’t composure—it was indifference.
After all, when you truly love someone, how can you remain so unbothered?