"You are more important to me than any report," Kail said, his voice soft but firm. "But please, Silvia... don't do that again. Do not risk your life like that."
I leaned back, a playful glint in my eyes. "You'd better get used to it, General. There will be plenty more times when I behave exactly like that."
"You are completely unpredictable!" Kail sighed, shaking his head.
"That's who I am," I said, tossing my hair back with a smirk. "And that's my charm."
Kail's gaze drifted down to my hands, and his expression darkened. "Your wrists... they're covered in bruises."
I looked down at the purple marks left by the ropes. I couldn't help but laugh. "They actually thought those ropes could stop me. They really didn't know who they were dealing with. I'm unstoppable!"
"Yes, you are," Kail admitted, a small smile returning to his face. "After all, you're the only girl who ever beat me in a fair fight."
"Right..." My smile faded slightly as I looked toward the window. "I wonder... what will my father's reaction be when he sees me? Will he be disappointed that I disappeared? Or that I'm back?"
Kail didn't say anything, just tightened his grip on my shoulder.
"Let's go see them the day after tomorrow," I decided.
"As you wish," he replied.
That night, sleep didn't come easily. I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing. Will my father let me finish this mission? Or will he try to lock me away for my own safety?
The Next Day
I bolted upright in bed, squinting at the bright sunlight streaming through the curtains. I checked the clock and gasped. "OMG! I overslept!"
"Good afternoon," Kail said, leaning against the doorframe with a cup of coffee. "Did you sleep well?"
"Are you kidding me?!" I scrambled out of bed. "Why didn't you wake me up, Kail?"
"I didn't want to bother you. Your body needed the rest after everything that happened in the forest."
"But we're supposed to be going to my father's house right now!"
"We still have time," Kail said calmly. "But first, you need to eat. I'm not letting you face a General on an empty stomach."
"I'll change my clothes first!" I shouted, running toward the bathroom.
"And food?"
"I'll eat on the way!"
The Journey
A half-hour later, we were in the car. I was hungrily devouring the sandwiches Kail had packed for the trip.
"You know, you definitely have a talent for this," I said around a mouthful of sausage and cheese. "You should have opened a café instead of becoming a General."
Kail laughed, keeping his eyes on the road. "Everyone can make a sandwich, Silvia. It's the simplest thing in the world."
"I know every soldier knows how to cook basic rations," I countered. "But you have a way of making them feel... special. It's a gift."
"Well, thank you for the compliment."
As we turned onto the familiar, tree-lined road leading to the Johnson estate, my heart began to gallop. "We're almost there... I've missed this place so much."
"I'm more curious about their reaction to seeing you alive," Kail said, his tone turning a bit more serious.
"And I'm more curious about your reaction," I teased, trying to settle my nerves. "When you finally come face-to-face with your future father-in-law. He doesn't take kindly to men hanging around his daughter."
Kail chuckled, though I noticed his grip on the steering wheel tighten just a fraction. "Well... I suppose I'm curious about that too. Hahaha."
"Don't worry," I smiled, looking at the iron gates of the mansion ahead. "I'll be sure to laugh when he starts interrogating you."
~ to be continued