YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 61: Guiltness

As they left the headquarters in the sleek black Hummer, Averyn couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The familiar sight of the city passing by outside the window brought a sense of normalcy that she had been craving.

"Captain, I want to express my gratitude for escorting me home. It's been a while since I've been able to relax in my own space," Averyn said, sincerity lacing her words.

"It's my pleasure, Miss Averyn. Your safety is our top priority," Captain Isabella replied, her eyes focused on the road ahead.

During a moment of silence in the car, Isabella couldn't help but notice Averyn's somber expression. She decided to break the silence, curious about her passenger's thoughts.

"You seem troubled, Miss Averyn. Aren't you happy to finally return home?" Isabella inquired gently.

Averyn forced a smile, but Isabella could see through her facade.

"Of course, I am grateful to be home. It's just..." Averyn paused, unsure of how to articulate her feelings.

Isabella sensed what was bothering her and teased gently, "Missing the Colonel already?"

Blushing slightly, Averyn quickly denied it. "What? No, it's not that. It's just...I can't shake off this feeling of anxiety. Especially after everything that happened with the major. It feels like the nightmare might come back to haunt me."

Understanding her concerns, Isabella reassured her, "Don't worry about that. The major wouldn't dare to stay in the nation after committing treason. And as for your safety, the British Army will ensure that you are well-protected. You're in good hands, Miss Averyn."

Averyn felt a wave of relief wash over her at Isabella's words. Knowing that she was in capable hands helped ease her worries, if only temporarily.

"But, Miss Averyn, I can't help but notice. It seemed like you were expecting something from Colonel Calliax when he arrived at the headquarters. Were you hoping for a warm embrace from him?" Isabella teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Averyn felt her cheeks flush at the suggestion. "Oh, Captain, please stop. I'm not romantically involved with him in any way. We barely know each other. I don't understand why everyone keeps insinuating otherwise," she replied, frustration evident in her voice.

"But what if it's the other way around, Miss Averyn?" Isabella persisted, her curiosity piqued.

Averyn furrowed her brows, confused by the captain's line of questioning. "What do you mean?"

"What if Colonel Calliax has fallen in love with you?" Isabella prodded, attempting to unearth Averyn's true feelings.

Averyn's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, but she quickly pushed the thought away. "That's not possible, Captain. He's a soldier, and soldiers can't afford to have weaknesses. It would jeopardize their missions," she replied, a tinge of sadness coloring her tone as she came to a realization.

"Well, I've seen many formidable soldiers who have lovers, families, and still excel in their missions," Isabella remarked casually, her tone implying a sense of hope.

Averyn fell silent, her thoughts swirling as she pondered Isabella's words. Could it be possible that soldiers could find love and still fulfill their duties?

"Captain... we're just not compatible with each other. We're not meant to be together," Averyn admitted, her voice tinged with emotion as she grappled with her inner turmoil. But Isabella remained steadfast in her belief, holding onto the hope that one day they might find love together.

"Are you being too hard on yourself, Miss Averyn? Could it be that you've experienced some kind of trauma? Betrayal? Rejection, perhaps?" Isabella inquired gently, probing deeper into Averyn's thoughts.