An Unforgiving Love

Chapter 31- Proud.

As the group made their way back to the precinct, the tension from the interrogation room began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. Just before they left the base, Lucas pulled Bella aside, his expression earnest.

"Hey," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her close. The warmth of his embrace enveloped her, grounding her in the moment. "I’m really proud of you today. You were fierce in there."

Bella smiled, feeling her heart flutter at his words. "Thanks, Lucas. It means a lot coming from you."

He leaned down, brushing his lips softly against hers, a sweet, lingering kiss that held the promise of more moments like this to come. "I’ll be back home soon," he assured her, looking deep into her eyes. "Just take care of yourself until then, okay?"

"I will. You do the same," Bella replied, her gaze steady on his, feeling the connection between them strong despite the challenges they faced. As he stepped back, she felt a mix of anticipation and longing, knowing that their time apart would only make their reunions sweeter.

When they arrived back at the precinct, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. The CO and the sergeant led Bella and Leo to the Director’s office, where they were greeted with smiles and nods of approval.

The CO turned to the Director, his pride evident. "I just wanted to take a moment to recognize the exceptional work done by both Bella and Leo today. Their teamwork and dedication were instrumental in cracking this case wide open. I’m proud to have them on the team."

The Director nodded, a pleased expression on his face. "Absolutely. You both handled a difficult situation with skill and professionalism. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed."

Leo exchanged a proud glance with Bella, who felt a swell of pride in her chest at the acknowledgment of their hard work. It felt good to know they were making a difference, and that their efforts were appreciated.

As they stepped out of the office, Leo nudged Bella playfully. "Guess we really did impress the big bosses, huh?"

Bella chuckled, her spirits lifted. "Yeah, and we still have more to do. Let’s keep this momentum going."

With a renewed sense of purpose, they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing they would face them together.

As the atmosphere in the precinct buzzed with excitement and gratitude, Sergeant Jenna stood off to the side, arms crossed and brow furrowed. Her jealousy simmered beneath the surface, a bitter taste in her mouth as she watched Bella bask in the praise and attention from the CO and the Director. Bella had everything—Lucas’s affection, recognition from the military, and a fulfilling career as a forensic pathologist.

Jenna’s partner, Sergeant Mark, noticed the tension in her stance and the way her jaw tightened every time Bella laughed or exchanged words with Leo. He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Hey, are you okay? You seem a bit off."

Jenna forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just...thinking."

Mark raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You sure? It looks like you’re about to explode."

"I’m just happy for them," she said, her voice edged with bitterness. "Really, I am."

Mark sighed, recognizing the truth beneath her words. "Jenna, you’ve done great work, too. You can’t let this get to you. You’ve been a vital part of the team. You have your strengths."

"Strengths?" she snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. "What good are strengths when I’m stuck in the shadows while she gets all the accolades? She didn’t even ask for it. It’s like everything just falls into her lap."