Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 33

In the following days, they continued exploring the island together. The group took a sunset boat ride on Phang Nga Bay, where majestic limestone cliffs rose prominently against the clear blue waters.

• "Do you think we could take a group photo here?" Charlotte asked, as the sunset cast its golden glow over everything around them.

• "Absolutely! Tif, get to the middle so we can take a picture!" Engfa shouted enthusiastically.

Tif quickly ran to the center, but an unexpected wave hit him, soaking him entirely.

• "Oh no, unbelievable! I'm turning into a 'shark' here!" Tif exclaimed, making everyone laugh loudly.

• "Are you Tif, or a fish flopping around on the beach?" Tina teased.

On their last night in Phuket, they threw a beach BBQ party. The cheerful atmosphere was filled with laughter, and the delicious aroma of grilled food brought happiness to everyone.

• "So, who's going to be the main chef tonight?" Engfa asked, looking at Tif and Tina.

• "I promise no one will get food poisoning tonight," Tif confidently declared.

• "Really? Should we prepare some medicine, just in case?" Charlotte teased.

• "Come on, don't scare me!" Tif laughed heartily, as Tina playfully covered her mouth.

They all worked together to prepare the food, from grilled meats to fresh vegetables. The jokes and humorous stories made the party lively and joyful.

• "Would you like to try a piece of squid? I heard it's a Phuket specialty!" Engfa said, offering Charlotte a piece of squid.

• "Squid is squid, but it needs a good sauce!" Charlotte laughed, covering her nose as she looked at the squid.

• "Come on, don't miss this chance! Who knows when you'll have such tasty squid again?" Tina joined in, making Charlotte laugh uncontrollably.

When the trip ended, all four returned with precious memories. The bond between Engfa and Charlotte grew even stronger, while Tif and Tina formed a comedic and lovable duo, adding joy to every moment. They weren't just friends; they were companions in life, ready to support each other through challenges and hardships.

The trip to Phuket was not only a fantastic getaway but also a turning point, strengthening their friendship with laughter and warmth. Engfa and Charlotte, along with Tif and Tina, would continue their journey together into the promising future.

After the long journey to Phuket, all four quickly returned to their busy routines. Each had their work, but now Engfa and Charlotte had moved in together. Their cozy little house was filled with happiness. Engfa had a private room to work, respecting Charlotte's space while allowing her to focus when needed. The well-decorated wooden home, meticulously designed by Charlotte to match Engfa's taste, felt warm, gentle, and familiar.

The next morning, they prepared for work. Engfa appeared in her sleek black BMW 328, with its matte black exterior and luxurious interior. Sitting beside her, Charlotte, in her lieutenant's uniform, exuded elegance with a dignified aura. When they stopped at the Ministry of Defense gate, people around couldn't help but glance over, whispering:

• "That expensive BMW suits Lieutenant Charlotte perfectly. She truly looks like a movie star."

• "And it's not just the car. Look at how Engfa gazes at Charlotte; their love is truly unique."

Engfa smiled as she looked at Charlotte, pride shining in her eyes. She gently touched Charlotte's hand and whispered:

• "Do well at work, my love."

Charlotte nodded softly, stepping out with elegance, her steps steady and confident. She smiled at Engfa before heading into the headquarters, feeling a renewed sense of strength. Engfa then drove to park her car, heading to her own tasks.

At the office, Charlotte met Tina, and they quickly exchanged lighthearted compliments:

• "You look stunning today, Tina!" Charlotte smiled, her face radiating freshness.

• "You don't look too bad yourself, Charlotte. That uniform makes you look like a goddess!" Tina joked, with a proud look in her eyes.

Tina then handed Charlotte a new assignment - investigating a highly sensitive information leak. The two discussed the mission seriously.

• "Charlotte, this leak is more complex than anything we've faced. We need someone trustworthy like you to handle it," Tina emphasized.

• "Thank you. I'll investigate thoroughly and find out who's behind this," Charlotte replied, her gaze resolute.

Elsewhere, Engfa and Tif were also handling military tasks together. They took the opportunity to chat about life and their current relationships.

• "Engfa, you and Charlotte seem closer than ever. How does it feel to be with her?" Tif asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

• "Honestly, being with her makes me feel truly alive. She's the motivation that keeps me going every day," Engfa smiled, her eyes brimming with happiness.

The following days, Charlotte threw herself into the investigation. She worked late into the night and didn't come home for three days straight. Despite the exhaustion, she never forgot to send Engfa a goodnight message each night, a reminder that their love remained unwavering. The long nights and work pressures drained Charlotte, but she stayed patient and determined.

On the third night, when Charlotte returned to the office after a tense investigation, she had barely set down her documents when Tina approached, smiling and folding her arms, teasing:

• "Hey, who was waiting outside the office all night yesterday?" Tina glanced at Engfa, grinning mischievously.

Engfa chuckled, trying to stay calm, though her face couldn't hide a slight blush:

• "Who said I was waiting? I just... happened to be passing by." Engfa replied, trying to sound serious but failing.

Tina burst out laughing, patting Engfa on the shoulder:

• "Come on, everyone here knows you 'happened to be passing by' every time Charlotte worked late! If that's not love-struck, what is, Engfa?"

Charlotte walked over, blushing as she overheard their conversation. She glared playfully at Tina:

• "Tina, could you stop teasing? People just care about each other, that's all..."

After finishing her task and tidying up her desk, Charlotte noticed Engfa waiting at the office door, her warm smile lighting up the room. Charlotte couldn't help but feel touched and surprised:

• "Did you come here to wait for me?" Charlotte asked, her face a mix of astonishment and happiness.

Engfa walked closer, her eyes filled with love, gently replying:

• "Yes. I know you've been working hard these days. I just wanted to make sure you're alright and to take you home."

Tina burst into laughter, not hesitating to tease:

• "Oh my, I feel like these two are about to get married! Engfa, have you thought about proposing?"

Engfa laughed, looking at Charlotte lovingly, saying softly:

• "Maybe it's not such a bad idea. But first, I'd have to make sure someone is willing to say yes."

Charlotte smiled shyly, looking away, but her blushing cheeks gave it all away. Tina whistled:

• "Oh wow, big news! Remember to invite me as the bridesmaid, okay? I'll be the most beautiful one there!"

Engfa and Charlotte burst out laughing, the atmosphere lighthearted and warm. Tina left, laughing, giving them a playful wink:

• "You two are just too happy; you're making me really jealous!"

Charlotte smiled, deeply moved by Engfa's care. They walked out of the building hand in hand, strolling under the streetlights. They didn't say much, just felt each other's presence. Their hearts beat together in a silent rhythm full of love.

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Hy.