Chapter 1: Return
1371 Words
At Ecotopia’s most secure and powerful military base, hidden in the mountains, all the generals and soldiers aligned on both sides, waiting for a powerful person to arrive.
That person was once their pride and strength, knowing that everything would be alright as long as he was with them.
However, that person had already decided to retire after five years.
“Supreme Commander Elijah Montgomery has arrived!” someone announced.
The generals and soldiers saluted as Elijah, wearing his military uniform, walked in the middle, honoring the time and experience he gained while working in the military.
At the end of the hallway was General Allistair, who was also Elijah’s close friend. His stern expression softened as Elijah approached.
“Are you sure about this? You might have achieved more if you continue,” Allistair asked, his voice low but filled with regret.
“I am.” Elijah nodded. “I have been fighting for a long time, and I think I have already contributed a lot to this world. It’s time for me to fight my personal battles… and find someone.”
“Your wife.” It wasn’t a question for Allistair, but a statement.
Elijah smiled. Five years had passed since he married Hermione Elsher, the same time he left for the military. But now that he had proved his worth, he was ready to return and reclaim what he had lost.
“I understand your decision, but she might not be the same woman you knew five years ago, Elijah. Time changes us all,” Allistair muttered.
Elijah smiled, his eyes determined. “I know… But neither am I.”
As Elijah reached the end, a black military helicopter was waiting for him, its driver standing while being attentive.
Before going inside the helicopter, Elijah turned around last time to see his men. These were the people who followed his every command without hesitation, trusting him completely.
Elijah raised his hand, making a final salute, and every soldier reciprocated.
At that moment, there was no rank or hierarchy; only mutual respect.
“Thank you… for everything,” were Elijah’s final words before entering the helicopter, and leaving the place that once gave him peace.
A few minutes later, the helicopter arrived at another base. He changed into a simple white T-shirt and black jeans and transferred onto a private plane.
As the plane flew by toward Bee City, Elijah recalled what happened five years ago. He could remember everything like it only happened yesterday.
Elijah was Henry Montgomery’s illegitimate child, one of the richest men in the Bee City. And to protect the Montgomery family’s reputation, they kicked Elijah off, leaving him alone.
Due to a lack of credentials, he could only be a dockworker, sustaining himself with a few bucks.
Elijah did his best to survive. But much to his bad luck, one day, he was kidnapped, drugged, and taken to a hotel room with a woman, who had the same situation as him.
With the bodies strangely heated due to the drug’s effect, something happened to them. But what shocked Elijah was the woman’s identity when he recognized her in the morning.
“Hermione Elsher…” Elijah muttered.
Hermione is the youngest daughter of the Elsher family, and the founder of Herm Group, one of the well-known companies in the country.
She had a good reputation, making achievements one over the other at the age of twenty-three.
But now, Elijah and Hermione found themselves entangled in a mess as their one-night stand circulated all over the news.
“We just found out what happened to us this morning, and everyone on the news already knows about it?” Hermione asked, her tone confused. “How could that happen?”
“I may not know who gave them the tip, but I’m certain of something…” Elijah muttered, taking his phone to check the articles.
“What is it?”
“That someone did this on purpose.”
Hermione’s brows furrowed, but a few seconds later, she realized something. “You may be right. I felt something strange yesterday when I was brought here. But… Why would they do that?”
“Maybe because of that.”
Elijah showed his phone to Hermione, specifically the article about the Herm Group’s stock prices plummeting in a snap.
It didn’t take long for the Elsher family to know about what happened. Penny and Dave, Hermione’s parents, called for her presence in the Elsher mansion along with Elijah.
“I know that you are nothing but a pathetic loser, but you need to marry our daughter to stop this f*****g news from spreading,” Penny said harshly, her voice slicing through the silence. “Goodness. How did it end up like this?”
“This is making me crazy,” Dave said, massaging his forehead. “Instead of marrying each other, why won’t we file a case against him for r**e instead?”
“You can’t do that!” Hermione shouted, defending Elijah. “Although we were drugged, there was mutual consent when we did it…”
“And who the f**k cares, Hermione? Can’t you see how serious the situation is right now?!” Dave exclaimed, his teeth gritting. “The Herm Group’s stock price plummeted, and the Elsher Corporation was on the brink of danger because of this. And now, you are taking that bastard’s side?”
“It’s not like that, Dad. I don’t want him to be imprisoned for something he didn’t do,” Hermione explained in a gentle tone.
“Hermione, you are not an ordinary woman. You’re the heiress of the Elsher Corporation and the whole empire. You don't have to think about people like him!” Dave thundered.
But Hermione remained calm. Instead, she looked at Elijah and smiled. “I will marry him, and we will make it work, so don’t worry about it. I will fix this mess.”
Elijah’s heart skipped a bit upon hearing those words. He thought it was the end for him, knowing how influential the Elsher family was… But Hermione was willing to protect him.
Seeing Hermione’s determined look, Dave sighed. “Just make sure you clean this mess before it affects our corporation, or else, you will be kicked out of this family.”
Dave walked upstairs afterward. Penny followed him, leaving Elijah and Hermione alone.
“I’m Hermione,” she introduced. “And you?”
“Elijah,” he replied.
“Elijah…” Hermione smiled, holding Elijah’s hands. “I may not be as strong and influential as my parents… But I promise. As long as I’m here, nothing bad will happen to you.”
Hermione, a rich heiress, was willing to protect him with all her might.
And now, it is his turn.
A few hours later, Elijah arrived at the airport. It felt surreal and exciting at the same time, knowing that he was back in the country he left five years ago.
“It’s been a while, young master,” Harold, his right-hand man, greeted him. “Everyone has been waiting for you to come back. They even wanted to conduct a party as a celebration.”
He was referring to the Elixir Group, a company Elijah funded while he was in the military.
Elijah is their major shareholder, but no one knows about it. He wanted to keep everything a secret… for now.
“No need. I’m fine with you accompanying me from here,” Elijah said, his tone low.
Harold took Elijah’s suitcase, and they walked toward the airport’s gate afterward.
“Any news about the Herm Group?” Elijah asked.
“It was prospering, young master. They got new investors and expanded their business internationally,” Harold answered.
“And what about the shares?” Elijah asked, referring to the shares he was trying to secure for Hermione.
“We still have the upper hand, but Miss Hermione lost the management rights of the Herm Group.”
Elijah abruptly stopped walking. “She lost it? How did that happen?”
“I investigated it, and according to some witnesses, there is—”
“Daddy!” someone suddenly exclaimed to Elijah, causing Harold to not finish his sentence.
- Writer
