"He won''t refuse you," Andrew said affirmatively.


    Debra fell silent for a moment. Then, she asked cautiously, "Aren''t you worried that if Marion found out, he might turn against you?"


    ""He wouldn''t dare," Andrew responded with an enigmatic smile.


    Debra nodded, reaching out her hand. "Alright, I''ll do it. Here''s to a smooth partnership."


    Andrew nced at her outstretched hand, smiling slightly before gently sping her fingers. "There''s someone elseing in a bit. Want to meet him?"


    "Who?"


    Just then, a familiar voice resonated from the doorway, deep and steady.


    "It''s me."


    She turned around, her gazending on Jordan.


    It had been a long time since shest saw him. His skin had tanned into a healthy bronze from time spent outdoors, and his once-red hair had been dyed ck, cut short into a close crop.


    He wore a white shirt and a pair of cks, entuating his tall, straight frame. He looked more muscr than before. His eagle''s eyes now carried a deeper intensity.


    A smirk yed on his lips as he teased, "What? Half a year gone, and you''ve already forgotten about me?"


    Debra realized she hadn''t seen Jordan in all that time. After a long pause, the only words she could. manage were, "You look sharper now."


    Jordan blushed up to her ears and awkwardly averted his gaze.


    "You two catch up." Andrew interjected. "Jordan rarely gets time off. He''s leaving again the day after


    tomorrow."


    "So soon?" Debra said, "Back to the army?"


    "Yeah," Jordan replied, his expression dimming briefly. This time, it''s for a special mission."


    "What kind of special mission?" she asked.


    Jordan stepped closer and flicked her forehead.


    "I told you it''s special. Of course, I can''t tell you."


    "It''s a good day for a reunion. Let me call Erica, Randy, and Marion. We should celebrate your return.


    "Marion?"


    "Yeah."


    Jordan went quiet, realizing just how much had changed in his absence.


    He hadn''t been around for six months, and it was clear that things between Debra and Marion hadContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    be different. The tone she was using said it all.


    Andrew broke the silence. I''ve already sent for them. They will be here soon."


    "That''s sweet. I..."


    Before Debra could finish her forme, Jordan grabbed her wrist.


    "Come on, I''ve got something to show you.


    "Wait, I wasn''t done talking.


    Nevertheless, Jordan dragged her away. He was still na impulsive and headstrong as ever, charging ahead without thinking about the consequences.


    He led Debra to his room and flipped open his suitcase, reveal 1 collection of medals from the past six months.


    "Pretty impressive, huh?"


    "Wow, you''ve outdone yourself."


    Debra gazed at the medals and certificates, each representing a victory or honor Jordan had earned during his time away. Every one of them had been in great care.