Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

A… gift?

Calista’s attention finally moved to Connor’s face, and the

realization of her blunder washed over her like ice water.

She wanted the ground to swallow her right then.

How had she leaped straight to the idea he’d been sacrificed?

Her heart had just been on a reckless rollercoaster of its

own.

Breathing out a long, slow sigh of relief, she accepted the box at last.

“Thank you, Mr. Walsh. Really.”

“My job’s done, Ms. Hartwell. I’ll be heading off now.”

“Wait-” Her voice came out tentative, almost hesitant. “The mission… did everything go all right? Was anyone hurt? I know you might not be able to say. I’m just… wondering.”

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A wide, knowing grin broke across Connor’s rugged features, as if he’d just seen something utterly endearing. “No need to worry. Commander Hayes is perfectly fine.”

“I wasn’t only asking about him. I meant the whole team, Calista protested.

“Right, of course! Everyone’s good. Especially the

Commander—led us to another clean success.”

Chuckling, Connor turned and took his leave.

Alone again, Calista sank onto the sofa and picked up the manila envelope.

It was sealed with precise care, much like the man who sent it, so she half-expected official documents inside.

Sliding her finger under the flap, Calista opened it-and her brows lifted in surprise.

Photographs. A stack of them. She flipped through one after another. Different angles, different settings, but every shot featured the same man-unmistakably, breathtakingly handsome.

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Chapter 131

Whattin the world?

A giant question mark hovered in her mind.. Whyssend her his own pictures? As if she wanted to stare at him!

She conidiardly imagine it: Evander Hayes, mid-mission. pausing to snap casual selfies?

Alisa drifted lower then, dust cloth in hand, and peekedat the photos omthe sofa. “This one is quite good-looki Put you beside him, and it’d look like a wedding por she remarked..

“Alisa!” Calista gassed.

Alisa simply returned to wiping the side table, her tone wistful. “Never known Mr. Hayes to put this much thought into a woman before…”

“You need to read fewerofftthose cheesy romance novels,” Calista muttered, flusterell.

Quickly, she gathered the bottphotographs and tucked them back into the envelope, then turned her attention to the box.

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Chapter 131

estled inside was an elegantly crafted mousse cake from famous boutique patissserie in the suburbs, known for/ s strict “no delivery, in-store only” policy.

he’d taken the children there once, braving a line that

retched over an hour. It had been worth it.

his place was the perfect example of a hidden gem-one uld hardly find it, but those who did keep coming back.

eside the cake sat a small card..

alista opened it to find handwritinggttlaat was bold a weeping, unmistakably Evanderiss

Heard this place was good. Passed by aand thought you üight like it.]

he words were casual, almost tossed offf yet they sonated somewhere deep inside her.

felt like something a husband would do-returning om a trip, eager to share a little find with his wife, who Id him how much she missed him all those daysshe was

vam..

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That simple, positive exchange between partners sent a warm flutter through her chest.

Gently, she lifted the cake from its packaging. A cooling gel pack in the lining had kept it perfectly intact.

Despite the distance, it looked pristine, every delicate fruit garnish still in place. Every detail spoke of his quiet consideration.

Calista was long past the age of chasing grand romantic

gestures.

Flowers, desserts, fancy coffees-she’d filed those away as luxuries of youth.

As a wife and mother, she’d believed such things were no longer meant for her.

And Killian had naturally stopped offering surprises, no longer bothering with those small rituals.

Yet here was Evander, after all this time, still treating her like someone to be cherished.

Picking up a dessert spoon, Calista took a small bite. 16:02

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Just for this moment, she let everything else fade away, savoring this quiet, tender gift meant for her alone.

*****

Back inside the operations building at the suburban base, Connor was met by Evander’s question. “Did she like the gift?”

Connor stopped walking, choosing his words with care. “Not at first. She seemed… upset somehow. She refused it outright.”

A line formed between Evander’s brows, his gaze sharp and intent. “Did you… mishandle it?”

“What? No,” Connor replied, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. Years of disciplined training had left him with a presence more intimidating than inviting-but he’d done his best. “I smiled, Commander Hayes. Smiled like I was trying to charm my way out of a court-martial.”

Evander’s expression stayed flat. “Then your smile must be ugly.”

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Connor pressed on, sidestepping the jab. “Right. Anyway, Once I explained to her, that did the trick. She took

1. Even asked about the mission-wanted to know if everyone came back in one piece.”

The barest movement touched Evander’s mouth, the corner lifting ever so slightly. “And did she ask… about

me?”

A soft chuckle escaped Connor. “Commander Hayes, she’s shy. Asking after the team is her way of asking after you.”

Evander responded with a slow, thoughtful nod. “Huh? I

see.”

Connor was pacing around Evander in a frenzy.

“Commander Hayes, you’ve got to up your dating game. Otherwise, when are you going to sweep Calista off her feet? The guys have been itching for that celebration meal you’ll treat us to!

“How about I round up the boys? We can put our heads together and cook up some plans for you.”

Evander gave him a sideways look and quipped, “Let a

bunch of loveless bachelors teach me how to navigate 6:02

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love? Are you serious?”

Connor was left speechless.

As they walked along while chatting, a loud and jolly laugh rang out from behind them.

“Evander, you rascal! You’re in no place to call others lovelorn!”

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