"And this, is my gift to you-a research center dedicated entirely to you. Here, you''re the boss!" As Kallum uttered these words, he gently removed the blindfold from Calista''s eyes.


    The white gauze, intertwined with strands of her long, dark hair, fluttered in the breeze, then drifted away into the distance. Slowly, Calista opened her eyes, and what she saw first was an imposing, castle-like structure.


    It stood majestically amidst a vibrant sea of flowers, the severe stone walls contrasting starkly with the gentle blooms around it, crafting a picturesque scene reminiscent of a fairy tale. In the distance, the presence of a sereneke added an element of natural fortification, reinforcing the seclusion and impregnability of this sanctuary.


    This ce was clearly designed with privacy in mind, perhaps due to its association with the Fairchilds.


    Suddenly, Calista began to feel a headacheing on, a sharp pain as if needles were pricking her temples. Unfortunately, Kallum, caught up in the moment, didn''t notice her difort.


    "Do you like it here? The water in thiske is filtered and crystal clear, and although it''s devoid of fish, the scenery alone is quite stunning," Kallum pointed out enthusiastically.


    He gestured toward the top of the building. "Up there, above the fifth floor, there''s an observation deck. It''s the perfect spot to rx during the spring and summer months, enjoy some tea, or even take a peaceful afternoon nap..."


    He continued, "If the scent of rosemary isn''t to your liking, we can have other flowers nted. Whether it''s roses orvender, it''spletely your choice. There''s no special warrant in effect for this ce, so it''spletely private. No one can intrude. You can truly do as you wish here, whatever brings you joy."


    Kallum spoke at length, more than he usually did. This ce was a testament to the extensive and secretive efforts he had put into making it just right. In addition to the research center, he had also included afortable bedroom, a wine cer, a gym, among other amenities. He had envisioned it as a retreat where he and Calista could spend countless intimate moments, just the two of them secluded from the world.


    However, Calista''s headache was growing worse. Kallum''s voice, usually pleasant, now seemed to echo incessantly, exacerbating her pain. It even felt like her vision was slowly being suffused with a red tint. Gathering her strength, she asked slowly, clearly, "What''s your rtionship with Horatio Ingram?"


    "Horatio?" Kallum paused, taken aback by her question. He turned to face her, noticing for the first time her flushed face and bloodshot eyes. "What''s wrong, Calista?" he eximed, reaching out to support her. Calista fiercely shrugged off his hands. "Horatio Ingram, who is he to you!"


    For the first time, Calista''s tone carried a sharpness that made Kallum react almost reflexively, "He was my grandfather''srade-in-arms and his sworn brother. He''s the only elder I... truly respect..." This is how it is?


    Calista began to retreat, distancing herself from Kallum. The man who had always seemed the least threatening to her now appeared menacing, every touch of his feeling like a stab wound. "Callie..." Kallum''s voice wasced with panic, "What''s wrong with you?"


    "Don''te any closer!" Calista''smand made Kallum stop in his tracks. He sensed that aggravating her further might be dangerous given her current state.


    "All right... I won''te closer..." Kallum watched her intently, "Can you tell me what''s wrong? Isn''t this ce beautiful? Don''t you like it?"


    Was this ce not beautiful?


    How could it not be? Surrounded by fields of rosemary, with a majestic castle-like building, crystal-clear water, and the tranquil sounds of bird song in the morning. Yet, beneath its breathtaking beauty, this ce harbored dark secrets.


    Here was where Calista had endured the most tormenting three years of her life-sedated daily with sedatives derived from rosemary, drinking water from theke, and awakening each morning to the chirping of birds amidst a fog of disorientation.


    She had often hoped for rescue, especially as the homeless frequently vanished. Surely, she thought, someone would notice and investigate. Uwful experiments with the K Virus, the creation of human test subjects-surely the government couldn''t ignore such activities forever.


    Yet, everyone was oblivious to what was truly happening in this ce. Without a warrant issued by the President, none could search the premises. Each time Calista heard an unfamiliar voice, her hope surged, only to fade as quickly as a bird''s call.


    Her long-suppressed memories surged to the forefront.


    Suddenly, Calista screamed, a sound filled with anguish and madness, and then she turned and ran.


    Kallum, bewildered by her reaction yet certain he couldn''t let her flee, tried to follow. In his haste, he tripped, his knee scraping against a rock, drawing blood. Yet, he ignored his pain, his gaze fixed on Calista''s fleeing figure, calling out her name in desperation.


    "Callie!"


    Calista stopped abruptly. From behind, her posture was tense, like a cheetah ready to spring, her fists clenched.


    Seeing her pause, Kallum let out aThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    breath of relief, despite the sharp pain coursing through him. His forehead beaded with sweat, he limped toward her, trying to soothe her with his words.


    "Callie, it''s okay now... Don''t be scared, I won''t hurt you, I''m your husband..."


    Calista''s muscles rxed slightly, which slightly eased the tension gripping Kallum''s heart, though he remained highly concerned.