Chapter 965: Doyle's Question

Theodore thought he'd misheard. Since Oscar became commander, he hadn't taken a day off, not even on holidays. Even when not at the office, he was always on call. Now, he wanted a year-end break. Did commanders even have that option?

"Don't schedule any work for me this week."

"What if something important arises?"

"You'll handle it."

"..."

"Starting tomorrow," Oscar reiterated.

"Okay," Theodore nodded.

It was good news; Oscar, after years of tireless work, was finally resting. Cause for celebration.

"Find out Doyle's itinerary in Northfield," Oscar requested.

This sudden change had a reason, as expected. Theodore wanted to persuade him, but knew Oscar's mind was made up. He leaned back, sighing heavily. "Oscar, many people look alike. If you want someone resembling her, I can help..."

What was the point of stealing someone's fiancée, especially a "bit shot"? He could find someone with similar features, provided Oscar agreed.

"Don't worry about anything else. I won't be working this week; focus on official business."

Theodore nodded.

"Don't overindulge; it affects your health," Oscar reminded.

Theodore bristled. "When have I overindulged? Everything I do is within my capabilities! You need reminding. Find a woman; you can't bottle everything up like this."

Oscar ignored him. Then, Theodore remembered something. "Do you know who I saw tonight?"

"Who?"

"Little Bunny, my wife."

Oscar gave him a condescending glance.

"You recognized her?" Theodore asked.

"So you didn't recognize her?!" Oscar exclaimed incredulously. "She's changed so much! My strongest memory is of her pregnant, or breastfeeding our son. She was a little chubby then, soft..."

"You only remember women in bed," Oscar interrupted bluntly.

Theodore scowled, realizing Oscar had a point. His strongest memory was of their passionate encounter. Afterward, circumstances separated them, and he’d forgotten her amidst a constant stream of other women.

"Since Little Bunny's in the capital, don't you want to meet her?" Oscar asked.

Normally, Theodore wouldn't ride back with him if he had evening plans.

"Come on!" Theodore exclaimed. "I don't want to lose face! If I meet her after failing to recognize her, how will she see me?"

"At least you're self-aware," Oscar commented dryly.

"But she ruined my mood tonight," Theodore grumbled, having planned on finding another woman but losing interest after seeing Little Bunny.

"Theodore, aren't you afraid of getting punished one day?"

"..."

Besse and Doyle were in a presidential suite at a luxury hotel in the capital. Doyle lay on the bed, immobile, while Besse sat on the sofa, sleepy.

"When are we going back?" Besse asked.

"Didn't we agree to relax here for a few days after the press conference?" Doyle mumbled into his pillow. The bedding had been changed; the lack of Besse's scent displeased her.

"I'm asking about our itinerary."

"I have no itinerary. Being with you is enough," Doyle said, turning to her.

"Let me make some arrangements then."

"Okay," Doyle replied, smiling brightly. He enjoyed her compromise, feeling pampered.

Besse checked strategies online while Doyle watched her intently.

"Can you go to sleep?" Besse asked resignedly, without looking at him.

"Can't I sleep with you?"

Besse was surprised. Since waking up three years ago, Doyle had been by her side. They were lovers, but intimacy had been absent due to her discomfort. This was his first suggestion in three years.

"Don't you like kids? We can make one tonight."

"Get out!"

"You sure you don't want to?" Doyle asked seriously. "Our baby would be cuter than those two kids we saw today."

"Alright, alright," Besse replied impatiently, "Go to your room. Tomorrow we'll go out."

"I'd rather stay here," Doyle said earnestly, grinning at her blush.

"Doyle!"

Their relationship remained unconsummated, at least from Besse's perspective. These conversations often left her shy. Doyle wished for more emotional expression from her, even anger, instead of her usual reserve.

"By the way, who's hotter? Me or Northfield's Commander?" Doyle abruptly changed the subject.