The Ultimate Soldier

Chapter 3: The One Left Behind

The Jenner estate was as opulent as ever, a sprawling mansion perched atop the Los Angeles hills. The luxurious exterior, lined with immaculately trimmed hedges and a breathtaking view of the city, hid the quiet unease within.

It had been three years since Simon August Jenner had been deployed. Three years without so much as a word from him. His family had grown accustomed to his mysterious disappearances, chalking them up to his top-secret military work. But for Gigi Hadid, his longtime girlfriend, the silence had become unbearable.

The Visit

A sleek black SUV pulled up to the Jenner estate. Gigi stepped out, her striking features softened by a mix of determination and worry. She was dressed in a casual yet chic outfit, her blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail. The Jenner household staff watched her approach, some whispering amongst themselves.

When the door opened, Kris Jenner stood there, a look of surprise on her face. "Gigi, darling! What a surprise."

Gigi managed a weak smile. "Hi, Kris. I... I needed to come. I've been trying to reach Simon for years now, and... I miss him."

Kris's expression softened as she ushered Gigi inside. "Come in, sweetheart. Let's talk."

Memories and Pain

The two women sat in the grand living room, a space that seemed far too empty for the lively conversations it once hosted. Gigi looked around, her eyes landing on a picture of Simon—smiling, carefree, his striking black hair and crimson eyes captured perfectly.

"I've tried everything," Gigi said, her voice trembling. "Emails, letters, even reaching out to his commanding officers. Nothing. No updates, no calls... it's like he just vanished."

Kris sighed, placing a comforting hand on Gigi's. "You know Simon. His work is... complicated. He can't always stay in touch, no matter how much he wants to."

"But three years?" Gigi's voice broke. "Three years without a single word? I can't stop thinking about him, Kris. I miss him. I miss us."

Kris hesitated, torn between wanting to reassure Gigi and knowing she had no answers herself. Simon had always been secretive, even as a child. His deployment had been shrouded in mystery, with no indication of when—or if—he would return.

The Weight of Love

Gigi stood, pacing the room. "I know he's alive. I can feel it. But the not knowing... it's killing me." She turned to Kris, her eyes brimming with tears. "He's not just my boyfriend, Kris. He's my everything. I need to see him. I need to know he's okay."

Kris watched her, her heart aching for the young woman. "Gigi," she began gently, "Simon has always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Whatever he's doing out there, he's doing it because he believes in protecting people—even if it means keeping the people he loves in the dark."

Gigi nodded slowly, wiping her tears. "I understand. But I won't stop looking for him. He needs to know that I'm still here, waiting for him."

Meanwhile on the Frontline

Thousands of miles away, Simon stood on a desolate battlefield, his uniform tattered but his resolve unshaken. The war had dragged on longer than anyone expected, and the toll it had taken on him was immense.

As he surveyed the ruins of yet another skirmish, a rare thought crossed his mind—Gigi. He hadn't allowed himself to think about her for years, knowing the pain it would bring. Yet, in the quiet moments between battles, her face haunted him.

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, worn photograph. It was of Gigi, smiling brightly, her arm around him. It was the only personal item he carried, a reminder of the life he had left behind.

"I'll come back," he whispered to the photo, his crimson eyes reflecting both determination and longing. "I promise."

To be continued...