The Compass to His Heart — Novel

About

For three years, Halle Dolton has chased after Terence Bacchus with a heart full of hope, but the love she longed for remains just out of reach. After a harrowing mission leaves Terence gravely injured, Halle finds herself torn between her duty as a doctor and her unrequited feelings for the man who has always kept her at arm's length. Yet as she prepares to leave Tanzania, the place that has both nurtured and wounded her, she must confront the haunting question: does he truly care?

In the shadows of their unspoken bond, Terence's fierce protectiveness surfaces, but it is often directed toward his deputy, Darlene, leaving Halle feeling invisible. When a desperate act of sacrifice forces Terence to reveal his vulnerability, Halle is left grappling with a mix of emotions—frustration, longing, and a flicker of hope. Can a love built on sacrifice and misunderstandings ever find its way back to the surface?

As the clock ticks down to her departure, will Halle find the courage to confront her feelings and the truth behind Terence's actions? Or will she walk away from the only man who has ever made her heart race, leaving behind a compass she once believed could guide her to his heart?

The Compass to His HeartChapter 1

Third Person's POV

Halle Dolton had chased after Terence Bacchus for three years, only to end up tying a love knot for him and someone else.

The first time they met, the winds were fierce in Tanzania. He saved her from a poacher’s gun. She treated his gunshot wound.

“Don’t be scared, I’m the leader of Wildlife Conservation Team A,” he said.

“Don’t worry, I’m Halle Dolton, a doctor sent from Washington to aid Tanzania,” she replied.

Those were the first words they exchanged.

But the dream of love Halle had built was shattered by Terence himself.

Tired of chasing someone who didn’t care, she decided to let go. Yet after she left Tanzania, abandoning everything he had given her, he became the one unwilling to let go.

“It turns out the one who couldn’t live without the other… was me,” Terence murmured.

——

“Captain Howell, I want to apply for a transfer back to Washington,” Halle said.

The head leader, Cedric Howell, looked surprised. “Halle, have you talked to Captain Bacchus about this? You’re part of Team A, and he’s your direct supervisor. You’ll need his approval to leave.”

Would Terence disagree? Halle wasn’t so sure.