CHAPTER 1: FALLEN BUT FAITHFUL
CHAPTER 1: FALLEN BUT FAITHFUL
Gabe
There are times when I wish I were perfect. But the truth is, as long as this life continues, I’ve got my share of flaws and sins to contend with—just like anyone else. And because I’m fully aware of my own unrighteousness, I’ve made it a point to cling to righteousness with everything I’ve got, until my final breath.
Still, I’ve learned that the more you commit to walking the straight path, the more challenges tend to come—physically, spiritually, emotionally.
One of my biggest personal struggles has been fleshly desire. I’ve wrestled with it ever since I was a teenager, and now at twenty-one, it’s even more persistent. But I refuse to give in. I’ll keep denying myself, just as my Lord instructed, until the day I find the one woman meant to walk beside me—and make her my wife. That’s the goal. The right way. The Godly way.
That said, I sometimes wonder if she’s out there. Every woman I’ve dated or encountered seemed more focused on immediate gratification than on building something lasting. And while I know that not every woman is like that—I truly believe there are good ones out there—they’re just not showing up in my path. Not yet.
It’s been discouraging, honestly. Maybe the enemy keeps sending temptation to test me. Maybe it’s just part of the journey.
Thankfully, I was raised in a home that honored commitment. My parents, may their souls rest in peace, taught me from an early age to be a husband to one woman—and to keep myself for her alone. That’s why I’ve waited. And why, no matter how difficult it gets, I’ll keep waiting.
“Drop your bible, Gabe.” My superior, Zachary Minot, barged into my brand-new apartment gifted to me by the agency two days ago. Ugh, why did I forget to lock it this morning? “You’ve been assigned a new mission.”
“So soon?” I complained as I put aside the holy scriptures on top of the table next to the couch on which I’m currently seated and acknowledged the man. He’s blonde, averagely built, and in his early thirties. And from the way he dresses, well-groomed from head to toe, you can tell his appearance is of great importance to him. “I just returned from a grueling rescue mission less than a week ago.”
“What can I say? The wicked never rest, and neither should we.” He made some witty remarks that I don’t find the least bit funny. Today was supposed to be a stress-free day. A day when I feed on the word to increase my faith and strengthen my spiritual bond with my creator.
“So, what is the mission this time?” I inquired. It’s not like I’m in a position to turn down a mission anyway, though I wanted to. I’m an officer serving in the Charleston military. Therefore, it is my job to carry out any task that is requested of me by my superior without failure. Well, as long as it doesn’t go against my morals or beliefs.
“You have an interview in an hour, so hurry and get dressed.”
I have a what? “If you don’t mind me asking, what for?”
“You. And by you, I mean the agency. They have applied for a job at Khan’s Enterprise for the position of a personal security guard for the C.E.O., Ms. Anna Khan.” He handed me a sealed envelope he took from his dark leather file bag. “This envelope contains all the necessary documents you will need to complete the first phase of your assignment.”
This reeks of a covert operation. And I won’t be party to deception and lies. Lying, after all, goes against the commandments. I’ve made it my duty to keep the Lord’s statutes to the end. And the agency and I agreed—though it's not signed in ink—that I would not be assigned to deceptive or morally questionable operations.
“You’re asking me to go undercover?” I said, voice hard. “I won’t deceive anyone. No assignment is worth compromising my integrity or beliefs.”
“There you go again with your nonsense about morals and belief.” Zachary looked annoyed by my statement. The level of hatred this world has for morality and righteousness baffles me every time.
“If you are going to continue being disrespectful, then leave,” I demanded.
Zachary let out a sharp breath, then chuckled—not with humor, but with frustration.
“You really are impossible, you know that?” He muttered, shaking his head. “Your assignment is simple. Just observe and gather intel on Ms. Khan. Nothing more. You don’t have to lie or deceive anyone—or do anything that goes against your so-called “morals.” Just be your perfect, boring old self.”
“Observe?” I echoed. “Why?”
Zachary sighed, then explained, “Anna Khan isn’t just a CEO. She runs an Illicit enterprise masked behind corporate cover—arms, laundering, the works. We need proof. And you’re our best chance. Clean record. Strong principles. They won’t suspect you.”
He said it like it was a compliment. I took it as confirmation that the world had truly lost its way.
"And before you turn this mission down, know that this is an order from the sovereign and Refusal constitutes a violation of martial code section 17.4. Disobedience is punishable by confinement. You’re not exempt just because of some informal understanding from your teen years—we operate by the book now.”
He has a point there. What to do?
In the end, I decided to accept—because it would be morally reprehensible to go against my contract. Whether I like it or not, I’m a product of the nation, and my goal is to serve. I didn’t choose this placement, but I won’t dishonor the law that governs me, nor the God who governs my soul.
“If observing the deeds of the wicked helps expose darkness without compromising my soul, then I’ll walk through their gates in daylight. But make no mistake—my Lord walks with me, and no lie shall cross my lips.”
“Yes, yes. Now hurry up and go change into something more formal,” Zachary urged, already tapping his foot with impatience.
I left him in the living room and headed for the shower. Twenty minutes later, I stood in the same suit I wore to a friend’s wedding last year. It’s tighter now—just another reminder of how much weight this path carries.
Before stepping out, I bowed my head and prayed quietly. Not for victory. Not for favor. But for protection of my soul.
Then I left with my superior.
