"Alright, Professor Davis. I'll be there shortly," I said and went out.
As the car started, Jared chased after me, but it was Molly, now wearing a wedding dress, who stopped him.
"Do you like it... brother-in-law?"
She deliberately made enough noise for me to hear.
I gave a faint smile, indifferent, and turned my gaze away from the rearview mirror, unwilling to watch their current struggle.
Thankfully, the results of my first physical test were acceptable. Professor Davis had reminded me to rest well in the next couple of days and focus on preparing for the final stage before entering the capsule.
As for the android, I had visited it earlier today. I was in awe of Professor Davis’s team. Their precision and attention to detail made it almost indistinguishable from reality.
Unable to track my whereabouts, Jared seemed defeated, sitting outside the villa, waiting for me.
When he saw me get out of the car, he rushed over with an anxious expression.
"Where have you been, sweetheart? I tried calling you, and I was about to call the police."
Knowing I would be leaving in two days, I let him hold me and didn’t push him away. In a slightly tired voice, I said, "I’m a bit exhausted. Let’s go inside and rest."
Jared nodded, brushing the stray locks of hair from my forehead. His eyes, though slightly red, finally softened into a smile.
Without a word, he bent down and, with one hand supporting my back, lifted me effortlessly into his arms.
Noticing his slightly dazed gaze, I frowned and asked, "Have you been drinking?"
He didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on mine, as if he wanted to kiss me.
I gently turned my head to avoid his lips.
His expression faltered with hurt, and I explained softly, "I’m just tired today. I don’t feel like it."
Jared didn’t press me. He held me as we both settled down and fell asleep peacefully.
Countdown: Day Two
Molly deliberately wore the same outfit from the night she went to the hospital with Jared and strutted into his office.
The online rumors exploded. People were debating whether the woman Jared had accompanied to the hospital for a checkup that night was her or me.
Jared was busy dealing with the media frenzy and couldn’t leave the office.
Annie, seeing the gossip on the internet, grew frantic. She was on a business trip and couldn’t be there to comfort me, so she cried on video the chat.
I reassured her that I was fine and told her not to worry. After all, over the years, Jared’s rivals had spread all kinds of rumors to undermine him.
Once I calmed Annie down, I deleted the endless stream of videos Molly had sent.
I ate the meals the housekeeper had prepared for me and spent my free time in bed, ensuring I got enough rest. Tomorrow, I would enter the capsule, and I needed to be well-rested and physically prepared.
Jared came back late at night.
Seeing me asleep, he gently caressed my cheek and kissed me softly.
I was a little surprised when I felt a tear drop onto my face.
He cried silently, seemingly regretting something.
I tightened my hands under the covers, but my face remained emotionless as I pretended to be asleep.
Countdown: Final Day
I stepped over the sea of roses Jared had carefully arranged overnight, holding the iron box my grandmother had left me as I made my way downstairs.
Jared’s car was on its way back to the villa, unaware that my car had just passed by in the opposite direction.
He called me, "Hey, sweetheart, I’ve finished dealing with things at the company. Stay at home and wait for me. I’ll be back soon."
"Okay," I replied calmly, hanging up the phone.
I removed my earphones and was about to leave when a loud "bang" suddenly echoed from nearby.
Suddenly, the sharp, piercing sound of sirens and an ambulance filled my ears.
"Lia! No!"
