Alexander used to believe he was her haven, a protective shield, a harbor. Only later did he realize her capabilities far surpassed his expectations. The more he knew her, the more he loved her.

"I just learned a little more, that's all," Lily murmured, uncomfortable with the praise. "I'm not as good as you said."

"It's great!" Alexander said earnestly, gently taking her hands and looking into her eyes. He paused, a thought crossing his mind. "What a pity about this mess. Otherwise, I would have embraced and kissed her." After a moment, he asked, "How's Galen?"

Lily's lips pursed in a reproving smile. "You still remember you have a son?" She’d thought he'd forgotten; he hadn't mentioned him since their meeting. If he hadn't asked, she would have assumed as much.

"How can I not remember my son?" He looked at her disapprovingly.

"Galen's with my mentor. I think he's fine," she replied.

Lily considered this, realizing she hadn't contacted Dominic in a while. She knew he'd be worried. "Should?" Alexander questioned suspiciously. "Your mentor is..."

"I'll tell you later!" she smiled. "I still have work to do. Have a good rest, Patient 58!"

Alexander was speechless. This woman!

Olivia meticulously prepared a compress, soaking and wringing a towel with practiced movements. She carefully wiped the man's body, from neck to shoulders, down to his waist. His once muscular form was scarred, two particularly prominent wounds marring his chest and waist—terrifying gunshot wounds. Though scabbing, they spoke of intense pain and danger. Days later, Olivia still wept while tending to him. As she reached his waist, she turned to rinse the towel, her tears falling into the water with a soft splash.

"Don't cry," he said, knowing even without seeing her tears. "I'm not dead."

Before he could finish, Olivia quickly covered his mouth. "Don't say that! You're not going to die! I won't let you die!" she sobbed. God knows how surprised and happy I was when he showed up at her door! But the sight of his wounds, his story, had shaken her, leaving her shocked and disbelieving, even now feeling like a dream.