Chapter 1685

"Even if there is, I'm not afraid," Alexander murmured, his lips tender against her neck. Lily seemed to relax at his touch. Days of tension had left her exhausted, clinging to willpower alone. Now, released from that strain, a limpness washed over her.

Alexander turned her to face him, gazing into her eyes. "With a miracle doctor like you around, no matter how many times I get infected, I won't—"

"Knock it off!" Lily interrupted, frowning. "Don't jinx it, okay?"

"When did you become so superstitious?" Alexander chuckled, pulling her close. He began to gently massage her thighs, his hands loosely fisted as he worked the knots from her legs, resting on his lap. Lily tried in vain to remove them, surrendering to the soothing pressure. Pregnancy and overwork had left her legs aching and swollen; his touch eased the discomfort considerably.

"I'm not superstitious," she said, hands behind her head as she relaxed against him, gazing at the ceiling. "But this disease is tough to tackle."

"Didn't you already develop a cure?" Alexander asked, having personally benefited from it—his recovery a gradual, arduous process punctuated by setbacks.

Lily looked at him. "What if they come up with a new virus?"

"Then we'll counter it with a new cure," he replied thoughtfully.

Lily shook her head. "One virus is causing us enough trouble. The Burnwken economy has completely collapsed. We've avoided a major disaster here only through timely precautions and swift action. A new virus would be unthinkable!"

Seeing her worry, Alexander stopped, gently lowering her legs and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Why are you so worried? You shouldn't think about these things. There are no burdens to bear. You're an outstanding physician, but there are many other doctors. Don't put so much pressure on yourself!"

"I'm not worried," Lily sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder, "but when a pandemic breaks out, no one can escape it. Still, you're right. There's no need to bear this burden; I can't save the world. I only came here to save you and protect those around me. Now that we've found a cure, it's time for us to leave."

She looked around. She had everything she needed, yet the place felt like a prison, albeit a relatively comfortable and friendly one. It had been too long since she'd breathed fresh air and felt warm sunlight. "I wish so much to take a walk outside!"

"You can leave?" Alexander's joy was evident, but a question lingered. "About Edmund… how did you know it was him?" He’d been involved in the trap, but had no idea when Lily had discovered the culprit.