With everything settled, Adam went to inform Johan that he would be resting with Lyra and Azrael. Johan assured Adam he'd keep watch over the mansion and the plane.
Adam then headed to the bedroom, where Lyra was resting beside Azrael, and went to take a bath. Johan closed the bunker door and took a stroll outside the mansion.
Adam emerged from the bath and slid in beside Lyra, hugging her and kissing her neck. Lyra turned, meeting his lips. "I'm sorry, Adam. Can I be selfish for once?" she whispered, tears flowing.
"Why are you sorry, Lyra? It's normal to be selfish as a human," Adam said gently.
"I've learned everything from your mother. What I'm doing now is wrong. Yet I still love you, Adam. I want to be with you so much. I want us to be this close," Lyra confessed, pouring out her heart.
"Then you should trust your heart and follow through," Adam replied, looking directly into her eyes as he kissed her.
"It's just... you're married now. I'm going to cause hurt not just for Emily but for you as well. I know now what it feels like to be hurt. I'm really torn about what's right and what my heart desires," Lyra admitted.
Adam pulled back, now fully understanding the weight of Lyra's feelings and her ethical dilemma. "Then let's put this on hold," he decided. "When we return, I'll ask Emily to give her blessings to marry you as well. This way, you'll know what Emily is feeling and what my feelings are towards you. Emily has brought up about me marrying you before. However, it's better that you hear it from Emily herself."
"Emily doesn't mind you being with me? She isn't hurt?" Lyra asked, searching his face.
"Well, I can't really say she isn't hurt. However, this is something we may need to talk about together. Emily may tell you about her feelings and about our situation," Adam replied. He placed his hands on Lyra's cheeks, pulling her head closer. Adam kissed her forehead. "I love you, Lyra. Emily knows that too." He hugged her, and Lyra gently rested her head on Adam's chest as they slowly fell asleep in each other's arms.
The near-death experiences they'd faced in this world had made them desperate to be truthful about their feelings, yet both held back due to their complicated situation and their consideration for Emily.
Johan's Interruption
Bored by the emptiness of the world outside, Johan retreated back inside the mansion. He went to the living room, switched on the television, and settled into his favorite drama series. He continued to binge-watch, his invisible hands effortlessly grabbing snacks and drinks as he enjoyed the show.
After a while, the male lead of the drama encountered the rival who had slept with his wife. Johan was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Oh my god, why?! Why do these idiots always interrupt me when it's getting good!" Johan shouted loudly, pausing the series and walking to the door.
"What the hell do you want?" Johan snapped, clearly annoyed by the disturbance.
"Hi, let me introduce myself. I'm..." an evolved variant began to speak.
"Stop the bullshit, get to the point," Johan interrupted.
"Our boss wants to meet with you," the evolved variant explained.
"Not interested, now get lost," Johan replied, irritated. As soon as he closed the door, the evolved variant knocked again.
Johan, visibly annoyed, turned back to open the door.
"If you don't meet him, he will come here personally to kill you," the evolved variant explained.
"Okay, tell him to suck his own dick," Johan said, about to close the door. He then opened it again. "One more time I get interrupted here, I will kill anyone nearby this mansion. This is my last warning." Johan's voice was menacing. He then closed the door and returned to watching his show.
"Finally, peace and quiet!" Johan mumbled to himself.