Author’s Note

Dear Reader,

Before you continue, make a quick stop and walk with me 👇🏻

I’d like to clarify a few important things about what’s happening.

From this chapter onward, the story enters its true framework: a blend of romance, survival, sci-fi, fantasy and many more.

Firstly, this chapter might have confused you a bit from the part where she wakes in the white light, so, here’s a quick walkthrough:

After the accident at the test site, both Esme Wynter and Lennox Mercer fall into comas. Their physical bodies are alive but unresponsive.

However, because of the the experimental AI system (THEIA) and its neural-link technology, their minds become connected inside a shared consciousness space.

Still confused?

Don’t be — walk with me slowly.

The last thing both of them saw was the other before the collapse. Combined with the emotional tension between them, especially on the part of Esme when he swoops in to save her at that moment, it is no wonder they are in this state.

I mean, she’s currently thinking: Wait—what? Why’s he so panicked?

Thus, due to that, the rescue AI detects their emotional fluctuation, misinterprets it as the overload that nearly killed them, and concludes: their love is the danger. ⛔️

And, what do we do with danger? Throw it away. 🗑️

So, being the “brilliant” AI it is, THEIA decides to repair them by creating five simulations designed to help them detach.

Don’t ask me how it decided five would be enough — I personally think it’s underestimating them too.😌

In these simulations, Esme becomes “Subject E,” labeled the unstable variable. She’s given three rules:

– She must not fall in love with Lennox again.

– She must ensure he finds his destined partner.

– She must not interfere beyond her assigned role.

If she breaks these directives, one or both of them will die within the simulation. Fail all five lifetimes, and their consciousness will be erased completely.

Clear so far? Check ✅

Secondly, the “old man” Esme meets in the white space is not a god or a spirit.

Don’t be too surprised — this AI is way too cunning for its own good, lol.

Knowing she’d resist anything mechanical, THEIA appears in the form of an elderly man. Esme believes she’s speaking to a spiritual guide, but in truth, she’s inside a simulation the AI has built.

Looks like this isn’t confusing anymore, yeah?

What follows — the lifetimes and the rules — are part of The Love Survival Protocol, the program designed by THEIA.

Lastly, remember: neither Esme nor Lennox retains their memories from the real world. Once each lifetime ends, their memories are wiped, and they meet again as complete strangers.

In other words:

1️⃣ They no longer remember their real-world relationship.

2️⃣ Once a lifetime ends, their memories disappears with it.

Of course, our lovely couple: Esme x Lennox are clueless about all these. So let’s be lenient with them whenever they get confused, yeah?

With that, we’ve reached the end of the briefing. 🫡

And, welcome, to this journey through different lifetimes. I hope we all enjoy it together. 🙈

Thank you for reading x

— Author H.K