Chapter 11

Samson lay in his dark bedroom, empty bottles strewn across the floor.He hadn't slept in a week, and his eyes were red with deep circles around them. The hair he once kept perfectly styled now hung messily across his forehead. He looked like someone who had clawed his way back from hell.He was having a headache from the alcohol, but still he forced himself up, twisting open yet another bottle. "Helen… Where did you go…"Just then, the phone on his nightstand rang urgently.Samson jolted, stumbling out of bed to grab it.Through his daze, he heard Mr. Sylvester's voice on the other end. "Sir, we have news about Miss Williams."Samson froze for about half a minute, his mind still dulled with alcohol. It wasn't until the name "Helen" kept echoing in his head that he snapped out of it.The bottle crashed to the floor in a clang. Samson's voice shook with desperation as he asked, "Where? Where is she? Tell me! Now!"Mr. Sylvester sent over a news clip.It was a report from Aion

Chapter 12

Samson followed the supervisor into the hospital. The moment he stepped inside, he was stunned by the devastating scene.The hallways were crowded. Patients were groaning in pain, families were crying quietly, and medical staff were rushing back and forth. The air was so heavy it felt almost impossible to breathe."Dr. Williams is in the ICU. She has barely slept the last few days, and she was just resuscitating an elderly patient. I'm not sure if she's finished yet," the supervisor explained as they walked, with Samson subconsciously quickening his steps. Turning the corner into a patient room, he immediately saw that familiar figure.I was in a full protective suit and was bending over, looking at a patient and adjusting the oxygen tube, completely unaware of Samson.The supervisor knocked on the door. "Dr. Williams, someone's here to see you."I looked up, shocked to see Samson standing in the doorway. "Samson? What are you doing here?"Samson looked at me, his gaze filled w

Chapter 13

In the days that followed, Samson truly became just another volunteer. Every day, he would put on a heavy protective suit and work tirelessly in the supply zone.He hauled boxes, counted medicine, and sorted donated supplies. The man who once lived a life of luxury now threw himself into these chores, never uttering a single word of complaint.He stopped asking me to leave with him and didn't go out of his way to talk to me anymore. He only watched from a distance as I moved through the wards, his eyes quietly following my every step.I didn't know what he was hoping to accomplish, but as long as he wasn't interfering with my work, I didn't care.Over time, more supplies and equipment arrived at the hospital, and the new staff helped ease the workload for everyone as more personnel arrived.Jasper and I finally got more regular rest. As the situation of the epidemic improved, we were even given two full days off.We decided to use the break to walk around the city, check on the l

Chapter 14

Jasper and I drove into the city. Most of the residents were still under lockdown, so the streets were nearly deserted, with almost no pedestrians or cars in sight.We visited several medical stations, noting down what supplies they needed and reporting everything to the CDC.As we made our rounds, I realized just how underdeveloped the area was. Many ordinary people here lacked even the most basic knowledge about disease prevention, which explained how quickly the disease had spread.At our last stop, an elderly woman with tears in her eyes told us her young grandson had a fever, but there was no medicine left at home.Jasper gave her some fever medicine he had brought for children and carefully explained how to use it.No matter how tense the situation, he always stayed patient and polite, his voice calm and clear. Even in the most stressful moments, he managed to put people at ease. I found myself staring at the way his throat moved as he spoke. Then, he turned and met my eye

Chapter 15

I watched as the man rushed at me, a sharp knife in his hand. I was paralyzed with fear for a moment out of shock, unable to move.In that critical moment, Jasper turned around, shielding me with his tall figure and wrapping his arms tightly around my waist, holding me close to his chest.My heart nearly stopped at that moment. In the chaos, a figure seemed to have jumped out from the darkness, ramming right into the man holding the knife.There were shouts, screams, the frantic pounding of Jasper's heart, and the sharp sound of a blade cutting flesh. They all blurred together.I couldn't move, my mind flashing back to the day I faced those kidnappers years ago.What did I do then?I remembered. Breathe, Helen, just breathe… "Breathe, Helen. Don't be scared. I'm here." I heard Jasper's voice right by my ear. Even though he was holding me so tightly, his voice somehow sounded so far away."It's okay, it's over. He's been subdued." Jasper loosened his grip and gently patted

Chapter 16

As time went by, the epidemic in Aion City finally began to subside.There was good news from the research institute. A vaccine had been developed, and soon, everyone in the city was scheduled to be vaccinated. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the entire medical team, the ICU slowly emptied.The day the last elderly patient was discharged, he held my hand and thanked me over and over. "Doctor, if it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you, truly!"Seeing the smile on his face, I felt that every hardship and sleepless night of the past months had finally found its meaning.With that, the city roared back to life like it used to.All the doctors who had volunteered for the relief effort were publicly recognized and thanked by the people of the city.I sat by the hotel window, gazing out at the bustling streets below. Maybe this was the scene my mother had always hoped to see.Jasper stood by the mirror, adjusting his tie. When he had finished changing into a f