Chapter 161 Reagent Failure, He Will Die of Heart Failure
Nicholas felt Emma trembling violently in his arms, tears streaming down her face and dripping onto his chest.
He slowly raised his hand, fumbling to find her cheek with clumsy fingers.
His fingertips touched cold dampness.
"Emma, don't cry."
His voice was soft, carrying a bewildered attempt at comfort.
"Don't be upset. I'm fine. I used to think Charlie was too chatty—at least it's quiet now."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he patted her back gently.
He was desperately trying to maintain his armor, protecting what little dignity he had left.
"Nicholas, let me help you back to your room to rest."
She sniffled and spoke again, but he didn't move. He couldn't hear her.
She took his hand instead and slowly guided him forward. His steps were small and tentative, betraying his fear of the unknown.
"Step up, there's a stair," she called out instinctively.
But he couldn't hear!
He took a step forward and tumbled onto the staircase.
The reflex to catch himself pulled her down with him, and she landed beside him on the steps.
He frantically pulled her back into his arms, feeling around her head. "Emma, are you hurt? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
His face was etched with self-reproach.
"Nicholas, I'm not hurt, I'm fine."
She shook her head desperately, but tears fell freely down her cheeks.
Charlie rushed in and helped them both up, supporting Nicholas on either side as they slowly climbed the stairs together.
The staircase wasn't long, but it felt endless.
Once they reached the bedroom, she settled him on the bed and pulled out the newest serum she'd prepared.
"Mrs. Harrison, did you perfect the antidote?" Charlie's face lit up with hope.
"I tested it—it's not toxic," she said flatly, her voice carrying an indescribable exhaustion.
She held the test tube up to the light, watching the pale red liquid shimmer.
"Lower toxicity means lower potency," she added.
The words hit Charlie like cold water.
"Will Mr. Harrison still recover?" he asked, looking worriedly at Nicholas sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I don't know. We're out of time—we have to try this."
She carefully drew the serum into a syringe, then slowly pushed it into a small glass. The red liquid formed a shallow layer at the bottom.
She picked up the glass and sat beside him on the bed.
Taking a deep breath, she brought the glass to his lips, tilting it gently.
His eyelids fluttered as if sensing her presence. He cooperated completely, swallowing every drop of the liquid.
Emma set the glass aside and reached to help him out of his jacket, wanting him to lie down comfortably.
But he suddenly caught her wrist.
His grip wasn't strong, but it was insistent.
"Emma, don't leave. Can you stay here tonight?" His voice was low, pleading.
After a pause, he added, "I just need you beside me."
He was afraid.
Afraid that he might slip away in his sleep.
So he just wanted her there.
Emma gently patted his hand and continued helping him undress.
After tucking him under the covers, she lay down beside him fully clothed. Outside, the winter wind howled fiercely, rattling the leaves with a rustling sound.
The room's heating was turned up high, but the chill seemed to penetrate everything.
He suddenly turned toward her, extending his arm to pull her into his embrace.
"Emma, if that day really comes, don't be sad."
His voice was soft and slow, as if he were leaving final instructions.
Emma's heart sank.
"I had them recover your paper airplane—it's stored in Rockford Town."
He rambled on, his voice growing quieter.
"Forgive me for all the ways I hurt you. Everything in the past was my fault."
His arms tightened around her, his chin resting on the top of her head, nuzzling gently.
"Maybe... maybe don't bury me after all..."
He murmured softly, as if talking to himself, yet also to her.
She said nothing, only reached out to intertwine their fingers, gripping his hand tightly.
She stayed quietly beside him through the long, uncertain night.
Tomorrow.
It could bring new life, or it could bring death.
In this moment, she was more terrified than anyone...
...
Meanwhile, Evelyn had been tossing and turning in bed half the night.
She slept restlessly, curled up in her blankets at the edge of the bed like a small, pitiful bundle.
The bedroom door handle pressed down slowly, making almost no sound.
Hawk's tall silhouette appeared in the doorway, silently watching the small mound on the bed.
He stood there for a long while before taking his first long stride, entering soundlessly.
He climbed into bed, the mattress barely dipping under his weight.
From behind, he carefully reached out to pull her back from the edge of the bed, gently cradling her against his chest.
Her body was soft, carrying the clean scent of her recent shower.
Hawk's hands were large and calloused, but now moved with almost reverent care as he placed his palm over her flat stomach. There, a small life was quietly growing, carrying both their heartbeats.
He lowered his head, pressing burning kisses into her hair as if she were a priceless treasure he'd thought lost forever.
...
The next day, when Nicholas woke, he discovered he was still alive, but his world remained pitch black.
He didn't move, just quietly experienced the darkness.
Until he heard her voice, careful and tentative, testing.
"Nicholas, can you hear me? Nicholas."
He called out excitedly.
"Emma, I can hear you! I can hear your voice!"
"Really?" Emma's voice bubbled with barely contained joy. "That's wonderful!"
She rushed over and grasped his hands, her palms warm and soft.
"Just lie still, don't move. The doctors are coming to run tests and examine you."
Two doctors entered quickly and conducted a thorough examination.
The room filled only with the soft sounds of medical equipment. After about half an hour, the examination was complete.
The results: his hearing, smell, and sense of touch had returned, but his vision and taste were still gone.
Emma stepped outside with the doctors, closing the door behind her before asking urgently.
"Doctor, what's the prognosis?"
The doctor's expression was grave. "Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Harrison has been poisoned too long. His heart and lung function have deteriorated rapidly."
"If we can't eliminate the virus completely, he'll ultimately die of heart failure."
Emma's heart sank. As expected, the reduced Seven-colored Flower dosage wasn't enough to clear the virus.
She was silent for a moment, her voice hoarse. "If I continue suppressing his symptoms, how long can we buy?"
"Given his current condition, about a week at most."
The doctor delivered the brutal reality.
"His neurological damage is severe. He's already lost his sight, and next, he may lose his memory."
"In any case, you need to prepare yourself mentally."
The small flame of hope that had just ignited in Emma's heart was instantly extinguished.
Inside the room, Nicholas had somehow moved to stand by the door. Every word of the doctor's conversation reached his ears.
He understood what she meant by "suppressing symptoms."
It could only mean using her blood. But he wouldn't let her suffer anymore.
Emma pushed the door open.
She collapsed, falling unconscious onto the wooden floor.
"Emma! Emma!" Nicholas shouted frantically, quickly gathering her into his arms.
She had no idea that when she woke up, Nicholas would already be gone...