Chapter 31

I turned around, preparing to continue my escape.

The next moment, a thunderous gunshot rang out from behind.

I was violently tackled to the ground.

A tremendous force struck my shoulder, the pain so intense it stole my breath away.

I'd been shot.

Terrified, I turned my face.

I saw Lucas collapsed on top of me.

On his chest was a gaping wound that had completely stained his white coat red, blood gushing frantically from his mouth.

My mind went blank.

Ignoring my own injury, I fought through the pain to roll over.

"Lucas!!

"Lucas!!!!"

I frantically pressed on his wound, utterly helpless.

"Stop... stop the bleeding...

"Need to stop the bleeding first..."

But he gently grabbed my hand.

A simple gesture that seemed to drain all his remaining strength.

He mumbled incoherently.

"I'm... sorry...

"I love you...

"In the next life, will you be my little one again?"

His eyes held a mix of complex emotions.

Reluctance, tenderness, acceptance.

Finally, they all faded away.