Chapter 694
Noah didn’t answer immediately. He quickly searched the two unconscious men on the floor, gathered a few tools, then roughly dragged and kicked them off the bus. With that done, he turned back to Nick’s side.
Nick frowned. “Noah.”
“I don’t have the habit of playing the hero,” Noah said, “but after what happened today… I feel a sense of guilt.”
“Guilt?” Nick raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Noah didn’t pause, nor did he explain further. He had followed Spence faithfully for years. Now that Lacuna had turned into this, he felt he had betrayed himself in some way—but these were thoughts he couldn’t share with Nick.
Nick didn’t press further. Perhaps, at the edge of life and death, many things simply ceased
matter.
Even if his life was short, it had been fulfilled. He had experienced wealth, power, and status. He had met the person he loved and possessed a genuine bond. Until this very moment, he could do everything in his power to protect his wife and unborn child-and that was enough.
“Honestly… I really admire you,” Noah said, trying to ease his own tension by talking.” Nowadays, even among couples, there are few willing to risk their lives for the other… and you’re no ordinary man.”
Nick smiled. “The feeling is mutual. She’s worth everything I have to protect.” (1
His voice was calm and gentle, far from the tone of someone facing death.
In truth, when Nick had first learned of his condition, he had been terrified-terrified not just of losing the days he still had, but of the loneliness and helplessness that awaited him in death. Yet, when he learned that Khloe was pregnant, he felt the grandeur and joy of a new life.
There is only one kind of bravery that can overcome all fear: genuine, unshakable love.
Before Khloe, he had never loved like this before. Loving her was like loving his own life- fearless, unwavering-even in the face of death.
“Then… no regrets at all?” Noah asked.
“Regrets? There are some… and none,” Nick said with a soft laugh.
Noah, sweating from the tension, frowned. “So… which is it?”
“Noah,” Nick asked quietly, “have you ever loved anyone? Or cared deeply for someone?”
Noah hesitated. “I’ve never been in a relationship There were people important to me before… but now? I’m not sure.”
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Chapter 694
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He didn’t believe in love. Years as a mercenary had shown him life and death, loyalty and betrayal, warmth and coldness. Even among couples, very few were like Nick and Khloe. Love was fragile, unreliable, and rarely endured.
What he had pursued all along were ideals. Spence had been his ideal, his family. But now… after what happened with Ryan, that trust was broken. Once this was over, he would leave the organization, even face enemies he once allied with. The path ahead was uncertain.
“You can’t die,” Nick said firmly. “Someone without regrets, who hasn’t truly loved… doesn’t deserve to die.”
Noah paused, then smiled, understanding the meaning behind Nick’s words. Only those who have truly loved can die without fear, because love brings both longing and courage.
“All right. Let’s hope neither of us dies. When this is over, I want to try love too… see if I can have a connection like yours.” Noah half-joked, “But just so you know, if I save you, that’s extra pay.”
Nick chuckled, but at that moment, several beams of headlights cut through the darkn streamed into the bus.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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