Hearing the boy’s pitiful words, they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. They were not angels, and this was certainly not heaven.
Ethan’s face nearly cracked with disbelief when they were called angels, and the others almost burst into laughter.
But when they heard the heart-wrenching cries, they stopped and watched the boy with sad expressions.
Elena was familiar with those cries; they were the same tears that haunted her in her dreams.
Daniel’s cries echoed the deep feelings of remorse, sadness, and guilt she had felt when Ethan died. Each wail resonated within her, stirring memories of her own pain and loss.
Seeing his wife on the verge of tears, Ethan immediately went to her and hugged her tightly.
With a powerful voice, he said, "Enough crying; this is not heaven."
"Then why does hell feel so good? Sigh. Maybe I did something terrible and was punished to hell. I hope my sister is in heaven."
Ethan nearly snapped, wanting to drag the boy and teach him a lesson for almost making his wife sad.
"And you’re not dead, either. So stop wailing. Man up."
"Why are you angry at the kid? Can’t you see his distress?" Grandpa Caldwell defended the boy.
Then, Grandpa Caldwell consoled Daniel, saying, "Your sister is fine. She is currently at the hospital. So stop crying. You can visit her later once you’re able to walk."
Upon hearing this, Daniel felt invigorated.
"You’re not lying, right, Grandpa?"
"This grandpa will never lie. Rest for a while, okay? What’s your name?" Grandpa Caldwell asked.
With a pleading tone, Daniel replied, "Grandpa, I want to see my sister, please. I can’t rest until I see her. You can call me Daniel."
Elena sensed Daniel’s unease until he saw his sister, so she summoned a wheelchair and teleported them to the portable medical bay.
Daniel was shocked by what happened. He wanted to ask questions, but his attention shifted when he saw his sister sleeping soundly in bed.
"Don’t worry, kid; she is stable," Aunt Liza reassured him.
Finally, a smile appeared on his lips. He wanted to kneel in gratitude for this life-saving grace, but Elena stopped him, saying in a serious tone, "Do you want to join us? We will provide you a sanctuary in exchange for your loyalty."
At that moment, Daniel vowed to follow them no matter what.
"I am willing," he said determinedly.
Seeing his serious expression, Elena couldn’t help but chuckle.
"You can officially start when you’re fully healed. Let’s move to the portable house. We shouldn’t disturb your sister’s rest."
’I will not mark him yet, allowing him to remain in Paradise for a while, but I can’t control him. Well, he’s currently injured, so he won’t be able to do anything outrageous while he’s inside.’
Elena was wary of everyone, especially those who had not been marked yet. She knew that doubting her comrades was unhealthy, but her past life had made her cautious.
The only person she trusted wholeheartedly was her husband.
With a snap, they found themselves inside the portable house. Grandpa Caldwell stayed behind to brief Daniel about the ongoing disaster so the boy could prepare.
Elena and Ethan excused themselves, needing to return to the outside world.
"Wife, I’m currently staying at the hotel room," Ethan said.
"Okay, let’s exit now," Elena replied.
When they returned, it was getting dark, and the water was calm, slowly receding.
Shouts for help were still echoed everywhere. Thankfully, the rescuers were now dealing with the aftermath. Those on the lower floors of the building were being evacuated immediately, while those on higher floors were advised to stay in their rooms.
Rescuers navigated their boats through the flooded streets, announcing that they would soon provide food and emergency kits to those in need.
"People of City C, please stay calm. The water is receding faster. Remain in higher places for now. An evacuation center has been established. Wait for your turn; the rescuers are on their way," a broadcast voice resonated through the city center, spreading updates and encouraging words that sparked a glimmer of hope among the crowd.
Many people paused to listen, feeling reassured that help was coming and they weren’t alone. However, others felt a heavy sense of hopelessness, overwhelmed by uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Elena stood on the balcony, gazing at the devastation wrought by this disaster. She surveyed the wreckage left by both the earthquake and tsunami, and the people struggling to cope with the loss of homes and loved ones.
The government was still functioning, but how long could this last? As darkness fell, she wondered how many would be able to survive in this dire situation.
Seeing his wife lost in thought, Ethan called out, "Wife, get inside; the wind is getting chilly."
"Hmmp, let’s rest for a while and move as soon as the water’s gone. This chilly air in summer makes me uncomfortable, as if a big storm is brewing," Elena replied, her voice tinged with unease.
Ethan nodded, concern etched on his face.
"Come here; I’ve already made the bed."
"Okay, secure and lock the door. I’ll take a bath first in Paradise; I’ll be back soon."
After a few minutes, Elena returned to the room, ready to rest.
Upon seeing his wife, Ethan couldn’t help but gulp. The warm glow of her skin and the soft dampness of her hair clung to her in a refreshingly alluring and deeply enticing way.
She wore a light, flowing outfit that highlighted her figure, and Ethan found himself mesmerized as she smiled.
’She is so beautiful.’
Noticing her husband’s unusual expression, Elena raised her brows and said, "Husband, let’s sleep now."
Ethan nodded, following his wife.
"Wife, are you tired?"
With a seductive tone, he said, "How about I massage you? We’ve been riding for a couple of hours."
’What’s this man planning?’
"I already drank well water; the fatigue has lessened," she responded.
Hearing this, Ethan smirked. Now that she claimed she wasn’t tired, he proceeded with his hidden agenda.
"Nevertheless, I still want to massage you. My technique is really good. Trust me, wife."
’Why does he sound so ambiguous?’
"Fine, just make sure you do it properly."
"Of course, wife," Ethan said with a reassuring smile.
Elena lay back and undressed, ending up in just her bra.
"Okay, you can start massaging my back."
Seeing his wife’s smooth back, Ethan nearly lost himself. He began to massage her. A few seconds later, her soft voice soon filled the room.
"There, a little bit higher. Press harder. So good, husband... ahhh."
"Wife, where else do you want me to touch?" he asked, his voice low with desire.
"Left corner of my shoulder; it’s slightly stiff there."
"Okay..." He then massaged it carefully.
"So good... ahhhh..."
Ethan couldn’t resist any longer and gently cupped her breasts, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his hands. He gulped again, unable to contain his desire.
Elena was stunned, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
"Why are you touching my breasts, husband! Ahhhhh!"
Ethan wrapped his arms around her, whispering, "Wife, help me, okay? I love you."
Elena could feel the huge bulge pressing against her. She immediately turned to face him. "Husband, you!!"
Before she could say more, Ethan claimed her lips, and another session of lovemaking happened.
"Husband, please, I am tired..."
"Last round, wife... Next time, don’t seduce me, okay?"
’When did she seduce him?’
Ethan tossed his wife up and down like a wolf who couldn’t get enough.
Ethan couldn’t help but think, ’Heaven is truly real.’
A few hours later, they finally fell into peaceful sleep, entwined in each other’s warmth.