Chapter 964 In Our Next Life, I Want to Be with You Again.
Thick smoke filled Lyra's lungs, making her feel like she could suffocate at any moment.
Even with a damp towel covering her mouth and nose, if rescue didn't come soon, she feared they wouldn't last much longer.
She turned to look at Jeffery beside her.
He held her tightly in his arms.
Flames danced wildly not far from them, the intense heat warping the air.
His body was her last line of defense.
Lyra's nose stung, and she felt a sudden urge to cry.
If this was the last time fate would give them, it was far too short.
She might pass out any second, and they might never open their eyes again.
Even though she knew it wasn't a rational decision and she should conserve her strength, Lyra spoke with a nearly broken voice.
"In our next life, I want to be with you again."
She felt a sharp pinch on her waist—Jeffery's hand, squeezing her hard.
No more words were needed; she understood his message clearly.
'Don't talk nonsense.'
It was rare to see him this angry.
Lyra fell silent. The thick smoke made it hard to keep her eyes open, and the rising temperature soaked her clothes with sweat.
The crackling sounds of burning objects filled the air.
If she were alone, she would be terrified.
But with Jeffery by her side, feeling the strength of his solid body, even her fear was somewhat dispelled.
Just as Lyra's consciousness began to fade, a stream of water surged over them.
The raging fire was extinguished, and several firefighters rushed over.
They were saved.
At that moment, Lyra couldn't hold on any longer. She closed her eyes and passed out.
When Lyra opened her eyes again, she was surrounded by the familiar white walls of a hospital, now lying in a hospital bed.
The smoke had damaged her respiratory tract, dulling her sense of smell so much that she could barely detect the scent of disinfectant in the air.
As she tried to move, she felt a gentle squeeze on her hand, followed by Jeffery's voice.
"You're awake."
His voice, too, had changed due to the fire, now rougher and raspier.
Lyra suddenly sat up and threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.
Tears fell from her eyes, soaking his shirt.
Jeffery held her, gently stroking her back, soothing her with soft words.
Having narrowly escaped death, Lyra could hardly control her emotions.
She cried for a long time, her eyes red and swollen.
She spoke haltingly, "I was so scared I wouldn't see you again..."
As soon as she spoke, Lyra realized how hoarse her voice was, much worse than Jeffery's.
She looked at him in surprise.
Jeffery gave her a helpless look. "That's what happens when you talk so much in a fire."
"It was just a few words," Lyra thought indignantly.
"But I was afraid if I didn't say them, I might never get the chance."
She had so many thoughts, unlike the man in front of her, who seemed much calmer.
Suddenly, Lyra was pulled into a tight embrace, so strong she felt she couldn't break free.
She heard Jeffery's resolute voice.
"At that moment, I was thinking, we're both getting out of here alive."
"We're gonna live a happy life together."
Lyra was stunned for a long time. People's physical resilience really varied.
Even though they were both rescued from the fire, Jeffery recovered much faster than she did.
Jeffery was truly good at taking care of people.
Sometimes, seeing his gentle, focused face, Lyra felt like he was her entire world. After being discharged, Lyra still had a few days of medical leave.
Jeffery took her out for a walk, their fingers intertwined.
Everything seemed the same as before, yet Lyra felt something had changed.
The evening breeze was slightly cool.
Lyra suddenly felt something was off.
She scratched Jeffery's palm with her finger and asked, "Are you sweating?"
It was a casual remark, but the man softly replied, "Yeah."
Suddenly, melodious music filled the air, and as dusk fell, countless decorative lights lit up simultaneously.
Lyra's mind went blank for a moment. She looked around and slowly turned.
Jeffery knelt on one knee before her.
"Sorry, this might be a bit rushed, but I can't wait any longer."
His confession was heartfelt and long.
Lyra seemed to hear it, yet not hear it.
All she could see was the man in front of her, the changing scenery around them, beautiful and surreal.
When he paused, she choked out, "I will."
Jeffery's kneeling posture faltered at her words, speaking, "I haven't even asked you yet."
He had just taken out the ring.
Lyra felt like her eyes were filling with sand, blinking furiously.
"I can't wait either."
"And you will ask, and I will say yes."
The evening breeze gently blew, and time seemed to stand still for a few seconds.
Jeffery, still on one knee, gently took her hand, placed the ring on her finger, and kissed her hand tenderly.
As his kiss landed, brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky.
Even though he had been with her in the hospital since she woke up, he had somehow found the time to plan this proposal.
After that, wedding preparations began.
Lyra, not one to hesitate or overthink, quickly chose the venue and her dress.
So quickly that even Jeffery was a bit taken aback.
"No need to rush."
"I want to give you the perfect wedding, without any regrets."
Lyra disagreed, "Waiting even one more day to marry you would be my biggest regret."
Jeffery gently caressed her cheek, finally giving in to her wishes.
It seemed even the heavens blessed their love. Despite the rushed preparations, everything was perfectly timed.
When she tried on her wedding dress, and the curtain was pulled back, Lyra saw the intense passion in Jeffery's eyes.
Feeling shy under his gaze, she lowered her head, trying to avoid his fiery stare.
But he took her hand, pulling her close, his eyes enveloping her completely.
His words were just as heated.
"I feel the same way. I can't wait to see you become my bride."