Chapter 271. To the Root

Austin stroked Bella's back until she drifted into sleep.

"You showed today that angels are real, love," Austin whispered softly, laying Bella down properly and resting his head on a pillow. He made sure to cover Bella with a thick blanket.

Looking around the room, which resembled a shipwreck after their earlier battle, Austin chuckled softly. He headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

"Sigh... I've let this go on for too long," he murmured, taking a deep breath as he exited the bathroom and grabbed his phone from the nightstand.

"Max? Update me on the progress," he demanded.

***

The clock struck five in the afternoon, and Max glanced at his girlfriend, engrossed in one of her favorite Korean dramas on her tablet.

He approached Hana, who was deeply moved by a particularly poignant scene. "Darling," Max called softly, causing Hana to jump slightly and turn towards him, her eyes glistening.

"Yes?" she responded spontaneously.

A small