Chapter 496

"When everything is over…" Steven's sudden words echoed mine even though he couldn't have heard me. I looked at him in shock, my gaze flickering. "We'll find a deserted island… and start new," Steven whispered softly, his voice hoarse. I stared at him for a long moment before quietly responding, "Okay, we'll do just that." … Even though we couldn't physically touch each other, there was still a profound sense of connection between us. While from a scientific and medical standpoint, such occurrences might be perceived as some form of mental anomaly, I firmly believed that the souls of the departed lingered around us in some way. Even if it was just wishful thinking, it provided solace to our lonely souls. "Stephie, you're here with me, aren't you?" Steven asked softly. "Yes, Steven, I'm here," I replied with a smile. Though he couldn't feel my touch, see me, or hear me, I felt compelled to respond to his words nonetheless. … "The laboratory is nestled in the undeveloped mou