After an intimate night, the long-lost lovers rediscovered the sweetness of their youthful romance.
Betty nestled in Ryan's broad chest like an innocent girl untouched by the world.
"Ryan, you've known Miles for so long and helped him with so many things. Why does he still have you living outside?"
She hadn't given up.
The villa, a symbol of comfort and luxury, was an irresistible lure. Although the current arrangement was infinitely better than the horrors outside, who wouldn't yearn for a better life?
Ryan lay on the bed, basking in contentment.
"Miles has his reasons. In the apocalypse, the most unpredictable thing is the human heart. He's just being cautious—he doesn't trust easily."
"Not even you?"
Betty propped herself up on his chest, her fingers idly tracing circles on his stomach.
Ryan, stirred by her teasing touch, chuckled.
"Of course, he trusts me."
"Of course he does. You've done so much for him. And my Ryan is so strong—catching zombies like it's nothing. What woman wouldn't want such a capable man?"
Betty knew exactly what a man's heart craved—validation.
Pride lit up Ryan's face.
"Zombies are nothing. Just yesterday, we caught a super zombie. That thing was no joke—knocked over a tree as thick as a bowl, but in the end, I pinned it down myself."
"I knew it—my Ryan is the best!"
Her praise landed perfectly, but she quickly added,
"Still, Miles always seems so aloof, like he sees everyone as his servants."
"That's not it. He's just careful about trusting people. And let's not forget, without Miles, I'd have starved to death long ago."
Ryan had always been a man who knew gratitude. Miles' kindness was a debt he felt he could never fully repay.
Seeing that further comments about Miles would lead nowhere, Betty shifted her tone.
"You're right. Miles is a good man. He's been very kind to you."
After a brief silence, the two fell into another bout of tender intimacy.
As things heated up again, Betty gently pushed away Ryan's wandering hands and sighed.
"I wonder how the child is doing."
Still flushed with desire, Ryan reassured her,
"Don't worry. The doctor's skills are top-notch. She'll take care of her."
Betty took his hand and guided it lower, her movements slow and deliberate. Ryan's earlier embers reignited into flames.
"But they've never cared for a baby before," she murmured. "Babies are fragile and fussy. What if the child annoys Miles and Lisa? What if they grow tired of her?"
Her words trailed off with a sigh, a masterful balance of concern and hesitation.
"That's true."
Ryan nodded, his face clouding with doubt.
"Miles and the doctor aren't even married yet. They probably don't know the first thing about babies. They're probably struggling as we speak."
"Maybe I should go check on the child tomorrow," Betty suggested, testing the waters.
"Someone has to show them how to handle a baby properly. Otherwise, what if it causes friction? That would be awkward for everyone."
"You might have a point…"
Ryan agreed without a second thought.
"I'll talk to Miles about it tomorrow."
"Or we could bring the baby back here," Betty said, sitting astride Ryan.
"It's not convenient to leave her in someone else's care forever."
Ryan froze mid-thought. Bring the baby here?
The child was small now, but old enough to babble. If she stayed, it would cramp his already limited space and make certain "activities" inconvenient.
Besides, Miles' villa had more than enough room. Surely the baby could stay there.
"What are you thinking, Ryan? Hold me tight…"
Betty didn't give him a chance to object, pulling his head into her softness.
By noon the next day, Ryan groaned as he sat up in bed, his back aching from the previous night's exertion.
Betty, however, was already up and had prepared a meal. Though it was simple—mostly instant food—she had added her own touches, transforming it into a feast.
"I found some vegetables in the cabinet and made a salad. I hope it's to your liking," she said, her tone sweet and hopeful as she sought his approval.
Ryan dug in enthusiastically, showering her with praise.
"It's delicious, Betty. You're amazing."
The joy of reuniting with his first love, the lingering euphoria of their intimacy, and the homey warmth of a lovingly prepared meal—all of it combined to ensnare Ryan completely.
After lunch, he was about to suggest another round of romance when Betty spoke.
"Maybe we should bring the baby back here. After all, we're going to be a family. We can't keep relying on others forever, can we?"
Ryan's smile faltered.
Of course, he loved Betty deeply—there was no doubt about that.
But love didn't mean he was thrilled about raising someone else's child. If he weren't so soft-hearted, he would've left the child behind long ago.
He knew Betty would never abandon her daughter, and doing so would surely sever their fragile reunion.
Reluctantly, Ryan reached for the radio to call Miles.
"You're up early, Ryan," Miles quipped, glancing at the clock—it was nearly 2:30 in the afternoon.
"Ha, about last night…"
Miles laughed.
"Don't worry. You're not the only one who 'overdoes it.' Poor Lisa—she's been looking drained lately."
After exchanging a few jests, Ryan broached the subject.
"Miles, I need to discuss something with you."
"Oh?"
"It's about Betty," Ryan began, his voice hesitant.
"She thinks caring for the baby might be tough on you and Lisa. She wants to help out—maybe spend some time with the child and bring her back once she's settled."
"Is that so…"
Miles' tone was calm, unreadable.
"Don't get the wrong idea!" Ryan hurried to explain.
"It's just that kids can be a handful, and I don't want them to trouble you two. Betty even suggested bringing the baby here, but, well… you know how small this place is."
Miles chuckled silently. Betty's influence was apparent. Ryan would never have said such things on his own.
Feigning hesitation, Miles finally said,
"Fine. She can come by three times a day—morning, noon, and night—to feed the child and change her diaper."
"Thanks, Miles! You're the best. I knew you'd understand."
Ryan added with a laugh,
"When you have a kid of your own, Betty will gladly take care of them for you. You won't have to lift a finger."
Miles smirked.
"Betty? Raise my child? Let's just hope she doesn't turn them into a carbon copy of herself."