Chapter 362: How’s The Dome?

Xavier tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest so her head rested right over his steady heartbeat. His fingers lightly stroked down her back, a slow, soothing rhythm that coaxed the last remaining tension from her body.

"Get some rest now, April," Xavier murmured, his voice dropping into a soft whisper against her hair. "We still have much to prepare for tomorrow."

"Mm..." April hummed softly into his collarbone, her eyes already fluttering shut as the deep, comforting warmth of his body lulled her back into sleep.

When morning arrived, the soft light of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains, painting the grand estate in hues of pale gold. She reached out her hand, but the other side of the bed was empty.

"Where’s Xavier?" April murmured, her voice still thick with sleep as she rubbed her eyes and sat up against the silk pillows.

"Mr. Reed departed early this morning to oversee the final structural allocations for his private shelter," Samuel answered smoothly, standing poised by the bedside as if he had anticipated the exact second her eyes would open. He held a warm glass of water ready for her. "He requested I inform you that he will return before midday."

April took a sip of the water, her mind sharpening as the sleep fully washed away. "His shelter," she repeated, as if testing the words on her tongue and then asked, "And my fortress? What is the status there?"

"The exterior shell and heavy reinforcement of the primary dome have been completely constructed," Samuel reported, his tone even. "However, the primary control room and internal electronic grids are currently undergoing final calibration. I strongly advise against a site visit today while high-voltage systems are being integrated. In three days, the recalibration will be finished, and it will be completely ready for your inspection."

April nodded slowly, doing the mental math. Nine days left.

If the dome was fully operational in three days, she could officially move in on the fourth with Emily—leaving five full days before the world fell apart. Five days to settle into their indestructible sanctuary, wander the grounds, organize their living quarters, and adapt to the environment without any rush or panic. It was a perfect timeline.

"Alright, Samuel," April said, handing the glass back to him. "I’ll leave the supervision in your hands."

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her dark eyes glinting with a sharp, calculating focus. No matter how sweet the romance or how intoxicating her men were, survival remained her ultimate priority.

"What about the task I assigned you previously?" she asked, looking up at him. "Is it completed?"

Samuel bowed slightly, picking up a digital tablet from the nightstand. He tapped the screen a few times before holding it out for her to see.

"The rest of the raw materials and emergency resources you asked me to secure are ready, Miss April," Samuel said. "We have secured seven industrial storehouses filled with more non-perishable canned goods, bulk grains, water purification units, and heavy manufacturing materials. They are fully cleared and waiting at the private staging bay for you to absorb into your spatial dimension whenever you wish."

April’s lips curved into a satisfied, quiet smirk as she scrolled through the massive inventory lists. Her space was becoming an unyielding fortress of infinite supplies.

"Excellent work, Samuel," April said, sliding out of bed. "I’ll get ready."

While she was in the bath, letting the hot water soothe her muscles, Samuel’s calm voice echoed lightly from outside the door. "Miss April, Dr. Baxter has just arrived at the estate. He is currently waiting in the main living room."

April paused, a sudden spark of absolute clarity washing over her. Oliver is here.

This was the perfect opportunity. She needed to assign him his official System class right now—not only to boost his medical capabilities for the apocalypse, but to immediately trigger the Lucky Foresight Protection tab to guard Emily against any unexpected tragedy.

"Ask Oliver to meet me in the library," April commanded calmly, stepping out of the tub and wrapping a plush robe around herself. "I’ll be down shortly."

After she got ready, she headed down right away.

The doors of the library swung open quietly as April stepped inside, her eyes falling on Oliver standing by the high shelves, flipping through a thick leather-bound volume.

"This time, you didn’t stay up all night, did you, Doctor?" April asked, a soft, teasing lilt in her voice.

Oliver turned, his gaze meeting hers instantly. She was wearing blue today—a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her frame perfectly. Her brown hair spilled over her shoulders, and as far as Oliver was concerned, she looked breathtaking in absolutely everything she wore.

Setting the volume back on the shelf, Oliver picked up a sleek, unbranded box from the side table.

"I brought you a gift," he said softly, his raspy voice steady and composed as he held it toward her.

April glanced at the box, then tilted her foot, showing off the acrylic heels he had chosen for her previously. "Is it a new pair of shoes? Like these ones you got me?"

A faint, almost untraceable smile touched Oliver’s usually serious lips, softening the sharp, clinical lines of his face. "That’s right."

He extended his hand toward her, waiting patiently. April hesitated for a brief second before dropping her hand into his firm palm. His fingers closed gently around hers, solid and grounding, as he led her toward the velvet bench near the window.

Once she sat down, Oliver didn’t hesitate. Dropping down on one knee in front of her, he set the box on his knee and opened the lid.

Coincidentally, the shoes inside were blue—a rich, deep sapphire shade crafted from soft, plush velvet that perfectly matched her dress, catching the quiet morning light filtering through the high library windows.

He reached out, his long, warm fingers gently taking her ankle with precise, reverent care. He slid off her current heel and guided her foot into the new pair.

It was an open almond-toe sandal, styled with a plush sapphire velvet band framing her toes and a delicate strap secured around her ankle by a tiny silver buckle. The velvet rose into a structured cup at the back, resting atop a slender, mirror-polished silver stiletto heel.

It kept the elegant, leg-lengthening silhouette she favored, but exchanged the modern acrylic for a rich, luxurious texture that highlighted her feet effortless against the blue of her dress.

April stared at him, stared at his fixation and wondered.

"Oliver," she suddenly called out, her voice breaking the quiet hush of the library. "Is it my legs you like, or me?"