The Last True Female (Lexie) (by Sylvia Vance) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

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Austin said, “It’s me, Lex. Ryker and I came to see you last time, but you were out cold.

“I had to rush in and rush out, so I didn’t even get a chance to say a word to you.

“Lex, how are you doing now? It’s your first day at school. Are you holding up okay?”

Lexie replied, “I’m good. Marshal Drake, how about you? Is everything alright over there? How’s your health? Is your shoulder still bothering you? Has your genetic condition acted up again?”

Austin said, “I’m fine, Lex. Just hang in there a bit longer. Once I wrap things up here, I’ll come get you myself.

“Remember, even if you’re an artificial female bot, you still have to keep yourself safe. Don’t go trusting people too easily.

“Lex, you’re honestly way too kind. I always worry someone will treat you badly. Last time I came to see you, I really wanted to take you back with me.

“But right now, things around me are just too dangerous. I’m scared you’d get hurt if you came back.

“Please, just wait a little longer. I swear, I’ll come for you myself.”

Lexie listened to Austin’s sigh, sitting there in a daze for a long moment. Finally, she stared at the dark screen and ventured to ask, “Marshal Drake, do you… do you like me?”

“Of course I do. How could I not, my artificial female bot?” he replied without a second thought.

“Artificial female bot?” Lexie repeated.

Hearing him say that, Lexie realized he still didn’t know her true identity.

After hesitating for a long moment, she finally asked tentatively, “Marshal Drake, i–if someday in the future. I became a real female, would you still like me? Would you want to be with me then?”

After Lexie finished speaking, Austin didn’t reply for what seemed like an eternity.

Just when Lexie thought the connection had dropped, he finally spoke, “Lex, if you really became a real female, I’m afraid I wouldn’t deserve you.”

“No way, Marshal Drake. You’re the marshal of the Aetherion Empire. With your status and position, how could you ever not be good enough for me?” Lexie protested.

He replied, “My status might be high, but if I were gone, someone else would just take my place.

“But you’re different, Lex. If you ever became a real female, you’d truly be one of a kind in this world. No one could ever take your place.

“Even now, as an artificial female bot, you’re so unique, so amazing. You’re like the brightest star in the night sky. I just can’t help but want to be near you, to treasure you.

9:07 Tue, Jan 6

Chapter 70

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“But I’m just a regular marshal, with my own responsibilities and burdens. I might disappoint you. I might even hurt you.

“So, Lex, I’m honestly scared I won’t be good enough for you. I’m afraid I don’t deserve you”

Hearing Austin say that, Lexie felt complicated inside. She never realized she held such a special place in his heart. At the same time, she felt a pang of sympathy for him for his anxiety and uncertainty.

She assured him, “Austin, don’t say that. To me, you’re the best. No one could ever replace you.

“And I know, no matter what I turn into, you’ll still love me, won’t you?”

Austin felt his heart warm as he listened to Lexie’s unwavering words. He looked at her and gave a sincere nod. “That’s right. No matter what you become, I’ll always love you.”

She said, “Alright, Austin. The next time you come for me, I’ll let you in on a little secret.

“And if you’re up for it, we can be together, deal?”

Austin replied, “Alright. But Lex, can you tell me why you like me?”

Lexie hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to put her feelings into words.

With a serious look, she finally spoke, “Austin, you were the first person I ever met in this world. You took me in, gave me a place to call home, and let me feel the warmth of having a real family.

“When I was at my most helpless, you were the one who gave me hope and courage. So what I feel for you isn’t just simple affection. It’s a deep trust and reliance.

“Because of that trust, and all the ways you’ve cared for me, you’ve become more and more important to me. I can’t help but depend on you.”

“So that’s really all it took for you to like me?” Austin blinked, a little taken aback.

In the shadowy room, Austin’s mood visibly lifted as he listened to Lexie explain why she liked him.

“Yep, that’s it. We’ve spent so much time together. You’ve always treated me so well. Honestly, you’re super handsome. How could I not fall for you?” she answered.

“Really? So next time we meet, let’s be together, okay?” Austin asked.

“Of course, I’d love that,” Lexie replied, grinning from ear to ear.

Her happy answer made Austin’s heart soar. He couldn’t stop smiling.

“Lex, it’s getting late. You should get some rest. I’ve still got work to do, so I’m signing off now,” Austin said.

“Goodnight, Austin,” Lexie replied softly.

“Goodnight, Lex,” Austin said.

9:08 Tue, Jan 6

Chapter 70

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As the Optic Brain’s display faded to black, Austin leaned wearily against the wall, lost in the darkness.

Behind him, a pair of enormous wings spread out in silence, like a nightmare come alive, casting deep shadows over most of the room.

The wings shuddered, and Austin’s expression contorted with pain.

His gene disease was flaring up again. It had been ages since he’d last felt this way.

But when did it start? When was the last time he’d gone so long without an episode?

Then he remembered–ever since Lexie had entered his life, the attacks had all but disappeared.

But now that Lexie was gone, the symptoms came crashing back.

The pain was unbearable, like pure torture.

He wondered how much longer would he have to wait before he could bring Lexie home. She’d been gone so long, and he missed her so much it hurt.

He never thought he’d miss her this much when she was still by his side.

*****

On the other side, Lexie stared at the blank screen for ages, totally dazed and unable to process what had just happened.

‘Did I seriously just confess to Marshal Drake?‘ she thought. ‘And did he actually say he likes me too?”

Just thinking about what she’d just blurted out, Lexie flopped face–first onto her pillow, her whole face flushed with embarrassment and excitement.

“OMG! OMG! I actually confessed to Austin, and he said he likes me. What was I even thinking? I really just told him how I feel,” she squealed into her pillow.

She was so worked up that she grabbed the fox by her pillow, staring into those big, sparkly purple eyes and blurted out, “Hey, little fox, guess what? Austin still has no clue I’m actually a female. He just thinks I’m some artificial female bot.

“But even like this, he still says he likes me anyway. Tell me, do you think that kind of liking… is it actually love?”

The only answer Lexie got was the fox’s quiet, wordless stare.

9:08 Tue, Jan 6