**TITLE: Kept Woman 696**
**The Apocalyptic Queen Theresa**
**Chapter 696 The Truest Declaration of Love**
Malik’s gaze was locked onto the woman seated across from him, each heartbeat echoing the depth of his affection. The world around them had crumbled, yet here, in this moment, he felt an undeniable sense of connection that transcended the chaos.
For nearly two years, Eva, along with the residents of Ridgefall Camp, had woven themselves into the fabric of the Blazing Sun Alliance, a community forged in the fires of survival. As time marched on, their lives began to settle into a rhythm that resembled normalcy, but there lingered an unfulfilled desire that hung heavily in the air.
Despite the passing days filled with laborious tasks, Eva found no respite to entertain thoughts of a wedding. Her life was a whirlwind of responsibilities, each task demanding her attention and energy, leaving little room for dreams of matrimony.
Yet, Malik remained steadfastly by her side, a constant presence as they navigated their tumultuous world together. In the aftermath of the apocalypse, grand ceremonies had lost their significance; what truly mattered was the bond they shared, the simple act of being together, which Malik believed was the most profound declaration of love they could make.
He often pondered, once their mission reached its conclusion and if fate allowed them both to survive, they would seize the opportunity to marry, regardless of how hectic life might become.
“Marry me,” he declared suddenly, his heart racing as he sank to one knee before her.
The atmosphere shifted instantly, a wave of excitement rippling through the gathered friends. Landon and the others erupted into cheers, their voices a chorus of encouragement and celebration.
Amid the teasing shouts and playful jibes, Eva felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. With a breathless whisper, she replied, “Yes.”
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape, its light began to fade, echoing the bittersweet emotion of the moment.
Meanwhile, along the coastline of the distant eastern port, a brother and sister walked together, their footsteps synchronized with the rhythm of the waves. Declan, ever the protective sibling, loosened his scarf and draped it around Charlotte’s shoulders, a gesture both tender and familiar.
“I’m not cold, Declan,” she protested lightly, attempting to shrug off his concern.
But he tightened the scarf, ensuring it enveloped her snugly, leaving only her sparkling eyes visible. “How long can I keep looking out for you?” he asked, a hint of seriousness lacing his tone.
“For my entire life,” she replied, her voice playful yet sincere.
“Dream on. You should go find yourself a husband. I’m not going to babysit you forever,” he teased, a grin breaking through his facade.
“Declan…” she began, a note of exasperation creeping into her voice.
“Listen to me. When you choose a man, make sure he’s dependable, solid, and truly loves you,” he advised, his expression shifting to one of earnestness.
“Smooth talkers? Forget it. Bad habits? No way. And a bad temper? Absolutely not. You’ve got a fiery spirit—if he has one too, you’ll be clashing all the time.”
“Honestly, you’re going to drive me crazy with all this nagging,” Charlotte sighed, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
“Charlotte, please. This was Dad’s last wish. You’re going to make it happen. I’ll be watching—you will get married, and I’ll ensure it,” he insisted, his tone taking on a serious note.
With a playful huff, Charlotte covered her ears and darted away, chasing the last glimmers of sunlight as it painted the sky in hues of orange and pink.
As the sun fully tilted to the west, it cast the Blazing Sun Alliance in a warm, golden glow, illuminating the faces of young soldiers standing resolutely, their gazes unwavering.
“James definitely isn’t coming back tonight,” one soldier remarked, breaking the silence.
The impending war would require the collective strength of humanity—humans against the relentless tide of zombies. No one could afford to remain idle.
Theresa understood the urgency; she needed to arm everyone to the teeth.
Fortunately, from the very beginning, production had been robust. Hugo and his team had consistently upgraded the special combat fabrics, ensuring that every soldier could don advanced combat suits. The camp’s armored vehicles were available at a ratio of one for every ten people, a testament to their preparedness.
Once the remaining weapons were distributed, Theresa’s forces would be fully equipped, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Civilization had not succumbed to mediocrity; it had risen to meet the storm.
After organizing everyone in the camp, her thoughts shifted to her beloved dogs.
“Summer!” she called, her voice ringing out with warmth and affection.
“Woof! Woof! Woof!” came the chorus of barks in response.
“Woof! Woof! Woof!”
“Woof! Woof! Woof!”
In an instant, a dozen dogs surged toward her, a joyful pack that clustered around Theresa the moment she called.
While she had been busy in the bunker, they had remained quiet and composed, but the moment she spoke, the pack erupted into a frenzy of wagging tails and excited yips, their happiness infectious.

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