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Chapter 3
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2024-11-12 10:27:40Related chapters
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 4
While James, Monica, and Harrison celebrated the end of Monica's flawless practice session, the neighbors who'd been alarmed by the fire were busy calling the fire station and questioning them with a frown."Why did you people only send a single firetruck to deal with such a major fire at Jasper Heights? Do you not take our lives and safety seriously?"After a brief silence, the dispatcher explained, "We didn't receive any reports of a fire at Jasper Heights. Can I confirm with you that you're reporting a fire in the area? I'll send a fire crew out at once!"In less than a minute, James' phone started ringing."Jasper Heights? I'm already here. No one was harmed. You don't need to send anyone else over."The dispatcher continued speaking, but James firmly declared that he would assume full responsibility if anything happened. Once the dispatcher confirmed that no one was hurt, he decided against sending another fire crew over.James had put the call on speaker mode, which meant t
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 5
It was obvious James was affected by that message of mine that had come out of the blue. At least, even as he sat in the car, he didn't look as happy as he had before. His forehead was slightly creased, and it looked like he was in a bad mood.Even Harrison, who was always a chatterbox, knew better than to try and talk to James at a time like this. However, Monica carefully poked James in the arm and asked, "What's the matter, Captain Ellis?"Her concerned tone melted his icy expression a little. "It's nothing. I just saw something displeasing."Good.The more displeased he was, the more pleased I was. Why should he get to openly spend time being all friendly and intimate with his female colleague while I had to stay at home to wait on him and Harrison like a maid?Although I hadn't actually cheated on him, I still wanted him to feel discomfited by it. I wanted it to keep him up at night."Well, you're the one who taught me to deal with my negative emotions by venting with a shou
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 6
Work was far more urgent. Even though James wanted to have dinner with Monica, he had no choice but to rush back to Jasper Heights.The fire, which hadn't been put out, had spread into a raging sea of flames before the other fire crew arrived. The windows exploded from the heat, and the glass shards scattered everywhere, emitting piercing sounds.All of the furniture and household items had been incinerated in the fire, turning into clouds of smoke and piles of ashes.The cries from the neighbors, the siren of the fire trucks, and the crackling sound of the flames formed the soundtrack of a tragedy.Gregory Hanks, the station chief, had rushed over as well and harshly rebuked James for his recent poor performance."What on earth has been up with you lately? Many of your colleagues have mentioned that you haven't been giving your full effort! Don't you know how dangerous it is when a fire isn't completely distinguished? This fire even occurred where you live! You better reflect on
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 7
James bent down and picked up the ring. As Derek eyed him strangely, he stiffly explained, "I'll hold onto this. Let the victim's next of kin come to me to get it back."Seemingly realizing something, James rushed into the house, which was basically a pile of ruins. Surveying the house he'd lived in for seven years, he pursed his lips. There was a slightly dazed look in his eyes.Looking at one of his colleagues, who was cleaning up the scene after the fire, he asked somewhat stiffly, "Can the house turn out exactly the same if it's rebuilt?"I couldn't quite understand the emotions in his eyes.Before his colleague could respond, Monica approached him and asked, "What are you doing, Captain Ellis? Since everything has been settled, can we go get dinner now?"Her cheery question felt starkly at odds with the quiet somberness of the place in the aftermath of the fire."Someone just passed away in the fire. Can't you show a little more respect for the deceased?" Derek reprimanded M
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 8
Derek was so outraged by Monica's willful words that he started shaking, but just as he was about to speak, James beat him to it."That's enough. It's not a big deal. I submitted a report before I took the fire truck out. As for the deceased victim… I checked on the situation earlier. My house isn't the only one that caught on fire in the neighborhood tonight. You don't need to harp on it."James picked up Harrison before turning to Monica, saying, "Since everything has been settled, let's go and eat our dinner."His arrogant indifference pissed Derek off so much that he kicked a bag that hadn't been destroyed in the fire just yet.It was a tote bag made of fire-resistant material—a gift James gave me on the day he proposed to me."Alice, even though I can't give you a comfortable life right now, I can give you my one and only love. Like this bag I'm giving you now, my love will live on forever, even in the most devastating of fires."Well, half of his promise came true. The bag
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 9
After dinner, to thank James for his help, Monica specifically allowed him and Harrison to stay with her temporarily."Mrs. Ellis is just throwing a tantrum. I'm sure she'll come back when she feels better. You can stay with me for now. Let me know if you need anything," Monica offered.James responded in agreement with a smile.Harrison grumbled about how I'd never let him eat mangoes. In between munches, he also expressed his fondness for Monica."Can't you be my mommy, Monica? Mommy never lets me have mangoes.""Is Mrs. Ellis that stingy? Well, you should come and visit me more often in the future. You can eat as many mangoes as you want."As I witnessed this loving scene between the two, I came to an even bigger realization just how much of an ingrate I'd raised.I didn't allow Harrison to eat mangoes because he was allergic to them.Alas, as a drifting soul, I still felt as though my heart was being ripped into pieces. The pain was so excruciating that I had to clutch my c
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 10
Harrison's delayed allergic reaction finally kicked in, and it started spreading rapidly. Rashes popped up all over his body, and he started having difficulty breathing. He even vomited on the bed.Sensing that something was wrong, James quickly turned on the lights and picked Harrison up to take him to the hospital.As he rushed out of the room, he instinctively yelled toward the master bedroom, "Alice, Harry's sick! Come quick!"Except the only person who appeared from the master bedroom was Monica, who'd carefully dolled herself up even though it was in the middle of the night. She stepped out of the bedroom, barefooted and wearing nothing but a thin nightgown.When James saw Monica's frown of displeasure, he realized he'd misspoken. He gave her a quick apology. Surprisingly, he even rejected her offer to come with him as he hurriedly took Harrison to the hospital.Thankfully, Harrison was treated in time, and his life wasn't in danger.The doctor in the emergency room looked
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 11
Since Harrison was sick, James went to work a little late, which was unusual for him.The moment he walked into the fire station, everyone stopped what they were doing and started looking at him sympathetically. Derek was holding the tote bag that he'd found at the fire.James took the bag and snapped in displeasure, "Why do you have my wife's bag? Did she come here to see me? Didn't I tell her not to come over during working hours? I'd have to deal with her temper tantrums when I'm busy with work!""Captain Ellis, Mrs. Ellis is…"Derek's lips quivered. He tried to part them a few times, but he kept squeezing them shut again."What on earth are you trying to say? Did Alice bring a bunch of people over to cause a scene here?""No, Mrs. Ellis is…"Derek's eyes were bloodshot. He kept choking at the mention of me and couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence."Forget it. She can do whatever she wants. The next time you see her, tell her she can forget about getting a divorce!"
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Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 15
After heading home, James organized a funeral for me. During the funeral, my parents grieved deeply and demanded that James return me to them. He allowed my parents to lash out at him and hit him without fighting back.Once everything was over, James packed all of Harrison's belongings and delivered him to my parents' house. He even transferred them a huge sum of money.After resigning from the fire crew, he got the tote bag from Derek and invited Monica out. Thinking he'd had a change of heart, she dolled herself up to meet him.However, as soon as she met James, he started stabbing her repeatedly without hesitation. Even as she crumpled to the floor, she stubbornly demanded to know why he was doing this.James smirked as if he'd just heard the most absurd joke in the world. He bent down and removed the knife he'd stabbed into her chest, killing her once and for all.Her blood splattered over his face, and he wiped it off in disdain.Once she'd completely stopped breathing, he f
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 14
James clutched the ultrasound report in silence.Thinking that the earlier matter was settled, Monica bit her lip and remarked out of jealousy, "Captain Ellis, didn't you tell me you hated children? You wouldn't have wanted one if Mrs. Ellis hadn't nagged you about it.""Shut up!" James roared before kicking Monica to the floor.I watched as she curled up in pain, but I didn't feel any joy at all.After all, he'd once been so protective of her to my face, but now he felt nothing for her. His feelings had vanished just like that. Was that all there was to his so-called love?Monica had never been treated this way by a man before. Clutching her abdomen, she shrieked in disbelief, "How dare you kick me? I didn't do anything!""Did you or did you not see Alice returning to the house last night?" James questioned."I said no, didn't I? I didn't see anything! You're the one who said your house was old and that it didn't matter if it burned down, so why are you getting upset with me no
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 13
After leaving the morgue, James regained his usual composure. He had my body cremated before taking the still-warm box of ashes to the hospital.Monica was currently at the hospital looking after Harrison, who was hospitalized due to his allergic reaction."I don't want to eat that. I want to eat the clam chowder Mommy makes."Harrison tossed the prepackaged food Monica had grabbed from the convenience store onto the floor before crying for me.To make the clam chowder he mentioned, I would wake up at 5:00 am and head to the local farmer's market to get the freshest clams in order to ensure the flavors were as delicious as possible. Every now and then, I would go through all that effort to make it for him.Now that Harrison was sick, he finally remembered me."If you don't want it, then don't bother eating at all. I don't care. I'm not as patient as that mother of yours!"Thinking that James wouldn't show up at the hospital anytime soon, Monica blew up at Harrison. She was so fi
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 12
Sitting in his office, James took out the ring from his pocket."They say you're dead, but I don't believe them. You're really something, aren't you, Alice? You got so many people to put on an act with you. Do you think you can fake your death so that you can run off with another man? Well, in your dreams!"James howled at the ring, rueing me for my change of heart before firmly declaring he wouldn't let go of me.But why was he crying?He stayed in his office for a long time, but at last, he went to see Derek, whose injuries had been bandaged."Where… is she?""Her body is still in the morgue. They're waiting for you to identify her and claim the body."After a while, James' hoarse apology rang out."I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that earlier."Before Derek could respond, James headed toward the morgue. Mine was the only body in the entire room.He looked down at the white cloth that covered me, but he couldn't bring himself to move.To be honest, I looked forward to see
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 11
Since Harrison was sick, James went to work a little late, which was unusual for him.The moment he walked into the fire station, everyone stopped what they were doing and started looking at him sympathetically. Derek was holding the tote bag that he'd found at the fire.James took the bag and snapped in displeasure, "Why do you have my wife's bag? Did she come here to see me? Didn't I tell her not to come over during working hours? I'd have to deal with her temper tantrums when I'm busy with work!""Captain Ellis, Mrs. Ellis is…"Derek's lips quivered. He tried to part them a few times, but he kept squeezing them shut again."What on earth are you trying to say? Did Alice bring a bunch of people over to cause a scene here?""No, Mrs. Ellis is…"Derek's eyes were bloodshot. He kept choking at the mention of me and couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence."Forget it. She can do whatever she wants. The next time you see her, tell her she can forget about getting a divorce!"
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 10
Harrison's delayed allergic reaction finally kicked in, and it started spreading rapidly. Rashes popped up all over his body, and he started having difficulty breathing. He even vomited on the bed.Sensing that something was wrong, James quickly turned on the lights and picked Harrison up to take him to the hospital.As he rushed out of the room, he instinctively yelled toward the master bedroom, "Alice, Harry's sick! Come quick!"Except the only person who appeared from the master bedroom was Monica, who'd carefully dolled herself up even though it was in the middle of the night. She stepped out of the bedroom, barefooted and wearing nothing but a thin nightgown.When James saw Monica's frown of displeasure, he realized he'd misspoken. He gave her a quick apology. Surprisingly, he even rejected her offer to come with him as he hurriedly took Harrison to the hospital.Thankfully, Harrison was treated in time, and his life wasn't in danger.The doctor in the emergency room looked
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 9
After dinner, to thank James for his help, Monica specifically allowed him and Harrison to stay with her temporarily."Mrs. Ellis is just throwing a tantrum. I'm sure she'll come back when she feels better. You can stay with me for now. Let me know if you need anything," Monica offered.James responded in agreement with a smile.Harrison grumbled about how I'd never let him eat mangoes. In between munches, he also expressed his fondness for Monica."Can't you be my mommy, Monica? Mommy never lets me have mangoes.""Is Mrs. Ellis that stingy? Well, you should come and visit me more often in the future. You can eat as many mangoes as you want."As I witnessed this loving scene between the two, I came to an even bigger realization just how much of an ingrate I'd raised.I didn't allow Harrison to eat mangoes because he was allergic to them.Alas, as a drifting soul, I still felt as though my heart was being ripped into pieces. The pain was so excruciating that I had to clutch my c
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 8
Derek was so outraged by Monica's willful words that he started shaking, but just as he was about to speak, James beat him to it."That's enough. It's not a big deal. I submitted a report before I took the fire truck out. As for the deceased victim… I checked on the situation earlier. My house isn't the only one that caught on fire in the neighborhood tonight. You don't need to harp on it."James picked up Harrison before turning to Monica, saying, "Since everything has been settled, let's go and eat our dinner."His arrogant indifference pissed Derek off so much that he kicked a bag that hadn't been destroyed in the fire just yet.It was a tote bag made of fire-resistant material—a gift James gave me on the day he proposed to me."Alice, even though I can't give you a comfortable life right now, I can give you my one and only love. Like this bag I'm giving you now, my love will live on forever, even in the most devastating of fires."Well, half of his promise came true. The bag
Love in Flames: It All Goes Up in Smoke Chapter 7
James bent down and picked up the ring. As Derek eyed him strangely, he stiffly explained, "I'll hold onto this. Let the victim's next of kin come to me to get it back."Seemingly realizing something, James rushed into the house, which was basically a pile of ruins. Surveying the house he'd lived in for seven years, he pursed his lips. There was a slightly dazed look in his eyes.Looking at one of his colleagues, who was cleaning up the scene after the fire, he asked somewhat stiffly, "Can the house turn out exactly the same if it's rebuilt?"I couldn't quite understand the emotions in his eyes.Before his colleague could respond, Monica approached him and asked, "What are you doing, Captain Ellis? Since everything has been settled, can we go get dinner now?"Her cheery question felt starkly at odds with the quiet somberness of the place in the aftermath of the fire."Someone just passed away in the fire. Can't you show a little more respect for the deceased?" Derek reprimanded M
