Chapter 3

A deafening crash erupted as a section of the floor-to-ceiling window shattered into smithereens. The fierce hurricane tore inside and swept the furniture off the floor.

All of a sudden, I thought of the number of the rescue team and dialed it.

The line didn't take long to connect. "Weren't there supposed to be more staff on duty today? Where's everyone?

"What? Captain Keane took all of them with him?"

Hearing the voice on the other end sank my heart. Was my baby doomed today, with zero chance of survival?

"Ma'am, you must hold on. We'll do everything we can to get to you as soon as possible."

Despite his assurance, I knew they wouldn't make it.

Behind me, another sharp crack announced the downfall of another glass panel.

The hurricane lifted me like a scrap of paper, yanking me out of the window.

The world instantly spun around me.

A few seconds later, my body hit the ground with a heavy thud.

Blood splattered all over, and brain matter pooled around me.

Sigh, how tragic.

My spirit hovered over my broken body, staring unblinkingly.

Inexplicably, I was then drawn toward Calvin.

At the present moment, he was by Charlotte's side.

When she'd called earlier and wailed about her blown-open window, it was—in reality—only a small bathroom window.

Calvin had brought couch cushions to plug the gap, then taped over all the windows securely for her—with the tape he'd taken from our home.

The moment he turned around, Charlotte threw herself into his arms.

"Thank goodness you're here," she sobbed softly.

Calvin hesitated for a couple of seconds before he hugged her back.

The two of them shared an embrace in the howling storm.

Quite romantic, if I must say.

It was a shame that the lead actor was my husband.

"As long as you need me, I'll always be here," he vowed solemnly.

In response, Charlotte pushed him away. "No, you have Heather now. You're not exclusively mine anymore."

She took a few steps backward. "She's given you so many calls already. You should go back. She needs you."

At that moment, Calvin seemed to snap out of a dream. A concoction of conflict and reluctance was evident on his face.

"She's just overly sensitive. I've already reinforced the house. You're the one who really needs me."

With her back against him, Charlotte hid a small grin. But when she turned back, tears were welling up in her eyes.

As they shared an affectionate gaze, a knock sounded on Charlotte's door.

Calvin had no choice but to answer it. It was his teammates, equipped with various tools. "Captain, we're here."

Considering that their arrival broke the romantic atmosphere, Calvin wasn't very pleased. Annoyance thick in tone, he questioned, "Why did it take you so long? I've already taken care of everything."

One of them peered inside and remarked, "If you've got it all handled, why did you summon everyone here? What about other people in the city who need our help?"

Hearing this from a subordinate naturally irked Calvin.

"Shut up! I'm the captain. I decide where the manpower goes!"

The teammate didn't dare argue. He only muttered under his breath, "We received a call from Greenfield Grove earlier. Someone was swept away by the hurricane and fell to their death."

Greenfield Grove—our home.

At this, Calvin froze for a moment. However, it didn't take him long to regain composure.

"Our purpose is to save lives. What's the point in attending if they're already dead?"

His callousness shocked everyone around him, including me.

Calvin never used to be like this. He was brave, had a compassionate heart, and went out of his way to help others. But perhaps all humans were inherently selfish, only to reveal their true nature when faced with personal loss.

"Cal, I think you should go check anyway. People's lives are at stake—what if there are others waiting for your help?" suggested Charlotte.

She continued, "My place is safe now. Let me come with you guys. Maybe I can help out."

Calvin furrowed his brows. "It's dangerous out there. You stay here."

"I refuse. I kept you from helping others. I must come with you, or else I'd feel guilty forever."

And so, they all set off with Charlotte in tow.

Blocked by fallen trees in some areas, they had to take a detour. This doubled the time it took for them to reach the apartment.

At some point, an occupant on the first floor discovered my body and called the police.

By the time they arrived, the area was already cordoned off.

Despite the hurricane, a crowd of curious residents had come out to witness the scene in their raincoats and boots.

When Calvin and his team arrived, they were held up a good few yards away.

"I overheard the police say it's suspected to be from around the 17th to 20th floor. They're still investigating the exact apartment with the blown-out window. The person was literally swept right out."

"How unfortunate. Her brains and intestines have all spilled out everywhere."

Surrounded by the chatter, Calvin unconsciously clenched his fist.

Was he worrying about me?

"Calvin, how come you've just only arrived? Heather called the station earlier for help," said his supervisor as he approached.

In response, Calvin's lips hooked into a faint, mocking smile. "Do you really believe her? She called me too, just being her usual dramatic self. There's no need to take her seriously."

His teammates urged him, "Still, you should check on her. This is a life-or-death matter. You shouldn't just brush it off."

Calvin sighed, visibly growing impatient. "Fine, I'll give her a call to confirm."

He stepped aside and pulled out his phone to dial my number.