When Love Breaks by Jack

Bang-

The scream pierced the air simultaneously with the sound of an explosion.

Instantly, the ballroom descended into chaos.

Instinctively, I shielded my belly, bracing for the inevitable impact, only to find myself caught in a familiar, comforting embrace. “Gregory-“

The scent of burning filled my nostrils as another explosion erupted, sending people scattering in every direction.

“My God, it’s sulfuric acid!”

The surrounding screams only heightened the panic, making it impossible for Gregory and me to move through the frantic crowd. Summer, completely unhinged, showed no regard for those around her.

Some were splashed with the acid, causing utter mayhem.

Just as Summer charged at me, Lucius burst through the crowd, restraining her but not without sustaining burns himself. “Jane, you alright?”

I forced myself to remain calm. “I’m fine, but we need to get Gregory to the hospital now!”

Dr. Andrews and Abdul joined us in our car, rushing Gregory to the emergency room while I fought off waves of dizziness.

“Jane!”

Christine caught me as I nearly collapsed, having not even checked on her safety earlier. But before I could inquire, she screamed for a doctor.

The rest became a blur, overwhelmed by noise until darkness claimed me.

When I awoke, I wasn’t in a hospital.

My first instinct was to touch my belly, relieved to feel my unborn child still safe within.

myself in what seemed like a cabin on

everything together,

blanket, but was shocked by the person who

can it

…

Hospital.

intense rescue operation, Gregory was out of danger, but his back suffered severe burns that

“I saw her enter the ER. How

had already initiated a search, and Lucius, despite his injuries, was

before Gregory regained consciousness, he’d surely lose his

desperation, said, “Try to calm

“How can

be calm?!” Christine’s

away. If I had saved Jane, Gregory wouldn’t be in this situation,

hadn’t pulled you away, you would’ve been crushed

two stop

gown and meticulously done

disarray, interjected. “Arguing wet

change what’s happened.”

pressing is figuring out how to

jacket over Edith, having just come from

Bella, the host of today’s ill-fated ball, Herbert had to manage the

there’s any news,” Herbert said as he prepared to

nodded, “Ike still hasn’t

need to be there. Call me

…

storm clouds gathered ominously, the sea mirroring the tumultuous

ship, the situation was no less