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.

from the bed, finding myself in what seemed like a

piece everything together, the

was shocked by the person who

can it

…

Hospital.

was out of danger, but his back suffered severe burns that would likely scar. However, that wasn’t even the worst of

frantic, “I saw her enter

and Lucius, despite his injuries, was

wasn’t found before Gregory regained consciousness,

desperation, said, “Try to

“How can

be calm?!” Christine’s

“You shouldn’t have pulled me away. If I had saved Jane, Gregory wouldn’t be in

you away, you would’ve been

two stop

gown and meticulously

disarray, interjected. “Arguing wet

change what’s happened.”

is figuring out how to

having just come from Bella’s room where she

of Bella, the host of today’s ill-fated ball,

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

nodded, “Ike still hasn’t

“Given today’s chaos, I need to be there.

…

clouds gathered ominously, the sea mirroring the tumultuous

situation