3#03

3

The fire engine screeched to a stop, and firefighters sprang into action with well-practiced efficiency. Thick hoses unfurled like snakes, spraying powerful streams of water.

Clad in heavy protective gear, the firefighters moved quickly and purposefully. Two entered the factory while others continued to combat the blaze.

When the pair of firefighters emerged with Harvey and Lucia, the onlookers erupted in cheers. Even those recording the scene on their phones joined in the jubilation, their devices shaking as they captured the moment.

I stood apart from the commotion, arms folded, observing. My gaze followed Harvey as he stumbled forward, supported by Lucia, who was visibly straining with the effort.

"Harvey!" Evelyn's shout cut through the air. She pushed through the throng and enveloped Harvey in a tight embrace. "My boy! You've endured so much!" She cradled his face, her own streaked with tears as she choked out, "Just look at you... what you've been through. I feared I'd lost you!" She then broke down in uncontrollable weeping.

Suddenly, Evelyn's eyes locked onto me, filled with fury. Her finger jabbed in my direction, quivering with rage. "You! You have no idea of his suffering! He was trapped, and you, his wife, wouldn't even unlock the door!"

The crowd shifted uncomfortably, whispers spreading like wildfire. "See what kind of woman he married!" Evelyn's voice sliced through the growing unrest. "She's just standing there, as if waiting for him to perish!"

Several spectators turned their cameras toward me, eager to capture my reaction. I could sense their accusing stares—cold, judgmental, relentless. I remained motionless, my expression unreadable, refusing to wilt under their scrutiny.

"Everyone, take a good look at this heartless woman!" a man called out.

"She wouldn't even open the door!" another voice added, dripping with contempt.

"This is appalling. She probably wished her husband would die in there."

"She must have another man," someone muttered ominously. "Why else would she behave like this?"

The murmurs swelled into a torrent of cruel speculations, each more outrageous and hurtful than the last. Harvey, still leaning heavily on Lucia, raised his head slightly. His face was ashen, his breathing labored. He gazed at me, his expression a mix of bewilderment and anguish.

"Maya..." His voice was faint, barely audible above the crowd's noise. Lucia, still supporting him, glared at me with bitter contempt.

"If I'd been a second later," she snarled, her tone cutting, "he might have burned to death. If he'd died, would that have pleased you?"

"Hmph! I suspect she's been plotting to kill my son all along!" Evelyn shrieked, her face twisted with rage. Her wild eyes darted between me and the crowd as if seeking allies. "Who knows what she's really like? That fire—maybe she started it herself!"

Harvey blinked weakly, his lips curving into a faint, sad smile. "Maya... I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice raspy and strained. "I couldn't retrieve the accounting records. This was just an accident. I don't blame you. You shouldn't feel guilty."

Evelyn whirled around. "After all this, you're still defending her?" she screeched, her voice cracking with disbelief. "Worried she'll feel guilty? Let me tell you—she won't! She doesn't care. She refused to help you, don't you see? She stood by and watched! She claimed she was afraid of getting hurt! Do you think a woman like that would ever feel remorse?"

The crowd stirred again, their disdain palpable in the air.

At last, a middle-aged woman stepped forward from the crowd and approached me, her expression a mix of puzzlement and scorn. "I don't understand," she said firmly. "Your husband is still speaking up for you. You don't seem like a couple at odds. Or is it..." She paused, narrowing her eyes. "Do you despise your husband?"

I shook my head slowly, my voice quiet but clear. "Actually, I love him deeply."

The woman froze, taken aback by my words. Her brows furrowed as she stared at me, as if trying to solve a puzzle. "If you love your husband and your relationship seems sound, then why..."

"Enough," Harvey murmured, his voice failing. His eyes fluttered shut and his body suddenly went limp, all strength deserting him.

"Harvey? Harvey!" Evelyn cried out, shaking him as panic filled her voice. "My son! My boy, what's wrong? You can't leave us! Please, I'm begging you! Someone, help us! Save him!"

Evelyn's wails echoed as Harvey's unconscious form sagged against her. The crowd gasped, calling for an ambulance. A few people rushed to help, but Evelyn clung to Harvey desperately, nearly pulling him down.

I moved forward instinctively, reaching out toward Harvey, but Lucia spun to face me, her expression livid.

"Don't pretend to care now!" she hissed, roughly pushing me aside. Her eyes, dark with contempt, bored into mine.

The blare of sirens cut through the tension as an ambulance screeched to a halt. Paramedics rushed out, skillfully navigating the chaos as they reached Harvey and loaded him onto a stretcher.

I took a step to follow them into the ambulance, but Evelyn turned sharply, her tear-stained face contorted with hatred.

"Keep away from him!" she snapped, her voice quavering. Lucia blocked my path as well, positioning herself between me and the open ambulance doors.