2#02

2

There was no animosity between my husband and me. In fact, our bond was quite strong. We had been together since our college days, transitioning from academic uniforms to wedding attire. Throughout our five-year relationship, he had always been kind and supportive.

The success I had achieved in managing the factory my parents bequeathed to me was largely due to his invaluable assistance. I recalled the countless evenings we spent strategizing, his patient explanations of financial concepts, and his reassuring words when I doubted myself. I felt genuinely appreciative of him. At one point, I truly believed we were destined to be together forever.

However, looking back now, I realize how incredibly naive I had been...

The crowd continued to grow, their whispers filling the air like a swarm of insects. As some overheard Evelyn and Lucia's words, they began to chime in, their voices laced with accusation and contempt.

"It's far too risky," I stated calmly, crossing my arms and averting my gaze from Evelyn. "Entering that building would mean certain death for me."

No sooner had I spoken than Evelyn exploded, "Did you all hear that? Can you believe what she just said? Is she even human?"

"How can you be so cold-hearted?" Lucia interjected, her voice quivering with anger and sorrow. She took an unsteady step towards me, her eyes glistening with tears as she confronted me. "If you hadn't insisted on retrieving those accounting documents, would your husband have gone inside? He's trapped in there because of you, trying to get those records. Now the factory's ablaze, he's in danger, and you're just standing here indifferently. Do you have any conscience at all?"

Lucia's words ignited the crowd like a spark to dry tinder. The murmurs grew louder and more accusatory.

"If you don't open that door, he'll burn to death! Are you going to let him die?"

"I think she wants my son to perish!" Evelyn suddenly screamed. Her eyes blazed with such intense hatred that I thought she might attack me again. "Come to think of it, I'm starting to doubt the fire was accidental. Who's to say she didn't start it herself?"

This statement threw the crowd into turmoil.

"What?" a man exclaimed, his eyes narrowing as he turned to glare at me. Others exchanged uneasy glances, their whispers growing in volume.

"If that's true, we should alert the authorities. This could be murder!"

"Absolutely! Call the police right away! Who knows if her husband is already dead in there?"

"This is horrifying—killing her own spouse? That's a serious crime! It must be reported!"

"Did the husband have a life insurance policy?" someone asked suspiciously, their voice low but audible to those nearby. "Why is the wife so calm? Could this be... premeditated?"

"Ma'am, you should contact the police immediately."

"Yes, call the police now!"

The weight of their collective accusations pressed against me like a tidal wave. Evelyn paused, clearly emboldened by the mob-like frenzy of the crowd. Her eyes bored into mine with unprecedented loathing.

"Maya, what do you say?" she snarled, her voice dripping with venom. "Should I call the authorities? Don't come begging for mercy later!"

I met her gaze steadily, my face an impassive mask. The tension between us was palpable, broken only by Lucia's angry outburst.

"What are you all doing?" Lucia yelled. She whirled towards the crowd, her eyes flashing with frustration. "This isn't the time for police or wild theories! We're wasting precious moments! We need to rescue him!"

The crowd fell into a brief, stunned silence. Some lowered their phones, shifting uncomfortably as if realizing how ridiculous the situation had become.

Lucia spun back to face me, her lips quivering with barely contained rage. "I'm asking you one last time—are you going to use that card to unlock the door or not?"

I paused, then slowly reached into my bag, my movements deliberate. Extracting the access card, I extended it towards her. "If you're so eager, why don't you go and open it yourself?"

Lucia stared at me as if I had struck her. Her mouth gaped slightly, disbelief flashing across her face. "How... how can you act like this? I thought you loved Harvey! He gave you everything, he adored you! And... this is how you repay him? With complete apathy? You're unbelievable."

I regarded her calmly, my voice devoid of emotion. "Well? Are you going in or not? What's stopping you? You have the card. Or are you afraid too?"

Lucia let out a derisive snort, snatched the access card and snapped, "What's there to be scared of? I'll go! I'm not a heartless monster like you!"

Her bravado wavered as she turned towards the burning factory. Her shoulders tensed and she gulped visibly as the intense heat washed over her, nearly forcing her back.

A group of onlookers moved to assist her. "Here—soak this cloth in water," one man said, rushing forward with a pail. "Wrap it around your face."

Another person handed her a drenched jacket. "This will help shield you from the flames."

Pale and breathing raggedly, Lucia forced herself to cover her mouth and nose with the damp cloth. Her shaking hand fumbled for the access card, quickly swiping it through the reader. Then, she punched in the security code on the keypad.

With a sharp click, the lock disengaged and Lucia pushed the door open. A wave of scorching heat surged outward, but with a determined cry, she plunged inside.