Chapter 8 The Hospital in Flames

Francesca went to the ward to check on Mabel, but when she saw Benedict's mom, Ellen, and sister, Hannah, were there, she didn't want to start any drama. She stayed for a bit but quickly left. Next, she went to Raymond's office, knocked on the door, and walked in. After Ellen and Hannah left, they passed by the doctor's office and saw Francesca sitting there, chatting with Raymond. It was a bit of a surprise since Raymond was usually so cold. "She's trouble," Hannah muttered, rolling her eyes. "Once Suzanna takes her kidney, we can get rid of her for good." Francesca was about to leave after asking about Mabel's condition, but Raymond stopped her. "Did you get the divorce agreement signed? The Landon family didn't make things difficult for you, right?" "No, I'm not letting them push me around anymore." she reassured him. Raymond's voice softened. "It kills me seeing you so humble in front of Benedict. If I didn't think you'd feel bad for him, I'd have handled him myself by now, just to get revenge for you." Francesca chuckled dryly. "Don't worry, I won't be foolish again." She shook her head, remembering how she had given up everything; her family, her status, all for love. In the end, she was left abandoned, disrespected, and filled with nothing but pain and broken pride. Later that night, Francesca was lying in bed, thinking about leaving for good. But then she decided to stick around one last time to keep watch over Mabel. Out of nowhere, she heard someone screaming for help. Without thinking, she got up and rushed to the door. The hallway was thick with smoke, burning her eyes as the fire quickly spread. Francesca was stunned. Quickly, she slammed the door shut and grabbed her phone to call Benedict. It rang several times, but no one picked up. In a panic, she considered calling his assistant, Daniel, but then someone finally picked up the phone. "Hello." Francesca froze, recognizing that voice instantly. A bitter taste filled her mouth, and her whole body tensed. "Call Benedict!" Suzanna's voice shifted, now laced with smugness. "Oh, I don't think that's a good idea right now. He just went to shower. Benedict is exhausted. If you need something, I can tell him for you." "The hospital's on fire! His grandma Is in there. Call Benedict now!" Francesca's words came out sharp and panicked. Suzanna chuckled darkly. "Francesca, what are you up to? You're divorced now, and suddenly you're regretting it, trying to use that old woman to get back in?" Before Francesca could reply, Suzanna hung up with satisfaction. She quickly deleted the call record. Moments later, when Benedict's phone rang, she saw "Mrs. Landon" on the caller ID, and a cold wave of jealousy washed over her. The title of being his wife belonged to her, not Francesca. The fire was growing worse by the second, and Francesca tried calling Daniel, but he didn't pick up either. She couldn't wait anymore. Grabbing Mabel, she rushed out of the room. "Wait for me here!" she shouted. But as she passed the next ward, she heard a child crying. Without a second thought, she rushed back inside. "Francesca, please come back!" Mabel pleaded, frantic. Francesca didn't waste time. She found the little boy, around four or five, and scooped him up in her arms. "Here you are!" However, the fire was getting closer, and the hallway was blocked. The cries for help echoed around her. "Francesca? Francesca?" someone called out. "I'm here ..." she whispered, her voice barely audible as the flames roared louder. The smoke was thick and choking. In her panic, Francesca felt someone calling her and pulling her, but everything seemed distant. It was like she had fallen, and then everything went dark. She lost consciousness. "Francesca, please, someone save her!" Mabel screamed, frantic, as firefighters tried to hold her back. She kept yelling at Benedict, blaming him for being too late. The whole hospital was surrounded by flames. No one got out until the fire was finally put out. The scene was a mess. Benedict stood there, watching the fire rage, without saying a word. Daniel, clearly shaken, said, "Mr. Landon, I missed Mrs. Landon's call. It's my fault. I'm sorry." However, Benedict didn't respond. His face was blank, and no one knew what was going on in his head. It felt like time had stopped.