A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 6

After the performance, Serena wanted to go home. To her dismay, Elliot pulled her along to the backstage area.

Without delay, he handed Vanessa the bouquet he had prepared in advance. He raised an eyebrow at her and smirked, "Ms. Sinclair, would you spare the time to take a photo with your fan?"

Vanessa blushed but didn't hesitate to agree.

The dressing room was too crowded, so they left with the camera and went into the hallway.

Left on her own inside, Serena watched them through the open door. Seeing them smile at the camera reminded her of the pictures in his study.

That must be why the background always looked chaotic. It was because those pictures were taken backstage.

He liked Vanessa so much that he followed her performances everywhere. He attended her domestic and international shows just like a devoted fan.

Meanwhile, even if Serena performed 30 consecutive shows in Ardenburg, he might not attend a single one.

He had made up all sorts of excuses for his absence. He'd be too busy with meetings, work, or social gatherings. As she thought about this, Serena felt her heart ache and her breathing grow labored.

She lowered her head. Out of the blue, the fire alarm started blaring with sharp, piercing beeps.

Thick smoke spread from a pile of props. Flames burst into the air, rapidly engulfing the room.

Everyone screamed in panic and rushed toward the exit.

Serena's face turned pale, and she tried to wheel herself out.

But amid the chaos of the fleeing crowd, she could barely move an inch. Within moments, a final shove toppled her over to the ground.

She watched powerlessly as people trampled past her and the fire crept closer to her feet. Desperate, she screamed at the top of her lungs, "H-Help..."

Countless feet stepped over her, but not a single person stopped to help her up.

With great difficulty, she crawled across the floor with her arms toward the hallway. By instinct, she grabbed onto a man's pant leg, forcing out a weak plea for help. "Save... me."

The man crouched and was about to lift her when someone beside him stopped him.

Although the voice was hushed, Serena heard the words clearly.