It was late at night, and snow began to fall. The large, fluffy snowflakes appeared eager to blanket the scene of the fire. When Joseph arrived at the hospital, a few snowflakes landed on his long eyelashes, softening his typically sharp gaze. His eyes held a glimmer of moisture, revealing an uncharacteristic absence of aggression and a touch of sorrow.
Lucas struggled to find the words to say. His voice trembled with emotion. "Sir, Ms. Chloe…is gone."
"What do you mean ‘gone?’"
"Ms. Chloe had an accident at the mansion. She fell and was immediately brought to the hospital. The doctors discovered severe internal bleeding. While they were performing the surgery, a fire broke out. And despite their efforts, they couldn't save the baby or her..."
Joseph froze, his senses dulled by the weight of the news. It felt as if darkness had enveloped him, robbing him of sight. He could not see the figures before him or the path stretching ahead. All he could hear was the haunting echo of Lucas' words—Chloe was gone.
After just one night away, everything had turned into a nightmare. Chloe had been perfectly fine when he left...
Joseph frenziedly sprinted toward the sixth floor. As he drew nearer, the acrid stench of burning materials invaded his nostrils, intensifying his anguish. The thought of Chloe being engulfed in those flames filled him with dread. His eyes reddened and his face contorted with grief that unnerved the firefighters at the scene.
"Are you a family member of the patient? This is all we could find of her remains. The fire was too intense, and retrieving the body was impossible."
Joseph’s hands trembled as he stared at the small box before him. He took the box and held it in his hands. A metallic taste rose in his throat, and in the next moment, he coughed up blood.
"Are you okay? Should I get you a doctor?" the firefighter expressed concern.
Joseph pushed the firefighter aside and rushed into the ravaged operating room. Chaos reigned within. All the equipment had been reduced to unrecognizable ruins and the scent of charred flesh hung heavy in the air.
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