The moment I heard the first explosion, I knew I was back on that day the lab went up in flames.
Silas Drake, my boyfriend, and I were both researchers in a national science team.
After two long years, we’d finally developed a prototype to combat a high-risk virus.
But the night before we could complete it, disaster struck.
As flames spread rapidly, I covered my nose and frantically dialed a number.
“The lab’s on fire! Bring the spare key and help save the specimen!”
On the other end was Silas‘ intern, Brielle Stanton.
Instead of sounding alarmed, she snorted.
“Really, Elena? You know Silas has the only key. You’re just calling to get him back here, aren’t you? Can’t you be a little less selfish? He’s just spending time with Nadia, who doesn’t have long left. Do you have to be this petty?”
Ignoring her mockery, I forced myself to focus, though the thick smoke made me dizzy.
“Silas only has one key, and you’re on shift today. Don’t you have the spare?”
Her tone turned impatient. “Silas gave me the day off, and he has the spare with him, okay? Stop interrupting me. I’m watching a movie…”
Her response sent fury coursing through me.
Once again, in this second chance, Silas had left me to fend for myself, prioritizing his precious first love over my safety.
Was he really content to let me burn alive?
I glared at the disconnected call, my anger boiling over.
The flames were closing in, and if I didn’t act fast, two years of work would be reduced to ash.
With no time to waste, I steeled myself and grabbed the scorching specimen cabinet, smashing at the glass with my bare hands.
My hands stung as blood ran down from cuts, but I didn’t feel it. At last, the glass gave way. Holding the precious specimen close, I sprinted toward
the window.
The fire alarm had triggered the auto–lock, sealing the lab doors, and I had no key to escape.
Outside, smoke had drawn the attention of nearby researchers. A crowd had gathered below, staring up at me on the third floor. Some were calling for help, others trying to get the fire department on the line.
But I didn’t have much time. Clutching the specimen with my heart pounding, I steadied myself on the windowsill.
Seeing what I intended to do, the crowd below scrambled to find something to cushion my fall.
But the fire wasn’t waiting. Before they could get ready, a massive explosion erupted behind me, the heat wave slamming into me and sending me hurtling out the window.
As I hit the ground with a jarring thud, the world before me turned into a haze of red.
A large shard of glass had slashed across my face as I fell, leaving a bloody trail.
Trembling, I cradled the undamaged specimen and handed it over to the lab director, Everett Sterling, who had rushed to my side. He looked down at
me, barely able to speak.
The sheer dedication I’d shown even while risking my life seemed to move him, and his eyes turned misty.
“Where’s the ambulance? Get her on the ambulance, now!”
On the ride to the hospital, Everett finally learned from our colleagues that Brielle, who was supposed to be on shift today, hadn’t shown up.
Rage simmered in his eyes as he furiously dialed her number.
“Brielle! Where are you right now? Do you even know the lab’s on fire?! Where is the spare key?! Are you trying to destroy all our hard work? I’ll make this clear. You’re suspended from all duties starting today. Wait at home for your disciplinary notice!”
Brielle’s voice wavered in panic as she tried to explain. “Mr. Sterling, please, let me explain. I didn’t mean to skip my shift. Silas gave me the day off!
