Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 23

Charlotte and Suz both pulled the trigger at the same time, two bullets flying through the air. However, Suz was unaware that Charlotte had prepared a bulletproof vest beneath her coat. Charlotte’s bullet struck Suz directly in the shoulder, causing him to fall to the ground, his face filled with disbelief as death approached.

The sound of gunfire and Suz's screams echoed throughout the warehouse, but Charlotte was too exhausted to feel anything anymore. She fell to her knees, her heart racing in anxiety and pain. Suddenly, she heard Engfa’s voice calling from afar:

• Where are you?! Charlotte!

Engfa’s voice was like a mental balm, awakening Charlotte’s heart. She turned her head, her vision blurry, only to see Engfa rushing into the warehouse, worry and panic etched on her face. At the same time, Tina hurried over, managing to support Charlotte as she nearly collapsed.

Engfa reached Charlotte without hesitation, throwing her arms around her tightly, tears streaming down her face.

• Do you know how worried I’ve been? - Engfa choked, her voice full of emotion.

• I heard the gunshots and couldn’t help but think of the worst.

Charlotte looked into Engfa’s eyes, feeling the fear that she was enduring. She replied, her voice also filled with emotion:

• I’m fine, sister. I... - Charlotte hesitated, her hands trembling as she tried to reassure Engfa.

• I was prepared. But...

She couldn’t finish her sentence. A drop of blood oozed from the wound on Charlotte’s shoulder, falling to the ground. Seeing this, Engfa felt a tightening pain in her heart; she frantically examined Charlotte’s body, leaving no injury overlooked.

• You have to tell me, don’t hurt yourself anymore! A drop of your blood fell; it hurts me so much, Char - Engfa scolded but her voice was still full of love.

Charlotte smiled, a gentle smile concealing both gratitude and happiness.

• Sister, I know you worry. But I had no other choice. He... he wanted to hurt you, and I couldn’t let that happen.

Engfa sighed, emphasizing:

• You’re not alone in this fight. I’ll always be here beside you. Never let you be alone!

Charlotte grasped Engfa’s hand tightly, feeling the strength and love that she offered her.

• Don’t worry, I won’t let myself get hurt, - Charlotte reassured, although she still felt some anxiety about what had transpired.

• But you have to promise me one thing...

Engfa tilted her head, her eyes filled with determination:

• What promise, Char?

• Promise that you won’t abandon me. We will overcome all difficulties together, no matter what happens.

• I was so scared when you were lying there, Fa. I feared you would leave me alone in this world.

Engfa nodded, her smile shining brightly on her face:

• Okay, I promise. I will never leave you, even when everything falls apart. I will fight beside you to the end.

At that moment, Tina noticed Suz lying on the ground, his body lifeless. Everything became silent, leaving only the sound of the three of them breathing heavily. Engfa and Charlotte could only hold each other’s hands tightly, as if this was the last moment they could be together in safety.

• I won’t let you suffer alone anymore, - Engfa said softly but firmly. Together, we will find the light even in the darkest places.

Charlotte smiled, a warm feeling rising in her heart, despite the pain and suffering around her.

• I know that. I trust you. We will overcome everything.

Engfa nodded, her eyes filled with hope and love. In the abandoned warehouse, amidst the painful memories and losses, their love for each other grew stronger than ever.

The final battle had come to an end. Engfa stood amid the remnants of the abandoned warehouse, gazing into the distance toward the horizon. Everything was over, and peace had returned. She couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming emptiness, but at the same time, joy surged within her as she thought of Charlotte. She had successfully completed her mission, protecting the one she loved from danger.

As Charlotte approached, Engfa felt warmth in her heart. They both smiled, but that smile quickly faded when Engfa felt fatigue washing over her. Her legs suddenly felt heavy, and like a wave crashing down, Engfa felt dizzy.

• Are you okay? - Charlotte asked, worry clear on her face, while she too felt the ache from her light wound.

Engfa struggled to get up, but her voice was weak:

• I... just need to rest a little.

Before she could finish her sentence, Engfa collapsed to the ground. Charlotte panicked, rushing to her side, her arms cradling Engfa’s shoulders, and in that moment, their eyes met, conveying a wordless message of love and care.

• You have to save your strength; don’t make me worry! - Charlotte said, her voice filled with concern, feeling Engfa’s strength slowly fading.

At that moment, Tif and Tina rushed over, seeing the situation and immediately making a decision.

• We have to get both of you to the hospital right away! - Tif said seriously, his eyes filled with determination.

• Right, - Tina quickly agreed, helping Charlotte to stand while Tif lifted Engfa. They gently carried both to the waiting car.

As they sat in the car, Charlotte and Engfa looked at each other, their eyes full of affection, but their exhaustion clearly prevented them from speaking further. Charlotte held Engfa’s hand tightly, feeling the warmth from her sister's palm, while Engfa closed her eyes, a smile lingering on her lips.

• I’m here; you don’t need to worry, - Charlotte whispered, though fear was rising in her heart.

In that moment, amidst the heavy breathing and the stillness of the car, Tif and Tina accidentally brushed their hands together while trying to assist the two. That feeling was like a spark igniting a new relationship slowly budding. They both felt shy but couldn’t hide their happy smiles.

• Sorry, - Tif said, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Tina.

• It’s okay, - Tina replied, her heart full of emotion.

• Maybe we need to help each other more.

In that moment, everyone understood that not only was the love between Engfa and Charlotte growing, but other relationships were also forming from those accidental touches. While the car drove down the road, both couples felt that despite the pain and hardships they had endured, love and friendship would always be the source of strength to help them overcome any challenges.

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Hy.