Chapter 1

790words2026-02-26 05:58

The moment I confirmed my pregnancy, my husband's ex-girlfriend, Jessica, deliberately set our house on fire, hoping to trap me inside.
Instead of screaming for help, I calmly helped Grandma, who was choking on smoke, to safety.
In my past life, I had screamed desperately in the inferno.

Caleb arrived with others and rescued Grandma and me first.
His ex, Jessica, determined to compete with me, charged back into the flames and died covered in burns.
After her death, Caleb said she deserved it for starting the fire and catered to my every need, soothing my shock.
But after our child was born, Caleb used Jessica's urn to smash our baby to death.
"It's your fault, you and your daughter! You made me lose my true love! Now burn in hell!"
In despair, I took him with me. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the fire.

...
"Jessica, hold on! I'm coming for you!"
That familiar voice snapped me back.
I opened my eyes just as the burning bedroom door crashed down, barely missing my face.

Terrified, I immediately grabbed Grandma and yanked her back into the bedroom.
"Don't open it! You'll feed the fire!"
I tore a pillowcase, soaked it with bottled water, and pressed it into her hands, showing her how to cover her nose and mouth.
Sirens wailed from the street below.
Grandma's face lit up with hope.
"Don't be afraid. Caleb's here with help."
"We'll be alright now."
Seeing her relief, I just looked away.
How could I tell this sweet old woman that her precious kid would later murder his own child for that woman?
The heat grew unbearable. Tiles burned beneath my feet.
Just as I got Grandma to a clearer spot, Caleb's voice cut through the chaos outside .
"Jessica! Jessica, are you in there?"
"Don't be scared! I'm here to save you!"
A massive crash echoed as the front door gave way.
Through the flames, I saw nothing, but I heard Jessica's desperate sobs,
"Caleb! I'm trapped on the balcony!"
"Help me! I'm so scared...help me!"
"Everyone, follow me! Forget the sweep—head straight to the balcony for rescue!"
Hearing this, Grandma clutched her chest, her breathing becoming a ragged gasp.
"That little shit... Caleb, that ungrateful bastard... How could he..."
Through the flames, I saw him.
Caleb, carrying Jessica away in his arms, like some goddamn hero saving a damsel.
The heat was melting everything.
My tears evaporated before they could fall.
This time, I swallowed every scream.
Caleb, in this life, I owe you nothing.
As he disappeared with his ex, I tightened the wet cloth over my face, adjusted my grip, and managed to hoist Grandma onto my back.
A sharp, twisting pain shot through my lower abdomen.
I gritted my teeth and forced my legs straight.
His child in my womb.
His grandmother on my back.
Standing there, being consumed by fire, I heard their voices fading.
"Jessica, was anyone else inside?"
"No one, Caleb! Sophie said she was pregnant and couldn't handle the stress. We argued, and she locked me in, started the fire, and ran..."
"That psychotic bitch! I'll make her pay for this!"
My knees almost gave out.
Then, another voice, hesitant,
"Caleb, man, I swear I heard something... in the bedroom."
"I think someone might still be inside. Could Sophie still be in there...?"
"Jessica just said Sophie set the fire! Why would she stick around?!"
"Everyone, move out! Jessica's in shock. Getting her to the ER is our only priority!"
Another wave of agony ripped through me. I wanted to ram through the flames.
Suddenly, Grandma coughed violently on my back, her grip tightening like a vise.
"Caleb, you little bastard! Your wife and child are trapped! Who the hell are you taking to the hospital?!"
I froze, listening desperately.
But all I heard were retreating footsteps. He was gone.
A burning wardrobe groaned and collapsed, sealing our only exit.
My hands shook as I poured the last of the water onto a towel and gave it to Grandma.
She looked at me, tears streaming down her aged face.
Before she could speak, more sirens wailed from downstairs.
The same sound as before.
Caleb was leaving with his Jessica.
The fire closed in. Despair washed over me. This time, we won't make it.
Grandma gave one last weak cough on my back and went still.
Right at the last possible second, a shout came from outside the blocked door,
"Sophie! Security said they didn't see you leave! Are you still in there?!"
I finally broke. A raw cry tore from my lips.
A figure burst through the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Relief flooded me, and I collapsed into darkness.