REVENGEANCE - PART 9 (Patreon)

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Note: This story is intended for mature audiences (18+) and all characters depicted are 18 years of age or older.

Part 9: Memories Of The Fire

“I can't breathe!” - Those were the last three words Haniya could think of before losing consciousness. The fire that year turned the entire company building into a nightmare sea of flames. The indifferent flames spread everywhere, even into the darkest corners, as if they wanted to devour everything within sight. Perhaps this would be the end for a girl who hadn't even reached the age of 25.

The fire that year originated from the kitchen of the cafeteria within the company building where Haniya was working. The alarm bell rang early, so nearly everyone present at the scene had already evacuated the building... except for one person, and that was Haniya. Unfortunately, at the time of the incident, Haniya was in the company's storage room to get printing paper. Before Haniya could leave the company, the fire closed all escape routes.

Haniya was trapped between the fire and the broken bricks. She could feel her heart pounding in a frighteningly rapid pace. Haniya never intended to give up life at such a young age. She mustered her strength, navigating through each intact wall, overcoming the chaotic, dense black smoke. However, all her efforts did not bring good results.

Just in time of desperation, a man from outside the door rushed inside, defying all danger to save her. Even though her consciousness was fading, Haniya still managed to look closely at the face of the person who saved her. She felt that if she did not do so, she would miss something important in her life. “This is the man who saved me, the man who gave me my second life. The rest of my life… belongs to him!”

The fire became more and more aggressive, young police officer Harrison Ning knew that he could no longer leave the building from the entrance. In a dangerous moment, Harrison hit the glass window in front of him and jumped out, despite the fact that this place was the second floor of the building. Luckily for him, the rescue team below promptly arranged bumper mattresses around the building. Harrison escaped safely and saved a life.

His heroic act was widely applauded, except for his boss at the police station and the firefighters. They blamed him for doing something too reckless when he had no profession. However, Harrison does not regret deciding to do it!

Hale was startled by the noise in the office. His cold sweat was running down Hainya’s beautiful cheeks. It was unclear how many times he had lost focus throughout the day. Each time, he would glance towards the glass window in front of him. For him, it was the most memorable and also the most forgettable. Calling it forgettable because the incident was so horrifying that he could almost make out the blurred figure of the Grim Reaper. But thanks to that incident, he met the most important man in his life. Once again, Hale mistook Haniya's memories for his own. It happened so naturally that he didn't even realize it.

At the end of the workday, Hale went home and prepared meals as usual. His mind is drifting somewhere but thanks to his long-term cooking skills, his dishes are still as delicious and eye-catching. Today is a rare day that Harrison comes home later than Hale. Harrison was busy dealing with the backlog at the H City Police Department. After finishing the cooking, Hale took a shower and sat down at the dining table to wait for Harrison. He did this countless times, but never once was he bored, as if waiting for Harrison to return to enjoy his dishes was a very happy thing!

Clutching his hungry stomach after only having a hasty meal during the day, Harrison wearily made his way back home. When he opened the door, Harrison saw Hale smiling at him at the dining table. With the super-observant eyes of a policeman from the Investigation Team, Harrison easily discovered that Hale was having something in his heart. The proof is that Hale's smile is not enough to cover the fatigue.

After putting away his coat, Harrison sat at the dining table. Hale clasped his hands: “Excuse me! I wasn't in a good mood this morning, so I didn't have time to prepare breakfast for you!” Just enjoying the stir-fried vegetables, Harrison waved his hand: “It's okay! That's not your duty. Actually, I also feel guilty about letting you prepare dinner for me.” Hale smiled and said: “No problem! That's the responsibility of a wife like me!” Harrison did not pay attention to Hale calling himself Harrison's wife anymore.

Harrison asked aimlessly: “Then… why are you in a bad mood? Not just this morning… until now, I can still see the weariness through your eyes.” Hale looked down at the table. His expression seemed to be hesitating over whether to say what he was thinking or not.

Finally, Hale still confessed: “Last night… I had a nightmare!” Harrison paused for a moment. He recalled last night there was a moment when Hale hugged his body very tightly. Hale continued: “I dreamed of the terrible fire in the past. It was truly terrifying! All day today, I couldn't escape from that scene. Fortunately, at that time, you appeared in time and saved me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have lived to this day!”

Hearing this, Harrison was furious. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted: “It's Haniya's memory, not yours! Stop pretending to be her!” This is a sentence that Harrison has not said for a long time. But now, he was repeating that with his most angry expression ever, as if the flames of that year were taking over his entire mind!

Harrison continued to shout: “‘You can't live to this day?!’ How dare you say that, when you are the one who took my wife's life?! A mad scientist and a criminal like you, it's worth it to die!”

Hale was stunned when he heard the words that came out of Harrison's mouth. He stammered: “I don't... I'm your wife… I…” Hale's words became smaller and smaller, until he himself could no longer hear them. Hale is really panicking! He no longer knows who he is. However, Hale still knows one thing, that is… he is in pain! His heart was broken to pieces when he heard the cruel words from Harrison. “The man who saved me… now wants me dead?!” That was his last thought before the bomb of emotion struck. Hale burst into tears! He covered his face and ran out of the house!

Looking up at Haniya's familiar running posture, Harrison wanted to chase. However, the anger in Harrison overwhelmed sympathy. He once again slammed his fist on the table. This time, Harrison's hand spilled blood, but he did not feel any physical pain. On the contrary, the emotional pain is surrounding him.

Harrison's emotions are as chaotic as Hale's. He was shocked to realize, why did he forget that the person he had been living with for so long was not his wife but a mortal enemy?! Harrison's intestines writhed when he once again realized the harsh truth, the girl he loved most was no longer there!

But why is it that some part of him regretted the cruel words he had just said to Hale? Could it be that a famous police officer who hates criminals like him is sympathizing with the plight of a criminal? In his heart, Harrison knows it's not! He regrets because he is gradually seeing the link between Hale and Haniya. In other words, Harrison regretted that a part of his brain thought that the person he had scolded was not the criminal Hale Hill but his wife! It's just… Harrison still doesn't want to accept this!

At this moment, there was a phone call from the H City Police Department. The one who called him was the Chief Inspector. He asked if Harrison would like to cooperate in a small case in the vicinity of the city. This case does not oblige Harrison to participate, but the Chief Inspector knows Harrison is the type of person who likes to plunge into work rather than relax at home after work. However, contrary to his thinking, this time, Harrison refused.

In a trembling voice, Harrison replied to the Chief Inspector: “I'm sorry, boss, but I have something I need to take care of today!” Chief Inspector asked: “What's the matter? Can I help you?” Harrison shook his head, disregarding the fact that the Chief Inspector couldn't see his action: “I have just made a huge mistake, and only I can rectify it!” The Chief Inspector was silent for a moment, then replied in a stern voice: “Okay! Keep trying hard! I won't bother you!” Just hanging up the phone, Harrison took his coat and hurried out of the house.

PART 10 >>