When Love Comes Late

Collecting himself, he clenched his fists and ran in after her.noveldrama

Inside the warehouse, smoke stung Stellas eyes, blurring her vision and making it difficult to breathe.

Yet she pushed forward, a damp cloth in hand, beating out flames on the precious fabric.

Her thoughts were singular: she couldnt let everything be destroyed.

Suddenly, a strong hand gripped her arm.

It was Sanford, his face red from heat and frustration.

What are you doing? he yelled, his voice cutting through the roar of the flames.

Get out now! This is too dangerous.

If the fabric is ruined, well find a way to replace it! Outside, firefighters began spraying water onto the blaze, concentrating on the worst areas.

Slowly, the flames started to die down, and the suffocating heat eased.

Seeing that the heat eased, Doreen finally managed to rush in.

She rushed to Stella, her voice shaking with urgency. Stella, we need to go now! The firefighters are here, and theyll put out the fire in time.

You cant stay any longer! Worn out and drained, Stella didnt resist.

Leaning on Sanford and Doreen, she exited the warehouse.

Before long, the fire was brought under control, and the chaos began to settle.

Wasting no time, Stella moved to assess the damage to the fabrics.

Doreen joined her, hands moving quickly as she tried to help clean up.

With a face full of guilt, Doreen said to Stella, Im so sorry.

This is all on me.

I should have double-checked before renting this place, and now look whats happened.

Stella placed a reassuring hand on Doreens shoulder.

Dont worry about it.

The important thing is that no one was hurt, and as long as the fabrics arent too damaged, well manage.

Sanford stood quietly nearby, concern clouding his eyes and expression.

Amid the flurry of movement, as everyone worked to sort through the mess, the final inventory results were soon completed.

Doreen, seeing how exhausted Stella was, spoke with concern.

Stella, theres nothing more to do here.

You should head back and get some rest.

Youre clearly worn out.

Stella felt every inch of her body dragging her down, aching and uncomfortable.

The smoke from the fire had burned her throat, making each breath feel heavy and painful.

She nodded quietly, deciding to leave with Sanford.

As they walked, Stella turned to Sanford, her voice full of gratitude.

Thank you for everything today. You really took a risk.

If something had happened to you, I wouldnt have known how to handle it.

Sanfords expression darkened slightly, and he responded, his tone laced with mild reproach, I took a risk? What about you? You knew how dangerous it was, yet you still rushed in.

If the fabrics are ruined, I can replace them.

Thats my promise.

Dont risk your life for this.

Their conversation slowed as they neared the warehouse entrance, just in time to see Matthew rushing toward them.

His steps were quick, clearly hurried, as if something pressing had come up.

Matthews eyes darted to Stella, noticing the layer of soot on her face and the fatigue in her posture.

A flash of worry crossed his face.

He scanned her for any visible injuries and spoke with urgency.

Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Do you need to go to the hospital? Stella was surprised at Matthews sudden appearance and questioned, Why are you here?