Three Days Later
Baldwin's Mansion
Blaze stepped through the grand entrance of his mansion, the familiar scent of polished wood and leather greeting him. But the silence that enveloped him felt heavier than ever.
After twenty long days in France, he had imagined this moment-returning to Savannah, the woman who lit up the shadows of his world. Instead, the emptiness of the mansion swallowed him whole.
His gaze flickered to the front hall, and his heart sank as he noticed the absence of her heels, their delicate silhouette replaced by a void that gnawed at him. He turned sharply, an unsettling churn in his gut urging him to find answers.
Outside, the moonlight cascaded over the perfectly manicured lawns, casting silver beams that only seemed to amplify the darkness festering within him. Blaze's boots hit the gravel with sharp precision as he stormed toward Elijah, his entire body radiating raw frustration.
"Elijah," he called out, his voice low and ominous, like the calm before a violent storm. "Where's Savannah?"
Elijah hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of Blaze's glare, his eyes betraying a flicker of fear. "She... she went to the Island. To volunteer. The one hospital organized."
The words landed like a sucker punch, hitting Blaze square in the chest.
His heart pounded in his ears, and the blood rushing to his face only fueled the fury that bubbled dangerously close to the surface. "Volunteer?" he spat, each syllable dripping with disbelief and anger.
"Why the hell wasn't I told?" His voice cracked the silence, rising like a thunderclap. The men nearby instinctively took a step back, sensing the tidal wave of rage about to crash.
"I—" Elijah began, his voice faltering under Blaze's seething gaze, but before he could finish, Blaze's fury erupted, cutting him off mid-sentence. The air between them crackled with an intensity that seemed to stretch the night itself.
"What else haven't I been kept in the damn loop about?" Blaze's voice cracked like thunder, his eyes seething as he locked onto Elijah. "Who made this decision? I thought she was supposed to be here!" His words struck with the weight of accusation, every breath demanding answers that Elijah couldn't escape.
Elijah's throat worked in a tight swallow, his usual composure shattering under the intensity of Blaze's fury. "It was... a group initiative. She wanted to help. I tried calling you, but the networks were down, and I—"
"Thought what?" Blaze cut him off, his voice dripping with venom, a bitter chuckle escaping him that held no trace of humor. It was the kind of laugh that rattled the air. "You thought I wouldn't care? That I wouldn't want to know?" His words burned, each one a lash of frustration and betrayal.
The weight of Savannah's absence hit him like a physical blow, a suffocating pressure that crushed him from all sides. He took a step back, retreating into the cold, clinical interior of the mansion, but it felt more like a cage now.
The walls closed in as fury and confusion swirled within him, knotting his insides into a tight coil. His fingers trembled as he yanked his phone from his pocket, dialing her number with urgent haste. The ringing seemed endless, each tone stretching the seconds, his impatience growing heavier with each beat of silence.
Then, the cold, robotic voice of voicemail tore through him. "The person you are trying to reach…"
"Damn it," Blaze muttered through clenched teeth, hurling the phone onto the polished table with enough force to rattle the sleek surface. His frustration was raw, untamed.
The air in the mansion felt stifling, as though the very walls were closing in, trapping him in this gnawing emptiness. He needed to get out. He needed to move, to escape the hollow space that was once filled with her presence.
Without another thought, he stormed out, his fingers gripping the keys with a fierce determination as he shoved open the door and slammed it behind him.
Arthur, ever the silent observer, stood in the doorway, his gaze steady as Blaze's storm of emotions roared around him. He knew better than to step into the path of that kind of rage. It was a force of nature, and Arthur knew that, like a wildfire, it would burn through everything in its way if not contained.
He watched, quietly aware of the storm brewing in Blaze's mind, understanding that the only thing worse than Blaze's unchecked anger was the overwhelming pressure of control that crushed him. Arthur kept his distance, his concern for the man he served hidden behind a stoic exterior.
As Blaze slammed his foot down on the accelerator, the roar of the engine tore through the night, the world outside morphing into a blur of lights and colors. But none of it mattered.
His thoughts were consumed by her. By Savannah. He couldn't think of anything else. He had questions, so many questions, and when he found her—when he could finally look into her eyes—she would understand.
She would understand the depth of his feelings, the panic that clawed at his chest, and the desperation that had taken root in his very soul. He wasn't angry at her. He was angry at the world that had kept them apart.
HealZone Hospital
Blaze stormed into the hospital like a thundercloud on the verge of breaking, a palpable aura of fury that seemed to darken the very air around him.
The sharp, sterile scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils, but it did nothing to quell the violent storm churning within him. As he moved through the lobby, every set of eyes in the room seemed to lock onto him, the whispers falling into an unnerving silence.
The staff knew him all too well—he was a man of power, a man of fire—and today, that fire was raging out of control. Today, he was a tempest.
Without so much as a glance at the gawking onlookers, Blaze barreled toward the elevator, his jaw clenched so tight it felt as if his teeth might crack under the pressure. The ride to the sixth floor was agonizingly slow, each second stretching longer than the last.
The flickering fluorescent lights above seemed to mock him, casting a sterile, unforgiving glow over everything as his mind raced with thoughts of the confrontation awaiting him.
When the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, Blaze stepped out with a determined stride, his heavy footsteps reverberating off the cold, clinical tiles. The corridor felt suffocating, the white walls closing in as he moved with singular focus, his every step resonating with purpose.
He reached Dr. Liam Pederson's office, and without hesitation, he threw the door open with enough force to rattle the hinges.
Inside, Dr. Pederson—clad in his pristine white coat—was hunched over his computer, typing away with the sort of detachment that made Blaze's blood boil.
The sudden noise of the door crashing open startled the doctor, his fingers freezing mid-keystroke as he whipped around, his expression one of surprise and unease. Blaze's eyes blazed with the kind of intensity that could set the very room on fire as he stood there, blocking the doorway, his presence a force of nature.
Liam looked up, confusion flooding his features as he took in the storm of fury standing in his office. "Mr. Baldwin! What—"
"Cut the pleasantries, Pederson," Blaze snapped, his voice low and razor-sharp as he stalked into the room, slamming the door behind him with a resounding thud.
"I know you're behind this volunteer work. Why the hell wasn't I informed? And why did you let Savannah go to the Island?" His words sliced through the air like a blade, sharp and unforgiving.
Liam's throat worked in a tense swallow, the blood draining from his face as his mind scrambled for an explanation. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. "I....."
Blaze's eyes narrowed, his fury escalating. "You what?" His voice dropped to a guttural growl, the anger radiating off him like heat from a furnace.
"You didn't know she was on the list? You know damn well you have to vet every name—pick the right people for something like this." His words were punctuated by the heaviness of his breathing, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his disbelief.
"Mr. Baldwin, please," Liam stammered, his normally steady voice faltering under the unbearable weight of Blaze's glare. He stepped back slightly, his hands raised in a futile attempt to defuse the tension. "She specifically requested to join the team. This is something she really wanted to do—helping people... she said it's her dream."
At those words, Blaze's anger faltered, replaced by a thick, tight knot of confusion and concern deep in his gut. Savannah's desire to help—her dream—it hit him harder than he expected, like a sucker punch to the chest. His thoughts spun, grappling with the sudden shift in perspective.
"Her dream?" Blaze repeated, his voice softening just a fraction, though the tension still lingered like a stormcloud ready to burst. His hand raked through his hair in frustration as he tried to process the weight of this revelation. "You really think it's safe out there?"
Before Liam could offer a response, the door flew open with an urgency that cut through the thick air of tension. Arthur burst in, breathless and wide-eyed, his face pale with alarm. "Boss!" he panted, his gaze darting nervously between the two men.
Blaze turned to him, his expression hardening again, as if the spark of concern had been swiftly extinguished. "I want every single detail about that Island on my desk by tomorrow morning. I mean every last shred of information—do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir," Arthur nodded quickly, already moving to comply, though his unease was evident in the rapid fire of his response.
Blaze didn't wait for another word. He turned on his heel, his thoughts a storm of conflicting emotions as he headed for the door. The weight of what he had just learned pressed down on him like an anchor.
Savannah's dream, her desire to help—it was admirable. And yet, something gnawed at him, a primal need to protect her that clashed violently with the fact that she was perfectly capable of making her own choices. He was torn between the two—the instinct to shield her from harm and the undeniable recognition of her independence.
As he stepped into the hallway, the cold, harsh fluorescent lights flickering overhead seemed to exaggerate the shadows that now clouded his thoughts. His mind raced with questions, but no answers came, leaving him in the uneasy silence of his own frustration.
ISLAND
Savannah stepped lightly onto the sandy path leading to the next house, her backpack filled with vaccination supplies bouncing gently against her back. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the small island.
She loved this place the vibrant colors of the flora, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, and the genuine smiles of the residents she had come to know over the past few days.
As she approached a quaint little cottage with a flower garden in front, she felt a rush of excitement. Each visit brought new stories and connections, and she cherished the moments spent with the islanders. Today, she was here to provide vaccinations, but she often found that her conversations with the locals meant just as much, if not more.
The door creaked open with a slow, welcoming groan, revealing an elderly woman who seemed to radiate warmth with every step she took. Her smile was wide and genuine, her eyes twinkling with the kind of joy that seemed to fill the entire room.
"Ah, my lovely Savannah!" she exclaimed, her voice a soft melody of surprise and delight. "Come in, dear! Come in, don't stand in the doorway!"
Savannah stepped across the threshold, the coziness of the home wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. The air smelled of fresh linens and old books, and the walls were adorned with an array of family photos, each frame a small window into the lives of those who had once stood where she now stood. They were the kind of pictures that spoke of love, of time, of memories—framed moments that captured the essence of life's fleeting beauty.
The old woman led her to a small wooden table, its surface worn smooth by years of use.
On it sat a pitcher of lemonade, its glass surface glistening with condensation, like droplets of life itself. "Would you like some?" the woman asked, her hands trembling just slightly as she poured, the liquid catching the light in a brilliant swirl.
"Yes, please! It's so hot today," Savannah replied, accepting the glass with a warm, grateful smile. The coolness of the lemonade was a welcome relief against the heat, its sweetness a balm for the long journey.
As the two women settled into a comfortable conversation, the elderly woman's eyes sparkled with quiet admiration. "You are such a beautiful young woman, inside and out," she said, her voice carrying the kind of sincerity that made the compliment feel like a precious gift. "Tell me, are you married?"
Savannah chuckled softly, the sound light and melodic. She shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Not yet. I'm just focusing on my work for now," she replied, feeling no rush to put labels on her life, her focus entirely on the mission at hand.
The old woman raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile deepening. "Oh, you should be careful! A woman as lovely as you should have someone special. You need someone to take care of you, too!" Her voice was lighthearted, but there was a warmth in her words that made them feel true, like a grandmother's protective instincts wrapped in a joke.
Savannah felt her cheeks flush at the compliment, a warm pink spreading across her skin. "I appreciate that," she said, her smile soft and genuine. "It's nice to hear. Right now, though, I'm just enjoying the experience and the incredible people I'm meeting along the way."
The old woman nodded knowingly, her face lighting up with understanding, before taking a sip of her own lemonade. "The world is full of beautiful people, dear. Just make sure you don't let too much time pass before you find someone who sees your light," she said, her voice gentle but wise, as though imparting a lesson learned over a lifetime.
As the conversation flowed, Savannah noticed the flicker of loneliness in the old woman's eyes.
She talked about her late husband and how much she missed having someone to share her days with. It made Savannah's heart ache. "If you ever need anything, dear," the woman said earnestly, "don't hesitate to ask. You have a kind heart, and you deserve all the love in the world."
Savannah smiled softly, feeling a connection that transcended their age difference. "Thank you. That means a lot to me. And if you ever want company or just someone to talk to, I'm just down the road."
The old woman's face lit up, and for a moment, Savannah saw the joy that flickered in her eyes as she spoke about her garden and the memories woven into every flower.
As she prepared to leave, Savannah promised to return soon.
She stepped out into the sunlight, her heart feeling a little fuller, a little lighter. Each interaction deepened her love for this island and its people. She had come here to help, but it was moments like these- simple, heartfelt connections-that reminded her of the beauty in giving and receiving love.
With renewed determination, she headed to the next house, eager to share more smiles more stories, and to keep weaving herself into the fabric of this community.
Later that Day
Savannah stood at the water's edge, the gentle waves lapping at her feet, a soothing rhythm that mirrored her thoughts. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue across the horizon, but her mind was elsewhere.
She thought of Blaze, of the one phone call he had made to her, brief and distant, a flicker of concern buried beneath layers of his usual intensity.
It felt strange to care so much, yet there she was, standing on this beautiful island, wondering why he hadn't reached out since. She pushed the thought away. Nothing special existed between them, and she reminded herself that it was generous of him to let her stay at his mansion, but that was all it was a convenience, a moment of kindness.
Soon, she would find her own place, carve out her own life here, away from any lingering ties.
Lost in her musings, she was startled when a figure appeared beside her. She turned quickly, ready to walk away, when his voice stopped her. "Thinking something?"
Savannah looked at him, confusion knitting her brows. "Who are you?" she asked, eyeing him cautiously.
The man turned to her, the moonlight illuminating his features. It was one of the younger volunteers, someone she had seen but didn't know well.
"I'm Alex," he said with a slight smile. "I've seen you around. You're doing great work here."
She relaxed a bit, recognizing the friendly sincerity in his tone. "Thanks, I'm just trying to help out wherever I can."
He stepped closer, Savannah stepped back the sound of the waves providing a backdrop to their conversation. "You seem to really care about the people here," he noted. "I admire that."
Savannah felt warmth spread through her. "I do. They've welcomed me so much. It feels good to give back."
"Do you miss home?" Alex asked, his curiosity genuine.
A moment of silence hung between them as she contemplated her answer. "Not really. I feel more at home here than I ever did back there."
He nodded smiling, understanding in his eyes. "That's powerful. A lot of people never find that."
She turned her gaze back to the ocean, the horizon stretching endlessly before her. "I guess I'm just figuring things out, you know? Trying to find where I belong."
Alex fell silent, and for a moment, they both stood there, the sea breeze swirling around them. She felt a strange sense of camaraderie with him, an unspoken bond forged in their shared purpose.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, breaking the spell. "You seem a little... lost."
She hesitated, wanting to brush off his concern. "I'm fine. Just a lot work awaits." Savannah said choosing to play privacy.
"Sometimes it helps to talk," he offered gently.
Savannah appreciated his kindness, but she wasn't ready to delve into her feelings about Blaze or her uncertainties to some stranger. Instead, she simply smiled. "I'll be alright.
Really."
"Alright, but if you ever need someone to listen, I'm here," he said, his sincerity clear.
As they stood together, the sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the water. In that moment, Savannah felt a flicker of connection-not with Alex, but with the island itself.
She realized she wasn't alone in her journey island people are with her. Perhaps this was what she had been missing-a sense of community, a place where her heart could feel at home, far from any complicated ties that pulled her in different directions.
"I'll get going," she said, turning to him with a genuine smile. "good night"
He smiled back, and for a moment, Alex was was mesmerised by her beauty in the moonlight, how it illuminates her beautifully, He watched at her back as Savannah walked away and disappered into the darkness-
Perhaps he would see her tomorrow morning.
Author's Note :
Enjoy everyone<3
Stay healthy, take care <3<3
Have a good day/night <3<3