Chapter 49: (Aaira's pov)

I could smell smoke, the acrid, unmistakable scent of burning material. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my heart pounding in my chest. The reflection seemed to mock me with its calm facade, while my senses were overwhelmed by the growing sense of danger. I quickly turned away, my mind racing as I realized the severity of the situation.

The once-polished wood now creaking under my hurried steps. The smoke grew thicker, swirling around me and making it harder to see. The sudden shift from nostalgia to alarm jolted me out of my reverie. I quickly glanced around, trying to locate the source of the smell. As I walked toward the balcony door, the smoke grew thicker, causing my heart to race.

My mind was filled with panic and urgency as I dashed down towards the staircase. My breaths came in short, sharp bursts, and I could feel the heat rising from below, I cough and cough. The flickering light from the flames cast long, sinister shadows that danced and wavered across the walls.

When I reached the base of the stairs, I was met with a horrifying sight. Flames were devouring the furniture in the grand hall, their fiery tongues licking hungrily at the curtains and wooden panels. The once-majestic room was now a chaotic blaze, with the fire consuming everything in its path. Thick, black smoke billowed upwards, choking the air.

I took some steps back, as I raced towards the door of the other staircase leading to the exterior. I tried to open it, but it was jammed. The intense heat from the fire seemed to have warped the wood, making it nearly impossible to budge. My hands fumbled with the handle, but it wouldn't give.

Panicking, I turned back and tried another door, but it too was stuck, almost as if the flames had already begun to block my exit routes. I could hear the crackling and hissing of the fire. The house was once a haven of memories to me, but it was now a prison of fire.

The room was becoming increasingly unbearable. The heat was suffocating, and the smoke made it hard to see or breathe. I stumbled through the smoke-filled hallway, searching for any sign of escape. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried door after door, each one sealed by the inferno's advance.

I made my way to the first floor's kitchen, the door to the kitchen was locked tight, the key nowhere to be found. My desperation grew with each failed attempt to open the door, the smoke filling my lungs and making it harder to breathe.

As I stumbled back, I noticed the fire was now making its way up the walls, the once-beautiful woodwork crackling and popping as it gave way to the flames. The room was rapidly becoming an oven of heat and smoke, my frustration mounting with each one I encountered.

The fire had spread so rapidly that it seemed almost alive, I felt trapped, my movements becoming more frantic as I realized that the mansion was becoming an impenetrable fortress of fire.

I stumbled back down the hallway, my vision blurring with every step as the smoke choked the air around me. The oppressive heat made it difficult to think straight. My breathing was ragged, each inhale filling my lungs with the toxic fumes. The once-familiar hallway now seemed like an endless maze of smoke and flame.

I barely registered the sound of something heavy crashing in the basement-possibly timber from the old shelves or furniture succumbing to the blaze. The realization hit me with a wave of panic: the fire had reached the lower floors. My heart raced as I sprinted towards my room, hoping it might be a safe haven or at least a place to gather my thoughts.

I stumbled towards my room, each step weighed down by the thickening smoke and the intense heat that seemed to reach out and grab me. The sharp, acrid smoke burned my eyes, making it hard to see, and my breaths came in ragged, painful gasps. I couldn't ignore the growing realization that the mansion, my once safe haven, was becoming a death trap.

As I reached my room, I needed to find something, anything, that could help me escape. My mind raced through the scattered memories of this place, trying to recall any possible exit routes or hidden doors. The once-familiar surroundings were now distorted by the smoke, and the heat was becoming unbearable.

I managed to open the door to my room, but the view inside only added to my panic. The flames had started to creep in, licking the edges of the furniture and the drapes. The heat intensified, making it almost impossible to stay inside. I frantically searched for anything useful, but the smoke was overwhelming.

As the flames encroached on my room, the sight of my belongings being devoured by the fire filled me with a deep wrenching sadness. I sank to my knees, tears streaming down my face. My cries were muffled by the roar of the fire and the heat, and every breath I took felt like it might be my last.

I could barely see through the smoke, my vision blurring as I tried to make my way to the balcony. The heat was relentless, and my skin felt like it was burning. My movements were clumsy and disoriented, and each step seemed to take all the strength I had left. As I reached the balcony door, I wrenched it open, hoping for some relief from the inferno inside.

Outside, I was met with a horrifying sight. People had gathered around the mansion, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. But instead of attempting to help, they stood at a distance, watching. Their murmurs and whispers reached me, but they felt distant and surreal, as if I were in a nightmare from which I could not wake.

Their indifference stung more than the heat of the fire. They watched as if this were a drama, their gazes fixed on the blazing mansion with morbid curiosity. It was clear they had no intention of intervening.

I called out to them, but my voice was swallowed by the roar of the fire and the distance between us. I felt like I was trapped in a cruel play, where everyone but me was an audience. The smoke was so thick that I could barely breathe, and the heat was starting to be unbearable.

I knew I couldn't stay here for long; the fire was spreading quickly, and I was running out of time. With a final glance at the indifferent faces below, I turned away from the balcony. As I was about to step out onto the balcony, the sudden sound of a horse neighing pierced through my ear.

My heart sank. Jungkook. He couldn't be here. Panic surged through me, and I glanced down to see him approaching on horseback. His figure was silhouetted against the backdrop of the blazing mansion, and the intensity of his expression was unmistakable.

His horse came to a halt right before the burning estate, and his eyes widened in horror as he took in the sight of the inferno. The fire's light flickered across his face. His gaze locked onto mine, and I could see the fear in his eyes.

Jungkook: Aaira!

He shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the flames.

Jungkook: I'm coming to get you!

I shook my head violently, desperately trying to get his attention.

Aaira: No! My lord, don't come any closer!

My voice was choked by the smoke, but I tried to make my warning clear. .

Aaira: It's too dangerous!

But he was already dismounting, running towards the burning mansion. The smoke seemed to distort his movements, making it difficult to see clearly. I could hear his heavy footsteps as he approached, and my desperation grew.

Aaira: No, Jungkook, stop!

I screamed again.

Aaira: It's too dangerous! The fire is spreading too fast!

He made his way toward the entrance.

Jungkook: I can't just leave you here!

He shouted back.

Jungkook: I'm coming in to get you out!

I could see him struggling with the heat and smoke as he fought against the flames. He tried to push through the front door, but it was clear that the fire had already compromised its structural integrity. He pounded on the door, calling out my name with growing urgency.

Jungkook: I can't lose you!

Tears streamed down my face as I watched him from the balcony. The sight of him risking his life for me made my heart ache even more.

Aaira: Jungkook, you have to go! It's too late for me! Please, just get to safety!

I pleaded, he turned towards me.

Jungkook: I'm not leaving without you!

He shouted. The heat from the fire was becoming unbearable, and the smoke was choking me. My vision was starting to blur as I struggled to keep my focus.

Aaira: Jungkook, listen to me! If you come any closer, you'll get trapped too! I can't bear to see you get hurt because of me!

His eyes were full of anger as he continued to fight against the flames, his movements growing more frantic.

Jungkook: I'm coming in! Either way, we're both getting out of here, or none of us!

The heat and smoke from the fire had now reached the balcony, and flames began to lick at the edges of the structure. I backed away from the flames, my strength waning as the smoke choked me. I cast one last worried glance towards Jungkook, hoping he would heed my warnings and not attempt to enter the burning house.

My legs felt weak, and I staggered towards the staircase. As I tried to make my way down, the smoke and heat overwhelmed me. My vision blurred, and my breaths came in short. I stumbled and fell at the base of the stairs, the intense heat searing through me. I could barely move, my strength drained by the smoke and the overwhelming sense of doom.

I could hear the distant sound of glass shattering, and muffled voices pierced through the fire. His voice was among them, calling my name with fear and desperation. I tried to lift my head, but the effort was beyond me. My body felt like lead, and every movement was a battle.

Jungkook: Aaira! Aaira!

His voice was muffled, filled with urgency. I could barely make out the sounds of him breaking through windows, the cracking and splintering noise merging with the roar of the flames. My consciousness wavered as I struggled to stay awake, the fire's heat nearly unbearable.

The smoke around me grew thicker, and the flames continued their relentless advance. The pain was almost unbearable, but I tried to focus on Jungkook's voice, clinging to the hope that he might still be able to reach me, but a part of me wanted him to still leave before it's too late. My vision was failing, my world narrowing to a haze of smoke and fire.

Jungkook: Aaira! Please, answer me!

His voice was growing fainter, though I knew he was near. My strength was failing, and I could no longer muster the energy to call out. His desperate calls pierced through the fire. He continued to search for me.

When he finally saw me, slumped at the base of the stairs and struggling to breathe through the choking smoke, his face was a mixture of horror and relief. Without a moment's hesitation, he rushed to my side. The intense heat and smoke seemed to drive him on, ignoring the danger as he reached out for me.

Jungkook: Aaira! Are you burnt? Are you hurt?

His voice was laced with panic as he grasped my arms. He quickly began checking me, his hands moving over my body. He was looking for burns or injuries, his eyes scanning my skin for any signs of damage. I could see the worry etched into his face, and as he confirmed that I wasn't seriously hurt, his shoulders relaxed slightly. He pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms enveloping me with a fierce protectiveness.

Jungkook: Aaira, why didn't you leave when the fore was little?

Aaira: Why did you come inside when the fire was mounting ? It's too dangerous!

Jungkook: Because I love you.

Aaira: You shouldn't have come... here.

I was choked with the amount of smoke inside the estate.

Jungkook: You expect me to let you die like this ?

His voice was muffled against my shoulder, and I could feel the tremor in his words. His concern was evident as he held me close, his hands resting on my back and shoulders. I struggled to speak, my voice barely audible over the roar of the fire and my coughing fits.

Aaira: I... I couldn't find a way out... I thought I was trapped.

Tears mingled with the sweat and smoke on my face. I coughed violently, the effort making me clutch him tighter. Jungkook's hold on me only tightened.

Jungkook: We need to get out of here, now. The fire's spreading too quickly. Can you walk?

He helped me to my feet, his arms supporting me as I tried to steady myself. I nodded weakly. The smoke was still thick, and the heat was almost unbearable. He guided me toward the door, his eyes scanning for the safest route through the inferno.

Jungkook: Hold on to me. We're getting out of here together.

We moved towards the door, but the sight that greeted us was devastating-the fire had already engulfed the doorway, blocking our escape route. His face hardened, as he realized we were trapped. He glanced back at me.

Jungkook: We need to find another way out.

The heat was growing unbearable, and the smoke thickened, making it harder to see. The fire's roar seemed to grow louder, its crackling more insistent. He quickly scanned the room, his mind racing as he searched for an alternative route.

I could see people outside finally starting to take action. The fire brigade, using early extinguishing tools and makeshift equipment, began to work on the spreading flames. However, the atmosphere inside the mansion was deteriorating rapidly.

The smoke was so thick that it felt like a living entity, choking the air and making each breath a painful effort. Jungkook's expression grew more frantic as he realized we couldn't stay here any longer. Without another word, he sprinted towards the staircase leading upstairs.

Aaira: Jungkook! Where are you going?

My voice was barely a whisper, choked by the smoke and my increasing fatigue. I tried to follow him, but the heat and smoke made it nearly impossible to move. I sank to my knees, feeling the last of my strength drain away as the smoke enveloped me. Jungkook glanced back for a brief moment, his face a mask of desperation.

Jungkook: Stay here safe if you can, I'll be back in two minutes!

His voice was filled with urgency, but he was already dashing up the stairs before I could protest further. The sight of him disappearing into the thickening smoke was frightening. I watched him go, my vision blurring as the smoke filled my eyes.

As Jungkook ascended the stairs, I could only sit helplessly on the floor. My lungs were burning, each breath was more painful than the last. I could hear the muffled sounds of the fire brigade outside, the horse neighing cause of the fire.

The fire intensely caused pieces of burning debris to fall from the ceiling like a deadly rain. These fiery bits hissed and crackled as they descended, creating an even more dangerous environment.

I instinctively moved away, as I stumbled backward, slipping on the burnt floor as I tried to dodge the falling embers and debris. Each burning piece that landed nearby added to the already thick smoke and unbearable heat.

Aaira: Jungkook!!

I tried to move as quickly as I could, despite my weakened state. Every step was risky because of the falling debris, and the fear made it difficult to move my muscles. With each passing second. I relied completely on Jungkook to find a way out of this chaotic and deadly situation.

My strength was fading. The mansion was becoming a death trap, and the smoke was making it harder to think clearly. I coughed violently, each convulsion shaking my body and making me feel weaker. I struggled to remain conscious. I could hear the distant, frantic calls of the fire brigade, their voices a distant echo as I fought to stay awake.

Just as my consciousness began to slip, a familiar figure came into view through the haze of smoke. Jungkook appeared, his face smeared with soot and sweat. In his hands, he held a wet sheet, which he quickly wrapped around me. His eyes locked with mine for a brief, intense moment, conveying both relief and determination.

Jungkook: Hang on, we're getting out.

He wrapped the wet sheet around us both, the damp fabric offering a slight respite from the intense heat. With a blink of eye, he lifted me into his arms. He moved towards the back door, but as he reached it, he realized the door was locked.

His become frustrated, but he didn't hesitate. He set me down gently on the floor, and with a powerful kick, he struck the door. The force of his kick echoed through the hallway, but the door barely budged.

Jungkook gritted his teeth and kicked again, the door splintering under the force of his efforts. The heat from the fire on the other side intensified, but he continued to strike at the door until it finally gave way, revealing a scene of less intense, but still dangerous, flames beyond.

With the door breached, Jungkook quickly picked me up once more, wrapping the wet sheet tightly around us to shield us from the remaining flames. The fire outside the door was fierce, but it seemed to be more contained than inside the mansion. Jungkook carefully walked in the space, his eyes scanning for any obstacles as he carried me through the smoky corridor.

Finally, we reached a small window on the back door. Jungkook positioned us near it, shielding us with the wet sheet as he worked to force it open. He grunted with effort, using his shoulder to push against the window. The flames roared around us, and the smoke grew denser, but Jungkook was focused.

With one final, forceful push, the window gave way. Jungkook quickly maneuvered us through the opening, his movements precise despite the chaos. He pulled us through and out into the fresh air, the cool night breeze was welcoming.

In a moment, we were outside, away from the clutches of the fire. Jungkook gently laid me down on the grass, his hands trembling as he checked me over for any burns or injuries. The fire brigade was now fully engaged. The crowd of onlookers, once passive, had now become a flurry of activity, helping to manage the fire and attend to the injured.

I began to cough violently, the smoke from the fire still clinging to my lungs even in the fresh air. Each breath was a struggle, and the pain in my chest intensified with every cough. My vision blurred, and I could feel the strength draining from my body.

Jungkook looked at me. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his usual calm figure shattered by the criticality of the situation. His hands trembled as he was still checking my burns and injuries, but his concern deepened when he realized that I was struggling to breathe.

Aaira: I can't... Breathe...

I managed to gasp out between painful coughs, my voice barely audible. Jungkook's panic became palpable as he realized the severity of my condition. He slapped my cheeks gently but repeatedly, trying to rouse me and get me to respond, but my breaths came in small bursts.

Jungkook: Aaira! Stay with me! Please, look at me!

His voice broke. He looked around frantically, searching for any sign of help, but the fire brigade was preoccupied with the blaze, and the crowd seemed too absorbed in their own efforts to notice our plight. Without hesitation, Jungkook took charge. He knew that time was critical, and he needed to act quickly.

His hands were shaking but he moved to position me for CPR. He gently tilted my head back, opening my airway, and began the process with the precision of someone who had once been trained in emergency procedures.

First, he placed his hands on my chest, his fingers interlocking. He pressed down firmly but rhythmically, his hands applying the appropriate pressure to help restore my breathing. Each compression was measured, his movements a desperate attempt to keep my heart pumping and my body oxygenated. He counted out loud.

Jungkook: One, two, three... Come on, Aaira, stay with me... Don't close your eyes.

After a series of chest compressions, he leaned in to give me rescue breaths. He pinched my nose shut, took a deep breath himself, and sealed his lips over mine, breathing into me with controlled, steady breaths.

His face was close to mine, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cold lips. Though my body was burning earlier, but right now it was as cold as eyes cause of.tge lack of breathing. He repeated the process, alternating between compressions and breaths, tears streaming down his face.

Jungkook: Come on, Aaira... Please, don't leave me... Don't give up, I can't live without you...

He continued the CPR. His tears mixed with the sweat on his brow, his hands never faltered, his breaths never wavered, as he fought against the encroaching darkness that threatened to overtake me. As he gave me another breath, I could feel a faint spark of life returning.

My chest rose slightly with each breath he provided. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I began to cough weakly, expelling the remaining smoke from my lungs. My breaths, though still labored, started to become more regular. Jungkook's eyes filled with relief as he saw the signs of life returning to me. He held me close, his tears falling freely now as he continued to hold me, his hands gently stroking my hair.

Jungkook: Aaira... You're awake... Thank God...

The fire brigade finally noticed us and rushed over, their attention now drawn to the miraculous sight of me regaining consciousness. I looked up at Jungkook, grateful and exhausted.

I slowly moved closer to Jungkook. My strength was waning, but my heart was full of love. Despite the pain and exhaustion. Gently, I touched his face, my fingers trembling as I cupped his cheeks. Tears streamed down my face, mingling with his as I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. His eyes, still filled with tears and fear, locked onto mine as I stared at him before closing my eyes, leaning in an affectionate kiss.

The kiss was tender, a silent thank you for everything he had done. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my lips, his own tears falling onto my skin. As our lips parted, I looked into his eyes, the depth of my emotion clear.

Aaira: Allow me to sleep, Jungkook...

My voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it carried the weight of my exhaustion. His eyes widened with panic, and he shook his head vigorously, his hands gripping me as though he were afraid I might disappear.

Jungkook: No, no, no, Aaira, don't...

His voice cracked with each denial, and he hugged me even tighter, cradling me as if he could somehow keep me from slipping away. His embrace was both desperate and protective, he was pleading me to stay awake and stay with him.

His body shook with the intensity, and I could feel the tremors through the embrace. I looked into his eyes, my own growing heavy with exhaustion. I whispered again, my voice barely audible.

Aaira: Please, Jungkook... I should sleep for a while...

Jungkook's head continued to shake, his face etched with worry. He buried his face in my shoulder, his sobs muffled but still audible. His arms were a lifeline, holding me close as if he could anchor me to the world. His cries and the tremors in his body spoke of his fear of losing me, of the depth of his care.

Jungkook: No, Aaira, don't... Please, don't leave me...

His voice was broken, his pleas filled with the raw pain of someone who had fought so hard to save me. I managed a faint smile, my strength fading, and closed my eyes. As the darkness began to close in, I felt Jungkook's body shuddering beneath me, his grief and fear palpable in every movement.

Jungkook: Stay with me, Aaira.

He said, his face was still buried in my shoulder.

Jungkook: I beg you, please don't leave me alone.

The last thing I felt was his love, wrapping around me like a blanket, even as my consciousness began to slip away. Even in the haze of my closing vision, I could see Jungkook's face, tear-streaked and scared, and I knew that his heart was breaking as he held me. The final thought that crossed my mind was, of how much i love him, and how much i wish to live the rest of my life with him and Aimin.

He hugged me tightly, rocking me in his arms as if he could somehow keep me safe from the world and from the shadows that had nearly taken me away. With every last shred of strength and consciousness fading, I found myself whispering a desperate plea to the heavens.

Jungkook: I'm sorry, I'm really very sorry, for everything. I would never ever hurt you again, i would be the best husband, i would stand for you in every situation, just don't leave me, My love.

His apologies were breaking me, I wanted to reach out to him, hold him close and tell him it's okay, I'm not angry with him, anymore. My heart ached with a profound wish for a second chance, a final chance to be with Jungkook and our son. I yearned for the chance to hold them again, to offer them the love and support they needed.

Jungkook: Please, I will beg for your forgiveness, just don't leave me, Aaira !

He kept pleading, I kept chanting to the higher people, to please give me a second chance. I implored the divine, my voice a mere whisper against the roar of the fire and the tears of my beloved. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him alone, my spirit struggling to cling to the hope of a miracle that would keep our family together.

Jungkook: Please, you die, I die.

I clung to the last vestiges of my fading strength. With every ounce of my being, I wished fervently for a chance. My heart ached with the thought of leaving Jungkook in such pain, unable to offer him the comfort and love they needed.

As I fell deeper into the darkness, a heavy rain began to pour from the sky. The relentless downpour pounded against the ground, and I could hear the rumbling of thunder echoing through the stormy night. It felt as if the heavens were mourning alongside Jungkook, each raindrop was a tear from the sky reflecting his pain.

It was as though the sky had become a reflection of our sorrow, weeping for the loss and despair that surrounded us. Its relentless downpour blends with the smoke and ashes. The world around me faded, leaving only the mournful cries of Jungkook.

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"As he begged me to remain conscious, I wanted more than anything to heed his words, but the darkness kept pulling me under."

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