Chapter 11

As Stellan read Celine's message, his head spun, and he barely managed to keep hold of his phone. He barely registered his friends asking him what was wrong. His hands trembled as he kept calling Celine, again and again. Each time, the automated voice replied, "We're sorry, the number you've dialed is currently unavailable..." Stellan couldn't make sense of it. Celine had told him that she was only picking up an engagement gift. He couldn't understand why she would suddenly send a message like this. Right then, his phone rang. He instantly answered it, his voice unsteady. "Celine! Is that you? Where are you? I'll come get you." The driver's voice was choked with tears. "M-Mr. Layman… Bad news! Ms. Maynard's workshop… It exploded…" Stellan's mind went blank. His body froze up, his ears ringing with a hollow, deafening roar. He could hear nothing except that endless, crushing noise. His voice came out faint, yet rough like gravel. "What did you just say? Say that again..." "Ms. M