Stars danced before Nicole's eyes, and her head spun. For a brief moment, her thoughts were blank. Even though she had been optimistic, deep down, Nicole wasn't sure if the plan would work. The worst-case scenario was that they would both die.

Luckily, they had pulled through. They had made it out alive.

Even though the man had shifted, he kept hold of Nicole's hand.

Exhausted from the ordeal, Nicole wasn't concerned with small details.

She was simply exhilarated that they had both made it.

Lying there, still clutching the man's hand, Nicole lifted it in victory. "We made it!" The happiness was deep and genuine, like victors in a tough battle.

Just then, the wail of an ambulance pierced the air.

Rescue had arrived.

The truck up ahead had secured assistance and called an ambulance as soon as possible.

The medical team arrived, quickly placing Nicole on one stretcher and the man on another.

Nicole felt a surge of joy, and as she was being whisked away in the ambulance, she turned to look at the man, intending to thank him once more.

At that moment, she caught a clear view of the man's face, now cleaned. She noticed his distinct eyebrows, dark eyes, and thin Lips.

It was none other than Jarrod!

Suddenly, Nicole's words of gratitude choked in her throat. How could it be him? How could this be... A vast wave of despair washed over her. It was such a cruel joke. She had unwittingly saved her own enemy... She cursed silently. It felt like a harsh prank from fate.

Simultaneously, Jarrod realized Nicole had recognized him. Severely injured and struggling after inhaling smoke, he was unable to speak.

His dark eyes met Nicole's, filled with a mix of emotions he had never experienced before.

He was even more stunned and confused than Nicole. He understood that Nicole had not recognized him earlier and just tried to save him.

She had persisted and even risked her own life to save a stranger in her eyes. How could someone be so selflessly foolish...

The ambulance doors shut, severing their view of each other.

Nicole felt overwhelmed by the harshness of reality. Why was Jarrod here? Why did he come to rescue her? Why did she end up saving Jarrod? She could not grasp any of it and lacked the energy to think further. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep...