Cherreads

Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: The Ticking Clock

Night covered the hospital like a dark blanket.

Most patients were asleep.

Hallways were quiet.

But outside—

A black van stood near the emergency entrance.

Two men stepped out.

One carried a heavy black bag.

Inside the bag—

A bomb.

The red timer blinked.

00:14:59

"Plant it in the parking level," one man whispered.

"Adrian wants chaos."

The other nodded.

"No mistakes."

Inside the Hospital

Ayesha rested on the bed.

Zayn sat beside her.

Holding her hand.

"You should sleep," she said softly.

"I will," he replied.

"But only after you do."

She smiled.

"Stubborn."

But suddenly—

Ryan burst into the room.

"Zayn! We have a problem."

Zayn stood up immediately.

"What happened?"

Ryan showed him his phone.

Hospital security footage.

Two suspicious men.

Carrying a bag.

"They're not visitors," Ryan said.

Zayn's expression darkened.

"Adrian."

The Search

Zayn and Ryan ran through the hallway.

Security guards followed.

They checked cameras.

Parking level.

The black bag was visible on the screen.

Ryan zoomed in.

And froze.

"Wait…"

The timer was visible.

00:06:32

Zayn's heart skipped.

"A bomb," he whispered.

Panic

Zayn turned to Ryan.

"Evacuate everyone."

"What about Ayesha?" Ryan asked.

Zayn didn't hesitate.

"I'll get her."

He ran.

Fast.

Every second mattered.

Ayesha's Fear

Zayn burst into the room.

"Ayesha, we need to go. Now."

She looked confused.

"What's wrong?"

"No time," he said.

He lifted her carefully.

But suddenly—

The hospital lights went out.

Darkness filled the room.

The emergency alarm screamed.

Ryan shouted through the radio—

"Zayn! The bomb timer is at 00:01:10!"

Zayn froze in the dark hallway.

Carrying Ayesha.

And the exit was still far away.

More Chapters