Playing with my Heart

Chapter 5

Glass shattered, plates crashed to the floor, and chaos exploded across the restaurant. In a split second, Daniel pulled his mother and Clara toward him, pushing them under the table. His arms wrapped around them protectively while Elena stood frozen in disbelief.

The bullet tore through the glass window, slicing past her shoulder before embedding itself in the wall behind her. Gasps and screams filled the room as guests dropped to the ground, seeking shelter beneath tables and behind chairs.

Elena’s heart pounded so fast she could barely breathe. She stood there trembling, unable to move, her eyes fixed on her husband. He didn’t even look her way. His body was hunched over his mother and Clara, shielding them completely.

She blinked through tears as confusion flooded her mind. How could he instinctively protect them and not her? His wife.

Within seconds, uniformed security guards stormed the restaurant.

“Everyone stay calm,” one shouted. “Stay down, please. We’re handling it.”

A man rushed toward Elena. “Are you okay, Mrs. Daniel?” he asked quickly, scanning her for injuries.

She didn’t answer. Her voice failed her. She could only stare at Daniel who was still crouched with his arms around the two women.

When he finally looked up and saw her, guilt flickered across his face. He started to get up, but before he could reach her, a sharp cry broke through the noise.

“Oh no, my foot hurts,” Clara whimpered, holding her ankle.

Daniel turned immediately. “Clara, what happened?”

“I think I hurt it while trying to hide,” she said, her voice trembling.

Mrs. Charles grabbed her arm. “Oh dear, are you bleeding?”

Daniel knelt beside her, his hands gently supporting her leg. “Don’t move, don’t move,” he said softly. “You’ll be fine.”

He pulled out his phone. “Hello, this is Daniel Charles. I need an ambulance immediately at the Silver Crest Hotel restaurant. My friend is injured. Please hurry.”

Elena stood there watching, her heart sinking deeper with every word. He didn’t even check on her. His concern, his touch, his attention — all went to Clara.

When the ambulance finally arrived, Daniel helped Clara to her feet, still holding her protectively. He stayed close as the medics guided her out, murmuring reassurances.

Before stepping into the vehicle, he turned back to Elena, his tone hurried. “Go home, baby. I’ll meet you soon, alright? I love you.” He placed a quick kiss on her cheek, his hand brushing her arm as though that single gesture could erase everything.

Then he turned away.

Elena stood there as the ambulance doors closed and drove off, her reflection glimmering faintly in the shattered glass window.

Around her, the restaurant was a mess of broken dishes, frightened voices, and flashing security lights. But all she could feel was the ache in her chest — heavy, hollow, and growing colder by the minute.

She had never felt more alone.