war continues

It is too late for them to understand what Ariana is yelling about as a mysterious figure shoots a gun. Simultaneously, Ariana jumps into the midst of it, and the bullet pierces straight through her chest, with blood gushing from the other side.

"Ariana!" Ethan shouts.

Amidst the commotion, security guards react swiftly, apprehending the shooter before they can cause further harm.

Panic and confusion grip the others who witness this.

Sandra rushes to Ariana's side, attempting to apply pressure to the gunshot wound in a desperate effort to stop the bleeding. Ethan, a mixture of shock and concern in his eyes, kneels beside them, his heart racing.

An ambulance is called, and paramedics arrive promptly. They rush Ariana into the ambulance, fighting to stabilize her condition.

Meanwhile, the officer detains the captured shooter and initiates an investigation into the incident.

"I did this on my own," is what he keeps saying.

Ariana is in the hospital, teetering between life and death.

Etha