OUR SACRIFICES: BORN TO LOVE YOU

With his heart racing, Josh rushed through his tiny home's front door. With a worried expression on his face, Eric waited for him.

Josh shouted, his voice shaking with rage, "They took her, Eric." "Lily was taken by Caleb's men."

Eric's eyes got bigger. "What? Are you certain?"

Josh displayed the text message that Caleb had sent on his phone.

"Avoid Anna at all costs or your sister will not return safely."

Eric's hands clenched. That jerk. How will we proceed?"

Josh shook his head, pacing the room. "I'm not sure. I have to preserve Lily, but I can't give up on Anna either. Caleb has me cornered."

Josh's phone buzzed once more before Eric could answer it. Caleb was the one.

"Respond to it," Eric said.

After hesitating, Josh hit the call button. "Caleb," he said, attempting to maintain a steady tone.

Caleb's arrogant voice called out, "Josh." "I presume my message has reached you."

"Where is my sister?" Josh growled.

Caleb calmly answered, "She's safe for the time being." However, that is up to you. Keep your distance from Anna, and she will return home tomorrow. Refuse, and let's just say that mishaps occur.

Josh squeezed the phone till his knuckles became white. "You're a coward. Taking advantage of a young girl to achieve your goals?"

Caleb laughed and added, "Call me whatever you like." But you have a choice. Josh, tick tock.

The line died.

Breathing deeply, Josh tossed the phone onto the couch.

"What did he say? Eric inquired.

With bitterness, Josh remarked, "He gave me an ultimatum." "Leave Anna or Lily will suffer harm."

Eric frowned. "You can't trust him, Josh. Even if you agree, there's no guarantee he'll let her go."

Josh nodded, his jaw clenched. "I must therefore locate her on my own."

Anna listened to her parents quarrel in the living room of her family's estate while she sat on the stairway upstairs.

Her mother stated in a shaky voice, "This is getting out of hand." "I don't like Caleb's methods, and he's getting impatient."

"There is nothing we can do," Chief Williams yelled. "This marriage is essential to our industry. We lose everything if Caleb withdraws.

As Anna took in what her father had spoken, her heart fell. Was Caleb the source of their family's whole income?

Her mom let out a sigh. But at what price? Caleb is dangerous, and Anna is miserable.

Her father firmly stated, "We need him, dangerous or not." "No matter what, this marriage will take place."

Anna slipped away in silence, her thoughts racing. The future of her family depended on a guy who would do everything it took to achieve his goals. She was stuck, but she had to keep Caleb from winning.

Josh and Eric met later that evening at their regular location, a dilapidated garage on the outskirts of town.

Eric spread a map out on his car's hood and remarked, "I think I found something."

Josh studied it, leaning over. "What is it?"

Eric clarified, "There's a warehouse on the outskirts of town." It's a property owned by Caleb. It could be there if he's holding Lily somewhere.

Josh nodded, his thoughts whirling. "Then we head over there."

Eric paused. Josh, we are discussing confronting Caleb's soldiers. They are trained and will not think twice about harming us; they are not your typical goons.

Josh's resolve was evident as he looked directly into his friend's eyes. That's my sister, Eric. I will stop at nothing to bring her home.

Eric rubbed the back of his neck and moaned. "All right. But we must have a strategy.

Josh gave a nod. "Then let's think of one."

With her heart racing, Anna slipped out of her bedroom window once more and headed toward the park. She noticed Josh pacing uneasily by their usual bench.

"Josh," she whispered.

His face flushed with relief as he turned. "You shouldn't be here, Anna."

She walked closer and said, "I had to see you." "What's happening?"

Josh paused, then let out a sigh. "He's taken Lily, Caleb."

Anna's horrified eyes grew wide. "What? Why?"

Josh clarified, "He's trying to make me leave you." "He promised to let her go if I avoided you."

As Anna reached for his hand, her heart ached. Josh, I'm solely to blame for this. Had it not been for me, Lily would be secure.

"Don't say that," Josh firmly remarked. You are not at fault for any of this. Caleb is to blame, not you.

As she talked, Anna's voice faltered. Perhaps you ought to accept his offer. If it means protecting Lily—

Josh cut in, shaking his head, "No." "Anna, I won't allow him to rule us. I'll find Lily, and I'll protect you too."

Tears filled Anna's eyes. "This is very risky, Josh. I can't let you go.

Josh cupped her face tenderly. "I won't leave you. I swear.

For a minute, they stood in quiet, clutching one other closely.

Josh's phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting the moment. He pulled it out and saw Caleb's name on the screen.

"It's him," Josh remarked, his voice tight.

"Answer it," Anna implored, grasping his arm.

Josh tapped the call button and raised the phone to his ear.

"Josh," Caleb's voice was cold and deliberate. I believe it's time for us to have a little conversation. in person.

"Where? Josh asked in a steady voice.

"I'll forward the address to you," Caleb said. "Come by yourself. And keep in mind that your sister will suffer the consequences of any amusing activity.

The line died.

Josh's hands tightened as he gazed at the phone.

"What did he say? Anna questioned in a terrified tone.

Josh stated somberly, "He wants to meet." "This is my opportunity to win Lily back."

Anna took hold of his arm. You can't go alone, Josh. It's a trap.

Josh answered, "I have no other option." "Lily is with him."

Anna said, "Be careful," her eyes welling with tears.

Josh nodded, his expression displaying resolve. "Yes, I will. I swear.

Josh's phone buzzed once more, and an address appeared in the message. As he read it, his heart fell. Josh was aware that Caleb was manipulating everything and that his next move may have dire consequences.