OUR SACRIFICES: BORN TO LOVE YOU

The cold air pressed against Josh's skin as he stood in the darkened warehouse. A dim flickering light overhead highlighted Caleb's sneer as his shadow loomed big.

Caleb snarled, his voice brimming with contempt, "So, you came." "I didn't think you'd be brave."

With his fists gripped tightly at his sides, Josh declared, "I'm here to end this." "Release my sister. This is not related to her!"

With a grim laugh, Caleb took a step forward. "Oh, Josh. You're in too much trouble. Do you believe you can defeat me? Are you even aware of who you are interacting with?"

Despite his internal anxiety, Josh shot back, his voice firm, "I don't care who you are." "I'll stop at nothing to keep my sister and Anna safe."

Caleb's face became stern. "This is your final caution. Get out of Anna. Please don't get in my way. Or..." His voice was a poisonous whisper as he leaned closer. "You'll be sorry."

Josh gave him a resolute stare. "You don't scare me."

With a slow clap, Caleb stepped back and added, "Brave words." But you won't be saved by bravery. We will test how long you can endure.

In the meantime, Anna stealthily entered her father's office. The smell of ancient paper and leather permeated the dimly lighted room. Her heart racing, she rummaged through files as she cautiously opened his desk's drawers.

Determined to uncover proof against Caleb, she whispered, "I know there's something here."

A folder named "Caleb Enterprises – Private" caught her finger. Her eyes grew wide as she opened it and looked through the papers. Beneath layers of corporate speak, there were obvious signs of illicit activity, including bribes, money laundering, and possibly connections to organized crime.

With her heart racing she muttered, "This is it."

However, the door burst open before she could snap any photos. With a mask of rage on his face, Chief Williams rushed in.

"Anna! What are you doing, in your opinion?"

Holding the folder to her chest, Anna froze. "I... I was simply...

"Don't make excuses for me! He grabbed the folder out of her hands and barked. "You're researching things that don't interest you."

"I am concerned about them! Anna retorted, her voice faltering. "Dad, you're making me wed a criminal! How can you treat me like this?"

For a moment, Chief Williams' face softened, but he soon covered it with rage. "This marriage is for our family's benefit. We need Caleb, and he is strong. You will eventually comprehend.

Anna's eyes began to well up with tears. "I'll never get why you would sacrifice your daughter's happiness for wealth and influence."

With more determination than ever, she ran out of the office before he could reply.

Eric was bent over his laptop, the screen bright in his tiny apartment's gloom. His fingers danced across the computer as he hacked into Caleb's secret network, his face a mask of concentration.

"Come on, come on," he muttered under his breath.

Finally, a list of sites is displayed on the screen. When he noticed a warehouse on the outskirts of town that was marked "Safehouse," his eyes widened.

"This must be it," he said, dialling Josh's number.

"Eric, did you find her?" Josh's voice was desperate on the other end.

"I think so," Eric said. "There's a warehouse Caleb uses as a safe house. But there's something else..."

"What is it?"

"I discovered documents that connected Caleb's company to human trafficking," Eric stated somberly. "This man is dangerous, not just a bully."

Josh's silence spoke volumes.

"We must act quickly," Eric added. "I'll see you over there."

As Josh and Eric moved closer, remaining low to avoid being noticed, the warehouse was strangely silent. They knew they were in the right place when they heard the faint sound of voices within.

"Are you prepared? Eric muttered while gripping a crowbar.

With his heart racing, Josh nodded. "Let's take action."

They found an open window to crawl through after slinking through the darkness. They saw Lily, Josh's sister, strapped to a chair in the corner inside. The sight of them filled her face with optimism.

Rushing to her side, Josh said, "Lily" "I'm present. I'll get you out.

However, the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated behind them as he worked on the ropes.

Caleb's voice roared, "Well, well," and his men's laughing followed. Josh, I knew you would show up. Did you truly believe you could beat me?"

Josh lifted his fists in front of Lily in a protective stance. "Caleb, let her go. This is private between us.

Caleb waved his guys around them with a sly smile. "Oh, but now you've personalized it. No one gets away with crossing me.

The gloomy room erupted in mayhem as a brawl broke out. Despite their heroic efforts, Josh and Eric were outnumbered. Josh was able to render one of Caleb's men unconscious, but he was seized from behind and knocked to the ground by another.

"Enough! Caleb's voice broke through the din as he yelled. "Grab him."

Josh struggled as the men dragged him away, his eyes locking with Lily's terrified look.

"Hey, Josh! Tears were flowing down her face as she cried.

"Everything will work out! With a voice full of resolve, he called back.

However, the warehouse became quiet as the doors slammed behind him, leaving Lily and Eric by themselves in the dark.

Josh's body ached from the fight when he was slung into a chilly, dark cell. His ears rang with the sound of Caleb's laughter.

From across the bars, Caleb remarked, "Josh, you ought to have listened." "Now you'll see me ruin everything you hold dear."

Josh's head racing, he tightened his hands. Now was not the time to give up. However, how would he get away and keep Lily safe?