OUR SACRIFICES: BORN TO LOVE YOU

Anna paced her bedroom while gripping her phone with shaking hands. Eric had just told her that Caleb had taken Josh hostage. Panic sped through her heart.

Her voice broke as she murmured, "This can't be happening." "I need to take action."

She hurried downstairs without thinking and discovered her mother in the living room. Mrs. Williams was reading calmly when Anna rushed into the room, but she looked up.

With tears running down her cheeks, Anna said, "Mom, I need your help."

"What is it, Anna? What's the matter? Mrs. Williams inquired, startled.

"Caleb's guys have taken Josh. They will injure him! Anna sobbed. "You must take action. Mom, please. The only person who can assist me is you.

Mrs Williams let out a long sigh, her face displaying ambivalence. You are aware that your father will not permit this, Anna. If he discovers—

"Dad doesn't matter to me! Anna cut me off. Josh's life is at risk. I'll go alone if you don't aid me.

Mrs. Williams' eyes softened as she gazed at her daughter. At last, she said, "All right." "I'll assist you. However, we must exercise caution. Your father must not be aware of Caleb's peril.

With a wave of relief, Anna nodded. "Thank you, Mom. Whatever it takes, I'll do it.

Caleb's men had pushed Josh into the wet, dark chamber where he now sat. His face was battered and his hands were tied, but his spirit remained unfazed. Caleb walked inside as the creaking door opened, the faint light illuminating his arrogant smirk.

"Josh, you look awful," Caleb remarked sarcastically. How does realizing that you've lost feel?"

Josh gave him a fierce look. Do you consider this to be a win? You are merely a coward who uses hired thugs and threats to hide.

Caleb's face darkened as he laughed. "Coward? You don't realize what I'm capable of, Josh. This is about Anna, not about you. I own her. She will always be.

Josh spit out, "She doesn't love you." "If you believe you can compel her to marry you, you're insane."

Anger twisted Caleb's face. "Anna has no other option. You don't either. This wouldn't have happened if you had simply avoided me.

Josh's ribs ached, but he straightened. "She will never be yours. Anna will never be yours, no matter what you do.

Leaning closer, Caleb spoke in a threatening whisper. "We'll check on that. You, on the other hand, won't be around to witness much of anything soon."

Near one of Caleb's well-known hangouts, Anna and Mrs Williams were sitting in a parked car. One of his men, a dissatisfied worker, had been located and was eager to speak—for the appropriate amount.

"Mom, are you certain about this? Anna questioned tremblingly.

With a determined expression on her face, Mrs Williams looked at her daughter. "We have no other option. Remain in the vehicle. I'll take care of this.

She went outside and went up to the man, a shabby figure leaning against a wall of bricks. A wad of cash and a few hushed words later, the man nodded and gave her a piece of paper.

Mrs Williams gave Anna the note back in the car. "They're holding him here," she stated. However, there's more. Josh isn't the only person Caleb is after. He has much more sinister plans. We must move quickly.

As Anna read the address, her hands began to shake. "We must leave now."

Mrs. Williams paused. Anna, it's too risky. I'll call for assistance—

Anna insisted, "No." Josh is pressed for time. We must handle this on our own.

Mrs Williams nodded reluctantly. "All right. However, we must exercise caution.

Josh fought against his bonds within the warehouse. Even though the ropes were rough on his wrists, he persisted.

The door suddenly sprang open, and Eric hurried in brandishing a homemade weapon.

"Hey, Josh! Are you okay? Eric yelled and swiftly severed the ropes.

Josh winced as he stood, but he nodded. "I'm all right. Emma?"

Eric reassured him that she was safe. "Let's get you out of here now,"

But as they made their way to the exit, Caleb's men appeared, stopping their path.

One of the men mockingly said, "Looks like you're not going anywhere."

A chaotic fight followed. Eric used his weapon to keep the intruders at bay as Josh battled hard despite his wounds. However, they were outnumbered.

Josh was struck hard in the side and fell to the ground. Even though his vision was blurry, he could hear Eric calling his name.

Josh managed to say, "Run." "Preserve yourself."

"I won't abandon you! Eric retaliated with a roar, repelling another assailant.

Then a car outside screamed to a stop, and Anna and her mother rushed in.

"Hey, Josh! Anna ran to his side and sobbed. Cradling his face, she fell to her knees.

Josh said, "Anna..." in a feeble whisper that was hardly audible.

While Anna put her hands against Josh's wounds, Mrs Williams took out her phone and called for assistance.

With tears in her eyes, Anna pleaded, "Stay with me." "You can't abandon me. Josh, please.

Josh's eyes fluttered closed as his breathing became laboured. Anna cried out his name in a distressed voice.

Mrs. Williams responded hurriedly, "Help is coming," but even she appeared unsure.

With a broken heart, Anna clung to Josh and muttered, "I won't lose you." I promise not to let you leave.

As Anna watched the life fading from the boy she loved, time seemed to slow down despite the distant sirens.