OUR SACRIFICES: BORN TO LOVE YOU

Anna treated his side wound tenderly, and Josh winced. Far from Caleb's men, they were in the dusty basement of Eric's family cabin. They were surrounded by the subtle smell of ancient wood and the moist air. Josh bit back a moan of agony as he slumped back against the makeshift bed.

Anna mumbled, "You know, you're not invincible," as she concentrated on her work. Even if her hands shook a little, she persisted, her resolve unwavering.

Josh smiled at her, a little, forced smile. "I could have been duped."

Anna's voice was shaking as she said, "Josh, this isn't funny." "Caleb's preoccupation with control almost killed you. How someone can be so vicious is beyond me.

She stopped in her tracks as he put his hand over hers. "I survived, Anna. Thanks to you and Eric. Don't be hard on yourself for this.

With tears in her eyes, Anna shook her head. "I'm unable to stop it. I see you bleeding there every time I close my eyes. I believed I had lost you.

Josh pulled her into a tender embrace, and his features softened. Whispering into her hair, he said, "You didn't lose me." "I'm not leaving, and I'm still here."

Anna took a small step back, her face solemn. Caleb believes you have passed away. That offers us a small amount of time. How will we proceed? We can't run indefinitely.

Josh let out a sigh and flinched once more as the motion tugged at his wound. "We require a strategy. Something that permanently defeats Caleb.

Anna nodded, her resolve restored. "We'll figure something out. Together.

Despite the discomfort, Josh smiled at her. "With each other. Always.

However, both of their faces became stiff when the distant sound of an automobile engine reverberated outside. Their brief tranquillity would be short-lived.

In the little kitchen of the cabin, Anna paced back and forth. With his laptop open and his fingers flitting across the keyboard, Eric sat at the table going through files. With her arms folded and a worried expression on her face, Mrs Williams leaned against the counter.

With a frustrated tone, Anna stated, "We can't just sit here and wait for Caleb to strike again." "Josh barely made it out alive. What if next time..." She couldn't finish the sentence.

Mrs. Williams sighed. "I understand your fear, Anna, but rushing into something without a solid plan will only worsen things."

"That's why we need to hit Caleb where it hurts," Eric remarked, not glancing up from his screen. We can expose him if we can uncover hard proof of his illicit actions. He won't be allowed to touch any of us once the police are involved.

Anna turned to face him and stopped pacing. "I found some documents in Dad's office before papers linking Caleb's family to something illegal. However, I was pressed for time to do more research.

Mrs. Williams scowled. It's risky to return to that house. If Caleb has any suspicions, your father is already quite upset with you.

"The risks don't matter to me," Anna stated firmly. "I'll locate those documents if they can be of assistance to us. I can't let Caleb's fixation with control continue harming Josh.

Eric gave her a quick look and nodded. "I'll support you. And I'll continue searching through Caleb's digital documents while you do that. Somewhere, he must have left a trail.

Mrs. Williams hesitated, torn between her duty as a mother and her fear of the consequences. Finally, she nodded. "I'll assist if you're committed to doing this. But, Anna, we must be cautious. We're up against more than just Caleb.

With a determined expression on her face, Anna nodded. "With or without caution, I won't give up until we defeat Caleb."

In the cabin, Josh and Anna sat side by side on an old couch, their faces shadowed by the warm glow of a lantern. Although the outside world seemed far away, they were both aware that danger was drawing near.

Ever consider what life may be like if we weren't dealing with all of this? Anna leaned her head against Josh's shoulder and asked in a low voice.

Josh gave a quiet laugh. "I do." All the time. I see us going to the beach, having normal dates, laughing without looking over our shoulders."

Anna smiled sadly. "That sounds perfect. However, now, it seems like a dream we will never realize.

Josh looked at her with a serious expression on his face. Anna, we'll make it. I swear. I'll keep you safe no matter what.

"You've done so much already," Anna replied in a shaky voice. "I don't want to cause you any more pain."

Josh softly cupped her face. Anna, you're worth it. Every battle, every wound... I would relive everything for you.

Their love grew stronger in the middle of the pandemonium as they had a quiet moment together. However, the tranquillity was brief.

The silence was broken by the sound of cars arriving, and Eric rushed into the room, his face white.

Breathlessly, he replied, "Caleb knows." Josh, he's trying to find you. We need to move now."

Chief Williams was standing in his study at the Williams' home, his face black with rage. Mrs. Williams stood close by, her face twisted, and he slammed his fist into the desk.

"You were aware of this, weren't you? He let forth a shout. Behind my back, Anna has been assisting that boy!"

"She is attempting to safeguard a loved one," Mrs Williams quietly retorted. "You can't keep her under control forever."

Everything is being ruined by her! What will Caleb do if he learns of this betrayal, in your opinion?"

Anna entered the room with her chin raised before Mrs Williams could reply.

Her voice was firm as she responded, "I'm not ruining anything." "I can't say enough for you; I'm saving someone I care about."

Angry, Chief Williams' cheeks flushed. "You unappreciative kid! You have only brought disgrace to this family. You are not my daughter if you continue to disobey me.

His words made Anna's heart hurt, but she was not going to back down. "I don't want to be a part of this family if being your daughter means endorsing Caleb and everything he stands for."

"Leave! Chief Williams yelled and gestured to the door. "You are now on your own. When you see how mistaken you are, don't turn around.

Even though Anna's eyes were watering, she turned and left without saying anything more. Mrs. Williams stared helplessly, her heart hurting for her daughter.

Anna and Josh hurried through the dark streets, their valuables packed into a single rucksack. They couldn't stop going, yet they had nowhere to go. With their headlights shining like searchlights into the darkness, Caleb's men were everywhere.

"This way! When someone yelled, Anna froze and tightened her grip on Josh's hand.

They were encircled. With their guns gleaming in the low light, Caleb's soldiers closed in.

With his eyes blazing with defiance, Josh took a protective stance in front of Anna.

"Give her up," he insisted. "Caleb and I are the only ones involved."

Among the males, one grinned. I apologize, lover guy. Caleb wants both of you this time."

Anna's heart hammered as she gazed about, hoping for an escape. However, there was none.

Josh squeezed her hand. "Be near me in any situation."

Anna nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I won't abandon you."

The shadows of the soldiers loomed as they moved closer. Anna's pounding heartbeat was the only sound in the quiet night.