224: HERE FOR YOU LUKE’S POV And the face was familiar–so familiar that it took me a moment to register who it was. And then it hit me—it was Ariel’s daughter, my daughter, Janice. My heart sank as I saw her in such a vulnerable state–her hands tied, her hair messy, and a look of fear in her eyes. I couldn’t believe that she was in this situation, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt for not being there to protect her the whole time. Seeing her like this broke my heart, and I knew I had to do everything in my power to keep her safe. Quite horrific! They pushed Janice to the ground with a force that made her land with a loud thud. But my shock quickly turned to anger as I saw her struggle to stand up. Yes, indeed, her legs and hands were tied. The sight of her helplessness fueled a rage within me, as I wanted to break free and confront those responsible for her suffering. It was a feeling of intense anger and frustration, knowing that I couldn’t do anything to help Janice at that moment. But it only made me more determined to find a way to rescue her and put an end to her torment. As the scumbags mocked Janice and 1, jeering at our vulnerability, my blood ran red with rage. I longed to unleash my fury and show them the consequences of underestimating us. However, I was forced to restrain myself because my hands were tied, and it was just fucked up. It was a frustrating and infuriating feeling to know that these idiots would be getting away with their cruel actions. But I refused to let their taunts and laughter break me. I knew I was going to find a way out of this goddamn place, and I was going to take Janice along with me. “What are we going to do with them?” I heard one of the people say: “We won’t do anything yet. We’ll wait for the boss to arrive before proceeding.” “So we’re just going to leave them like this?” “Do you want to let them go?” “No, that’s not what I meant.” “Just shut up and leave.” They left the room. The lights were turned on after that.” I could hear Janice breathing heavily, and I leisurely moved in her direction. The place might be dark, but at least I knew her spot. “Are you alright?” I asked, getting closer to the little one. The moment I touched her, she trembled. I felt so sorry for her. I could imagine how she had been living in this misery for one good year, thinking about her family. She wished that she could be reunited with her mother. I’d try my very best to get the both of us out of here. If not me, then her. She was just a little child. She had nothing to do with this. Why did people have to be so heartless? “Janice,” I called her name softly. “Janice, you can hear me, right?” 7 224: HERE FOR YOU 273 She didn’t say anything, but instead, she shed tears. It was a painful thing, I didn’t want her to continue to live in this darkness. If it were possible, I’d sacrifice my life just to get her to safety and give her freedom. ARIEL’S POV I was still reading the text that had been sent to me. My eyes were fixed on nothing but the screen, and I read this message over and over. “What’s that, Ariel? Anything wrong?” Andre questioned me. I looked at him and showed him the screen. “We have your daughter. If you want her back, you’ll have to do what we say. If you’re ready, reply yes to this message.” Andre sent the message out. He looked at me. “Who do you think sent this?” “It’s obviously Mason,” I replied, taking my phone from him. “Mason? Are you sure about that?” “Yes. He’s up to something now. But I don’t give a fuck. I’m going to do what he says.” “What if you get killed?” “Then we’ll leave things like that. I’d gladly accept death while trying to save my daughter. My son died; I won’t let the same happen to his sister. So, I’ll do anything in my power–anything I can–to save her. I might be wounded or killed, but Janice’s safety is all that matters. And if God says I’m going to win this one, I’m going to win it.” Andre nodded, simply staring at me. “I like your boldness. I’m with you on this one. If we die, then so be it.” I smiled at him. “Thanks for the support, André. You’re really a true friend.” “Anything for you, Ariel. You’re a wonderful and amazing friend. I’ll risk my life trying to save yours. And I don’t care if I die in the process.” I kept on smiling at him. “What are we waiting for? Shall we?” “Go ahead, reply to that text. We have to brace ourselves for anything that’s going to happen. But I promise you that I’ll be by your side, and I hope we come out victorious.” Relishing his words, I hugged him. This was really nice. LUKE’S POV “It’s okay, Janice. You don’t have to cry; you don’t have to be afraid.” I tried to comfort Janice. I was now close to her. Hearing her cry was hurting me really hard. It had me not feeling good one bit. She was my blood, and I couldn’t stand to see her in this situation. “It seems like you don’t know what I’ve been facing these days. I miss my mom; I miss everyone.” 224: HERE FOR YOU 3/3 I sighed. “Yes, your mom misses you too. She worries day and night about you. She loves you so much. 31 “I know that. But why hasn’t she come to take me out of here?” “Because she doesn’t know where you are. But don’t worry; things will be back to normal any moment from now on. You will return to your loved ones, and your life will be just how it used to be.” “It can’t. Lukel isn’t here anymore. Life can never be that interesting without him,” she said, her tone filled with sadness. And by mentioning Lukel, I took my gaze down. It was really sad. The door opened, and the lights were turned on immediately. The person who had shown up was Mason, the psychopath who was talking sh*t the last time we met. Now, what the hell was he doing here? Don’t tell me he had something to do with this kidnapping. “Luke Reynold, it’s actually surprising to see you here,” he said, stepping forward. “I feel so sorry for you.“! “So you’re behind everything, huh?” He placed his hand on his chest, opening his mouth wide and letting out a gasp. “Oh my god, what are you talking about?” “Stop acting like a clown; what are you doing here?” “Uncle Mason has been treating me badly; he’s a bad man,” Janice vocalized. I glared at Mason right away. “So, is the kid lying?” “Oh, shut up. I’m not scared of you.” He brought out a gun and pointed it at me.
