OUR SACRIFICES: BORN TO LOVE YOU

Let out a sigh, exhausted. She reclined in the soft leather seat, staring at the bright lights and the bare-clad dancers before her. Caleb, we've been here for hours. Observing this absurdity. I'm finished. I must go.

Caleb's piercing eyes darkened with frustration as his head jerked abruptly toward her. "Weary? "Born?" he jeered. "Anna, is that what you mean?"

She firmly replied, "Yes," in a tone tinged with defiance.

He stood taller than her, a scowl curling his lips. "You're ungrateful, Anna," he sneered, adjusting his pricey suit. Unappreciative. Are you even aware of the person you are speaking to?

Anna's jaw tensed, but she was not going to give up. "Caleb, I don't give a damn who you are. This isn't who I am. I have no place here.

Caleb chuckled icily, his voice piercing the background noise of the conversation and music. "Anna, you don't belong anywhere. You are worthless without me. If not for my father, do you believe anyone else would dare approach you? I am fortunate to be your fiancé.

Anger flooded her veins, and her hands clenched into fists. She jumped out of her chair and looked up into his patronizing eyes. "Fortunate? To be forced to live with a conceited, pampered brat like you? Caleb Douglas, I would sooner die than get married to you!

The space appeared to freeze. Caleb's smirk vanished as his expression changed to one of horror.

Anna's voice rose as she said, "You heard me." "I don't care what bargain our fathers made; I have no idea. I am not only a pawn in your perverse scheme. I'll never wed you. Never!

Caleb's face contorted into rage. He growled, "Watch your mouth, Anna," and moved closer until their noses met. "You have no idea what you're saying. You are nothing without me!

With her voice shaking but firm, Anna yelled, "And without your father's money, Caleb, you're nothing either."

"Enough!" As his fingers brushed her cheek, Caleb's voice exploded. The noise reverberated around the room, drowning out the surrounding conversation.

Anna's palm flew to her cheek as she staggered back. Her skin ached, yet the fire in her eyes remained unwavering.

Leaning in, Caleb spoke in a low, poisonous voice. Take that as a warning, Anna. Don't try me once more. I have every right to control you because you were sold to me. Keep it in mind.

Her chest heaved with anger and incredulity as she gazed at him. As she said, "You... You're a monster," her voice broke.

Caleb's lips danced in a smile. "And whether you like it or not, you are mine."

He turned abruptly and went away, his footsteps resonating. Anna stood motionless as the heavy door closed behind him, her heart thumping in her chest and her cheek burning from the hit.

Her eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away. She said to herself, "I will never allow him to possess me." "Never."

In the opulent garage of her father's expansive mansion, Anna's vehicle came to a stop. Cold and heartless, the stone walls towered over her like a prison. Tears were streaming silently down her face as she sat behind the wheel, holding on to it tightly.

She had been living under her father's control for years, acting like the ideal daughter. Compliant. Obedient. She believed he cared for her and loved her. She knew better now, though.

To protect his economic empire, he had sold her-and traded her like a commodity. Her fiancé was picked because of Caleb's family's wealth and influence rather than because they were in love or compatible.

After wiping away her tears, Anna got out of the car. Right now, she couldn't allow herself to break. To plot her escape, she had to think carefully.

As she walked into the home, her steps were slow. In the opulent living area, her father sipped whiskey while appearing to be completely carefree.

With a powerful voice, he cried out, "Anna." "Did you have fun with Caleb?"

Her muscles tensed with rage, she came to a halt. "Dad, why did you do that?"

"Do what?" he seemed not to know.

Her voice broke as she yelled, "Sell me to him!" "Are you even interested in me? Regarding what I desire?

Her father put down his glass and sighed. "You're being dramatic, Anna. This is for the family. We shall be secure thanks to Caleb's contacts. You will eventually comprehend.

She cried out, "I'll never understand!" with uncontrollable tears. I'm not a business deal; I'm your daughter! How could you?

He yelled, "Enough!" and suddenly stood up. "You're behaving like a kid. Anna, you need to mature. This is the way the world functions.

"No, Dad," she responded in a shaky but determined voice. This is the way your universe functions. I will no longer participate in it.

Anna turned and hurried out of the room before he could respond.

Anna went briskly along the darkened street, the night air cold against her tear-streaked cheeks. She had no destination, no plan. She was only aware that she couldn't remain in that home, caught up in her father's deceit and manipulation.

After following her heart, she soon found herself outside a modest but comfortable apartment complex. After a moment of hesitation, she inhaled deeply and knocked on the door.

Eric appeared as the door opened, his face softening at the sight of her. "Anna? What's the matter?

She entered without responding, her eyes streaming down her cheeks. He led her to the couch and shut the door behind her.

He sat next to her and said softly, "Tell me." "What took place?"

Anna's voice was no more than a whisper as she drew a trembling breath. "He hit me, Caleb."

Eric's fists clenched as his jaw hardened. "He what?!"

Her voice broke as she said, "And my father." "He is indifferent. As if I were nothing, he sold me to Caleb. As like I don't exist.

Eric took Anna's hand in his and whispered firmly, "You matter, Anna." "I care about you."

Her eyes glinted in the gentle light as she gazed at him. "Eric, I can't do this any longer. I am unable to wed Caleb. I won't.

In a firm voice, he stated simply, "Then don't." Together, we'll figure this out. This is not something you must handle alone.

She felt a ray of optimism as his words around her were like a cosy hug. However, she knew in her heart that the fight ahead would not be simple.

One idea kept repeating in Anna's head as Eric drew her into a consoling embrace: She needed to resist. For herself. For her future. for the opportunity to be liberated.

Caleb, meantime, was pacing his lavish living room at the Douglas home, his rage seething just below the surface.

A wicked smirk formed across his face as he whispered to himself, "She believes she can defy me." "She will eventually find out."

Reaching for his phone, he dialled a call. His voice was forceful and cold when the call connected. I want someone to keep an eye on Anna. I want to know where she goes and what she does. Bring her to me if she crosses the boundary. By coercion, if required.

Caleb's eyes were bright with evil purpose as he hung up. "Anna, you are mine. Additionally, I always obtain what I desire.