The days after Raya's breakdown were nothing short of a nightmare. She could barely function, her mind twisted in paranoia. She felt as if people were always following her, watching her every move. Even simple tasks like going to the bathroom became impossible without fear gripping her heart. Her movements were slow, lethargic, and at times, she became unpredictably aggressive.
A therapist was brought in to help her, but Raya's stubbornness was like an impenetrable wall. No matter how much they tried, the therapist couldn't get through. Raya had always been headstrong, and once she decided on something, it was near impossible to sway her. This, however, was a battle she wasn't winning. Her aunt, Maggie, refused to give up on her. She stuck by Raya's side, caring for her, and trying to coax her into eating, knowing full well that Raya was also battling anorexia. But it was a losing battle. Raya kept saying she didn't need therapy, claiming she was fine when it was evident she was anything but. Arguments often followed when her aunt pushed too hard, with Raya lashing out in anger.
Mr. Luke had gone back to work, but when he returned for a visit, he was horrified to find that Raya hadn't improved. She was still a shell of the person he once knew. He saw the distant look in her eyes, the frailness of her body, and he knew drastic measures were needed.
He pulled Maggie and Cassie aside, telling them to give him some space with Raya. He had an idea, though he wasn't sure if it would work. Once alone with Raya, he decided to push her — not gently, but with words that would sting.
"Why are you running away, Raya?" His voice was harsh, calculated.As he said that Raya stood up to walk away emotionless as ever, "You ran from reality, and now you're running from this too? Like a coward?"
Raya froze. Mr. Luke noticed the slight twitch in her hand. He was getting a reaction, and though he hated being cruel, it was what she needed.
"I thought you were one of the strongest women I've ever known. Clearly, I was wrong. You're weak, easily blown over by the smallest gust of wind. A thin skin, that's all you are." His words were sharp, cutting deep, but they had to be. "You've given up the fight. That's why I made you my secretary, I thought you had fight in you. But look at you — your dad, a supposed to be rundown mental patient, is the one making you lose. And you're letting him. Is he worth it?"
At that, Raya screamed. A raw, agonizing sound that echoed through the house. Maggie and Cassie rushed into the room, only to find Raya on the floor, trembling and screaming uncontrollably. They didn't understand what was happening, but it didn't matter. Together, Mr. Luke, Cassie, and Maggie managed to calm her enough to get her to the bed. Raya was sobbing, her body wracked with emotion, and her aunt and best friend held her tight as if their lives depended on it. They cried with her, the shared grief creating a strange sense of comfort. It was the first time Raya had let herself break after all she had been through.
Mr. Luke stood silently in the corner, watching the scene unfold. He didn't need to say anything more. As Maggie lifted her head, she mouthed a simple "thank you" to him.
Raya had finally begun to release her pain.
After Raya had cried herself into exhaustion, the hospital room grew quiet. Mr. Luke waited in the lobby, his sharp focus divided between work and the thoughts swirling about Raya. His fingers flew over the tablet screen, barely glancing up at the people who passed by. But as always, his presence commanded attention. Several nurses and staff exchanged glances, their hushed whispers and sideways looks directed at the handsome man who seemed oblivious to their admiration.
Despite his outer calm, Luke's mind was on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He noticed some men lingering around the entrance of the hospital. Their movements were off, too calculated, but Luke decided against paying them any more attention. He had bigger concerns—namely, Raya.
As he worked, Aunt Maggie approached and sat beside him. Her presence was a quiet reassurance, though her eyes betrayed the deep worry she carried.
"Luke," she started softly, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. About Raya needing people who won't give up on her. You're right. But I don't know how much longer she can hold on. It's like she's fading, and I don't know how to reach her."
Luke looked up from his tablet, setting it aside. "She's stronger than she realizes. She's been fighting for so long, and I don't think she knows how to let anyone help her. But she's got you, and that counts for a lot. We just need to keep showing up."
Aunt Maggie nodded, her expression a mix of hope and weariness. "I just wish we could do more."
Before Luke could respond, Cassie came rushing towards them, her face pale and her voice panicked. "Have either of you seen Raya?"
Luke and Aunt Maggie exchanged a glance, instantly alarmed. "No," Aunt Maggie replied, her voice trembling slightly. "Why? What happened?"
"I went to the bathroom for just a minute, and when I came back, she was gone! I've searched everywhere, asked the nurses—no one's seen her!"
Panic set in like a storm. Luke, Aunt Maggie, and Cassie scattered, frantically searching every corner of the hospital. They checked waiting rooms, hallways, staircases—every possible place Raya could have gone. But there was no sign of her.
After what felt like an eternity, they reconvened, breathless and more worried than ever. That's when Luke's mind clicked into problem-solving mode. "The CCTV," he said suddenly. "We can check the hospital's security cameras."
"I don't know if they'll let us," Aunt Maggie replied, her voice tight with anxiety.
"They will," Luke said firmly. "I'm a Major shareholder in this hospital."
Without wasting a second, Luke pulled out his phone and called the hospital director. Within minutes, a security guard arrived and led them to the surveillance room. The tension in the air was thick as they watched the footage. After scrolling through several minutes of video, they finally saw her. A man, dressed as a nurse, wheeled an unconscious Raya out of the hospital in a wheelchair.
The room went cold.
Aunt Maggie's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with horror. Cassie's face drained of color, but neither of them looked surprised. Luke didn't miss the way they exchanged glances—glances that told him they knew exactly who was behind this.
Aunt Maggie shook her head. "It's him," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Luke was confused "Who is it?"
Aunt Maggie didn't answer. She didn't need to. The devastation on her face said it all. Cassie looked equally crushed.
"We have to get her back," Luke said without caring to ask who the person was besides he's priority is for Raya to be safe, his voice low but resolute. "We can't wait."
"No police," Aunt Maggie interjected immediately. "We can't risk it. He'll hurt her if we involve the authorities."
Luke frowned but understood. "Fine. But we're not helpless. I have connections—people who can help us find her."
Using his network, Luke quickly tapped into resources to track down Raya's location. Between his tech contacts and digital prowess, it didn't take long before they had a lead—a location where she had been taken. The tension only grew as they approached the dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of town, Luke's black SUV rolling to a stop just outside.
"You're staying in the car," Aunt Maggie insisted, her voice firm but not unkind. "Cassie and I can handle this."
Luke opened his mouth to protest, but Cassie cut him off. "I'm a blackbelt,Mr Luke. I've got this."
Reluctantly, Luke agreed, though every instinct screamed at him to charge in with them. He watched as they slipped into the building, moving quietly and with purpose.
Inside, the air was thick with the stench of dampness and fear. Cassey led the way, her senses heightened as she listened for any sign of movement. Aunt Maggie followed close behind, her heart pounding in her chest.
Then, they heard it—a scream, faint but unmistakable. They followed the sound, creeping closer to a room at the end of the hallway. What they saw when they entered froze them in place.