Staring at the blank sheet of paper in front of him, Josh sat at his little wooden desk. As he contemplated what to write, the pen trembled a little. His mind whirled, weighed down by the dangers of facing Chief Williams.
"How will he ever take me seriously if I don't do this? Josh shook his head and said something beneath his breath. Struggling to find the bravery, he tapped the pen against the desk.
At last, he started writing:
"Dear Chief Williams, I know you think I'm not worthy of Anna. But my love for her is real. I promise to work harder than anyone to give her the life she deserves…"
Josh paused and let out a sigh as his shoulders drooped.
"This is insufficient," he declared, tearing up the paper and throwing it away. Suppose he doesn't even read it."
Lily, his younger sister, peered in as the door cracked open. Why are you chatting to yourself, Josh?"
Josh hastily concealed the rumpled note beneath a book. "Nothing', Lily. Get into bed.
Lily mocked, pointing out her tongue, "You're always working on something secret," and skipped off.
Josh reclined in his chair and gazed up at the ceiling. "What am I doing?"
Heart racing, Anna crawled down the trellis gently and slipped out of her bedroom window. Josh was waiting for her at the park, so she landed gently on the grass and started walking there.
Josh was standing next to a bench with his arms crossed and appeared to be thinking deeply when she came.
Anna softly shouted out, "Josh."
With a swift spin, his expression brightened. "Anna! You succeeded.
"I had to," Anna replied in a quivering voice. "I was unable to remain silent any longer."
Josh drew her into an embrace, and they just held each other for a while.
Anna drew back, concern shining in her eyes. "Caleb threatened you today, Josh."
Josh's face grew serious. "What did he say?"
Anna whispered, her voice breaking, "He threatened to hurt you if I didn't follow through on the engagement." "I must not allow him to do that."
Josh firmly grasped her hands. "Listen to me, Anna. Neither Caleb nor anybody else frightens me. Together, we will confront this.
With tears running down her cheeks, Anna shook her head. What if something were to happen to you, though? Josh, I couldn't take it.
Josh used his thumb to wipe away her tears. "I shall not be harmed. I refuse to allow him to intimidate us into quitting. Anna, you are worth every battle.
Anna glanced at him, her lips quivering. Josh, you have my undying affection. I do."
Josh leaned over and kissed her forehead tenderly. "And I love you too. We'll get through this."
In the shadows, two men in black suits watched the pair closely from a parked car nearby.
"Is that the guy? One of them pointed at Josh and asked.
The other gave a nod. Yes, that is him. Caleb requests that we watch them closely to ensure they don't become overly at ease.
Josh looked over his shoulder as his instincts took over. His eyes narrowed when he saw the car.
He took her hand and said, "Anna." "They are observing us."
With a gasp, Anna followed his eyes. "How do we proceed?"
Josh took a brief look around. "We must depart immediately, but we will behave normally."
Hand in hand, they strode quickly toward the park's border and the woods. Slowly, the men in the car started the engine and proceeded to follow.
"Go! Josh fiercely whispered.
The headlights of the car highlighted the trail behind them as they sped into the forest. The men were pursuing them on foot, and the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated.
They squatted behind a big tree in a clearing after Josh guided Anna down a narrow trail.
Josh held Anna tight and said, "Shh," as they both gasped for air.
The sound of footsteps increased and suddenly ceased.
"Where did they go? One man inquired.
They couldn't have travelled very far. Let's continue our search.
As they got farther away, the men's voices grew softer.
Josh gazed at Anna and let out a sigh of relief. "Are you alright?"
Despite her dull face, Anna nodded. Josh, this is so much larger than us. What if we're endangering everyone?"
Josh squeezed her hand. "We'll work it out," I swear.
Anna slipped back into the home, startled by the crash of the front door.
"ANNA! Chief Williams' voice reverberated across the corridors as he yelled.
With a wave of guilt, Anna froze. With a worried expression on her face, her mother emerged into the hallway.
"He knows, Anna," she muttered.
Red with rage, Chief Williams raced into the room. "Where did you go?"
"I…" Anna stumbled, unwilling to look him in the eye.
"Did you not go with the boy? He spat. "Anna, I told you. You're not allowed to see him!"
Anna started to say, "Father, please," but he interrupted.
"No! You've sufficiently shamed this family. You won't leave this house again unless I give the order. Can you hear me?"
Anna's heart fell. "I can't be imprisoned indefinitely."
Chief Williams spoke icily and menacingly as he leaned closer. "Observe me."
With tears running down her cheeks, Anna ran to her chamber. She sobbed onto her pillow as she fell onto her bed after slamming the door.
After a gentle knock, her mother went inside. "I tried to talk sense into his head, Anna, but he's obstinate."
Anna's eyes were puffy and red as she sat up. "Mother, I can't live like this. I must defend myself.
Sitting next to her, her mother sighed. "Watch out, Anna. This is a risky game.
Caleb's soldiers stood in front of him in a darkened room, their features stiff.
One of the soldiers looked down and said, "We lost them tonight."
Caleb's mouth clenched. "You're worthless," he yelled. "However, I know how to deal with this."
He presented them with a picture of Josh's younger sister, Lily. Bring her to me. Let's witness Josh's true bravery when his family is in danger.
After giving a nod, the men departed the room.
Swirling a glass of wine in his hand, Caleb grinned. "Let's see if love can survive this."
Lily joyfully skips along the pavement, oblivious to the shadowy car that is slowly approaching from behind.