Chapter 18: Desperate Trails

The sun had just started to peek over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the room, as Alex and I enjoyed a peaceful morning together. We were still wrapped in each other's arms, basking in the warmth of our love when a sudden shrill ringtone shattered the tranquility. I reached over to the nightstand and glanced at the screen, only to be met with a number I didn't recognize.

With a furrowed brow, I hesitantly answered the call. "Hello?" I said, my voice tinged with caution.

A deep, raspy voice on the other end responded, sending a chill down my spine. "I hope you're enjoying your little romance, Andrea. But let me remind you that your happiness is fleeting. If you ever want to see your friend Sarah again, you better listen carefully."

My heart skipped a beat, and my body went cold. Sarah had been kidnapped, and the voice on the other end made it clear that it was orchestrated by none other than Mr. Smith, the powerful and dangerous man who had been pursuing Alex and me.

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