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.

In the sprawling fields of the farm, under the scorching sun the workers toiled endlessly and tirelessly, their figures blurred by the heat haze as they tended to the land under the scorching rays of the sun.

Josh wiped the sweat from his brow as he paused for a moment, seeking refuge from the oppressive heat.

He emerged from the field, his throat parched and body wary from the day's labour.

Seeking refuge from the relentless heat, he settled beneath the shade of a gnarled tree, the cool earth and a welcome respite against his heated skin.

As he leaned against the weathered fence post relishing the cool relief of the break, the soft sound of sobs broke the stillness of the moment.

Startled, his eyes snapped open as he stared around wondering who was crying. Then he saw her.

He felt his heart clench for no apparent reason, for reasons he couldn't describe but he knew he couldn't bear to see her cry nor sad, all he wanted was her happy face, the happy expression he seemed to have fallen for.

The way her lips curled whenever she smiles, her big round eyes. Everything about her was worth dying for, so much that he felt irresponsible seeing her tears.

Taking a deep breath, he gently approached her hoping he could take her sorrow away. As a friend or whatsoever emotions were budding within him .

All he knew was, she saw and treated him as a friend, she never for once looked down on him for his lowly position, the current situation was better than ruining it with his stupid confession. Just friends. Being just friends is totally okay with him.

There she sat with her shoulders slumped and the obvious heavy cloud which seemed to hang over her usually bright demeanor, her face was etched with frustration, her fingers idly tracing patterns in the dusty earth.

"Hey there Anna, you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders". He greeted jokingly as he stood before her , his weathered face creased with concern as he tried lifting her mood and it worked instantly.

Startled, Anna jolted out of her reverie only to come into contact with Josh's face and she could swear her heart skipped a beat.

She let out a grunt, disappointed at herself. She had promised not to cry but here she was , she didn't only cry but also got caught by him in the process.

She immediately wiped her tears and managed a small fake smile which only made her feel like crying more and more.

She felt like jumping into his embrace to cry out her heart and let go of all her emotions but what if he denied after all it was nothing but a one-sided affection, he might not have the same feelings as her. He saw her as a friend only.

"Now I understand when they say the rich also cry, I can have everything I want except him. My life is really pathetic, being forced into an arranged marriage then falling in love for someone who might never look at me the same ". Anna sighed despondently under her breath.

"Josh . .". She turned to face Josh who had already taken his seat beside her . "Can . .can I have a hug?"

Josh was caught off guard by her words and was absentminded for a while before pulling her into his embrace.

"What's troubling you?". He questioned as he caress he back gently.

Anna didn't reply, she just sniffled the forthcoming tears and snuggled further into his embrace.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it". Josh smiled taking the hint.

"Well, how about I show you round the ranch, I promise your sour mood will be gone in an instant". Josh suggested gesturing towards the sprawling fields and grazing animals beyond upon seeing her still distressed and sad face so he might as well offer her a source of distraction.

He felt a bit awkward as she didn't reply but only hugged him tighter.

"We got some pretty amazing cows and horses around here and I bet spending some time with them will lift your spirits".

"Are you sure?". Anna asked rhetorically as her eyes lit up with interest, at least she would be free and happy for a while and be away from the conflicting emotions.

"Don't you trust me ?".

"Of course I do, sure". She answered cutely and they both burst into a round of laughter.

He held her arms as he led her through the pasture gates and into the heart of the ranch where the cows grazed lazily in the shade of a towering oak tree.

The air was filled with the sounds of contented munching and the occasional whinny as they made their way toward the grazing cows.

"These are our dairy cows," Josh explained, gesturing toward the gentle creatures as they grazed peacefully in the late afternoon sunlight. "That big one over there is Bessie – she's the matriarch of the herd. And see that one with the white spot on her forehead? That's Daisy – she's always the first one to the feed trough."

Anna listened intently, her eyes shining with fascination as Josh continued to point out each cow by name and share little anecdotes about their habits and personalities. With each step, her spirits lifted, and a sense of calm washed over her.

As they wandered further into the ranch, Josh led Anna to the stables where the horses were housed. The sight of the magnificent creatures brought a smile to Anna's face as she watched them trot and play in the paddock.

"Meet Thunder," Josh said, patting the sturdy chestnut horse on the neck as Anna approached . "He's our fastest runner and the friendliest horse you'll ever meet. And over there is Luna – she's got a bit of a mischievous streak, but she's got a heart of gold."

Anna laughed, her heart light with joy as she listened to Josh's stories about each horse and their unique personalities. The cares and worries that had weighed her down earlier seemed to melt away in the presence of these beautiful animals and she suddenly felt light and free of the burden weighing her.

As they both wandered arms in arms around the ranch she found herself captivated by his attractive face again. He was just so perfect, each and every contour was in the perfect place.

She was so lost in admiring him that she tripped over, pulling him down too in the process since they were both holding arms.

She tripped and fell into the muddy floor in an old fashioned manner and Josh followed suit , tripping and landing on her .

Anna let out a gasp, it wasn't for the fact that his huge weight was on her wholly but for the fact they were so close that their lips brushed against each other gently.

Time seems to have suddenly stopped for a while as they were rooted in the same spot, bewildered and astonished then Josh's rationality immediately washed over.

He immediately jumped off her and pulled her up from the floor, then turning his back to her as he blushed fiercely, he couldn't get what just transpired out of his mind and Anna wasn't having it easy either.

Her face was now a shade of crimson red as she stood behind him awkwardly lost in thought.

"Err . .". Josh scratched his head obviously awkward. "I think . ."

Anna immediately took her chance and interrupted him mid sentence. "Aren't you curious about why I was all alone, crying".

That seems to ease the awkwardness as Josh turn around swiftly, curiously eyeing her.

"Well, I thought you didn't want to . ."

"That was earlier". Anna took a deep breath and sat down on the rock nearby patting the space beside her, indicating for him to join her which he did with no hesitation.

"Actually, my father's forcing me to marry someone I don't like and I hate that he doesn't even understand me or try to even for once".

"All my life , you know I've been living under his control, my whole life has been under his palm. He controls everything I do but can't he just understand me for once, he's so fixated on getting me married to him".

"It must hurt so much, having your life been dictated". Josh croaked out after a moment of eerie silence ensued between them.

"I know that it's common, marriage of convenience is much more common in this era but . . Have you tried explaining to him.

"He so fixated on getting me married to Caleb either dead or alive. You know perhaps I would have agreed after going against him for a while, I'm such an obedient and understanding child".

"But this time, I just wanna stand up for myself for once. To fight for what I want. I have someone I love so much and would never sacrifice myself like that . ."

"You're in love with someone else?". Josh asked, suddenly nervous and uncomfortable, he wiped his clammy hands on his clothes ready to get his heart shattered upon her answer.

"It's a one-sided stuff". She muttered under her breath but her answer was still very much audible in the silence.

"Josh, I don't know how this happened nor when it did. I just know that I have this feeling for you, the overwhelming feeling I can't understand and I want to spend the rest of my lifetime with you". Anna finally blurted out, fidgeting in her seat .

"Wait . .". Josh paused unable to believe his ears. "Me , you love me ?". He scoffed and gave his shadow a self deprecating smile.

"You know, you don't have to feel the same. I just thought to let you be aware of my feelings for you". Anna immediately stood up feeling awkward.

"Wait, you truly love me ?". Josh grabbed her by the arm and turned her around to face him and Anna nodded in response.

"OMG". Josh palmed his face. " Anna, you know not how much I am so in love with you, I love you so much. I thought it was one-sided so I never bothered telling you".

He helped her hand and positioned it on his chest, his heart precisely.

"Can you fell the beating of my heart, can you tell how excited I am ".

"I love you so much". He added and slammed his lips against hers, gently at first and then so ever passionately that he almost sucked the life out if her and she responded with equal vigor fueled by months of unspoken desires and longing.

The clung onto each other like a magnet as they relished each other with reckless abandon.

But their passionate embrace was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Startled, they broke apart, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment as Anna's mother, Mrs. Williams, appeared in the doorway, her expression a mixture of shock and disapproval.

"Anna !" Mrs. Williams exclaimed, her voice tinged with dismay as she took in the scene before her. "What on earth do you think you're doing?"

Anna's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to find the words to explain, but before she could speak, her mother turned her gaze to Josh who was worried sick, her eyes narrowing in suspicion before returning back to Anna in embarrassment and disapproval.

Embarrassed and lost of words, Anna rushed past her mother running into the house leaving her mother alone with Josh who was so nervous that his vein popped out.

Mrs Williams sat on the rock Anna was seated on earlier then she turned to face Josh who was staring everywhere except her face.

"You love my daughter and you know she loves you too right". She began with no hesitation and Josh nodded positively in response.

"I won't beat around the bush Josh, you should also know of the arranged marriage right". She said and without waiting to hear his answers she continued.

"My husband is bent on getting her married so that means you don't stand a chance . .

"I do". Josh interrupted curtly. "Actually you do know that I love her and vice versa, on one hand you're happy that your daughter has found true love but on the other hand you're nervous and worried that our love stands no chance in this treacherous water".

"You've just read my mind so perfectly". She sighed. "I want the best for my daughter, I want her to be happy, to live a fulfilled and happy life but this arranged marriage. Trust me I've done everything in my power to convince my husband but now I'm starting to give up, he doesn't plan on giving in at all".

"I don't know if perhaps I'm being naive but I know love is the strongest bond in this world and in love there is no impossibilities, all things are possible. I know that eventually one day , Chief will eventually give up on forcing Anna to marry Caleb when he finds out that we won't also give in to him".

"I hope so ". Mrs Williams sniffed

"I don't hope so, I know so ". Josh corrected. "Because I'll make it happen, she'll marry no one else but me ".