Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

She had been gone for a whole day and night. If the ship had docked overnight, it must have already departed by now. Out at sea, there was no signal.

Ivy, holding onto a sliver of hope, decided to call him. To her surprise, the call went through.

"Hello?" Frank's familiar voice came through. At that moment, Ivy almost burst into tears. Though they had only spent a month together, he had left an indelible mark on her heart.

"It's me," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Frank immediately recognized her voice and grew anxious.

"Ivy, is that you?" Since she left, Frank had felt like his soul had traveled with her. He had dreamed of hearing from her, just to know she was safe. He never expected her to call so soon.

"Yes, Frank. Can you come get me?" she pleaded. At that moment, she couldn't think of anyone else to call.

"What happened? Tell me slowly," Frank urged, his concern evident.

"After arriving in Lorvale, I planned to hire a car to return, but I accidentally got into an illegal one. I almost got sold by human traffickers. Luckily, I realized their intentions and managed to escape last night. But now I'm hurt."

"How could this happen! Ivy, where are you? Are you safe?"

"For now, I'm safe. An elderly woman in the mountains took me in, but I'm too scared to go outside alone."

"Give me the address and keep your phone on. I'll come find you right away," Frank said, his urgency palpable.

He knew all too well how serious human trafficking could be, especially for young women traveling alone. He was just grateful the ship had stayed an extra day; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to take Ivy's call.

"I'll ask the old woman," Ivy said. The phone she held was an old-fashioned model, incapable of sending a location.

a detailed address, even down to the name of the mountain at its base. After all, how could anyone not worry for a young girl in such a

on my way. Don't be afraid," Frank reassured her

fear eased slightly. Frank wasn't some wealthy CEO, but he gave her a sense of security she had never

perfect, while she saw herself as ordinary. Her insecurities consumed her, and in

calling him. She wanted

times before it

made myself clear? We're over. Stop bothering me. I'm busy and don't have

I was almost

finish, the

New Year's Eve, when they had listened to the chimes in the square together. He had even bought her a balloon, saying that

Ivy's cheek. The tenderness he once showed

thinking about your family?" the

us for the complete experience all for free. The

"We're coming in!"

froze. She would never forget those voices. Her face turned pale

traffickers! Please, help me!"

deal with them," the elderly woman said calmly, showing

didn't hesitate. She lay flat on the floor

as she hid, the door swung open, and the two men barged in as

mud. They had clearly been searching for her all night. She covered her mouth

Ivy knew the consequences would be worse

in

Old lady, have you seen a young woman around

young woman? I'm