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.

kindly gave Ivy a detailed address, even down to the name of the mountain at its

be afraid," Frank reassured her before

CEO, but he gave her a sense of security

worried he might leave her. He was perfect, while she saw herself as ordinary. Her insecurities consumed her, and in

Ivy suddenly felt like calling him. She wanted to know

few times before it was picked up. "Hello?"

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

was almost

she could finish, the line

at the phone, a bitter smile forming on her lips. She thought back to New Year's Eve, when they had listened to the chimes in the square together. He had even bought her a balloon, saying that no matter where she went, he

its way down Ivy's cheek. The tenderness

Are you thinking about your family?"

complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting

"We're coming in!"

froze. She would never forget those

Please, help me!" Ivy begged

deal with them," the elderly woman said calmly, showing no intention of giving

lay flat on the floor and slid under the

door swung open, and the two men barged

saw their shoes caked in mud. They had clearly been

her this time, Ivy knew the consequences would be worse

Why are you in my

someone does live here. We were wondering. Old lady, have you seen a young woman around here? About twenty, wearing black clothes," one of the men asked

I'm half-blind anyway. I haven't