Arianna sat on a bench with her head lowered, her hair covering her face. The tears didn't stop coming no matter how hard she tried. Soon, a car pulled in front of her and some men came down, but her eyes remained on the ground.
"Hey, you!" He said in a menacing tone. Arianna wiped her tears and lifted her head to meet his wicked gaze. She saw three more men behind him. Who were they?
"Why are you crying lady? Come, let's drop you home" the man said like he was imitating someone. Fear sank into Arianna's heart. She didn't know why but it just came.
"Get her in the car!" the man ordered, and two men came forward. Arianna tried to run but they were fast in grabbing her, pulling her towards the car. The road contained little to no people.
"No! No, let me go! Someone help me" she cried and immediately her mouth was covered as she was pushed in. She tried going to the other door, but one came in. She turned to the other and another came in, leaving her in their middle, scared to death. The other two got in the front, and the driver started the car, driving away.
Her heart thumped so wildly she could hear its beats. Sweat broke on her forehead and they ran down her cheeks. The car was so stuffy, she couldn't even breathe.
Was she just kidnapped?
"Somebody help me!" She screamed, and a slap landed on her face. Immediately a fistful of her hair was pulled and she groaned.
"Don't even try it" the one who held her hair spoke "No one one would hear you"
"Please, let me go. I have no one to pay ransom" Arianna cried.
"You'll be the one to pay ransom. Just tell us where the money is and we'll let you go" the man at the front passenger seat said. He was their leader.
"I have no money" tears streamed down her face. Immediately the Boss' phone rang and he picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Have you got her?" the person at the other end asked. It was a woman and her voice sounded all too familiar.
"Yes, Ma'am" he replied.
"Do not let her go until she tells where the bank books are. Only then can you have your share."
"Alright. You better not be playing with us."
"Just do your job"
Arianna recognises this voice. Lee Yoo Na!
*...*...*.....*....*.....*.....*.....*.....*.....*
Jia reached Han river after the car drove away. She looked around but couldn't find Arianna.
"Where did she go?" She said to herself. Jia took out her phone and called her. Immediately, she heard the ringing tone of Arianna's. She followed the sound and found her phone on a bench, but her friend wasn't there. She hung up and picked the phone, looking around.
"Anna?" She called out "Anna.... where are you?"
As she got no response and saw no one, her heart raced. A thousand thoughts going through her head. What if she had jumped into the river. She dropped on the bench and tears seeped from her eyes. How could Anna do this? Without thinking how she'd feel. Looks like their friendship doesn't count.
No! Maybe she didn't kill herself. Maybe she went somewhere leaving her phone behind. She tried to find hope in everything. Maybe she should go to her house. Her phone rang immediately. It was her mother.
She picked the call "Hello?"
"Jia, where are you?" So-hyeon asked sternly.
"Mum, Anna..."
"Whatever it is you want to say, come back home and say it"
Why is her mother being like this now? It's not like she's a child anymore.
"Okay" Jia said and hung up. She was hoping she'll see Anna on her way home, but it was shattered immediately she reached her door.
*...*...*....*....*....*....*...*....*....*.....*....*
The car drove into a dark alley, heading to an abandoned building, metres away. Only a little light illuminated the path.
"Help me, please" Arianna still cried, as she struggled.
"Sheesh!" The leader cursed as he was irked. "Make her shut up or I'll teach you"
"Help me..... arrghh" she cried as her hair was pulled again. Her lips had broken at the side and blood had seeped from there, almost reaching her jawline.
Her eyes were red and tears filled in them. Her cheeks burned from numerous slaps, but she still cried for help. Though her tone was low, she imagined an angel coming to save her.
Some moments ago she wanted to die. But now that death's calling unto her, she wasn't ready to answer it.
"Tell us were the bank books are! " One asked menacingly.
"I have no idea " she lied. She wasn't ready to give in. "Please, let me go" she joined her palms together and pleaded.
"We won't let you go until you tell us. And if you don't, we have no choice but to kill you" he smirked.
Arianna's eyes grew wide upon hearing that. Suddenly, the car stopped, making them bump their heads
"Why did you stop?!" the leader yelled.
"Boss.... There's someone in front." The driver replied. They all gazed through the windscreen and their eyes fell on a person's figure. He wore black hoodie on black trousers and boots. His face was covered with a face mask. His hands were in his pockets but clenched into fists. The hood was wide that it covered his forehead, making only his eyes visible. Now that they look at his eyes, they were astonished to see a golden one, like the rays of the sun, illuminating his face. His presence was terrifying, though he stood casually.
Ryan!
Chills ran down their spines as they wondered who it was.
"Get him!" The leader said without shifting his eyes from Ryan. Ryan stood there like he was posing for a picture, but still, his eyes burned with anger and pain.
Two of the men at the back came down, charging towards Ryan. With a swift movement, their backs hit against the light poles in opposite directions. They all could hardly understand what just happened. When did that man move?
"Stay here. Do not get out except you want to die" the leader said as he stepped down from the car, followed by the driver.
Arianna gulped, her heart slamming against her chest, beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
What should she do now?