Love Under The Siege

CHAPTER 1 : THE CROSSROADS

RAVENNA'S POV :

"HELP... NO... NO. PLEASE, HEELLLPP!" I screamed, trying to move my body, my heart racing. Just as I was about to scream again, I heard a voice that pulled me back to reality.

"Rav, wake up! You're having a nightmare," my mom said softly, concern written all over her face as she looked at me and grabbed my arms gently.

"Another bad dream?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.

Ugh, yes. I keep dreaming about that night. When will it finally stop? I need to shake this off. The trauma from my childhood won't let me go. I was just twelve when I witnessed everything that happened to Dad. And here I am, years later, still haunted by nightmares. I need justice-no matter what it takes.

"Oh, get up already! There's food waiting for you," my mom said, as she started to leave my room.

Crap, it's 7:40 AM! My meeting with the detective is today! I quickly jumped out of bed, ate breakfast, showered, and got dressed, rushing to get ready.

"Oh, you're leaving?" My mom raised an eyebrow, clearly confused about where I was headed.

"Uh, yeah, Mom. I'm going to a friend's house," I replied, trying to sound casual, though my heart raced. She can't find out I hired a detective to reopen Dad's case. I get it; she just wants to protect me. But I can't rest until I do something about it-years have gone by without answers.

"Rav, tell me the truth," my mom said, her face serious as she stared deep into my eyes. "Where are you going?"

"Mom... it's Sara's birthday today, remember?" I said, forcing a smile, trying to look as normal as I could. "Okay, but come home early. I'm cooking something special for the family gathering," she replied softly, but I could see the suspicion in her eyes.

I hurried out, anxious to meet the detective.

[CONVERSATION WITH THE DETECTIVE]

"Miss Castillano, nice to finally meet you in person," he said, extending his hand.

"Yeah, sir, nice to meet you too," I replied, shaking his hand.

"I've gone through the files and everything you mentioned in your messages. You said you remembered something about the killer's hand the night your father died?"

"Yeah, Mr. Wood, but I'm not really sure. I just have this feeling that if I see it again, I might remember," I said, my heart pounding.

"Okay, just keep me updated, and we can reopen the case. Thanks for meeting me. I have to go now," he said, turning to leave.

"Sure, thanks too. I'll keep you posted," I said as he walked away.

As I made my way back to my car, I took my time. I parked it a bit far because I didn't want Mom to follow me. Better safe than sorry, right? I left it in a crowded area so she wouldn't get suspicious.

Just as I was walking down the street, a loud bang made me stop in my tracks. My heart dropped as memories of my childhood flooded back-witnessing the chaos of gunfire between rival groups. I froze, fear gripping me tight, unable to move or think.

"Miss Dapa!" A man shouted as he ran toward me, and we both fell to the ground.

"Miss, are you okay? Miss? Hoo... Hoo... Y... Mi... Mi...?" Suddenly, my vision blurred, and everything went dark. I didn't even realize I'd been shot.

RHYSAND'S POV

[PHONE RINGING]

I answer.

"Who is it?" I said softly, slowly rising from my bed.

"Boss, we're in trouble. It's Jaf. Another group confronted us, and we couldn't do anything. We ended up in a shootout," he said, panic in his voice.

"Damn it, Jaf! It was a simple job! How could you mess this up?" I snapped, frustration boiling over. Jaf was one of my trusted men in the Crimson Syndicate.

"Okay, just fix this mess, and make sure my name doesn't get dragged into it. I can't afford any heat on my family's business," I added, getting ready to head to the office.

This life is relentless-endless responsibilities. Why is it all on me? I'm just the only son of one of the richest business owners in the country, and now I'm leading a syndicate too. But I chose this path.

IN THE OFFICE

_______________________________________

"Good morning, Mr. Carter. You have a meeting today with Mr. Deveres," my secretary said, rushing to keep up with me.

"No need. Cancel that."

"But sir..." she began, but I abruptly shut the door to my office.

I just wanted to be alone for a bit. I didn't want to deal with the Deveres; they were our biggest rivals. Sitting in my office, I pondered my next move regarding the Crimson Syndicate.

[PHONE RINGING]

I answer.

"Mom? Why did you call?"

"Son, come quick! It's your father!" My mom's voice was shaky and filled with fear.

"What happened? I'm on my way!" I bolted out the door, panic rising as I rushed to my car.

"Quick! Isidro Hospital!" I yelled to my driver, anxiety clawing at my chest. What happened to Dad? I feared the worst.

AT THE HOSPITAL

_______________________________________

"Son, your dad!" My mom cried, meeting me as I rushed in. I felt my heart drop as I saw them working on Dad.

"Do everything you can, Doc! I'll pay whatever it takes-just save him!" I shouted, gripping the arm of a doctor as they rushed by.

"Call every doctor in this hospital!" I gasped, desperation clawing at me.

"Sir, we can't do that. There are other patients here," a calm doctor said, but before I could respond, a nurse interrupted.

"Doc, hurry! There's a woman who's been shot!" she yelled, urgency in her voice.

As much as I wanted to help, I knew they were focused on reviving Dad.

I was a mess-no tears left to cry, just an overwhelming sense of dread. I needed water, but I had no bodyguards or my driver to help; I had sent them away in my panic. And I left my phone in my office. While walking, a stopped for a while. And saw a woman talking to her daughter that was about my age.

"Rav, darling!" A woman cried, looking at her daughter who was being treated.

"Ma'am, your daughter is stable. She fainted and has a gunshot wound, but she'll be okay," the doctor assured her as he walked out.

"Mom, stop crying! I'm fine!" a beautiful girl said from inside, her voice full of reassurance.

"Where does it hurt? Are you okay? We should go home," the woman said, helping her daughter up.

As I continued to walk and search for something to drink, I made my way back to my dad's ward.

"Doc, how's my father? Is he okay?" I asked, desperate for answers.

"Mr. Carter, he's stable, but I can't say when he'll recover. He needs intensive treatment; his condition has worsened," the doctor replied, his expression serious.

I stepped into the room where my mom and dad were.

"Son, we'll do everything for your father. Next week, we're moving him to another country for better care," my mom said.

"Yes, Mom. We'll do anything for Dad," I promised, though doubt lingered in my mind. I'd be left to manage the business alone, and with the mess from my men, it felt overwhelming. But I could handle it. I had to focus on keeping my dad safe and getting him better.