Ariella's POV
My hands trembled as I held the phone tightly against my ear. Though my wrists were tied, my mind raced with the events of the last few hours, replaying like a horrific movie. Each moment was etched with pain and betrayal. The weight of my stepfather's cruel actions and my mother's silent complicity was too much to bear.
But when I heard Francis's voice, a wave of relief washed over me. Amidst the darkness, he was my only glimmer of hope.
"Francis, please," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "I need your help. My stepfather... he tried to sell me to his creditor to pay off his debts. I don't know what to do. Please, help me."
There was a brief silence on the other end, and I held my breath, waiting for his response. The seconds felt like hours. When he finally spoke, his voice
