219: CHASED ARIEL’S POV After leaving the hospital, I was driving alone on a deserted road at night, the only source of light being the headlights of my car. I turned on the radio to keep me company as I drove, but the music only added to the eerie feeling of being alone in the dark. Suddenly, I noticed two cars in my rearview mirror, their headlights glaring and getting closer by the second. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. I tried to ignore it, but the cars were not slowing down. My heart started racing as I realized that they were following me. I tried to increase my speed, hoping to lose them, but to my horror, they also sped up. It was like a scene from a thriller movie, but this was real, and I was the main character. I tried to calm myself down and think rationally. Maybe it was just a coincidence, I thought. But as I turned onto a different street, they followed. I knew then that I was in trouble. I drove at full speed, trying to lose them, but they were persistent. We drove through the city, breaking stores and causing chaos in our wake. I was scared for my life, but I refused to give up. I couldn’t let them catch me. Finally, we reached an empty road, and the two cars managed to get in front of my car, effectively blocking my way. I was trapped. My heart was pounding in my chest as I saw the men getting out of their cars. They were all black and had a sinister look on their faces. I knew I was in danger. One of them came to my car and forcefully opened the door. I was rendered speechless as he delivered a forceful blow to the face, causing me to perceive stars. I could taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth. I tried to ask them who sent them, but they didn’t answer. Instead, they tied my hands with a rope and dragged me out of my car. I struggled, but they were too strong. They pushed me into one of their cars, and I was forced to sit between them. One of them pointed at gun at me, making me freeze in fear. I didn’t know who these men were or what they wanted, but I knew it couldn’t be good. The car started moving, and I could feel my heart beating faster with each passing second. I was scared and confused, but I refused to show it. I had to stay strong and find a way out of this. After what seemed like hours, the car finally stopped. The men dragged me out and into a dark building. I couldn’t see anything, but I could hear voices and footsteps all around me. Finally, they stopped, and one of them untied my hands, only to tie them again in front of me. I could see their faces now, and they were all wearing masks. I couldn’t see their eyes but feel their malicious intent. 210 CHASED 979 One of them grabbed me by the arm and forced me to stand in front of a man sitting on a chair. He was the only one not wearing a mask, but his face was covered in shadows “Who sent you?” I asked, my voice trembling He didn’t answer, but instead, he gestured for one of his men to hit me again. I could feel the pain in my face, but I refused to show weakness. They interrogated me for what seemed like hours, but I refused to give in. I didn’t know what they wanted or who they were working for, but I knew I couldn’t trust them. Finally, they stopped, and one of them pointed a gun at me. I closed my eyes, ready for the worst, but Instead, they tied me up and threw me into a car. The car started moving, and I could feel the tears streaming down my face. I didn’t know where they were taking me, but I knew it couldn’t be good. As we drove through the city, I could feel my heart breaking. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me, but I knew I had to stay strong and find a way to escape. I didn’t know what the future held, but I knew my life wasn’t going to end like this. I was Ariel, and I refused to let them break me. Minutes later, still in the car, I managed to untie the ropes and snatch the gun from one of the men. It was now or never; I had to escape. I pretended like I was still tied up, waiting for the right moment to strike. Whenever one of the men looked at me, I acted innocent and helpless. But inside, my heart was racing, and my mind was working on a plan. Finally, the moment came. The man next to me reached for the gun, but I quickly elbowed him in the face. He groaned in pain, and I took the opportunity to push him out of the car. I pointed the gun at the driver and ordered him to stop the car. He looked at me with fear in his eyes, but I didn’t back down. I was determined to get out of this situation alive. I could see the hesitation in his eyes, so I shot his leg without a second thought. As soon as the car stopped, I got out and ran as fast as I could. I could hear the men shouting and the sound of their cars chasing after me. I was running on pure adrenaline, not knowing where I was going, but just trying to get as far away from them as possible. I could see a small convenience store up ahead and ran towards it, hoping to find help. I burst through the door, causing the bell to ring loudly. The owner, an elderly man, looked at me in shock.. “Please, help me! They’re after me!” I cried, panting heavily. The man quickly understood the situation, and without hesitation, he locked the doors and called the police. I could hear the sirens getting closer, and I knew I was safe. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” The man asked, scanning my face. “Oh sh*t, they did. Hold on, let me get you some ice. Take a seat.” He gestured towards a chair in the store. 219 CHASED 3/3 I sat down while he went to go get whatever he was about to get. I was glad I was safe from those men, but now I could just wonder who sent them. I had a few options in mind. Just one, actually. I could have called Harriet, but the moron was in misery, stuck in a situation between life and death. So, yes. The only scumbag on my mind was Mason. I could tell. I knew he was the one responsible for this. And I was going to get back at him. In fact, I was going to make him pay for what he did to my son. The elderly man returned with ice, handed it over to me, and gave me a cup of water. I thanked him and explained what happened between me and the men. I had to stay in the store for hours until the coast was clear.