CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

Jerome stepped out of his car, the box containing the $10 million ransom heavy in his hands. He looked around cautiously, his eyes scanning the deserted alleyway where Julian had instructed him to meet. Satisfied that he was alone, Jerome made his way towards the entrance of the building, the box clutched tightly in his grasp.

As he entered the dimly lit hallway, Jerome's heart began to pound in his chest. He had to be careful; Julian was unpredictable, and he couldn't risk anything happening to Ava. Jerome took a deep breath and continued down the hallway, his eyes fixed on the door at the end.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Julian was standing in the center of the room, a sly grin spreading across his face as he caught sight of Jerome.

"Ah, right on time," Julian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you've brought the money. Good boy."

Jerome's eyes narrowed. "Where's Ava?" he demanded.

Julian chuckled. "Oh, she's safe. For now. But you need to give me the money first. I need to know you're not trying to double-cross me."

Jerome's grip on the box tightened. "I'm not handing over the money until I see Ava," he said, his voice firm.

Julian's grin faltered, and for a moment, Jerome saw a flash of anger in his eyes. "Fine," Julian spat. "Hand over the money, and I'll bring her out."

Jerome hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something about Julian's demeanor put him on edge. He handed over the box, his eyes never leaving Julian's face.

As Julian opened the box and began to count the money, Jerome saw his chance. He launched himself at Julian, determined to take him down. The two men crashed to the floor, punching and kicking as they rolled around the room.

The sound of their fight echoed through the hallway, growing louder and more intense. Suddenly, the door burst open, and a team of police officers rushed in, their guns drawn.

"Freeze!" one of them shouted, training his gun on Julian.

Jerome took advantage of the distraction to land a solid punch to Julian's jaw. Julian's eyes went wide, and he slumped to the floor.

The police officers rushed over to Julian, quickly subduing him and slapping handcuffs on his wrists. Jerome, meanwhile, rushed out of the room, determined to find Ava.

He sprinted down the hallway, his heart pounding in his chest. He burst through a door at the end of the hall and found himself in a cramped, dimly lit room. Ava was lying on a narrow bed, her mouth sealed with duct tape.

Jerome rushed over to her, his hands shaking as he tore off the tape. Ava's eyes flickered open, and she gazed up at Jerome, confusion written across her face.

"Ava, oh my God, I was so scared," Jerome whispered, gathering her into his arms.

Ava's eyes focused, and she smiled weakly. "Jerome," she whispered.

Jerome scooped her up into his arms, cradling her like a baby. He rushed out of the room, down the hallway, and out into the bright sunlight. The police officers were waiting, their faces relieved as they saw Ava safe and sound.

Jerome rushed Ava to the hospital, his heart still racing with fear. But as he looked down at Ava's pale face, he knew that everything was going to be okay. They had made it through the nightmare, and they would face whatever came next together.

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Julian was hauled away in handcuffs, his eyes blazing with anger and defiance as he was thrown into a cell at the police station. He was barely given time to process his surroundings before the police officer slammed the door shut behind him, leaving him to rot in the dingy, cramped space.

No lawyer was willing to take on Julian's case, and he was left to face the consequences of his actions alone. The police officer's words echoed in his mind - "You have the right to a lawyer" - but it seemed like a hollow promise, a cruel joke played on him by the universe.

The court hearing was set for the very next day, and Julian knew he was staring down the barrel of a lengthy prison sentence. He had no one to turn to, no one to defend him, and he was left to face the music alone.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Ava was surrounded by her loved ones, who were overjoyed to see her safe and sound. Her family members hugged her one by one, tears of relief streaming down their faces as they whispered words of comfort and reassurance in her ear.

The doctor had confirmed that the baby was okay, and Ava was relieved to know that her unborn child was safe. Kira, her best friend, had also managed to come visit, and the two friends hugged each other tightly, tears of joy streaming down their faces.

Ava's parents were over the moon with relief, hugging their daughter tightly and thanking God that she was safe. The atmosphere in the hospital room was one of joy and gratitude, a stark contrast to the darkness and despair that Julian was facing in his cell.

As the night wore on, Ava drifted off to sleep, surrounded by her loved ones, who kept watch over her, grateful to have her back safe and sound. The ordeal was finally over, and Ava could finally begin to heal and move on from the traumatic experience.