🌑 Episode 14
The Impossible Choice
Rain poured over the empty train station.
Ariba stood frozen, the flash drive tight in her hand.
In front of her stood the mysterious man — calm, confident, and surrounded by armed guards.
On his phone screen, Ryan was still tied to a chair somewhere dark.
Alive… but helpless.
"Your choice," the man repeated quietly.
"Truth… or love."
Ariba's mind raced.
If she gave him the flash drive, the truth about Project Phoenix would disappear forever.
Her father's death would remain hidden.
But if she refused…
Ryan could die.
The rain grew heavier.
Ariba slowly stepped forward.
"First," she said firmly, "I want proof he's alive."
The man chuckled softly.
"You're brave."
He tapped his phone.
The video changed to a live call.
Ryan lifted his head weakly when he saw the camera.
"Ariba… don't," he said immediately.
But one of the guards struck him, forcing him silent.
Ariba's heart twisted.
"Enough," she said sharply.
The man extended his hand.
"The flash drive."
For a moment, everything felt still.
The rain.
The wind.
Even her heartbeat.
Ariba looked down at the flash drive… then back at the man.
Slowly, she raised her hand.
The guards moved closer.
The man smiled, thinking he had already won.
But suddenly—
Ariba threw the flash drive far across the train tracks.
Everyone turned in shock.
"What did you do?!" the man shouted.
Ariba stepped back, fearless now.
"I made sure no one gets it."
The guards rushed toward the tracks to search for it.
In that moment of chaos, Ariba ran.
Gunshots echoed behind her.
She jumped over the fence and disappeared into the dark streets.
Far away, inside the hidden room where Ryan was held, one of the guards received a message.
He looked at Ryan and smirked.
"Looks like your girlfriend chose the truth."
Ryan lowered his head… but a small smile appeared on his face.
Because he knew something the others didn't.
The flash drive Ariba threw…
was only a copy.
And the real one—
Was still hidden.
To Be Continued… 🔥
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