HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 21

The Escape

Lia's heart pounded as the military vehicle raced through the darkened streets of Manila. She clung to her seat, trying to process the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded. The chaotic escape from the hospital replayed in her mind like a frantic movie scene, filled with blaring sirens and a rush of adrenaline.

"Where is Ethan Marsden?" she muttered under her breath, her eyes darting to the side mirror, searching for any sign of pursuit. The last time she saw him, another woman had been clinging to him, and that image ignited a fresh wave of anxiety within her.

Next to her, a soldier hurriedly broadcast commands on his radio, his voice cutting through her turbulent thoughts. Lia strained to catch fragments of the conversation, enough to sense the urgency in his tone.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" the soldier asked, his concern evident.

Lia nodded, forcing a faint smile. "Yes, just... worried about someone."

The soldier's expression softened slightly, perhaps recognizing the fear etched on her face. But her thoughts kept returning to Ethan. Why had he taken such risks? What was he hiding from her?

Abruptly, the vehicle turned into a narrow alley, tires screeching against the pavement. Lia gripped the seat tighter, her heart leaping into her chest. She glanced out the window, trying to make sense of their route, but the streets were a labyrinth of dimly lit buildings and shadowy corners.

"Where are we going?" Lia asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

The soldier glanced at her briefly, his eyes unreadable behind his helmet's visor. "To a safe location," he replied cryptically, returning his focus to the radio.

Lia's pulse quickened. A safe location could mean Ethan's presence or a completely different destination. She swallowed hard, her mind swirling with uncertainty and fear.

As the vehicle navigated the city's maze-like streets, Lia closed her eyes briefly, silently praying that wherever they were headed, Ethan was safe. Memories of their early days together flooded her mind—their effortless connection, his infectious laughter. How had they gotten into this dangerous game they hardly understood?

"They're here," a voice crackled over the static.

Frowning, Lia strained to decipher the soldiers' discussion about a potential location or sighting, leaving her more puzzled than informed.

"What's at that location?" she ventured to ask, a mix of concern and curiosity in her voice.

The soldier beside her glanced at Lia, his expression guarded. "I can't disclose that information, ma'am," he replied cautiously.

She nodded, though her mind raced with questions. Were they heading toward Ethan or away from him? Why had she become a target? Was it because she had aided Ethan?

The vehicle sharply turned into a narrow street, its tires crunching over scattered debris. Lia gripped the seat's edge, her gaze scanning the dimly lit buildings that appeared to converge around them.

"We're almost there," the soldier beside her finally reassured her, his voice low and tinged with a hint of comfort.

Lia nodded again, though her apprehension continued to mount. As the van unexpectedly halted before a strange structure, a stern-faced soldier saluted her and led her inside a bustling command center. Major Ocampo caught her eye among the officers, nodding briefly before returning to his conversation.

Her heart raced as she followed him into a room. It was tidy, with a minimalist design that only added to the tension in the air. She scanned the room while waiting, anxiety prickling at her skin. After a moment, the door opened, and Major Ocampo emerged. Lia hurried over to him, her pulse quickening.