**Chapter 14: Desperate Plea**

The man's eyes scanned the room, taking in the modest furniture and decorations. He seemed to be searching for something of value, his gaze lingering on the TV and the few pieces of jewelry Ashley had on display. As he moved from room to room, Ashley slowly got to her feet, her head still spinning from the blow. She stumbled towards the man, her hands held out in a pleading gesture. "Please, I have nothing," she begged, her voice shaking with fear. "I have no money. I'm just trying to get by for my baby." The man's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed as he continued his search. He tossed aside couch cushions, pulled out drawers, and rummaged through closets. Ashley watched in horror, her mind racing with thoughts of her unborn baby and Ryan. As the man searched, Ashley's thoughts turned to Ryan, and she prayed that he would protect her and their baby. She thought about how much she loved him, and how much she wanted to see him again. Her hand instinctively went to her belly, and she cradled it as if to shield her baby from harm. The man's eyes landed on a small safe in the bedroom, and he strode over to it. He quickly cracked it open, revealing a few hundred dollars and some jewelry. His face twisted in disgust, and he slammed the safe shut. Ashley's eyes met his, and she saw a glint of malice there. She whimpered, her body trembling with fear. The man raised his gun, and Ashley's heart stopped. She closed her eyes, bracing for impact, but instead of feeling pain, she heard the sound of the gun firing. She opened her eyes to see that the man had missed her, and she let out a sob of relief. But her relief was short-lived, as the man's eyes locked onto hers, and he took a step closer. Ashley cowered, holding her belly as if to protect her baby from harm. She thought of Ryan, and prayed that he would protect her. "Ryan, please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Protect me." As she stood there, frozen in fear, the man took another step closer, his gun still trained on her. Ashley's heart was racing, and she knew she had to think fast if she wanted to survive. But for now, she just stood there, her eyes fixed on the man, and her mind fixed on Ryan.