Far away in the Philippines, Anastasia's life had taken an unexpected turn. Business at Garbi's restaurant was thriving.
Anastasia smiled more now, laughed often, and finally felt like she was doing something right with her life and talent.
But everything changed in a second.
Anastasia had just finished taking stock with Garbi for the evening. She stepped outside to take a brief walk before heading home.
The street was quiet, with few people around. Just as she turned a corner into a narrow alleyway near the marketplace, a black van pulled up beside her.
She barely had time to scream before a hand covered her mouth and dragged her into the vehicle.
The van sped off into the night, leaving behind only her phone, which slipped from her pocket during the struggle.
Back in Sydney...
The headlines the next morning read: "Mason Harrington and Valerie Benson Confirm Relationship." Pictures of them holding hands and laughing over dinner were plastered everywhere.
