Chapter 1

• It was early morning in the day. Trees were goofing up by the heaving rain dropping mildly from every direction. Cars are striding at a face pace. Each with the direction they're headed to. Winding down the window, the chill breeze raft into every joint of her body as she let out an aggravated breath. She knew going against her father's words will bring nothing to her but bad luck. He had warned her countless times about going out alone but being the strong head she is, always tries to do things her way even after knowing what the outcome will be. The ringing of her phone blared through the silent car making her to snapped her eye shut. She knows the person calling. He would not let her stay in peace, as long as he knows she's out of the house without him knowing where she went to. She let the phone ring for sometime before sliding the accept button.
• "Ashley how many times do you want me to say it. Do I have to keep repeating myself about going out alone?" was the first word Richard said to his daughter. Ashley let out another mild breathe. She knew he would scold her and that will not stop there.
• "Ashley " he called again. In a kind of voice, she knew so well. The one he uses whenever emotion is about to take over him.
• "Yes Dad" she answered now in a calm voice as she waited for him to begin lamenting how his life had been without the love of his life.
• "You know Ashley, You and your mother are my only family. I know you're not comfortable with how you're living but it's the only way to protect you as my one and only daughter. So please, understand why your dad doesn't want you roaming around alone" he ended with a shaky tone. Ashley couldn't help the tug she felt in her heart. Every time her father said those words to her, she felt weak. All the memories come rushing down. How she copes up without her sister by her side. Her parents are her only family and she can understand the emptiness he's feeling in his heart.
• "Dad don't worry, it's not like Mom is staying there forever. She would be back within two weeks, you have nothing to worry about, I know you missed your wife and I'm not alone. Your prayers are with me and I will be back. I went to receive the bag I told you about being shipped to me" She let out. She had to lie to him. She knew if she tells him the real reason, he'd lecture her all day and she isn't ready to give attention to his never-ending advice. There are some certain things she just cannot let out even to her father. Something that has been digging a hole in her heart. His sigh surfaces through the phone followed by his voice again.
• "Why can't they send it directly to the house? Must you go there by yourself?
• "Yes Dad, I prefer to go so that there won't be any problem" she silently prays the man would buy her lie, at least for once.
• "Okay be safe and come back soon. Your Dad will be waiting for you. Love you "
• "I will. Love you too" and she ended the call after making sure her father has nothing more to say. A breath she didn't know she was holding made its way to her lips. One problem down. Now her main task is how to get to her destination. A knock sounded from the car window followed by an unknown man's presence.
• "Miss do you need help?" came his faraway voice.
• "Miss," the voice said again followed by vibration from her phone.
• Miss Ashley, the clients are waiting. I can't hold them up anymore
• The knock sounded again with the same voice. What should she do? Ignore his help and lose her client or accept the help and get to her destination. But she hates receiving help.