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Chapter 66
Last Updated:
2025-03-09 05:57:03
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Rising from the ash Chapter 67
Chapter 67As Sophia stood behind the counter, her mind wandered to other childhood memories, the ones that made her smile. She remembered the afternoons spent in Grandma Margaret’s garden, before they took away the house and when grandma was Still healthy, they would plant flowers and listen to stories of when her grandmother was a young girl. “You know, Sophia, when I was your age, I was just like you,” her grandmother had said, kneeling in the dirt beside her. “Quiet, unsure of myself. But then I realized that I didn’t have to change for anyone.”Sophia had looked up at her, surprised. “You were shy too?”“Oh, terribly,” Grandma Margaret chuckled. “But I found my strength in time. And you will too.”Another memory surfaced—one of the nights she couldn’t sleep because the whispers of the bullies echoed in her mind. Grandma Margaret had stayed up with her, giving her warm milk and telling her stories until she finally drifted off to sleep Then there was the day Miss Evans gave her
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 68
Chapter 68Now, standing behind the counter at the café, she stared down at the cup of chamomile tea in her hands. Her fingers trembled slightly as she took a deep breath.“Soph?”She blinked, looking up. Harris was watching her, brow furrowed. “You good?”Sophia hesitated. Then she nodded. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”Harris didn’t push. Just gave her a small smile. “Okay. Well, if you wanna talk, I’m here so sharpen up it's about to get busy.”Sophia exhaled slowly. Nodded again.Maybe one day, she’d tell someone the whole story.But not today.Today, she’d just keep moving forward.Just like Grandma Margaret always said. Sophia sighed, leaning against the counter, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the smooth surface. It had been a long day, and her mind wouldn’t stop replaying old memories—the kind she wished she could bury for good.Needing a distraction, she pulled out her phone and unlocked it, scrolling past a few notifications until one caught her eye.Ryan.For the f
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 69
Chapter 69Ryan’s phone buzzed, and the moment he saw Sophia’s name, his grin stretched wide across his face.Hey, once again sorry for not replying earlier. Today’s just been kinda… all over the place. But yeah, you can stop by if you want. Or better still once I get off work we can meet , since stopping by is not going to do much as I will be busy here He didn’t even try to fight the excitement bubbling up inside him. Sophia had been distant all morning and he’d started to think maybe she just wasn’t interested in talking to him. But now? Now, she wanted him to come see her.A huge, goofy smile spread across his face before he could stop it.Across the table, Lana raised an eyebrow.“Hey, Ryan,” she said, smirking. “Do you mind sharing the reason you’re advertising your teeth?”Ryan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “What?” I don't understand what your are talking about, he said as he tried to feign ignorance but still couldn't stop smiling Lana tilted her head. “You’re grinn
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 70
Chapter 70By the time Lana was old enough to understand emotions, she had already decided she wanted nothing to do with them. When they came to her about their problems and how they have to leave the country, it felt just right to her and It was the perfect opportunity for her to decline going anywhere with themShe saw how they made people weak—how kids in her class would cry when they were hurt, how they would cling to their parents at the end of the school day. She watched as other children **trusted too easily**, only to be disappointed when people let them down. She wouldn’t be like that. So, she built walls. Thick, high, unbreakable walls that no one could climb over. Well that was before she became close to Ryan And when people tried? She **pushed them away** before they could get too close. She was mean. Not in the loud, obvious way some kids were, the ones who shoved others in the hallways or picked fights in the playground. No, Lana’s cruelty was **quieter, sharpe
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 71
Chapter 71Lana noticed it.She noticed everything when it came to Ryan.The way he always fell too fast, too easily. The way he wore his heart on his sleeve, handing it over to any girl who gave him the slightest bit of attention. The way he never seemed to look at her the same way.It was always someone else.Always.And each time she thought she might finally say something, that she might finally get the words out—he was already gone. Already caught up in someone new, already chasing another girl who would break his heart just like the last one.Like right now.Lana sat across from him, watching as he grinned at his phone, completely lost in whatever message he had just received.She didn’t even have to ask who it was.Another girl. Another distraction.She sighed, stirring her drink absentmindedly. “You do realize it’s been, what? 4 months since you were losing your mind over Taylor?”Ryan looked up, his smile faltering for just a second before he rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on, La
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 72
Chapter 72Not that she would blame him. She wasn’t exactly looking her best. Her hair was slightly messy from scuffling with bullies and a long day at work, and she still had a few coffee stains on her apron from earlier spills. She hadn’t even had time to freshen up properly. But to her Ryan didn’t seem like the kind of guy who cared about things like that. At least, she hoped not. With a sigh, she untied her apron and smoothed out the wrinkles in her top. Just as she was about to check her phone again, the door to the café swung open, and there he was. Ryan. He looked effortlessly put together, wearing a casual black t-shirt and jeans, his usual easygoing smile in place as he spotted her. He looked very good like he was dressed to impress“Hey how are you doing,” he greeted, leaning against the counter. “Are you ready to go?” Sophia felt a sudden wave of nervousness but nodded anyway.i didn't think you'll come “Yeah, just let me grab my bag.” Ryan smiled back at her,
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 73
Chapter 73“Ryan felt this was the best time to get to know her more. So,” Ryan asked, glancing at her, “what do you study again?” “Well, I study Public Health,” she answered. He nodded. “Nice. So you want to work in healthcare,or something?” “Yeah, something like that. I want to focus on community health and also help people who can't afford basic healthcare.I'm doing this because when my grandmother fell sick maybe work with organizations that help underserved areas.” Ryan looked impressed. “That’s actually really cool. So basically,and I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother, you want to save the world?” Sophia chuckled. “Not the world, but maybe a small part of it in the little way I can” Ryan smiled. “Well, that’s more than most people can say.” She tilted her head. “What about you? What do you study?” I wanted to study a medically related course at first but I had to switch to business management,” he replied. She smirked. “Ah, so you’re gonna be one of those
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Rising from the ash Chapter 74
Chapter 74After paying, they stepped back outside into the cool night air. Ryan stretched. “Well, that was fun.” Sophia smiled. “Yeah, it was.” He glanced at her. “So… Do I get to take you out again?” She pretended to think about it. “Hmm… maybe I guess I will think about it .” Ryan smirked. “I’ll take that as a yes.” As they drove back, Sophia felt good , all the tension and silent tears from earlier today felt long gone. For the first time in a long time, she was excited about where this could go. Maybe—just maybe—This was the start of something goodThe ride back was quiet. Not the awkward kind of quiet—just a silence that neither of them seemed to want to break. Sophia sat in the passenger seat, her phone in her hands, scrolling aimlessly. She wasn’t really reading anything, just swiping up and down to keep herself busy.To keep herself from looking at him. She didn’t know why she felt this way all of a sudden shy, flustered, nervous. Maybe it was the fact t
Last Updated : 2025-03-09
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Rising from the ash Chapter 91
Chapter 91She really didn’t want to run into him tonight. It wasn’t like she had done anything wrong—she had just turned down seeing him today, and that wasn’t a crime, she felt bad for that. But if he saw her here, at a party, after telling him she was staying in? Yeah. That was going to be awkward and it sound be very dishonest on her part She could already imagine the teasing.Oh, I thought you were studying, Sophia?And worse, she wasn’t sure how she would explain it. She had planned to stay in, but Olivia and Mia had been too persistent. And maybe—just maybe—she had wanted a break after all.But none of that mattered right now. What mattered was avoiding Ryan at all costs."Hey, are you okay?" Olivia asked, noticing Sophia’s silence.Sophia quickly forced a smile. "Yeah! Just, uh, just checking something on my phone."Olivia nodded, clearly not suspicious. "You sure you don’t want to dance?""Positive," Sophia said quickly. "You guys go ahead.""Okay, suit yourself!" Olivia sh
Rising from the ash Chapter 90
Chapter 90As soon as they stepped through the open gates, the music seemed to double in volume, the deep bass vibrating through the air. The place was already packed, with people scattered across the front yard, laughing, drinking, and dancing. The energy was high—this was clearly the party of the weekend. Like the whole school was invited Sohpia hoped she wouldn't come across someone like Katrina or even worse ryan"Damn," Olivia muttered as she took in the crowd. "The person throwing this really didn’t hold back."Mia grinned. "I told you. Looks like The guy goes all out." Just as his girlfriend always bragged Sophia glanced around, already feeling slightly out of place. Parties weren’t exactly her thing, and the sheer number of people was a little overwhelming. They were all putting on expensive jewelry, carrying the biggest of phones they were clearly the wealthy type but she was not going to be swayed. She adjusted her dress slightly, trying to shake off the discomfort."Alrig
Rising from the ash Chapter 89
Chapter 89As soon as the ride pulled up outside their dorm, Sophia, Mia, and Olivia went downstairs and piled into the backseat, squeezing in together. The energy in the car was already electric, and Mia was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement."This is going to be so fun," she said, clapping her hands together. "I can't believe this is, like, our first official girls’ night out!"Olivia, who was sitting on the other side of Sophia, grinned as she pulled out her phone. "Alright, come on, girls, we have to take a picture before we get too distracted."Sophia groaned but leaned in anyway, knowing there was no escaping it. Olivia switched to selfie mode, angling the camera so all three of them could fit into the frame."Okay, everybody do something cute," Olivia instructed.Mia instantly threw up a peace sign, Sophia gave a reluctant but amused smile, and Olivia pursed her lips playfully before snapping a few pictures."Let me see," Mia said, leaning over Olivia’s shoulder
Rising from the ash Chapter 88
Chapter 88The ride to Zach’s place was mostly quiet, save for the occasional song playing from Ryan’s playlist. Lana sat in the passenger seat, her legs propped up on the dashboard as she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone. The party wasn’t starting for a few more hours, but since Zach was one of Ryan’s oldest friends—despite their history—he figured it would be easier to arrive early and get settled in before the place got too crowded. Lana, on the other hand, had her own reasons for tagging along early. She had packed her party outfit in a bag, planning to change at Zach’s instead of getting dressed at home. There was no way she was going to sit through an entire car ride in a tight dress and heels. She wanted to look perfect for it , and for Ryan also , she figured since he would be without a companion there, she could be like his plus one and she sure as hell wanted to look good for it As they pulled into Zach’s driveway, Ryan took a deep breath. He didn’t particularly
Rising from the ash Chapter 87
Chapter 87Justine shrugged, pretending to be indifferent even though her heart was hammering. “Well, yeah. I mean… was it weird for you?”Matt’s smirk deepened, his expression softening. “Weird?” he repeated. “Not even a little.”Her stomach flipped at the certainty in his voice.He tilted his head slightly, studying her with that same unreadable intensity. “What about you, how did it feel to you ?”She held his gaze, her lips curving into a small smile. “Not weird at all,it felt good if I am Being honest,” she admitted.Something shifted between them at that moment. The tension that had hung heavy in the air now turned into something else—something warmer, more electric.Matt leaned forward slightly, his voice lower now. “So… does that mean you liked it?”Justine felt heat on her neck, but she refused to look away. “I did.” She hesitated, then, with a small laugh, added, “Do you Want to do it again?”Matt exhaled a soft chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. “Are you sure about wha
Rising from the ash Chapter 86
Chapter 86Eleanor Walsh sat in the guest room, her hands folded in her lap, staring blankly at the window. It was almost midday and the sun was still out , but it did little to warm the kind of feeling inside her. She had been avoiding David since yesterday’s disastrous meeting, knowing full well that if they spoke, it would turn into a full-blown argument.She could still hear his voice from the boardroom, practically spitting in rage when she shut down the deal. “Do you even understand what you’ve done?” he had asked through clenched teeth as the investors left, their expressions unreadable.Yes, she understood perfectly. She had stopped him from making what she believed to be a huge mistake.David had been so furious that he hadn't even ridden home with her. Instead, he had taken a private car somewhere—she had no idea where, nor did she care to ask. It didn't matter to her at that moment. When he finally returned home, it was well past midnight. He had walked into their bedroom w
Rising from the ash Chapter 85
Chapter 85It wasn’t until close to noon that Sophia and her friends’ order finally arrived. By that time, Olivia had complained no less than ten times about how hungry she was, dramatically falling onto the bed and groaning every few minutes.“I swear, if that food doesn’t get here in the next five minutes, I might actually pass out,” Olivia whined, rolling onto her stomach and burying her face in her pillow.Mia snorted. “Relax, Liv. You act like you haven’t eaten in days.”“I might as well have! You don’t get it—I woke up starving, and Sophia’s generosity is the only thing keeping me alive right now,” Olivia said, turning to Sophia with puppy-dog eyes. “Thank you, by the way. I will never forget this.”Sophia chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re so dramatic. It’s just breakfast.”“No, it’s the breakfast,” Olivia corrected. “The one that will bring me back to life.”As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door, making all three girls pause for a second before Olivia sat up on the bed.“
Rising from the ash Chapter 84
Chapter 84A short while later, Justine stepped out and Matt led her to his car. She was trying so hard to ignore the fact that she was very nervous . He opened the door gently for her and she stepped in. They drove in comfortable silence, the radio playing a soft tune. The drive was a quiet one.Soon they arrived at his apartment, she wasn’t sure what she expected, but his place was surprisingly… homey. It wasn’t overly fancy, just warm and inviting. Like a bachelor wealthy enough to put up such a set up “Make yourself comfortable,” Matt said, setting the pizza and wine down on the coffee table.She sat on the couch, hugging a throw pillow as he grabbed two glasses and poured the wine. I don't know if I should say thank you for inviting me over but let's begin then "So, what movie are we watching?" she asked, accepting her glass.Matt smirked. "That depends—are you a rom-com kind of girl, or do you secretly enjoy thrillers?""Thrillers, obviously," she said without hesitat
Rising from the ash Chapter 83
Chapter 83Lana nodded, keeping her face neutral. “Sounds fun and you kind of look happy”Ryan narrowed his eyes at her. “That’s it? I thought you were going to drag me or at least drop one of your sarcastic remarks Lana shrugged, looking out the window. “What do you want me to say, Ryan? You’re clearly into her.”Ryan tilted his head. Something about her tone made him pause, but he brushed it off. “Yeah, I guess I am. She’s different, you know?”Lana forced a small smile. “Is it different?”Ryan nodded. “Yeah. But she turned me down today when I asked her to meet up.”Lana raised an eyebrow. “Ouch,that must hurt your ego.”Ryan sighed. “Yeah, but she said she had to catch up on notes, so it’s not that deep.”Lana scoffed. “Ryan, you have to start reading between the lines. Girls don’t always say what they mean.”Ryan smirked. “Oh? And what exactly do you mean when you say you’re ‘not into anyone’?”Lana froze for half a second before rolling her eyes. “Oh, shut up.”“No, seriously.
