All Chapters of Love And Ashes: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I just finished preparing lunch, it wasn't well spiced like the food the chefs made at the restaurant but it was something a human could eat, I made spaghetti.Getting something to eat everyday has always been a miracle after the death of my mother, it wasn't like it was so easy when she was alive but at least I had a helping hand from her.I didn't have a job that paid me much neither did she but together we always found a way to put food on the table and fix our leaking roof once in a while.I always get scared when raining season is drawing closer, it leaves most parts of our house wet with puddles, most times I come home from work after a rainy day to meet my clothes wet.I placed the food on an old table, the only table in the small living room located at the right side, I sat on the long bench taking a deep breath, at that moment I wondered where my sister had gone, there was nothing more to eat apart from this food so I needed to share it with her.An

"Where on earth am I supposed to get $200,000 from?" My hands and feet were shaking with the thought of the huge sum of money.I took another glance at the paper staring closely at it wondering if perhaps I saw wrongly but I didn't, it was exactly $200,000, I gasped in fear feeling totally frustrated. My salary wasn't even up to $2000."Are you okay?" My colleague Maryann asked looking concerned.I nodded, I wasn't ready to bug anyone with my issues, I was sure she couldn't help me.She shook her head "Selena you don't look okay to me, what's going on? You were late to work today."I sighed looking up at her oval shaped face "you're right, I'm not okay, my sister is sick and she needs urgent surgery but the fee is so expensive, I can't afford it."Maryann sat beside me "I'm so sorry about your sister, but how much is the surgery?"I handed the paper over to her, I didn't know how to say it to her."Oh! My God! This is a lot of money! Where are

For days I have slept in the hospital keeping my sister company at night and leaving for work very early in the morning, I practically lived in the hospital with her but I doubt if I cared one bit about that, I love my sister.I missed my bed though it wasn't so comfortable like that of the exotic hotels but I missed sleeping on it with my sister and I couldn't wait for the day when I would smile with so much delight and confidence and proudly say "finally it's over, we won."Selena turned around and found Maryann standing behind her with a strong grin on her cheeks, Selena was glad she took Maryann's advice."I believe this would work out fine" I nodded to myself.I walked back into the restaurant, it was time for me to go home or should I say to the hospital.I met Maryann standing close to her locker getting ready to go."He asked me to see him tomorrow" I informed.She smiled "great! I told you their is no harm in trying, he is a nice man."

Few minutes later, we arrived at a boutique pulling up slowly in front of it.I was surprised wondering what we were doing there, but I didn't bother to ask, perhaps this is the place he wanted me to go with him.We got down from the car and stepped into the boutique.The boutique attendants seemed to be familiar with him as they gave us a special attention.Well I wasn't surprised about that, he was rich and popular, so he certainly deserved that.He ordered them to take me into the dressing room and get me something nice to wear.I gaped "but why?" I asked turning to him.He only smiled at me and said "its good to look good dear."I was dressed up in a red dress and silver high heel shoes, it was pretty and I liked it.A bright skinned lady with dark curly hairs helped me with my hair and applied a mild makeup on my pale face, just like magic it worked.I stepped out looking gorgeous, Mr. Chancy stood to his feet grinning on seeing

I looked away "I guess you do.""I was at the restaurant an hour ago, the place was locked and you weren't there which means you are lying to me Selena" he said staring straight at my face."Have you been spying on me Louis?" I asked looking shocked."Since when did caring for you become spying? Why are you thinking that way?" He asked staring at me.I took a deep breath feeling very nervous, for days I have been trying to avoid this, I felt choked up and confused at that moment.l, lost in between my lies."Fine! I lied but I had my reasons Louis.""What ugly reasons would also make you keep the whereabout of your sister from me?" He asked raising his voice."You're dating me Louis, not my sister" I cautioned.He chortled "are you saying that I don't have the right to ask about your sister?""I want to go home now!" I shouted walking away."Selena wait! wait! We aren't done talking!""Give me a break Louis! Their is nothing left