Next day early in the morning Ashley dress up and go the bus station but unluckily a bus just left and she had to wait for the next bus to arrive. Finally, with a sigh of relief, the bus pulled up and Ashley quickly hopped on, checking her watch nervously. She knew she was cutting it close, but she couldn't afford to miss another vocal class. Singing was Ashley's passion, and she was determined to improve her skills. As the bus cruised down the familiar route, Ashley tapped her foot impatiently, trying to calm her nerves. She glanced out the window, watching the city come to life as the sun rose higher in the sky. The bustling streets and the honking of car horns were a stark contrast to the peacefulness she felt when she was singing. Finally, the bus arrived at her stop near the music school. Ashley grabbed her bag and hurriedly stepped off the bus, maneuvering through the throngs of students rushing to their classes. She weaved in and out of the crowd, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as she approached the building.
With determination, Ashley made her way to the vocal class, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew her teacher, Mr. Smith would be disappointed that she was late again. Ashley knew she had to make up for her tardiness by giving her best performance and impressing her with her dedication and progress.
Upon entering the classroom, Ashley noticed that the other students were already warming up their voices, their soft melodies filling the air. She quietly found an empty spot near the piano and joined in, doing her best to blend in seamlessly. As the class progressed, Mr. Smith discerning eyes scanned the room, evaluating each student's technique and abilities. When her gaze fell upon Ashley, she arched an eyebrow, clearly displeased with her tardiness. Ashley felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside, focusing on the lesson at hand.
After the tiring day at school Ashley grab a taxi and headed home but surprisingly when she got home two black luxury cars drove off her brows caressed with curiosity and she entered to as her mom about the guest they had just received, Ashley's heart raced with anticipation as she stepped into the house and called out, "Mom, I'm home! Who were the guests we had just now?" She said "Mom!!" She called out "Ashley you home?" Laura appeared grunting and drawing her luggages "Mom what's going on what are you doing with my luggages"
"Apparently because you are leaving" Ashley eyes widen "how? Where?"
"I got you a job and you will be leaving tomorrow"
Ashley's heart raced as she processed her mother's words. Leaving tomorrow? A job? This was all happening so fast. She took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. "But Mom, I never said I wanted to leave," Ashley said, her voice filled with confusion and panic. "Where am I going? And what about school?" Laura paused for a moment, her face softening with a mix of concern and determination. She knew this news would come as a shock to Ashley, but it was a decision she had made with careful consideration."Ashley, I understand that this is unexpected, but I truly believe this is an incredible opportunity for you," Laura said, her voice gentle. "you will be working for Eric Rowland as his P.A he paid hundred million and your salary is hard to resist so I agree immediately" she pull the luggages in front of her "you don't have to worry I already help you pack all your stuffs" she giggles "mom! How could you do this without my consent you know what he did to me I am just trying my best not to get close to him and now you sold me off to him easily as am nothing" She felt a rush of anger and betrayal wash over her as her mother's words sank in. How could she just sell her off to Eric Rowland without her consent? Didn't she understand what he had done to her? She had been trying so hard to distance herself from him and now it seemed like all my efforts were in vain. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to compose herself taking a deep breath, she tried to gather her thoughts and find the right words to express her frustration and disappointment with her mother. "Mom," she said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "How could you do this to me? You know what Eric did to me, the pain he caused. I thought you understood, I thought you were on my side." She looked at her with a pained expression on her face, reaching out to gently touch my arm. "I understand how you feel, darling. But just try to hear me out, Eric is offering you once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to secure your future, he may actually help you out on your music career. It may not be an ideal situation, but sometimes, sacrifices have to be made." She shook my head in disbelief. "Sacrifices? Is that what you think this is? Selling me off to him? Am I just a commodity to you? I thought my happiness and well-being would matter more to you than money."
Tears streamed down her face as a sense of helplessness consumed me, she had always trusted her mother to be her protector, her advocate. But now, it felt like a cruel game was being played, and she was the pawn. She reached for her hand, her own eyes welling up with tears. "I never wanted it to come to this, believe me. But think about it, sweetheart. Think about the opportunities that await you. This job could change your life. It's a chance to prove yourself, to build your career."
"But what about my emotional well-being?" She whispered, her voice filled with desperation. "What about the pain he inflicted on me? You know what he did, mom. I can't just pretend it never happened and work for him as if everything's fine."
She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I know, I know it's not what you deserve. But sometimes, life doesn't give us the choices we want. And you know about my health I could finally take the surgery after so many years We have to make the best of the options presented to us." taking a deep breath, she wiped away my tears and straightened my posture. Through gritted teeth, I said, "I don't want to talk about this anymore goodnight" she walk away angrily.
Ashley couldn't help but to think about it all night and cry herself to sleep next morning she shower and got dress wearing white short gown she was sitting on the bed when she heard her mother knock on her door "hey Ashley open up" she heard her say but she didn't want to "I didn't intend to do this but consider my health, I could finally have my surgery you just have to work with him as his P.A I just want you to understand I could never sell you off not for anything in this world, Ashley I love you so much and I want the best for you" she said and inhale sharply when she got no response from her "Ashley if you are broken you don't have to stay broken" she took a sharp breath, car hoots "get a grip and come outside the car is here to pick you" she said and leaves Ashley clench her fist her eyes clouded with tears, she has been selfish and had never consider her mom's health she had been working so hard and couldn't have her surgery so she had no choice but to do this for her.
Getting a grip she walk to the sitting room and grab her luggages and walk outside where a black luxury car was waiting for her and her mom was speaking with the man in brown suit, Ashley approach the car and Jason opened the back seat door for her and she entered Ashley noticed the driver's respectful demeanor. His crisp suit and polite smile gave her a sense of reassurance. As she got inside the car, her mom turned to her with a look of concern mixed with pride. "Ashley, I know this isn't what you were expecting or hoping for, but it's the best option we have right now. Her mother carefully explained to Ashley. Ashley nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She had been so caught up in her own frustrations and disappointments that she hadn't fully understood the severity of her mother's condition. Guilt gnawed at her, reminding her of her selfishness. Taking a deep breath, Ashley composed herself and gathered her strength. She knew she had to put her own feelings aside and support her mother through this difficult journey. As the car began to move, she glanced out the window, silently saying goodbye to the life she had known and preparing herself for what lay ahead, but whatever it she she was determined to show Eric regret that he could control her with money.