Ashley continued to cry until she got tired. She dried her eyes and adjusted her car seat until she was lying down, thanks to the luxurious features of the Mercedes Benz.
She caught Greg's worried glances once more—a look she'd noticed before but still couldn't get used to. It surprised her that the man, who was usually so stoic, had the ability to show something other than his usual impassive expression. But then, she ignored him, simply shutting her eyes.
Lorenzo's words about having loved her more than life itself crossed her mind again, and the way her heart raced reminded her of the very first day they had met.
*****
Flashback: fifteen years old Ashley
Ashley had moved into Charlotte's home after the tragic death of her parents. Charlotte, her late mother's younger sister, was now her guardian.
Grief weighed heavily on Ashley. She spent most of her days in sorrow, crying with no one to confide in. But Charlotte believed she should move on—that loss was simply a part of life.
Yet moving on felt impossible. Every memory of her parents was a fresh wound, refusing to fade. One couldn't blame her as it had only been a few months since she last had them—since they were a happy family. They hadn't had much, but they had been comfortable, and that was all that mattered… until the plane crash took everything away.
Removing one of Charlotte's gowns from her wardrobe, Ashley shoved it into a bag and headed out of the house. Charlotte hadn't returned from work the previous day, and she had asked Ashley to bring her something to change into.
Ashley hated going to the brothel. The men there were always ogling at her, and it irritated her to the core, compounded by the fact that the place reeked of alcohol and cigarettes, which always made her nauseous.
But she had no choice now, did she?
She exited the compound, took a left turn, and headed toward the brothel. It was only a few yards away, and since she didn't have a car or money for transportation, she had to walk.
She finally arrived at the brothel. Flickering neon signs glowed at the entrance, spelling out "Charlotte's Haven." Ashley quickly handed her aunt the item and then turned around to head back home.
She feared that spending even a minute longer there would lead the men to take out their lust on her, especially the middle-aged men with paunchy stomachs and worn wedding bands, seeking the company of young girls. One of them in particular infuriated her.
An old, ginger-haired one with a missing tooth who seemed to think he could buy every young girl with his money. He had once made advances on her one afternoon when she was with Charlotte, introducing himself as George. He wanted to sleep with her, claiming that he would take care of all her needs, if only she'd let him have his way with her whenever he wanted. The irritation had been so overwhelming that Ashley had run off to vomit after he left. Another time, he proposed making her his mistress. She couldn't see the difference between that and his first offer, so she spat in his face. Charlotte, favoring her customer, punished Ashley by seizing her phone, knowing it was the only thing that keeps her company, and never returned it.
Ashley had only walked a short distance when she noticed she was being followed. She turned slightly and saw three unfamiliar boys whispering among themselves. Her heart raced, and she began to walk faster, almost jogging. But they continued to follow her.
She grew more scared when she realized how deserted and lonely the road was. With no other option, she ran—but only managed to make it a mile before one of them knocked her down. She fell to the ground, wincing in pain.
The boys laughed as she struggled to get up. "Were you trying to run away from us, pretty?" The blonde one, who seemed to be the leader of the group, stepped forward and yanked her up. Ashley shook her head vehemently in denial.
"I suspect you're new to the area, which means no one has warned you about us. I was calling you yesterday, and you paid no attention," he said, narrowing his eyes at her, his grip tightening around her wrist and causing her to wince in pain.
Ashley had no idea what he was talking about. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized she was trapped.
"I... I'm sorry, I don't know who you guys are," she apologized, her gaze darting around. She figured they were bullies, the type of boys she had dealt with back at her old school. They didn't look much older than her, but had the advantage in numbers. All she could do was beg for mercy.
Suddenly, one grabbed her legs, and she fell on her butt, pain coursing through her. The rest laughed before they began dragging Ashley into a nearby abandoned building, and she screamed, struggling to grasp onto something.
"Let go of me!" she cried, thrashing in their hold. She was grateful for the thick material of her pants, which protected her from the ground instead of her bare skin.
She couldn't believe what was happening. First, the men at the brothel, and now these boys. What kind of crazy neighborhood was this?
"Are you all deaf? She said to let go!" An authoritative voice sliced through the chaos, causing the boys to immediately release Ashley's legs.
Relief washed over her as she scrambled to her feet. Her eyes traveled to the stranger who had just saved her, silently thanking him.
"And who are you?" The ginger-haired one challenged.
"Someone who will knock those yellow teeth out of your mouth if you hadn't done as you were told," the stranger answered. Ashley glanced at the boy and noticed his brown, yellowing teeth, making her chuckle despite the tension.
"What's amusing you? You think he's going to save you?" The blonde glared at her.
She looked back at the stranger, hoping he wouldn't leave her.
"Come," he gestured to her, and she attempted to run to him. But the other two boys blocked her path, flashing her a warning smile.
Their leader marched toward the stranger and tried to slap him. But the latter retaliated, landing a punch that sent the boy sprawling on the ground, blood trickling from his lips. Despite that they looked the same age, the stranger was taller and from the look of things, stronger.
"You'll pay for this!" the boy threatened as his minions ran to his side to help him.
Ashley was shocked by the force of the punch, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. She quickly dashed toward Mister stranger, leaving the bullies to deal with the aftermath of their actions.
"Are you okay? Did they hurt you in any way?" Mister stranger asked once they were out of the chaotic scene.
Ashley met his concerned gaze, feeling warmth spread across her cheeks. He appeared slightly older than her, with broad shoulders and toned biceps. Now, looking into his beautiful amber eyes, butterflies ran wild in her stomach.
"You came before they could. Thank you," she whispered, clasping her hands together and forcing a shy smile. He was so fit and handsome—she wondered if he lived nearby.
"It's nothing. I'm sorry for the trouble. They go around preying on weaker people, but don't worry, I'll make sure they never bother you again," he promised.
Ashley narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying I'm weak? I could've taken them down if they weren't three against one."
His lips curled into an amused smile. "No, no, that's not what I meant. You're pretty tough," he said, dimples appearing on either side of his cheeks.
Ashley nearly lost her breath. "You have a charming smile," she blurted out before she could stop herself. Feeling self-conscious, she quickly extended a hand. "I'm Ashley. What's your name?"
He took her hand in his, his large palm covering hers. His caramel-toned skin contrasted beautifully with her fair complexion.
"Thanks. I'm Lorenzo," he replied smoothly, his smile lingering. "Nice to meet you, Ashley. Your name is as beautiful as the person who bears it."
Her blushed deepened, and her cheeks ached from smiling too much.
"Are you new to the neighborhood?" he asked.
She nodded, telling him where she lived. "What about you?"
"I live a little farther from here," he said. Ashley felt a twinge of disappointment.
"Can I walk you home? I want to be sure you're safe before I leave," Lorenzo offered.
Ashley's heart fluttered at his kindness. He was so sweet, and she saw no reason to refuse. As they walked side by side, she felt her pulse race just from being close to him.
When they arrived, she turned to him. "Thank you again, Lorenzo."
"Anytime," he said with a reassuring smile before they parted ways.
In the days that followed, Ashley secretly hoped to run into him again, but she never did. And just as he had promised, the bullies never bothered her again.
Still, she couldn't stop thinking about him.
One afternoon, after Charlotte left for work, Ashley stepped outside, preparing to take a walk—just as Lorenzo entered her compound.
Without thinking, she ran towards him. Overcome with excitement, she threw herself into his arms, catching them both by surprise.
And that was where their friendship had kicked off.
~ END OF FLASHBACK.