Love and Betrayal.

Chapter one

Story title: Love and Betrayal.

Ashley's Pov

"Good music is a therapy to the soul" I rasped as I bubbled in ecstasy.

I nodded my head in a rhythmic manner. Tossing from one side of the bed to the other end.

Swimming in the ocean of pleasantness and happiness.

Billie Eilish is my favorite vocalist. Her lyrics are topnotch. I am inspired whenever I listen to her songs. It became a ritual for me, to play her songs before my feet touched my flip flop every morning.

Unable to contain my joy, I sat upright on my bed nodding my head like a lizard when my alarm clock interrupted my early morning ritual.

"Gosh....not now" I groaned as my alarm clock buzzed into my precious ears.

I quickly took off my black and white head phone and stared bitterly at the stupid alarm clock lying helplessly on my table.

For a moment, I prayed that God should hear my prayer and turn this inanimate object to a human.

I will beat the hell out of her .I stood up lazily from my bed and turned off the alarm. Before I turn deaf.

I was still clad on my pink nightwear which had a matching colour with the color of my wall.

I adore my room a lot. It is heaven on earth for me. My room is simple but beautiful; it has pink walls matching my pink bedspread which directly faces the window. Giving me a perfect view of the beauty of Singapore.

Near my window lies my guitar and piano packaged in a blue bag. There is a small glass shelf that harbours my few notes, my lyrics notes, and encyclopaedia .

Opposite my bed hung my ash close, then a rack right side beside it for my foot wears.

My walls had beautiful portraits of my late parents and my best singers and dancers.

Each portrait has a rose bouquet attached to it.

Eric, my college friend, is my artist. He draws and has my desired portrait delivered to me. Dude is a born artist .

I love art and creativity.

Thank goodness, I have not only turned off the alarm clock but successfully smashed it on the floor. I motioned myself to my mirror that hung beside my bed. I sat on the sofa and whirl round twice. I laughed out loud like one who just won a lottery sheepishly. The cause of my sudden laughter I could not tell. But, hey, don't you know the beautiful one laughs for no reason.

I am the goddess of beauty. I am five feet tall with pure diamond eyes. My curvaceous body is damn sexy. Thanks to my late mother who I inherited my fair flawless skin from.

My cell phone beeped jolting me off from my world of admiration. Picking it from my bed I froze

"What!" I exclaimed in fear. Our CEO, Mr. White, would definitely strangle me alive. I dare not pick up. My eyes unconsciously stared at my wall clock.

"I am finished," I shouted. It was already 9:30am. I am already an hour late for work . I rushed to the bathroom like one stung by a bee. All the hormones in my body were charged.

Today is Monday! What was I thinking?Mr. White has zero tolerance for lateness and excuses especially on Mondays.

I am doomed. All these thoughts rummaged through my mind as I took my bath. Few minutes later, I rushed out of my bathroom on a white towel tied beneath my neck. Droplets of water

dripped down my body. I was damn hot as I passed across my mirror; my n*****s were pointed like that of a pregnant woman.

I dried my body hastily, applied my body lotion. I already know what to wear.

I picked out: a white top with pink shorts and a pink hair band.My love for white and pink is like the love a mother has for her own child.

After a few minutes, I was all dressed. I wore my white sneakers. I am not the type of girl that is addicted to makeup. I am beautiful. I am blessed with long black hair that touches my waist despite my tallness. Most people see me as an Indian lady.

I rolled my hair into a ponytail, picked my bag,my car keys and my phone and rushed out. I made sure I locked my door properly.

In seconds I was already at the door of my car. I hopped inside my black Lexus car. Thank goodness, Brama serviced my car thoroughly yesterday.

I horned aggressively at the gate while glaring at Raymond's duty post; he was nowhere to be found.

I wined down the glass and shouted, " Ray, don't be stupid" I was already boiling up as I horned aggressively.

Like lightning, he ran out of his one room apartment with a dirty blue towel tied around his waist.

"Madam, I'm sorry...please..." he apologized before rushing to open the gate.

The wretched fool was not yet set for work. I bit my lower lip in anger.

He rolled the gate still apologizing. I shot him a deadly stare and zoomed off.He was damn lucky I was already late for work.

I zoomed off with a long sign. I decided to focus my attention on the presentation I have to deliver a few hours from now. Today will be good. I can perceive it but my heart whispers something different to my ears. If everything turns out well today, and Silver's associates respond positively to our team presentation, which am the leader. We would be opportune to travel to Paris for a dance presentation. I have been praying for this day. I hope I have not spoiled it already.

I hit the road speedily with one of Barbie's songs blasting my ears.

"Oh! Not now" I grasped. My heart almost jumped inside my stomach.

The traffic congestion was on another grand level. Different types of cars were lined up. I am so finished.

My eyes popped in my watch; it was 10am. I better get a coffin, I am already dead. I quickly said my last Prayer as my phone beeped again.

Talk of the devil. Mr. White was ringing me again.I picked up his call with my hands trembling.

"G...o..od...mo..r..ni..ng" I stuttered with a creased forehead.

"What is so good about the morning?" he thundered. His voice was fierce.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"I am form my way way to work. I took our sick chicken to the veterinarian and it delayed me" I butted with a serious tone.

"What" he rasped unbelievably. I am pretty sure he just removed his spectacles now.His habit of removing his spectacles when someone made a ridiculous statement as if he had not been seeing clearly enough. At times, I wonder if his sense of hearing is intertwined with his sense of vision.

"Sir I mean...errrhm.." I stuttered. He hung up immediately. I moved uneasily on my seat. I had to wine down because I was sweating profusely despite the air conditioner doing its job.

Gosh! What was I thinking? What a lame lie.I tapped my head slightly.

That's the best this dumb brain can produce.I am pretty sure Chevelle would laugh out loud on hearing my silly excuse.

Silly me! I forgot to introduce myself.

I bear Ashley Pats.

The only child of my late parents. We hail from New York but I reside in Singapore now.

I am twenty year old. I lost my parents a few years ago in a plane crash.

Right from when I was little and could pronounce my name right. I loved music and dance.

As an only child,I was left all alone at home with computer gadgets to keep me busy.

I remember I spent hours listening to music . I danced to the beatings of American hip pops.

My flair for music was indescribable. I particularly loved to watch breakdance led by Jackson of old. The way his crew moves their body excites me.

I could remember drawing Jackson with his caps on. I wasn't too good but mother commended me for trying.I guess her motivation spurred me to start drawing. That's a story for another day.

My favorite singers were Brown, Ariana and. Billish

Super and wonderful souls!

At the age of ten, I had already made up my mind to be a dancer.

I could rap and sing well too. But, I choose to put my energy into dancing. I started learning the rudiments and art of twisting my body to the flow of any kind of music.

One more thing fascinated me when I was child which was; comedy

I loved watching comedy . Till now, I watch shows on tele on Saturdays.

Cooking was my third addiction. I love trying out new dishes everyday. I must say I'm pretty good.

I had wanted to go into catering and services but my love for music washed that off.

On my scale of preference, music took the bulk.Thanks goodness, My parents agreed to sponsor my career.

I attended Eedris Dance College, NY. I was grounded for three years

I mastered the art of dancing which entails flowing with the emotions of the singer and the magics of instrumentalists.

I was already a pro in my second year. Because of my advanced knowledge in the world of music.

I helped my tutors to coach my fellow dance mates .

I was really smart and gifted. I didn't know the worst day of my life was closer than I thought. It was one fateful day Saturday when we rounded up our rehearsal. I was tired and famished. I took a cab to the nearest eatery center to have my lunch before heading home. I was munching my food when my phone beeped. I picked it up and the stranger broke the news of my parents death. It was

few days before my graduation, my parents lost their lives in a plane crash while returning from business meetings from Dubai to attend my graduation ceremony.

I had cried my eyes out on receiving the sad news. Every persons at Veggies Eatery glared at me in surprise. Some murmured while others were puzzled. I could remember that I overheard a lady that said my boyfriend broke up with me on the phone while waiting for him at the eatery center It was a lady of my age named Chevelle that stood up from her seat, she walked up to me and inquired while I was crying. I broke the news to her, she pitied me and took me home. It was from there my bond with Chevy grew. Chevy is like my sister from another mother.

The news of my parents sudden death trailed the whole social media for days. I wasn't surprised because my parents were public personalities. While,My late mother was a well known editorialist of New times , my father was into oil and gas.

Each time their death was broadcasted my heart broke a thousand times. After their burial, my instincts kept whispering that my parents' sudden transitions were not ordinary .I waved away those superstitious thoughts anytime it crossed my mind.

I needn't do anything to encumber my peace of mind.One day, I hope to revisit my instincts once again and decipher the truth. God bear me witness if my instinct was right. I'd use the last drop of my blood to persecute the perpetrators of my parents death.

Six months, after their burial and with supportive help of Chevy I picked the strength to live again. Smile again. Achieve and dance again.I applied for a job in six different music industries ,three invited me for an interview.

I scaled through the interview with ease. I had three job offers and I accepted the offer from Sanchez Dance Firm.

This is my fourth month in the industry. I enjoyed every bit of my work.

I was the leader and best

dancer of Strawberry team. We had two dance groups which were Strawberry and Angels of Barbie. Our role is to represent the firm on international activities like: dance competitions, presentations and contract shows.

My team is made up of three pretty ladies and a guy to complete the cycle. Queen, Berry, and Chris are gifted dancers. I love hanging out with them too. We are indeed characters. Berry is a comedian, she has a fabulous sense of humor. Chris is a woman in a man form. He knew almost how to do every domestic work and he treated everyone with respect. His a good chef. Most of our free days, he invited us to his place and always prepares sumptuous meals for us. The Queen completes me, we are known for our silly pranks and crazy ideas. Life with them is sweet

I have a poor habit and I know the root of my habit. I am a chronic late comer.My unresponsive attitude pisses my boss off. I apologized many times and fell many times tho.

........................................

Written by Jacy Writes❤️.

.......................................

The greens light finally glitterrd.. Happily, I ignited my engine and sped off. Pardon my manner, my introduction ends here for now.

I arrived at my work place after ten minutes and headed straight to our training room.

I opened the door without knocking and was shocked with what I saw .

Queen and Chris were smooching each other, it was a moment to behold. I rubbed my eyes to make sure is not deceiving me.

They were so engrossed with each other's lips, they didn't even feel my presence. I quickly imagine if Mr. White had walked in here with this scene going on. They would be packing their properties by now. Mr. White is indeed a strict man. He sticks to his principle of don't miss pleasure with work. I had to stop them before Queen gave out a loud moan. The girl is really silly and Chris' lips are damn soft.

Fuck while am I thinking about Chris lips. I tiptoed in and gently closed the door. I clapped my hands and said, " get a room guys"

They sprang up in shock, disengaging from each other. While Queen buttoned up her pink shirt exposing her boobs, Chris used the back of his palms to clean up the pink lip gloss on his sexy lips.

"Hey, you're late?" Chris snaped in a bossy tone.

I replied mockingly, " our second CEO, the traffic delayed me"

"C'mon I am serious. You have Mr. White to contend with. He was really mad" Chris explained

"And his white skin turned red when he checked and you were nowhere to be found" Queen added.

"I will sort myself out" I answered courageously even though I knew I was done for.

I quickly changed the topic.

"Hey are you guys dating now?" I asked, directing my gaze to Chris.

He fumbled with his hands and Presh nodded negatively..

"While staining our training room with kisses" I jokingly asked.

Chris came closer to Queen and intertwined their hands together.

He cleared his voice and said, " Ashley love, this no joke, I am in love with her. I just need her acceptance and consent. I would make her happy and shower her with love"

For a moment I was touched as I stared at his eyeballs. All I could see was truth and pure love.

Queen interrupted my thoughts by removing her hands from Chris.

Her voice was loud and clear, "babe you see my problem with Chris. His unbelievably too nice, treats every lady like a queen while am suppose to be his only Queen"

"How?" Chris asked with his British accent batting his eyelid.

Queen sat down on the couch opposite us and continued, " just a while ago he called you Ashley love....dude is too nice with ladies "

She added roughly, " I do not want to feel like I am sharing my man with other ladies".

Chris widened his eyebrow and I was gobsmacked but I have to control the situation.

Chris went and sat beside her cuddling her, " babe you know I am into you. You're the only one that makes my heart beat faster. Ashley is our close friend and colleague" he said with a baby voice.

"Chris let me be. You're too caring" Queen said and shifted a bit from him.

"Why do you kiss him?" I inquired, enjoying the whole scenario.

"You know how hormones can be right," she replied with a silly laugh.

Chris raised his voice a bit high and said, " babe, I kissed you out of love and you just enjoyed the kiss just because of your urges".

I turned my gaze to Chris. He was hurt by the Queen's statement.

"Baby, why are you playing with my emotions, my love for you?" Chris inquired with a cracked voice.

"Ashley you see what I am complaining about" she rasped with gritted teeth.

"What?" I inquired.

The room was quiet except for the sound from the fan blade.

"Sorry to say this, but Chris behaves like a woman most of the time. He was almost crying. Please, tell him to work on his emotions and caring attitude. The dude is not a bad person, you know" with this she stormed out of the room like one possessed by evil spirits.

Chris was still seated on the couch with his head bent.

I stood transfixed staring at the finest guy in my presence

His black hair was curly. His oblong face was smooth and flawless like the inlet of pawpaw fruit.

His white set of teeth glowed when he laughed. He had a baby voice which could turn any lady on.

Queen's complaint echoed in my ears.

If I were her I wouldn't judge him for being too caring.

Chris is the only child of his mum. His father died when he was three years old.

His mother focused his love, attention and energy on him.

She often called him my husband.

Due to the way she was raised. He treated everybody with love and respect, especially the ladies.

Perhaps, Queen was just jealous.

Well, I don't know that feeling. But, I learnt from a book that when you love someone you will respect and treasure the person above all things

And also get jealous easily.

I moved to Chris' position and tapped him slightly.

"Hey, stop feeling bad. I will talk to her. she likes you enough, she is just jealous" I firmly said.

He lightened up immediately and smiled widely.

I almost got wet. How can a guy be this cute and loveable.

"You mean she also likes me," he cried.

"Sure," I replied, surprised.

Before I knew it he engulfed me in a tight hug which I reciprocated.

"Thank you. Please, tell Presh I would be a better man to him" he said happily, still hugging me.

"You know, act romantic movies in my firm," Mr. White thundered.

I am so finished. I and Chris stood up simultaneously.

"Good morning sir" I greeted with a trembling voice.

If looks could kill Mr. White would have murdered me with his fierce stares.

"Good morning Sir.... Please is not what you think" Chris added fidgeting.

"Ashely to my office now!" He commanded and left.

I took a final glance at our training room and Chris and stormed out.

From frying pan to fire.

It was already bad that I came late for work, now this...

I rushed to his office and knocked slightly at his glass door.

I stepped in and greeted him for the umpteenth time.

"What's good about the morning?" He fired.

"Sir I am sorry for my lateness it won't ....."

He cut me short ," happen again.... that's your slogan...huh" he roared.

"Please forgive me" I pleaded again.

"Miss Ashley your an asset to this firm but I can't condone your laziness, lateness and excuses anymore" he firmly declared

He stared at me and dropped the bombshell, "you're fired"

"No....sir ...pl...e..as...e" I stuttered in shock.

"You're joking right?" I asked puzzled

"Do I look like one of the Singapore comedians?" He asked glaring at me.

"Leave before I call the security," he concluded, staring at his files like it was the first time he ever saw them.

I collected the brown envelope from him and left his office.

I headed out and almost collided with Queen coming out from the cafeteria.

"Our one and only matchmaker" she hailed jokingly.

I was quiet and hugged her immediately. I burst out in tears.

"Darling what happened?" she questioned calmly

"Mr. White fired me" I replied, still sobbing..

"What!" Presh exclaimed in shock. The brown bag she held on her left hand fell off.

I broke the hug and wiped my face with my palm.

"I am good. Take care. I need to go home. Take care of the presentation" I reassured her, managing to smile.

"Are you sure you will be alright?" She butted in a serious tone.

I nodded and walked to my car.

I ignited the engine and sped off.

I needed to calm my nerves, so I drove in and ran to my room and banged the door.

I had one soothing balm in my mind which was puffing smoke out of my nostrils. I am a chronic smoker.

Yeah! I smoke to forget the inhumanity and stress of the world. To forget I was an orphan. To forget that I am left alone in the world. To mourn for my parents and query my imperfections.

I sat down on the couch and got down to business.

I smoked five packs of cigarettes in one stretch.

I washed it down with a glass of vodka.

After a while, I felt dizzy and weak.

Everything was getting blurry. I managed to text Chevelle before I lost consciousness.

Hey honourable readers, how was the first chapter?