Ashes of Love

The words echoed again and again in her mind.

“She is nothing... just a time pass. I never loved her.”

The scene replayed before her eyes, over and over again.

His cruel laughter echoed in her ears, each sound cutting deeper into her heart.

She pressed her trembling fingers against her temples and took a shaky breath.

A soft gasp escaped her lips.

With that final breath, her heart stopped beating. Her body trembled violently for a moment before she fell backward, lifeless.

One Year Ago...

The weather was calm and cloudy. The sun was shining in the sky, spreading its warm light across the world.

Sometimes, clouds drifted in front of the sun, blocking its light and covering the Earth in their shadows.

A cool breeze was blowing, bringing a feeling of peace and tranquility.

A luxurious black Mercedes stopped in front of a building with a sign that read “Dell’s World.”

After a moment, a man stepped out of the car. He walked directly to the rear passenger door and opened it.

A graceful woman, a true symbol of beauty, stepped out of the car with confidence and attitude.

She was dressed in an elegant black gown. Her hair fluttered gently in the breeze, adding to her beauty and giving her an enchanting appearance.

With a faint smile on her lips, she slowly moved her gaze from the bottom to the top of the building.

Her eyes carried the weight of all the struggles she had endured to build this company.

The company was a symbol of her hard work, determination, and everything she had sacrificed. Now, it stood as a symbol of her success.

“Good morning, Ma’am...”

She was lost in her own thoughts when, suddenly, a respectful voice gently pulled her back to reality.

She turned toward the person who had called her.

The person greeted her warmly.

In response, she gave a slight nod and returned the greeting.

Then, she looked toward Dell’s World again. She stared at it for a moment before walking toward the entrance.

She stepped inside the company. A bright smile appeared on her lips, and her face lit up with happiness.

“Finally, I got what I truly wanted...”

She whispered under her breath.

Her eyes moved from one thing to another. Everything was arranged in a unique and aesthetic way.

“Lily... You did it.”

A voice echoed inside her mind, filling her with excitement. The feeling was so overwhelming that she could hardly breathe.

She gently rubbed her shoulder with her other hand, trying to calm herself.

Suddenly, someone bumped into her. She slightly lost her balance and stumbled two steps forward before regaining her balance.

Meanwhile, the person who had bumped into her stumbled and fell to the ground with a loud thud.

All the papers in his hands scattered across the floor.

“Oh no...”

The words echoed through the silent air in an irritated tone.

He composed himself, stood up, and dusted off his clothes.

After a moment, he realized that he had bumped into someone.

With that realization, he immediately bowed before Lily in regret.

“I am sorry... I really didn’t see you. I am sorry for my mistake.”

His voice was filled with regret and embarrassment.

“It’s okay...”

Lily replied calmly.

Hearing her words, he gently straightened himself and looked directly into Lily’s eyes.

Their gazes met for a moment before he broke the eye contact himself.

“I am sorry, Ma’am...”

He apologized once again.

“I am fine.”

Lily said with a reassuring smile.

“Thanks, Ma’am...”

For Lily, those simple words were confusing. She looked at him with narrowed eyes.

“For what...?”

She asked curiously, her lips curving into a slight smile.

“For your forgiveness.”

He replied almost immediately.

Lily’s smile brightened at his words.

“Oh...”

Lily gave a slight nod.

After a brief pause, his voice echoed in Lily’s ears again.

“I am James. James Vitale...”

He introduced himself warmly and extended his hand toward Lily.

Lily looked at him for a moment before shaking his hand as well.

“I am Lilybeth. Lilybeth Carbone...”

Lily introduced herself as well.

And with that, a completely new story began.

In the Present

Lilybeth opened her eyes in a strange place.

The very first thing she saw was darkness.

But one thought kept revolving in Lilybeth’s mind—

She was alive.

Lilybeth tried to look around, but the darkness refused to show her anything.

The atmosphere of the place was quiet and calm.

The weather was extremely cold.

Her body was shivering because of the cold.

A painful sensation was running throughout her body.

She didn’t try to move. Her mind was filled with questions.

Where was she?

Why was she alive?

How was she alive?

Who saved her?

And why?

She was lost in these questions when a sudden voice caught her attention.

She slowly moved her gaze toward the source of the sound.

The door opened, and light entered the room, falling directly onto her face.

She immediately covered her eyes with her left hand to protect them from the incoming light.

The light was dim, but it was enough to make the interior of the room visible.

She looked at the room through her fingers.

The room was completely empty and silent. Only a bed was placed at the center of the room, and she was lying on it.

Her legs were covered with a blanket.

She ran her gaze throughout the room before finally settling it on the door.

After a moment, someone gently pushed the door open.

She narrowed her eyes, not in fear, but in curiosity.

A man dressed in a black shirt with a white coat over it entered the room.

His footsteps were steady and calm.

His expression was unreadable.

“Finally, you woke up.”

His voice echoed through the silent room, gently breaking the silence.

He continued walking toward Lilybeth.