Blood and Roses.

Ava could see her world crashing down before her eyes, tears flowed down her eyes as the doctor words echoed in her head.

"I'm sorry, we lost her" The words rang like a bad nightmare she could not forget.

To the hospital staffs, they lost just another patient but to her she lost her lifeline - Her mother, the only person who had kept her going, she had begged Janet - her boss for a loan, something she did not believe she could do, especially not after Janet's endless bullying.

She could still remember Janet laughter as she went on her knees pleading, she even went as far as to beg her scumbag of a father and yet... She was gone... Like she wasn't here yesterday... Like she wasn't the woman she talked to last night.

She could feel the pain in her heart, her world has ended and no one could see it - they didn't care. She clenched her chest as she squatted on the floor.

Indistinct chatter floated into her ears but she wasn't there, she was with her mother.

The smiling woman who handed her cookies when she was young, that strong woman who fought for her rights when she was forced to get a divorce, that woman that left her father without looking back. That woman that always told her. "Ava, you are a great child". Gone...Just like that.

In her subconsciousness, she caught sight of the nurses rolling her mother out of the room all covered in a white cloth. She rushed over to her side yanking the cloth off her face.

"Mother, mother" She called with choked voice. "Please don't do this, Mom don't leave me" She cried out.

"Poor child" she barely heard a passerby say.

"Mum" She sobbed.

"Ma, you have to take it easy" A nurse said coming over to her and pulling her in her embrace.

"Mother" Ava bent down to plant a kiss on the forehead of her mother's lifeless body. The coldness she felt rudely reminded her that the only person in the world that do care is gone - dead forever.

She turned to look at the nurse who held her and nodded at her.

"Thank you ma" She said her eyes following the strecher used in carrying her mother to the morgue.

"You have to be strong child, even if it's for your mother" The old nurse said and she nodded wiping her face with a tissue.

She had to be strong, her mother had no one else except her. Casting a glance at the stretcher, she nodded at the doctor and walked out of the hospital trying to convince herself that it did not hurt but... no it hurt so bad.

Her tears flowed down her eyes like a river. The bitter taste of the tears served to remind her of the death of the only person she had left. Her heart felt hollow and she found herself craving solace.

Heading to the bus station, she boarded a bus going to her fiancée apartment, he was the only one who could comfort her of her loss.

She pushed the door open and looked around the house not seeing him. She walked towards the bedroom and she could hear noises coming out of the bedroom... More like moans.

She shook her head refusing to believe what she was hearing, her tears that had just ceased found their way out of her eyes.

With her heart in her mouth, she pushed the door open and she could feel her already broken heart shattering again when she saw her fiancee, Shane in bed with...Clara her stepsister.

"Shane" She shrieked, eyes wide open before bolting out of the room.

Her legs burned as she ran far away looking for somewhere to let her emotions out. Looking backwards, there was no signs of Shane coming after her. She laughed - a heart wrenching sound.

"Did I really thought he would come after me?" She let out a sad smile.

She looked around her and it was in a pack, sitting down she saw little children running around with their parents then the memories she tried her best to lock away came rushing.

A small petite girl dressed in a pink princess gown running around with her father chasing after her, she could still remember the contented smile on her mother's lips.

A family filled with love and warmth was what she had till her mother discovered her father had been cheating, way before Ava was born and then that sweet family was torn apart replaced by the most hated smile of her step mother.

She did not realize she was crying till she felt a tap on her legs. Looking down she saw a little girl looking up to her.

"Big sister, why are you crying?" The girl asked.

"Because she is sad" She heard a voice behind the girl, she looked up to see a lady approaching them.

"Then if I give big sister my lollipop, she won't remain sad again right?" The girl asked her big eyes searching for an answer.

"Yes" The lady smiled at the girl.

"Big sister" The girl called and stretched out a lollipop.

"Thank you" Her voice came out choked as she took the lollipop. Standing up, She turned to look at the lady with a light smile.

"Thank you" She whispered.

"I don't know what you are going through but you have to be strong" The lady advised and patted her back.

Ava nodded and squatted at the girl's front.

"Little girl what's your name?" She asked.

"My name is Lora"

"A beautiful name, big sister has to go now" She said and when the girl nodded, she turned and then she walked away.

Ava walked down the streets with no destination in mind, her stomach rumbled reminding her she had not eaten since morning and she skipped work - Though work was the last thing on her agenda right now.

Raising her head, she caught sight of her mother holding snacks across the streets with a wide smile on her face beckoning her to come take the snacks.

Ava face lit up into a smile and she absentmindedly walked passed through road her eyes fixed on her mother.

The honk of a car brought her back as a black car sped past her almost colliding with her, she raised her head and her mother was...Gone.

She heard people cursing at her and the dam of tears that had opened in her since morning came rushing again. Why... Why was she gone?. She asked herself.

Sitting on the floor by the roadside, she raised her eyes and her eyes collided with the occupant of the car eyes.

A man - eyes cold, Dark, emotionless but behind it, there was something else, something darker. Something she couldn't name.

What was that?

Ava pushed open the door of her apartment and walked into the kitchen placing the bag of groceries on the kitchen cabinet.

Taking out the last pack of noodles, she placed it on the pot of boiling water.

"Ava, don't eat noodles, it's junk" She heard that kind and cheerful voice buried deep in her memories and a tear dropped into the pot. Cleaning her eyes with the back of her hand, she concentrated on cooking. After cooking, she served the noodles onto a plate and headed to the only couch in the house to eat.

The next morning, she was woken up by the ringing of her phone. Grunting, she picked up the phone and peered at the caller ID.

Dad. It read.

"Hello" She spoke into the phone once she picked up the call.

"You have to..."She heard his cold voice.

"Can you atleast ask about my well being, Mother is dead" Ava cut in.

"Oh" Came the off handed reply. "Sorry for your loss" He said his tone not giving off any emotions.

"Anyway, come home for dinner" He continued like her death meant nothing to him.

"In three days, I need to prepare for her funeral," Ava said, stressed.

"Will you be there?" She asked softly quietly hoping for a positive reply.

"No" Her hope was short-lived as he ruthlessly hung up the phone.

She dropped the phone on the table and hurried into the bathroom to prepare for work.

Ava heard the door of the motel push open - heels clicking on the floor announcing Janet entry.

Taking a deep breath, she continued cleaning the table.

"Why were you not at work yesterday?" Janet asked, nose puffed up with hands on her waist.

"I'm sorry" Ava muttered, she knew better than to explain.

"An apology won't do, your salary has been cut" Janet said.

"But..."Ava was saying.

"No but, do you know how hectic yesterday was?" Janet asked and just then a customer walked in and Ava had to attend to him.

"Ma, can I take a day off tomorrow?" Ava requested.

"Why?" Janet asked, arrogant as usual.

"For my mother's funeral" Ava whispered, the words cutting through her numb heart.

"Huh? Your mother is dead? Okay take tomorrow off but make sure to make it up" Janet instructed, her head held high as she walked out.

Ava sniffed as she packed up her things rushing to catch the next bus.

Ava dressed in black dropped the white lily on the grave of her mother.

"Goodbye mother, I will always miss you" She muttered. Looking around, there was practically no one with her, just a few of her mother's neighbors, heaving a sigh, she turned around walking out of the funeral home.

Her phone rang in her bag and she picked it up, the name flashing on the phone.

Dad.

"Hello," She said.

"I'm just reminding you that you are to come home for dinner today" His voice came through.

"I did not forget" She said, her voice cold and hung up.

Why was she needed suddenly? She will find out anyway.

She arrived at her apartment and took a shower, her heart already numb. She walked down the street and found herself in the park where she met Lora and her mother.

She looked round the park but no one was around so she sat on a bench just staring.

Her hand found her necklace and she tugged at it.

It was her Eighteen years birthday when her mother gifted her the necklace. Her eyes stung with unshed tears as memories of her mother came flooding in. She was now alone - in the whole world.

She stood up and flagged down a taxi giving him the address. Arriving at their family house, she raised her hand to knock on the door.

The door creaked open and her step mother appeared, Sara Martin.

"Oh, you are here, come in" She said with a smile that sent chills down Ava's spine.

Ava walked in not casting a second look at her and sat on the couch.

"I will go get your father" She said and left the sitting room.

Ava's eyes caught a picture of Clara hanging in a spot her childhood pictures once occupied but they were gone now - probably unaccounted for.

She could remember the night vividly the night her father returned with Sara and Clara, Clara who was two years older than her. She could remember how Sara's family forced her mother to sign a divorce so that their daughter would have an official status.

She remembered how her mother fought hard for her to get hold of Ava in court, she remembered...

"Aunt Kate, bring in the food" Her thoughts were cut off by this irritating voice. She looked up to see Ben Martin walking towards her.

"Ava, join us in the dining table" Sara said and Ava stood up, her eyes locked on Clara who acted like nothing was wrong even offering a fake smile.

"AVA" She heard her name being called. Turning around she saw Aunt Kate staring at her wide eyed.

"Aunt Kate" She called and hugged her tightly, making Clara roll her eyes.

"Child, I've missed you" Aunt Kate said. " Where's your mom?" she asked.

"She...she is dead" Ava stuttered.

"What?" Aunt Kate shrieked.

"We're hungry here" Clara grumbled and Aunt Kate quickly returned to serving the food.

Ava sat beside Clara, the food felt tasteless in her mouth even though Aunt Kate was known for her tasty food.

The silence slowly turned awkward with only the clicks of cutleries heard.

"Ava.." Her father started and she felt her heart tighten, she knew it was not a good thing but she had no other choice than to hear it out.

"You will be taken by Alessandro Moretti as payment for the debt I hold him, you were used as a collateral" He said voice devoid of emotions.

"What?" Ava shouted, her mouth hung open and eyes wide open.

"What the hell did you just say?" Ava dropped her fork on the table, eyes wide with a trembling voice.

"You heard me, the company was facing financial problems," Ben said coldly.

"I don't care" She snapped. "I never ate from your money, I begged you - begged you for Mom's treatment but you refused, you should have sold your beloved daughter instead"

A sharp slap shot landed on her face. It was Sara. Her face stung with pain but she hid it in, fighting back the tears - making sure not to give her the desired result.

"Don't mention my daughter in this" Sara warned.

"Your daughter?" Ava chuckled "She is more of a bitch, going about getting in bed with Shane" Ava bellowed.

"Ava, you should stop this, you have no choice" It was the first time in years her dad mentioned her name but he did not mention it how he usually did, she could hear disgust in his tone.

"I do have a choice, you see this, I'm not going to sit here and watch myself being sold out" Ava hissed at him picking up her bag ready to leave the house.

"Take her to her room" Ben instructed and two of his bodyguards came to her holding her on both sides.

"Let go of me, I'm not an item for sale" She struggled but they easily overpowered her, taking her to a room and locking the door.

The room was dark and stuffy and her hands found the light switch, flipping it, bright light flooded the room.

Her heart stopped. It was her childhood room and with it came the memories. The laughter, her mother's smile, her father before he became cold.

She scanned the room, dust clung to the curtains, this place had not been touched for years.

She opened the window and she saw the height of the building, the building was high - dangerously so - but she had to do something, she was not just going to sit there and watch herself being sold.

She opened the wardrobe but could not find anything in there. Her eyes glanced over to the bed and she pulled the bedsheets off tying it around her waist.

Looking out of the window again the building was pretty high but there were pipes that could aid her climbing.

Taking one last glance at the room, she saw a box containing her childhood pictures. Feeling tempted, she walked over to it and opened it, caressing the pictures with her fingers. Tears threatened to fall and then she stood up determined.

Walking over to the window, she looked down placing her legs on one of the pipes as she climbed down, her hands quickly gathered blisters, hands ached but she determinedly climbed down. Looking around she caught sight of her father's guards patrolling the area and she quickly hid.

After making sure the coast was clear she sprinted into the night.

She ran into the night not looking back.

Later that night...

Ava arrived at her apartment, she pushed the door open and quickly packed her necessities in her backpack knowing quite well they would come after her soon.

Martin family house.

"Check the CCTV cameras, she shouldn't have gone far" Ben barked when he discovered Ava had left.

"Sir, we've pulled out the camera feed of her room and here it is, we are still working on the ones on the roadside" His guard said.

Knock knock.

A knock was heard on the door and Ben freezed. Another knock was heard and he signaled his guard to open the door.

Ten men burst through the front door dressed on black and wearing masks.

"Where is the girl?" The leader asked.

"She...She ran away," Ben whispered.

"She did what? How long?" He asked again.

"Not up to an hour," Ben said.

"The boss will get back to you for that" The man warned and they rushed outside the house.

"Find her" He instructed his subordinates and they drove off into the night.

Ava's side...

Her legs burned, lungs screamed but she kept running, the sound of an approaching car made her freeze.

Headlights swept over her.

An SUV skidded to a stop beside her, the back door opened and hands pulled her in. Her head slammed against the roof of the car and she flinched in pain.

Rough hands blindfolded her and the car started again and she could roughly tell the car was entering the city again.

"Where exactly are we taking her to?" One of the men asked, his eyes darting towards the girl slumped beside him.

"Boss mansion" The leader replied.

"What? Boss mansion? Boss had never taken any captured lady there" A man said in surprise.

"Yeah, but that's what I was instructed, to take her there and not to a casino" The leader replied and the car pulled over.

Ava was dragged out the car and pulled into the house, the blindfold was removed from her eyes and the light shot straight into her eyes blinding her eyes for a moment.

As her eyes were still adjusting to the light, she was pulled into a room.

"Here is your room, you will be well taken care of, just don't try escaping because you won't be able to" The leader said and left.

Ava looked around the room which was painted in blue. It had a large bed and seeing the bed she felt sleepy, it has been a long day. Climbing into the bed, she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

The next morning, she woke with a yawn, her eyes shot wide open when she discovered she was not in that familiar small room but then the memories of last night came flooding.

The heartless Betrayal from her father, her shot at escape and how she was caught and tears flowed down her eyes again - She had been crying in the past week more than she had in her life.

She gathered strength and walked into the bathroom to freshen up. Walking down the stairs, her eyes fell on the fabulous breakfast laid out on the table and her mouth watered.

She sat down at the dining table and ate to her fill, she picked up the plates and walked into the kitchen where she met a middle aged woman.

"Dear, you are the girl brought here last night right?" The woman asked as she took the plates away from her.

"Yes ma" Ava replied.

"Oh, he has never brought a young girl home," The lady said. Ava had heard this from the men who had brought her in and she was quite curious why she was brought here and not to the...casinos.

"You can call me Aunt Zena, what's your name?" Aunt Zena asked.

"I'm Ava" She replied but her mind was not here, it was somewhere else trying to figure out why she was taken here.

Who was he? And why was she....different.