Chapter 2

My eyes slowly opened to the stark brightness coming from the open windows. I couldn't help but squint and shield my eyes from being blinded by it. 

I couldn't believe it; My eyes widened in shock as reality sunk in.

I look around the hospital room, taking in the sterile smell, beeping monitor and bustling medical staff.

A wave of emotions rushed through me, emotions of disbelief, gratitude and a newfound appreciation for life's fragile beauty.

"She's awake!", a nurse exclaimed with a rather unpleasant face. I came face to face with a 6 foot man, who smelt like cinnamon and a hint of smoky vetiver.

I looked up and noticed his dazzling smile that filled the room. His strong jawline perfectly framed his chiseled features, and his eyes twinkle with a hint of mischief. Every move he made exuded confidence and charm, almost drawing me in with his magnetic presence. 

"Can you hear me miss?"His voice, smooth and husky, echoed. 

"Wh-hh-a-what?"I asked, Trying to hide my embarrassment.

"You've been in a coma for 2 years, miss,"He added, trying to hide his sadness.

I couldn't believe my ears. What happened to me?. Was I really in a coma for 2 years?.

Was this some kind of prank from Dave?

Dave! I hadn't seen Dave anywhere since I woke up.

As if reading my mind the doctor said that Dave had come to visit me everyday but he had not yet arrived today.

He smiled at me and introduced himself as Doctor Paul. He said they'd have to check for any physical and neurological impairments, monitor vital signs, and conduct various tests to evaluate my cognitive functions, muscle strength, and overall health. And if I was functioning properly, I'd be ready to leave the hospital in a matter of days.

I was sure Dave would be overjoyed to see me awake after 2 years. I missed him and his endless lectures he always gave me on neglecting my body and starvation.

It wasn't like I was starving myself though, I just didn't eat that much as the beauty industry requires.

I felt a rush of energy sweep through my veins. I needed a shower.

I asked a kind looking nurse if I could, and she unwillingly helped me to the bathroom with a series of "you should be resting, not walking around ma'm.

I took a hot shower and it felt good.

I stood under the hot water letting it soak my body, and allowing my body to absorb the heat.

I felt so much better than I was when lying on the hospital bed and choking on the smell of drugs and antiseptic.

I got out of the shower and cleaned myself with a towel the nurse had provided.

I went to the mirror to look at myself and I couldn't help but scream, I had 2 huge scars on my face.

One at the my left check, starting from my temple and running down to the side of my mouth, and the other underneath my right eye.

My face was ruined, I had also added a few pounds and had a few more scars around my body.

The nurse rushed into the bathroom frantically, demanding what was wrong and I showed her my face crying profusely.

"Don't cry ma, Everybody knows how famous you are. I doubt if the fashion industry could bear a loss as big as you. Just thank God for life and you'll see everything falling back into place", she Said calming me.

She told me that I'd had many visitors from fans since I had gone into a coma, and everyone would be excited that I was finally awake.

She slowly walked me down to my bed where I lay whimpering.

She told me her name was Emma and we became close. I had actually never had a real friend before, most people in my circle were either with me for my connections, or they worked with me.

I had a really tough childhood, My parents died when I was barely six years old, and my uncle took me in. 

My dad's older brother.

I don't remember much about my parents, but I remember they adored me. 

They always made sure I had everything I needed but unfortunately, they died in a car accident. 

The only reason I wasn't in the car with them that day was because I was in school. 

Sometimes I wished I was in the car that day.

My mom was an only child whose parents were late, while my dad was the last child out of 2.

My dad's mom died 6 months after my dad's death and her husband followed soon afterwards. My dad's brother and his wife blamed me for everything. They believed that since I came into their life, I'd been nothing other than a bad luck charm and they made sure to never let me forget.

My uncle had a gambling addiction and his wife was nothing more than a nagging housewife, whose sole purpose on earth was to make sure I was reminded of how much of a misfortune I was. 

2 months after my grandpa passed, my uncle lost a huge deal which made him sell his car and most of the properties in the house. 

My aunt did not take this calmly, I remember them fighting that rainy night. 

They yelled on top of their voices as I sat on the floor crying.

After a minute I saw my aunt charging towards me but I was too scared to move.

I felt a hard thud on my face. She slapped me and screamed at me to shut up because it was all my fault.

My uncle stood there watching with a smirk on his face.

That was the beginning of the end of my childhood.

My uncle always scolded me for everything.

I wasn't allowed to eat on the same table as them, else they'd hit me, I wasn't allowed to watch tv, I wasn't allowed to speak when they were speaking, I wasn't allowed to go to school and so much more.

I remember my uncle telling me one day that he was glad my dad was dead, but angry that he didn't take me along with him.

He said my dad liked to show off his money and he would never share it with him.

He said I was lucky my dad left some money else I'd be out in the streets.

My uncle always told me I was ugly and would never amount to nothing.

If only I could see him right now, I'd rub my success in his face.

My aunt made sure I did all the chores including the washing of everyone's clothes.

They had a washing machine but decided that their clothes had to be hand washed by me.

When I turned 7, They decided that I was old enough to earn money for my upkeep.

"You wanna go to school right?Well then, go into the world and hustle.", My uncle screamed at me when I asked him if I'd continue going to school.

I was scared that if I didn't do as they said, they'd hit me. I had no idea what a 7 year old could do for money but I had no choice than to find out.

I cleaned shoes for money, I also washed people's cars for money too.

I gave all the money I had after working tirelessly for 2 weeks to my aunt, but she laughed at me and said I wasn't ready to take life seriously.

She said I was never going to school, and that her and my uncle already had plans for me.

I didn't understand what she meant until the next day. I was about to go out as usual but she stopped me.

She told me she'd gotten me a new dress since I had been very hardworking.

I was very excited because I had only 3 pairs of clothes which were really worn. My aunt had taken the liberty of selling almost all my clothes after my parents died. 

I rushed to my aunt happily, she gave me an expensive looking orange dress with matching shoes.

Normally she'd tell me to eat my uncle's leftovers, but that particular day she served me a big plate of fried rice and chicken which was my favorite at the time. 

I ate till my stomach was full. My aunt told me that we were going shopping and I could buy anything I wanted, so I hurriedly followed her to the car. 

I was so grateful at her change of heart, and I really wished that everyday would be just like it.

She told me that I could finally get a playhouse for myself and I giggled with excitement.

She drove for a few more hours and we finally arrived, but we weren't at the mall. 

I pulled her dress and asked where we were, but she only told me to shut up and never touch her again. 

She said that she finally found a way to make good use of me.

She and my uncle found someone who was ready to pay them one million Nigerian naira to have me.

She said they were in debt, and they were killing two birds with a stone.

They were paying their debts and spending the extra cash, and getting rid of my bad luck charm.

The door opened and my body shivered with fear of the unknown.

An old cranky looking man came forward and my aunt pushed me to him, looked me straight in the eyes and said "Meet your new husband Sasha, and you'd better have a happy married life".

Before I utter a word she l

aughed menacingly and drove off, while I stared at the old man in disbelief.