Mr. Stranger✔ (Unedited)

CHAPTER 1

-LANA-

The whole day was stressful.

Making sure I finished all the house chores, getting to the grocery store 80km away to get foodstuffs so I can finish preparing the dinner on time before 7:00pm. I was instructed by my mom to be in church by 7:00pm for the evening service with my Dad.

My dad is usually super busy. He owns the Luciano Alsina's company that is popularly known as the most booming company round the globe. My mom is a full committed Christian and doesn't tolerate lateness in anyway.

Driving into the church premises, I noticed the service has already begun. Everywhere was lit up.

The church is tall reaching 65.7 meters height. Towers were attached giving it that church look. It was built with split lugs, mud brick and wattle. It was roofed with corrugated iron. It was painted with Royal Blue color. The Latin cross was carefully placed on top of the building.

People were seen outside the church, while the echoes of amen were coming from the inside of the church.

It was difficult packing since the parking lot was filled with cars.

"Did your mother give you money before leaving?" Dad asked, turning off the engine.

My dad's cool gray eyes traveled to my direction. His black hair was carefully styled leaving little strands to touch his forehead.

"Nothing close to that, dad," I answered.

I noticed him going through his wallet and handed over some dollars to me.

"Thank you, daddy." I got out of the car.

The warm breeze outside blew at me as I felt refreshed.

"Ana," I heard someone calling my name.

That voice sounds familiar.

I turned just in time to see my new friend Luciana Anderson, the Pastor's daughter, raised a tanned arm to shield her ocean blue eyes from the light rays.

The wind chose that moment to blow her long brown tresses across her face, but it couldn't hide her amused grin as she struggled to maintain decency by holding the hem of her black dress close to her legs.

She was standing with a tall guy who had an olive green top and some denim Jean on and her hands entangled to that of the little adorable girl that got my attention.

"Lucy, I wasn't expecting to see you out here. How are you? I hope you're fully prepared for today's evening service because it might take time before dismissal?" I said, trying to start a conversation with her.

Laughing so hard she said, "By God's grace, I will get through without dozing off."

I won't deny, most times I dozed off only to be woken up by my moms little tap on my cheeks. Once I realised others were looking, I would stare at the floor with embarrassment.

"I will hit you so hard if you ever think of that." I laughed as well.

I scooped the little princess who was standing right in front of me into my arms.

"How are you little princess?" I asked

"I'm fine," she replied with her little sweet voice that made me smile. Her eyes lingered around, avoiding eye contact with me. I guess she's shy.

"What's your name?" I was curious to know.

"My name is Ashley Hartman," she said with her little voice.

"Ashley Hartmann....hmmm...what a nice name for an angel as cute as you are." I gave her a kiss, causing her to giggle uncontrollably. Her little hands trying to cover her face as she blushed.

She's so beautiful. I pray to have a little like this one day.

One day.

Directing my gaze to Luciana. "Lucy, let's get in now so we can find a good place to sit." She nodded with a bright smile spread round her curvy lips. And I couldn't help but do the same.

"Okay," she answered.

"Derek please lock the door and keep the key with you in case Ryan needs it," she said to the guy that was standing beside her earlier who was obviously stealing glances at me.

I noticed his silver eyes move to Lucy as the corner of his mouth twisted. "Sure." His voice, calm.

"That should be her brother," I whispered to myself.

We went in together and sat in the middle row close to the pillar in between the middle and last row.