At the very least, Mirena went to the place where she was once treated like a daughter. It was an old-fashioned, cheap restaurant with a delicious menu.
But the best thing that captured her heart was the owner who looked like a good father. The first time that Mirena visited the place, she felt how ordinary people lived peacefully.
No one treated her like a princess and she liked it so much that brought the young woman back.
Her face was still wet and her eyes got swollen. After how many years of holding those tears, they finally came out in front of her father.
Mirena smiled shortly when the old man waved his hand in the thin air. There was no sadness in his eyes unlike hers.
Alexander Rouge quickly walked towards her despite being exhausted. He didn't want to slip the chance either to start a funny conversation with her.
His wrinkled face lit up and smiled brightly at her. Alexander couldn't understand why he felt comfortable with her. Perhaps, it was because of father's instincts.
Mirena bowed her head and sighed. She didn't want to cry in front of him, so it took her a few seconds until she met the old man's gaze.
She said, "Two bottles of red water for me and one order of my favorite fried chicken wings–"
"Shh, I know. I know you were crying along the way. Just let it be, young lady." Alexander cut her off. It was evident and anyone could say the same thing.
"Stay here, I'll get your order first." He sighed and quickly left.
Alexander became Mirena's greatest advisor and companion. She disguised as an ordinary woman with problems like him.
She didn't wear fancy dresses. Expensive stilettos and even make-up. She pretended to be the other version of herself and no one knew about it.
Until now, Mirena couldn't still forget how Michael slapped her to death. It was too quick but the pain almost lost her sense of hearing.
Her vision turned blurry and every little thing around the room was a mess. The only that flashed into her head was Alexander.
By then, she changed her clothes. To make it more realistic, Mirena erased her makeup and took off all the pieces of jewelry on her body.
Her heart was still broken and she didn't know how to forgive her father.
"Thank God, he's here today!" she whispered.
While waiting, Mirena caressed her temple gently. She narrowed her eyes and tried to look around until the old man appeared in front of her.
Alexander was carrying a black tray with her orders. But instead of two bottles of red water, it became six which made Mirena laugh.
He said, "Don't worry, I will drink the four bottles and the rest is yours. What do you think, Mirena?"
"You're still the same and I'm glad to know that," Mirena replied and took the plate of fried chicken.
A wide smile showed on her lips. The chicken wings were inviting her to eat all of them.
She looked at him and said, "Oh, it smells good and delicious! I want to buy all of these!"
The old man burst into laughter. He had no idea that the woman he was looking at belonged to the wealthiest family in the entire city.
But despite everything, Alexander treated Mirena like his real daughter. He had lost his greatest Celine because of an accident and in the same year, he met Mirena who gave him hope to live.
"Stop fooling around, young lady. Just taste it," spoke Alexander and sat down on the wooden chair in front of her.
As soon as Mirena realized that she almost forgot about her identity. A burst of mischievous laughter sounded off around the place.
She then took one of the chicken wings and looked at the empty glasses on top of the table.
"I know what to do! Just eat and I'll open it for you."
Alexander didn't know that he comforted Mirena through simple gestures and words. His innocence filled the space in his heart.
No matter what happened, it would be the greatest thing he has ever done in this lifetime.
However, Mirena's phone rang out of the blue. She wasn't expecting someone's call either.
She then reached for her purse and saw the caller's name on the screen. A bright smile flaunted on her lips and showed it to the old man.
"It's my mother!" she exclaimed out of excitement.
On the other side, Alexander remained silent and gave her enough time to talk with her mother. He suddenly missed his late wife and daughter who were both gone.
As he chugged one of the bottles of wine, he heard that Mirena was summoned by her mother. At some point, he felt something within his chest. The truth saddened him, but it should be accepted.
Mirena took a deep breath as soon as she put the phone away from her ears. She wanted to stay with him a little bit longer. But other things must be her priority.
She bowed her head in guilt. Just the look of his face, cast down Alexander.
"I am sorry, but I have to go! I haven't seen her for a little while and I'm excited to meet her right now!"
Alexander nodded. He then lifted his head and looked deeply into her eyes, "During our days, we always buy something for our parents. It never failed to make their day better."
"Follow me." The old man ordered.
Without any hesitation, she took her purse and followed him behind. Mirena even remembered that she hasn't paid for her orders yet.
Mirena ran towards the counter where Alexander packed some chicken wings for her mother. He took it seriously until she took crumpled fifty dollars from her pocket.
She said, "That is enough and here's for my orders."
"Just keep it. You don't know what will happen tomorrow and you should have some extra money." he replied and didn't look at it for a second.
She was speechless. It didn't come to her senses that she would meet someone who doesn't praise money at all.
He gave the small box to Mirena and smiled widely, "Hurry up! Your mother must be waiting for her lovely daughter by now."
With admiration in her eyes, Mirena bowed her head and left the restaurant with a brisk feeling. She never regretted coming to the old man's small restaurant.
"Your life will change forever. That is the only thing I can do for all the kindness you've bestowed upon me." Mirena whispered as she walked to the corner where she parked her car.
Strangely, there was a black car from a distance. Mirena didn't see it earlier but didn't give a damn care.