Drake Quinn was sitting silently at a well-carved, wooden chair. It was made a decade ago, but it looked brand new. He couldn't imagine what would happen when Mirena lost everything in a snap of his fingers.
Aside from the beautiful chair, an old photograph caught his attention. It was a family picture where the Miller wore their best smiles.
It suddenly set aside the hatred he felt towards her. He didn't want to hurt anyone, especially her beloved mother who didn't hurt his feelings.
He then gasped, trying to look at the woman in her forties. Drake never knew how to behave in front of a woman's mother. His heart was beating too fast like a teenager who met his girlfriend's parents for the very first time.
Georgina Miller glanced at him for a second. She couldn't believe her daughter brought a man into the mansion after a long, long time.
"What is your name, young man?" she paused and waited for an answer. Her round eyes sparkled when Drake smiled brightly at her. "You're such a lovely son!"
Mirena tilted her head as soon as she heard her mother's laughter. It has been a while since the last time she talked that much.
She then cleared her throat, telling them that she was around.
"He's not my boyfriend, mom and I told you upon our arrival!"
Mirena smiled shortly and handed a glass of water to Georgina. According to her doctor, it would be best if she would stop drinking alcohol and coffee. It could help her to sleep easily and avoid any seizures.
Seeing her daughter gave comfort to Georgina. She has been fighting against a serious illness and chose to hide it from Mirena.
Drake chuckled as he tilted his head to support Mirena's statement. He didn't want to give such a bad impression to her mother.
To be successful in everything, kindness and being smart could help him a lot.
He said, "Mirena's right, Madam. To be honest, we just met yesterday."
"What? But why do I feel this way?" Georgina narrowed her eyes and tried to know the strong connection between them. "It seems like you've known each other for so long!"
Drake was taken aback by her instincts. It was true, but he couldn't reveal the past for now. He wondered if Mirena told her mother before.
However, he was distracted when Mirena took Georgina's hands and held them tightly. She took a deep, long breath and smiled brightly at her.
"Drake and I met coincidentally last night. I know, you've been asking me to marry and have a child, but I don't want to do it against my will."
Mirena felt bad for her mother. She didn't want to settle down with someone she never met. At this point, she enjoyed toying with men's hearts, and no one could change it.
Georgina Miller sighed in disappointment. For the past few years, she hoped Mirena would meet someone that turned her life upside down.
She knew the reason why Mirena turned into a playgirl. If only she could turn back the time, Georgina would do anything to keep the family she truly treasured.
"I know, but Drake is here! He will take care of you," Georgina paused for a second and turned her gaze at him. "Promise me that you will stay beside my daughter. Can you do that on my behalf of me?"
Drake was caught off guard. It wasn't in his plans as he has foreseen that it might destroy his biggest revenge. However, he has no choice anymore.
Georgina and Mirena were waiting for an answer. If he would say no, it might change Mirena's mind and decide to push him away instead.
It was the hardest decision for him, yet it could help him to win this battle.
He then looked at Georgina's pale face and shook his head.
"Yes, Mrs. Miller! I will stay beside Mirena and take care of her for the rest of my life." Drake said with enough conviction.
"I will keep that promise, young man. If I heard that you hurt my daughter, I will never forgive you," spoke Georgina bringing uneasiness beneath his soul.
At that moment, Drake had a second thought. He got confused about either continuing with his revenge or stop it while no one was severely hurt.
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Mirena stayed quiet as she looked at the satisfying view. The way back to the city was impressive as there were no houses and buildings around. It was well-preserved which persuaded her to go back and forth every single day.
Her silence bothered Drake. He tried to concentrate on driving, but it was hard to ignore the heartbreaker's sudden change of mood.
Drake cleared his throat. Of all the ways in catching someone's attention, he chose to break the awkward sensation between them.
"What's wrong?" he asked and held the steering wheel tightly.
At some point, Mirena realized why her mother always asked her to settle down and live happily.
Georgina wanted her to stay away from fame as she thought it was the only way to protect her child from any danger.
Everything that she said flashed back into Mirena's head, confusing her to death. A lot of questions stuck within her system.
Is it the right time to change?
Should I grant mom's greatest wish for me and give back everything I have to the real owner?
Mirena quickly opened the window and closed her eyes for a second. She didn't hear Drake's voice not until he stopped the car alongside the road.
There was no one around. He noticed that she looked exhausted and getting some fresh air could help ease her mind.
"Wait for me, Mirena!"
Drake hurriedly went off the car and walked around to open the door for her. However, before Mirena could step her right foot to the ground, a strange car suddenly stopped behind them.
Five men in black suits quickly jumped off from the car and looked at Drake sharply. They were holding a knife that scared him to death.
His eyes glinted. Drake didn't know that they would attack in the middle of nowhere without his permission.
"What do you want from me?" He asked and tried to hide Mirena from them.
But Drake didn't know that they were not the gangsters he hired yesterday. They were the servants of his greatest rival, Strik Thorne.
The leader of the gang threw the bubble gum into the weeds. He then took steps closer to Drake and smirked.
He said, "Hand that woman to me and you will be safe."
It was simple. Their mission was quite impressive, but Drake won't let anyone take Mirena from him. It would be now or never.
With bravery, Drake gritted his teeth and glanced at him for a few seconds. He knew how to protect himself and it has been a while since the last time he fought against anyone.
"I dare you to kill me. If you win, then take her away from me!" He smirked which awakened the monsters within the enemies' souls.