Romance with the Cursed Siren

CHAPTER 15. Unexpected Encounter

Luckily, Crystal knows how to travel to where her grandfather is. But unfortunately, she doesn’t have money for the fare and is still naive about city life.

“I feel like I’m regretting this unplanned sneak out,” she mumbled, pouting as she kicked her feet against the concrete ground.

It had already been over three hours since she changed. Darkness had fully settled over the surroundings, but the glowing streetlights and nearby establishments gave the place a lively, almost comforting aura. She was standing near a seaside road in front of a small row of shops, her attention completely stolen by a hotdog waffle stand across the street.

“I should’ve taken some bills from Da’s wallet… Oh no! That’s stealing!” she quickly scolded herself, shaking her head. “Don’t you ever think that again, you naughty siren! The Spirits would punish you again if you did!”

She sighed dramatically, clearly scolding herself like a child.

Just then—

“Do you want some?”

A sudden voice made her jolt.

An elderly woman with a face covered in thick, colorful makeup had appeared behind her. Crystal flinched and instinctively stepped back, then offered a shy, uncertain smile.

“Ah—no, I…” she started, unsure how to respond.

The woman simply smiled warmly and gently slipped her arm around Crystal’s, guiding her toward the waffle cart.

“Two ham and cheese, please,” the woman ordered casually.

“Madam, I’m sorry… I don’t have money to pay for it,” Crystal quickly said, trying to stop her.

But the woman only laughed softly.

“You’re hungry, aren’t you? I’ve been watching you for over an hour. I can’t just leave you here starving.”

Crystal lowered her gaze, embarrassed. “I… I didn’t mean to be a burden…”

From the stall, the salesperson smirked as he prepared the order.

“What is that, Margaux? A new applicant? You should hire her immediately. Customers will go crazy over her,” he teased.

Margaux chuckled. “Oh, Charles, don’t be ridiculous. Focus on your sales.”

Then she leaned slightly toward Crystal and winked.

“Soon, you’ll see.”

She handed the food to Crystal, who hesitated for a moment before accepting it carefully.

“T-Thank you,” Crystal said softly before taking a big bite.

Her eyes widened immediately.

“Mmm… Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “This is so good! The sweetness and savory taste… I’ve never had anything like this before!”

Margaux watched her with an amused smile, clearly entertained by her innocence.

“What’s your name, dear?” Margaux asked gently.

“Crystal… Crystal Alonzo.”

“What a beautiful name,” Margaux said, brushing a strand of hair from Crystal’s face. “I’m Margaux. Nice to meet you.”

“Margaux… thank you so much,” Crystal said sincerely. “I promise I’ll pay you back when I have money.”

Margaux waved her hand lightly. “No need to rush, sweetheart. Just tell me… are you looking for a job?”

“A job?” Crystal blinked. “I would love to, but I’m only available at night.”

Margaux’s eyes lit up. “Perfect.”

Crystal tilted her head. “Perfect?”

“So,” Margaux continued excitedly, “can you start tonight?”

“But I need to go see my grandfather tonight,” Crystal replied quickly, frowning slightly.

“That’s fine,” Margaux said smoothly, pulling out a small card and handing it to her. “Here. Take this.”

“What is this?”

“My contact details. If you’re ready to work, call me. Alright?”

“O-okay…” Crystal nodded slowly, slipping the card into her bag.

But as she did, it accidentally fell to the ground.

“Oh no—” she gasped.

At the same time, a gold bangle rolled out and landed near Margaux’s feet.

“Is this yours?” Margaux asked, picking it up carefully and inspecting it.

“Yes… it was a gift from a friend,” Crystal answered quickly.

“It’s lovely,” Margaux said with a smile. Then she tilted her head again. “You said you’re going to your grandfather?”

“Yes,” Crystal nodded.

“And I assume you don’t have money for transportation… or more food,” Margaux added gently.

Crystal hesitated, then nodded again.

Margaux’s tone softened further. “What if I lend you money… and you leave this bracelet with me for now?”

Crystal frowned. “Leave it with you?”

“I’ll even give you extra so you can eat and travel comfortably,” Margaux offered.

Crystal looked down, conflicted. “But… it’s very important to me…”

Margaux leaned closer, still smiling. “Then how about this? I’ll give you the money. Keep the bracelet safe with me. When you’re ready to work, come back, and I’ll return it to you.”

Crystal looked up slowly. “That’s… all?”

“Yes, dear,” Margaux said sweetly.

After a short pause, Crystal finally nodded. “Alright… please take care of it. I’ll come back for it. I really just need to see my grandfather tonight.”

“Of course,” Margaux replied, handing her the money.

“This should be enough for a taxi and food. Don’t lose my card, alright? If you do, just ask around for Margaux.”

“Thank you so much… you’re like an angel,” Crystal said with a relieved smile.

Margaux simply chuckled as Crystal waved and hurried off.

Crystal’s taxi stopped in front of a tall building labeled A Construction and Design.

“Thank you,” she said politely before stepping out.

She stared up at the towering structure, eyes sparkling.

“I can’t believe I did it!” she giggled.

She walked into the lobby confidently, passing by the security guards.

But just before she could reach the elevator—

“Excuse me,” one guard called.

Crystal turned with a gentle smile. “Yes?”

“Where are you headed? It’s past eight. Everyone’s already gone,” the guard said firmly but politely.

“I’m here to see my—”

“Crystal!”

A familiar voice suddenly echoed through the lobby.

Her eyes widened. “Da?”

“Mr. Alonzo,” one guard muttered in recognition.

Christian rushed forward immediately and grabbed her hand.

“Crystal! What are you doing here? You’re putting yourself in danger!” he scolded sharply. “Why are you being so defiant?”

“I’m sorry, Da,” she said, voice trembling. “I just wanted to see Grandpa… I haven’t seen him in so long. You promised I could visit him…”

Her eyes welled up.

Before she could continue, Christian pulled her into a tight embrace.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“I’m just trying to protect you.”

“You always say that,” Crystal mumbled against his chest, tears finally falling.

“Crystal!”

Another voice arrived—her mother.

Aya rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her.

“Oh thank goodness you’re safe! Don’t ever scare us like that again, you silly siren!”

“I’m sorry, Mom…”

One guard cleared his throat. “Sir… should we—?”

“Get me a car,” Christian ordered immediately.

“Yes, sir!”

Moments later, a vehicle arrived, and the family got in.

“Where are we going?” Crystal asked as the door closed.

“You said you wanted to see your grandfather,” Christian replied.

“Yes!” Crystal brightened instantly. “But… are we also seeing Gabriel?”

“No, sweetheart,” Aya answered gently, brushing her hair back. “Just your grandfather.”

Crystal’s excitement dimmed slightly, but she nodded.

After nearly an hour of driving away from the crowded city, the surroundings gradually changed. Towering buildings disappeared behind them, replaced by endless rows of trees and quiet roads illuminated only by scattered lamp posts. Crystal pressed her face lightly against the car window, admiring the unfamiliar scenery with wonder sparkling in her greyish-blue eyes.

Then the vehicle slowed in front of a massive black steel gate adorned with intricate golden carvings of vines and roses. Two guards immediately opened the entrance upon recognizing the car.

As they entered the estate, Crystal’s lips slowly parted in amazement.

A long winding driveway stretched ahead, surrounded by towering pine and cedar trees that swayed gently beneath the moonlight. Elegant lanterns lined the stone pathway, casting warm golden glows across the vast property. The air smelled fresh, carrying the scent of damp earth, flowers, and old trees after the evening breeze.

“Da…” Crystal whispered softly. “This place feels magical.”

Christian glanced at her through the rearview mirror but remained silent.

The deeper they drove into the estate, the grander everything became. Beautiful gardens filled both sides of the road, decorated with marble fountains, trimmed hedges, and blooming white flowers that shimmered beneath the lights. Crystal had never seen a place this enormous before. Even the wealthy resorts she had secretly admired from afar while sailing with her father looked small compared to this estate.

Then finall the mansion revealed itself from behind the trees.

Crystal gasped quietly.

The Alonzo Mansion stood proudly in the middle of the estate like a royal palace hidden deep within a forest. Its exterior was built with elegant stone walls and towering glass windows glowing warmly from the inside. The bluish-gray roofing reflected the moonlight beautifully, while tall chimneys and curved architectural details gave the mansion a timeless, aristocratic appearance.

Warm lights poured from the enormous arched windows, making the entire mansion glow against the dark evening sky. Balconies wrapped around the upper floors, and the soft lights from inside revealed glimpses of luxurious chandeliers hanging from the ceilings.

“It’s so beautiful…” Crystal breathed out in awe.

Massive trees surrounded the mansion protectively, making it appear isolated from the rest of the world—as though it belonged inside a fairytale. The soft sound of water flowing from nearby fountains blended with the chirping of crickets in the night, creating a peaceful atmosphere around the estate.

“This is your grandfather’s home,” Aya said gently while smiling at Crystal’s reaction.

Crystal stared at the mansion with wide eyes. “This is a house? It looks like a kingdom.”

A faint chuckle escaped Aya while Christian parked near the grand staircase leading to the entrance.

The enormous double doors of the mansion opened before they could even step out of the vehicle, and servants immediately greeted them warmly beneath the glowing lanterns hanging from the entrance walls.

For the very first time in her life, Crystal truly felt like she was stepping into another world.

A butler greeted them warmly.

“Good evening, Master Christian, Lady Aya, and Lady Crystal. It’s been a while.”

Crystal smiled politely, though she barely remembered him.

“Good evening, Jack,” Christian said. “Is my father awake?”

“Yes, sir. He is in his room.”

Crystal looked around in awe. “Da… is this a house? It feels like a palace”

Jack chuckled softly. “You’ve grown beautifully, Lady Crystal.”

“Thank you,” she replied shyly, cheeks slightly pink.

Christian stopped the butler. “You may leave us, Jack.”

“Very well, sir.”

They entered the elevator and went up to the top floor.

Soon, they stood in front of a grand wooden door with intricate carvings.

“We’ll go in first. Wait here,” Christian instructed.

Crystal nodded. “Okay, Da.”

“Promise me you won’t go anywhere,” he added firmly.

“I promise,” she replied softly.

Satisfied, Christian and Aya entered the room together, leaving Crystal waiting quietly on the couch in the hallway.