Romance with the Cursed Siren

CHAPTER 55. Family Background

“So, this is the reason Christian lived on an island instead of living like a royal in Creekwood City. Also, the reason why they only visit Teofilo during nighttime.” Austin muttered after seeing the video of Crystal’s switch.

“Dad, you think aunt Aya is a siren too, like her daughter?” Rachel asked.

“Most probably, yes. I was just confused because Aya never turned into something like this. She even used to live in Alonzo’s mansion for months.” 

“I don’t understand. Why would Gabriel choose a monster like her more than me!? This is so unfair!” Rachel complained, stomping her feet like a child.

“Margaux told me that her guests get crazy over Lotus. I was thinking it has something to do with her being a siren. Plus, just look at yourself. Who will not get turned off of that attitude, eh?” Austin remarks on his daughter’s behavior.

“When will you be getting mature, Rachel?” he added, sitting back on his swivel chair behind the mahogany office desk.

“Kissing a man will not make you a woman if you don’t change your behavior.” He continued scolding her.

“Whatever! I’m getting my fiance back, and I’ll throw that ugly fish back to where she belongs.” Rachel swore, crossing her arms as she stood beside the glass wall, gawking beyond the overlooking city.”

“Don’t worry, darling. Because I already have a plan.” Austin said, tapping his fingers on the table with a vicious smile.

“But there is one more thing that is bothering me.” he suddenly mumbled.

“What is it?”

“Why does your grandfather arrange a marriage between Crystal and Gabriel? I was just wondering if he also knew about Crystal's true identity.” Rubbing his chin, Austin is trying to think of a probable explanation.

Rachel walked closer and slammed her hands on the table in front of her father.

“Daddy! Could you please stop mentioning that! If there is someone that Gabriel would marry, it is me, and I will not allow that monster to take my fiance away from me!” she hissed.

‘Since we were kids, she always got special attention from everyone. Even my mother is so fond of her. This time, I will surely take everything that is supposed to be really mine. Including Gabriel. I will not let her!' She thought terrifyingly as her nostrils flared with so much hatred she felt towards her cousin.

“I’ll get rid of that monster, Crystal, for good,” she muttered with her chest pounding heavily. 

*****

Jason’s grandfather owns the cabin in the middle of the woods and part of the town of Wingston, miles away from the people and Creekwood City. The cottage is also near the river connected to the sea, where Asia could stay whenever she’s in her siren form. The wooden house is just double the size of the shack where she lives. It has a kitchen, a bathroom, a living area with an old sofa set and a bedroom separated by curtains. The place is clean, and it has everything they need. Though everything looks old, it still can provide its purposes.

However, they knew they couldn’t stay there forever, and that’s what Gabriel works out since Rachel messed up his plan when she abducted Crystal.

Gabriel is currently wrapping Crystal’s wound on the wrist with clean fabric to avoid infection. Also, the latter still has no words about addressing Austin as her uncle, which Gabriel is aching to know. 

“I thought you had changed your mind and forgot about me,” Crystal muttered.

“That will not happen, Crystal,” Gabriel answered while finishing the bandage on her wrist.

“But what took you so long? You said you’re going back before the sun sets.” Crystal urge.

Gabriel heaved a deep sighed before he answers,

“I have talked to the detective that was assigned to search for your parents.” He informed the lady, who abruptly had wide eyes after hearing his words.

“So? What’s the news? Did they find my parents?” She hurriedly asked.

“They received a report about your father’s yacht. Someone has seen it at the Wingston’s port.” 

“You mean here!?” Crystal abruptly stands up from her seat.

“Yes.” the man responds with a smile.

“Oh goodness! I can’t wait to see my parents, Gabe!” she excitedly cried and jumped onto Gabriel’s.

“I know,” he whispered, caging the lady between his arms.

“But for now, we need to feed your belly first,” Gabriel added.

He took a pack of crackers and water inside their backpack for the lady.

“When are we going to the port, by the way?” Crystal inquired. 

“I need to make sure that the place is safe for you before we proceed.”

“I can’t wait,” she giggled as she took a mouthful bite of her food.

“What about you?” Crystal asked when she noticed Gabriel was eating nothing.

“I’m good, baby. Don’t worry about me. Tomorrow I will go fetch some supplies in the center of the town.”

“Without me? Why not go tonight?” Crystal frowns and shares her food with the man as she feeds her by hand. Gabriel smiled and received the offer.

“No, you need to take a rest. Besides, I’m certain that Rachel is still looking for us.” and held her hand before he continued, gazing at her eyes.

“Crystal, listen to me. If I haven’t returned before sunset, just follow the river’s current, and it will take you to the sea. Don’t look back and save yourself, you understand?” He seriously told her without blinking his eyes, but it abruptly brought the lady’s tears to come out.

“Why are you saying that? I will not leave without you, Gabriel.” Crystal argues with her trembling lips as she wipes the tears out of her face.

“Don’t be stubborn, Crystal, and listen to me! You need to survive no matter what, you understand?” but instead of answering, Crystal put down her food on the table and went to bed behind the curtains on the side of the cabin. 

Gabriel sighed and also stood up to follow the lady.

“Crystal,” Gabriel whispered, settling himself beside the sobbing lady who was facing her back at him.

“I just want to protect you, love,” he added. 

Crystal moves over and faces the man.

“But I want to protect you, too. I can’t lose you, Gabe.” Crystal countered as she embraced the man tightly, wiping her tears off with his shirt.

“You will never lose me, love. And when fate separates us again, I promise, I will always find you no matter what.” He told the worried lady as he also wrapped his arms around her.

“You trust me, right?” Gabriel added.

“Yes, I love you.” Crystal answered as she looked up at him.

“By the way, love. Would you mind telling me why you address Rachel’s father as uncle? Also, what about Pearl?” he couldn't help asking impatiently, as his mind was aching already because of overthinking things.

Crystal moves and sits up. Gabriel follows as he waits for her explanation.

“We’re family.” She started.

“What?” Gabriel gets even more confused.

Crystal looked up at him and looked him in the eyes.

“Rachel is my cousin.” She finally confessed.

“She-She’s your cousin? Ho-How?”

“Haven’t I told you before that Teofilo Alonzo is my grandfather?”

“Wha-what? Babe, you’re making me even more confused.” Gabriel unbelievably complained.

“My father left his responsibility in the company for my mother, for us. And we live quietly on Caro island away from people. He left no trace of our real identity to keep us safe. Not even our family knew about me being a siren.” 

“But Rachel saw you at the mansion. Why didn’t she mention any? Even you. Why are you telling me this now? Why didn’t you tell me you guys are family?” The confusion of the truth overwhelmed Gabriel. He stands up, pacing back and forth in front of the lady.

“Are you mad because I didn’t tell you? Did you change your mind now?” Crystal inquired with her teary eyes.

“No! I just don’t understand because Rachel and Austin knew you were working in the club! Why didn’t they take you out of there?” Gabriel becomes furious as he remembers how Crystal was once known as Lotus, dancing on stage in front of the horrible men who went there every night just to see her.

But Crystal only dropped her head down as she started whimpering softly, remembering how they threatened her friend just to make her stop pushing herself to the family.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I’m not mad, okay? I’m just shocked by the new information.” Gabriel embraces Crystal, trying to soothe her feelings.

“Wait,” Gabriel suddenly pulled out as he realized something.

“So, it’s you. You’re that little girl that I always dreamt of,” he said, smiling at her.

“What?” made Crystal confused too.

“Yes, it’s you, love. That’s why your hair and eyes look familiar to me.” Gabriel excitedly realizes about the girl in his past.

“Can’t you remember? I always went to the mansion with my grandmother.” He keeps on trying to make her remember, but Crystal only shook her head negatively. 

Gabriel cages her again in his arms.

“I love you. I’m pretty sure that it is destiny that takes its move to bring us together again,” Gabriel added with a smile glued on his face. 

Crystal continues to talk about everything until Gabriel learns that her father, Christian Alonzo, has the right to be the next president of A Construction and Design after Teofilo dies. But it still didn’t change the fact that he is being arranged for marriage to Rachel and not with the one he loves, Crystal.