Chapter 4 Unique

She arched her brows.

"He is still my father, Lulu, and it's not that easy for me to accept if he's going to jail," I added.

She sighed heavily, expressing her concern and doubt about my plans.

That little crack of respect, that personal space that no one had given me since then, the fact that I never heard anything from her about my condition- that was a big deal for me.

"Alia, will you visit us again?" She inquired after I bid her farewell.

After three hours of being out, I'm confident that my father will wake up before I arrive. I fixed my gaze on her. I was at a loss for words with her. But her motherly, anxious face makes me feel guilty.

I replied, "I'll try."

She put the scarf around my neck while sighing.

"Alia, take care," she said in a trembling voice.

As I made my way home, I thought about Lulu. She does not know me well enough to worry about me in that way, nor is she a blood relative. But why does she care so much for me?

And then, after some time, I understood. When you are finally treated well, you will doubt that kindness because you are unsure if you deserve it and because this is a new experience for you. You'll doubt the benefits you merit.

I looked at the car outside our home while holding the lone book in my hand. I had trouble breathing. It's been so long since the last time I experienced fear. That emotion had long since left my memory. Yet, seeing that car in front of our house made me uncomfortable.

My father's troubled demeanor was obvious as soon as I walked through our front gate. He's moving in front of the man back and forth, and when I saw him, his eyes started to light up. I stared at the man seated on the wooden chair while holding the book close to my chest.

"Alia! Finally, my daughter is here, Mr. Evans." My father spoke in relief.

Once again, I felt a strange fear. Fear that I hadn't felt for a long time now.

They both turned their attention to me. The chill began to spread down my spine.

My father yelled, "Alia!"

But I didn't have that in mind. I couldn't help but stare into the man's cold, deep eyes. He has a loose tie around his neck and is dressed in a white dress shirt. He wears a sparkling watch, and his black shoes are well-polished. He was clearly out of place. He felt our cramped, dirty home was insufficient for him.

My father walked up to me and said, "My daughter is here, sir. Come here, Alia."

And if he hadn't grabbed my arm, I wouldn't have taken my gaze away from the man in the living room. I gulped and blinked like I just woke up in a deep thought.

"Where did you go, huh?" Father whispered to me.

I felt the tightness of his grip. I whimpered lightly because of that.

"I-I…"

I had nothing to say. It was not part of my plans. I expected him to be asleep when I went home, but here he is. I bit my lip as the pain increased.

He continued to tighten his hold on my frail arm, saying, "I'll beat you later."

"Alberto," the man replied.

We both looked over at him. My father let go of my hand. My focus has returned to him. He has neatly styled hair and is wearing a serious expression as he searches. I shivered despite the fact that he didn't even turn to face us.

My dad can only mutter, "S-sir, uh..." All he seemed to want was to be of good service to this man.

My eyes nailed into the man reigning the whole place. He's sitting, but he's screaming dignity and power. Does he own that dashing car outside? Who is he?

My father has never in my life brought a man in here without a reason, so I must be the one. And this man right here will undoubtedly be one of those men. However, he seems unique.

My fist clenched. As I raise myself, my pupils begin to tremble. My dad laughed incoherently. He is fidgeting and appears to be unsure of what to do.

"Here's my daughter. I'm sorry, she went outside and-"

"Stop with the crap. I want the deal to be sealed now. I don't have much time for you," he uttered.

I gasp. I am correct. I'm not sure if I should be grateful that he's here and that my father didn't beat me after knowing that I sneak outside. The growing unrest began to creep into my thoughts. I felt as though I was unable to move.

No. Please, not today, not now.

"Y-yes! Of course, sir! "

A crooked smile spread across my father's face as he laughed. He gave me a look. His teeth were like the keys of a piano.

He hissed at me, "Alia, get over here."

I remained standing where I was. The man there was the only reason my knees were trembling. He is truly remarkable. He is different in some way.

"Alia! "My father called once more, but I remained still.

I felt compelled to follow, but I was paralyzed by fear as the man's deep brown eyes bore into me, his thick brows in a straight line, and his deep, brooding eyes nearly tore me apart.

"Fuck! Come here!"