CINDERELLA - But the glass slippers never belonged to me… by angel_jj
Prologue
If letting go was the only way to see him smile again....then what about my pain? If letting go was the ending in forever....why has everything started all over again? I can’t bring myself to confess...you were never mine...
Chapter 1
Angel took a graceful step which took her into the shop and searched around for her friend. Spotting her target she smiled and walked over briskly, wanting to tell her friend the news.
“Angel! What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“Hi Jin! I’ve got good news...”
Angel greeted her friend in smiles and noting her odd behaviour, Jinni arched an eyebrow and motioned for Angel to sit down on the sofa circling the coffee table of her shop.
“I’ll go get us a cup of coffee...then you can tell me what the big secret is.”
Turning around, Jinni walked to the back of the shop and left Angel flipping through various evening gown magazines. She could still remember when Jinni first opened this shop, Angel had helped her decorate and design most of the gowns and the few wedding dresses on display. Smiling, Angel stood up and looked through the evening dresses hanging and the shoe racks around her. It had changed so much since she stopped designing for Jinni. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to but attending university out of the country was already taking a lot out of her. Flicking through the racks of clothing, something suddenly caught her eye. On close inspection, a strip of green was at the very back between two other gowns. Angel slowly moved the gowns to the other side and slipped the green dress out. The gown took her breath away, it was something that was more than beautiful...it was perfect. The light shade of green sparkled and reflected the sunlight from the window in front. Whilst still admiring the dress a distant tinkle escaped from the bell hanging off the entry door. Angel quickly turned around to see a man in his early twenties walking in. He held a stern expression and even though his feelings did not reveal it, the discomfort he must have felt was evident to Angel. She presumed he was buying a gift, turning to the back Jinni still hadn’t come out yet so Angel decided to serve this customer for her.
“Hi, may I help you?”
Angel approached and greeted him with ease.
“I’m looking for a gift.”
“What kind of gift?”
“Girl, 16th birthday.”
Angel stared at him subconsciously. It was obvious he didn’t like to waste time but that short timed sparkle in his eyes when he spoke about the girl was caught by Angel. She smiled to herself and spoke to him again.
“Well what exactly are you looking for?”
“Whole outfit and accessories. You can choose.”
“Oh...um I need to know more about her then to choose something appropriate. Looks, personality, favourite colour maybe?”
Angel faltered and didn’t know what to expect from this guy but something about him made her want to get close, she wanted to know what lay behind that cold exterior.
“She’s very bright and outgoing. She likes green and she’s cute.”
He was very straightforward.
“Ok...hang on...”
Angel nodded surprised and walked around the store to look for a dress. Suddenly, her eyes noticed the green on the table near the rack where she was looking through before. Her heart jumped a beat and then fell. The dress was perfect for the girl he had described but something tugged at the back of her heart, a voice told her not to show him the dress. She looked back at him and saw him peering in her direction, at the green material positioned on the table. Forcing a smile she lifted the dress and turned to face his direction.
“What do you think?”
“What about shoes and accessories?”
“Wait here...”
Angel went to the shoe section and picked out a pair right at the back. It was a darker shade of green than the dress with heels and a diamante strip for the lace. She packed it in a box with the lid open and then went to the back of the shop and came back with a set of jewellery. Thin white gold necklace with a single diamond tear drop and earrings to go. She showed him everything and waited.
“...It’s fine...”
He nodded and said approvingly.
“So would you like everything here?”
“Yes, pack it up in one box please.”
“Sure thing...”
Angel walked to the counter just as Jinni walked out with their coffee.
“Took you long enough.”
“Sorry, I was on the phone. Woah...who bought all that?”
Angel indicated the man behind her and shrugged.
“It’s a present.”
“Oh, ok...give it to me then, I’ll do the cashing up.”
Angel handed everything over to Jinni and sipped her coffee while Jinni cashed the items on the register.
“Hey Jinni, how about a discount?”
Jinni raised her eyebrows and sent her a quizzical look.
“Come on, I feel kind of bad choosing all the expensive items.”
“Sure thing. Do you want to give it to him?”
Jinni handed over the wrapped box and receipt when Angel nodded. Angel walked to where the guy was and smiled when he turned around. She handed him over the receipt and box.
“Altogether $16, 000 please.”
He took out his wallet and gave her the correct amount in cash.
“You have very good taste, I’ll come back.”
As he was about to leave the shop Angel called out to him.
“Wait...here you go. This actually isn’t my shop, I was just helping my friend out. I’m actually opening a café tomorrow; it would be great if you could visit.”
Angel handed him her card and explained. She couldn’t figure out what made her call to him but she did and there was no going back now.
He took the business card and placed it in his wallet, then continued walking out.
“By the way...the dress is perfect...”
As he stepped outside, his last words were sent back and Angel watched his back leaving.
Funny...perfect...that would be the exact word I would use to describe the dress....shame it’s not mine...I do hope she likes it....
* * * * *
Lee Min Woo stood outside the just opened café and checked once more at the card he was holding. The address was indeed right.
Angel café
17 rain street
He didn’t know what brought him here, perhaps it was her inviting and expecting face that day or perhaps he was bored. Min woo peered through all the people and directly inside the café, looking for her smiling face.
“Um...hello?”
Min woo glanced in the direction of the voice and looked at the figure surprised. It was her.
“Hi...you made it.”
He nodded.
“Was the outfit a big hit?”
He nodded again but this time he spoke. “She loved it.”
“That’s good, would you like to come in and have a drink?”
She beamed at him and offered a direct invitation.
“One black coffee thanks.”
He replied while walking past her and through the door to the inside. Angel stepped away from the door frame and led him to a seat.
“One black coffee coming up...”
“Wait...”
“Yes?”
Walking away, his voice pulled her back and she inquired curiously.
“Do you...can you make that for me?”
She smiled and walked towards the counter. She could feel he was here for more than just a coffee but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was just yet. But she could wait, she wanted to know everything about this guy. Everything. Curiosity? Maybe. But it could be anything, she wasn’t sure herself.
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