After that, she was once again alone.
002's appearance interrupted her stomach's protest. Now that it left, it didn't think twice to raise its hand to grab her attention.
She wasn't able to have dinner last night. No wonder that it was making itself known. Continuing what she was about to do before, Irene got out of bed. Her feet finally touched her fluffy slippers.
Irene entered the bathroom to wash up before going to the kitchen.
Inheriting the previous owner's memory, she familiarly fetched the pan inside the cabinet and fried herself a plate of sunny side-up and bacon. While doing so, she noticed a picture frame hanging on the wall.
In it was a beaming Irene surrounded by children ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
It was a photo taken when the original visited the orphanage where she grew up. The kids there loved her, and each visit of hers would put a smile on their faces. She would also donate a large sum of money every year.
The once dilapidated orphanage flourished under the care of the original. More were helped as the years went on, and for every child in there, the owner became their favorite.
Irene decided to continue donating. It was the least she could do for the original.
But she shouldn't go there now.
No matter how similar she was to the former Irene, the fact stood that she was bad at dealing with kids. Her experience with her sister didn't count since that kid was too sensible. That trait made her adore Liz more, but it also made her nervous when facing such lively children. She didn't know if she could handle them.
She needed some buffer time.
Irene convinced herself that it was wise to go a few months later. The original already went there before she took her place, so a couple more months without seeing them was normal.
She wasn't intimidated. Nuh uh. Those cute and lively kids were angels.
I'm not intimidated... at.. all...
Well, it remained to be seen. Her last faltering words were doubtful.
Besides, all that mattered was the end goal. How she would walk all depended on her.
Out of all she did, Irene was glad she carried out this choice today. At least she made some people happy.
Irene lived in a three-bedroom apartment, featuring a panoramic view of the roaring B City.
After eating her breakfast, she moved to the couch in the living room and laid there. If nothing happened, she would happily laze here for the duration of her "vacation". It was not bad ah!
Irene dangled her feet on the arm of the couch, moving it leisurely. She picked up the remote and turned the tv on, hoping to catch up with the latest happenings in this world.
She found a news channel, just what she was looking for.
[Anchor: As of this moment, the airplane where Vince Ball is in has landed. Vince just came back after winning the Best Director award at the International Film Festival in Country M.]
What a coincidence. The male lead was as brilliant as ever.
Vince Ball has already nabbed countless awards nationally and has now proved his brilliance worldwide.
Irene gave him her penetrating gaze, carefully analyzing his features.
Those cold and magnetic eyes, tantalizing lips, and his inverted pyramid of a body—a perfect fit for the protagonist.
It looked like completing her task would be more tough than she first thought.
Irene's phone lit up. She received a litany of messages from Riley.
Riley: [Ireneeeeee]
Riley: [Heard you're on a vacation, hehehe.]
Riley: [Go shopping with me? (人 •͈ᴗ•͈)]
Riley was the original's best friend. They met each other during high school and since then became glued to one another.
She was, additionally, the princess of the entertainment mogul Michael Stan, who owned the Midnight Pictures Inc..
Through her, Irene managed to enter the industry.
She instantly replied. [Ok. Where?]
There was no reason for her to reject the invitation.
A few seconds later, a second barrage of alert tones were heard.
Riley: [Awesome! ( ˘ ³˘)♥]
Riley: [Today's destination, T Mall!]
Riley: [I'll be there in a jiffy. ୧(^ 〰 ^)୨]
Irene: [Be careful on the road.]
It looked like her couch would again be left alone in this enormous apartment to itself. She stared at it with regret before she hoisted herself up to change clothes.
Irene chose a simple outfit. She donned herself with a plaid skirt and a white shirt. She wore a sunglass and a mask to keep her identity from people.
A couple of minutes passed, another notification popped up. [I'm here!!! (^∇^)ノ]
Riley arrived in an inconspicuous BMW.
Both the current and the original Irene weren't much of a talker. Despite how wild their thoughts became, they somehow managed to sport a distant look on the outside; hence, the people's impression toward them. But it couldn't be helped. Their environment stipulated them to be like this or else it was game over.
Riley saw Irene walk out of the building. It was the same solemn manner that she got used to. She wasn't sure what that worrywart Alex was referring to.
But, on a closer inspection, Irene was a little different. Her ambiance around her got more oomph.
She was now a level higher than those actresses at the top of the hierarchy, domineering and powerful.
Riley gleefully greeted Irene when she sat on the copilot seat. "Hey, girl!" It's safe to say who was the chatterbox between them.
Irene was amused by Riley's greeting. Her lips crooked, and she replied to her back.
Riley dejectedly said, "Your 'vacation' is too abrupt. I haven't had time to organize a trip. So, as of the moment, we're stuck at the mall." Her pout transformed to a determined expression as she continued, "But don't worry! I've already called my assistant to plan our itinerary. After our mall escapade, we'll take off to make the best out of these three days!"
Irene couldn't handle the transformation. Too adorable.
Moreover, it really didn't matter to Irene where they were going. Since someone wanted to invite her, she would naturally go.
"I'll follow you," Irene dotingly added with her cool tone.
They drove in the city and entered the enormous building housing a variety of shops; from foreign down to local brands.
Together, they walked into a luxury store and were respectfully approached by a staff member. "Hello, is there anything I can help you with?"
The staff saw the two of them at the entrance and was enthralled by their beauty.
Looking at their attires, she was certain that she picked up a fat cow this time. Especially the young woman on the right.
From the top to the accessories that decorated her, it all screamed money.
The one on the left was more low-key. But her temperament spoke for her. Her long legs strut with immense precision and poise. She seemed slightly familiar. Wistfully, she couldn't see her face.
Her co-worker had once snatched her customer, and she shouldn't let that happen again. So, she earnestly welcomed them.
Irene casually glanced at the attendant and said, "We'll just look around for now."
Beside her, Like injected by some drug, Riley enthusiastically pulled Irene in. Apparently, they didn't share the same sentiment.
Riley was in her home court, and nobody could beat her.
They went to the dress section. Irene scanned the inside while Riley was picking her favorites, her eyes glowing in bliss.
Like most luxury brands, they designed the store as elegantly as possible.
The warm light looked over the clothes, highlighting their beauty to the customers' sight without fail.
"Irene?"
Comments (0)
See all