"My name is Jero, thirty-five years old, bachelor's degree in engineering and law, fifteen years experience in secret service, five years as a certified sniper, and ten years as a personal bodyguard. I became the bodyguard of several important people, two presidents, five ministers, ten officials." Jero held out his hand to me, with a small smile I nodded and extended my hand, welcoming his handshake.
"Hey… you forgot to mention those KPOP artists… hihi…" Moreno added while giggling.
"Yeah…whatever." He waved his hand, as if he didn't want it to make his image less manly.
"I like KPOP idols." Ammy said, she felt a little offended because the two men underestimated our idol artists. Yes… I like them too, in fact I thought that Jero looks a lot like Jungkuk, a member of BTS, a group that is currently hype.
"Yes, so do I. In fact… you look cool like them." I said again, I still hold Jero's hand and he released it in the end, he combed his hair which has bangs on the left and right. Ah..really similar. I glanced at Ammy and she smiled meaningfully too..she must understand what I'm thinking.
"So.. I'm going to start work today, have you guys reported it to the police...you're not going to let him just roam around like that?" He asked again, then he clapped his hands, "Maryjane…I have a guest..get some snacks and some bitter coffee for my guests, ah…two ladies…so should a warm latte? How are you ladies?" he glanced at me and Ammy. We both nodded in agreement.
So is he a noble's son or a rich man by birth? Because minutes after that all the requests are already presented in front of us. There are two hot espressos, and two warm lattes with a few slices of strawberry cheesecake. I would have thought we are in a cafe if I didn't remember this is an agent's house. Ah.. I'll make sure he makes me a cake later..when he's on duty. Can he? Hmm.
"We've reported it, but it looks like Brad has a connection there…very strong. Even our reports are like past winds…you could see from the face of the officer we are reporting to, that he saw Brad's name and his treatment of us changed drastically. That's why I suggested you."
"I see..." Jero sipped his espresso slowly. "But.. we still have to capture her… otherwise, how long are we going to protect this lady from him?"
Ah yes, that's right.. how long?
"Or… I'm going out of town? After all, all my family here is gone, I can go to Venice…there is one of my beloved family…they will definitely accept me. A small village at the end of town…I don't think Brad will be able to access it, there's not even a phone signal there." My suggestion, yes.. indeed I am considering it. Gone is my hope of teaching children to see them succeed, I will erase that dream… my safety is more important, safety with the loss of Brad's name from my destiny.
"That's no guarantee, we'll see… with time… whether he'll follow you or not. We can see this is an obsessive or just a prank."
"He's a psycho! Mental illness… he even wanted to tie me to his bed and do that… he also made me lie down at the dining table and poured all his deserts on my naked body. He's mentally ill! Critical." I'm obviously hysterical. I'd never talked about this, and Ammy immediately gasped. She is about to cry again...if it wasn't for Moreno who comforted her.
"Hmm.. it seems psycho.. although I can't deny it.. it's all men's fantasy..." Jero smirked.
I looked at him suspiciously, can I trust this man?
"Okay, today..you guys stay in this house first..tomorrow we will go to your city together..I will stay at Diandra's house for a few days, following you all day long. How do you agree?" he asked me. I nodded resignedly. What other choice do I have but to agree.
That night I spent contemplating. At least tonight I'm safe, I pulled out my dead phone. I left it like that. prevent him from tracking me down. I try to close my eyes in this room. The room was reserved for me. Ammy and Moreno slept in another room. Turns out this is a mansion belonging to Jero…that man is really rich!
In the morning, the four of us got into Jero's car…at first, Jero insisted on bringing his bulletproof car and so on, but Moreno brought a car…and he is confused about what to do.
"You have a driver..let him come back with your car..and you with mine. It will be easier for me to take Diandra everywhere later."
Jero's words are agreed by everyone. Jero drove the car and he forced me to sit in the front while Ammy and Moreno in the back.
"Look, I've learned everything about Brad Hollow. He's not just a man…and not a man to deal with. You see… you, Diandra and I, will pretend lovers, let's just say we're getting married…that way I have a reason to follow you everywhere like a kitten to its master. Maybe then he will leave you." Jero's suggestion which I immediately accepted.
"Okay.. I'm teaching.. is it okay for you?" I asked confused. As far as I know, men don't think teaching is a sexy profession. Unlike a model, or a businesswoman, a lawyer or a photographer…all these jobs seem elite and sexy.
"No problems… why should I? Isn't a woman going to be a teacher for her children someday?"
"Aah.." I immediately mumbled and it is quite loud, making Ammy giggle because I am like watching a swoon scene in a Kdrama. Isn't that sweet?
"You have to act as my lover… once in a while we have to hold hands, hugs… even a kiss on the cheek… I know he will be watching you even from afar. If you have a social media account…it would be great if you post like you're in love…we'll make up how our romantic story met."
I thought, is it necessary? My family out there will definitely think I'm getting remarried, and will be buzzing about asking for wedding schedules, invitations and everything. Arg..it seems I can't afford it.
"What about the gala? In two days there will be a gala dinner, socialites…I will invite you, Brad..I guarantee you will come too. You guys can make out…and you Jero can come to him and threaten him, say…Diandra is mine! With a manly accent and hoarse voice. It would be even better if you strangled his tuxedo by the collar."
"Honey.. which movie did you watch that scene from?" Moreno giggled in amusement.
"That will be good. I can do it, how babe? Would you like to come to the gala with me?" Jero asked with a wink, he even grabbed the back of my hand and kissed it softly. God… if this is an act, he's incredibly talented. The problem is… can my heart survive?