DISCLAIMER: This is a creative creation of the writer. All names, personalities, organizations, settings, events, and scenarios are made up. Any resemblance to real individuals, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.
When Levi learned about Celeste's parents' tragic accident, he became serious. Despite not being blood-related to the Devoux family, Celeste was privileged to be adopted by them. Though she was welcomed warmly, Levi sensed something amiss.
"We have to go," Celeste said, patting his shoulder.
Levi looked up. "Where?"
"To my family," Celeste replied, adjusting her clothes.
Levi nodded. "Let's go then."
"Well, that's easy," Celeste said, with a confused expression.
Together, they entered the car and instructed the driver to take them to the Devoux mansion. They were slightly late for supper due to traffic, but it had become a common occurrence.
"Oh, Dad, here comes your favorite child," Zeniah remarked bluntly.
Syron looked at his daughter. "Watch your words, Zeniah. When will you learn to control that mouth of yours?"
"Do you want me to arrange etiquette lessons for her, Dad?" Valentino suggested.
As Celeste and Levi entered, everyone was taken aback by Levi's composed expression. It was as though they had never seen such a striking young man before.
Syron was speechless. "Who's that young man, Celeste?"
"He will be my bodyguard from now on," Celeste announced as she took her seat.
Leonardo scrutinized Levi from head to toe. "Not bad, sis."
The rest of the family chuckled, wondering where Celeste had found such an incredible-looking man.
"She has a way with men; let's agree," Levi said, winking at Celeste.
Valentino smirked. "She learned from the best."
"Definitely from you," Celeste replied with a chuckle.
Their laughter filled the room, creating a warm, homely atmosphere as they enjoyed dinner in private. This was their usual routine on Sundays, a tradition that brought the family together despite their differences.
Syron turned to his children. "Apart from hearing that Valentino is a workaholic who even sleeps in his workplace, how are you all doing? Leonardo, who stays in his room unless he becomes preoccupied, rarely leaves. And Zeniah, who spends money without a second thought."
"Dad! Can we not talk about that?" Celeste interjected with a pleading look.
Syron grinned mischievously. "Celeste, I've heard that this is the first time you've been tardy to work due to a hangover."
The siblings were stunned by their father's cutting remarks, each feeling a pang of emotional damage. Sighs of defeat escaped them as they realized their father's words left them with little defense.
"Looks like someone knows his assignment very well," Levi chuckled, breaking the tension, but his comment drew everyone's attention.
Celeste exclaimed, "Oh my! You managed to turn all of our heads. That's a first."
Zeniah piped in excitedly, "I have to tell my friends about you. I'm sure they'll want a bodyguard just like you!"
Syron grinned mischievously, "My children, why not let him join us?"
"It would be a pleasure, sir," Levi responded with a warm smile.
Celeste halted him from sitting beside her, noticing her father's expression.
"Why don't you sit next to Celeste, Levi?" Leonardo suggested.
Celeste forced a smile, "He can't."
Levi teased, "Where should I sit then? With your brothers? Do I look like one?"
Celeste pinched him playfully, "Levi, just sit with them and eat. Nothing more, nothing less."
Following her directive, Levi peacefully joined them for the rest of the night. Syron engaged him in conversation, asking about his work.
"I'm a CEO, sir," Levi replied with a smile.
Once again, all heads turned to Levi, sensing something unusual about him.
Syron cleared his throat, "Ahem. What kind of business do you run, young man?"
Levi exuded an arrogant aura as he responded, "Well, I can handle any business. Just name it, and I'll take care of it for you."
Valentino inquired, "Is that so? Why did you agree to become my sister's bodyguard then?"
Levi chuckled, "She and I made a deal. That's why I'm here."
Zeniah chimed in, "Dad, he's husband material. He's got everything."
"Zeniah, I'll find you a better one. Leave him for your sister," Syron quipped.
Celeste chuckled, "He won't stay long; it's only temporary."
The supper concluded with a delectable dessert, its enticing aroma filling the room, even tempting Levi.
After supper, they decided to visit their secret basement.
"Here's our favorite hangout spot," Celeste showed Levi.
Levi chuckled, "Quite entertaining, I must say."
"Dad likes creating individual spaces for each of us; that's why he built this basement," Celeste explained, pointing out their various hobbies.
Levi surveyed the area, noticing the different games and activities.
"It seems you all enjoy playing different games?" he observed.
"We do. What kind of game do you want to play, young man?" Syron smirked at Levi.
Levi suggested, "How about poker?"
"Are you sure? Our bets don't usually go below one million," Valentino remarked, flashing his black card.
Levi nodded confidently. "Try me."
"Looks like someone wants to challenge us, Dad," Zeniah chuckled.
They all took their designated seats and instructed the dealer to shuffle and distribute the cards. The starting bet hovered around one million.
"I bet one million," Leonardo declared, placing a black chip on the table.
As the game commenced, everyone's demeanor turned serious. Levi couldn't help but chuckle when he glanced at his cards, feeling optimistic.
Observing her own hand, Celeste announced, "I bet five million."
"Sister?" Zeniah exclaimed in surprise.
Levi grinned. "Call."
"Me too, Call," Valentino confirmed.
Syron observed the substantial amount at stake and felt pleased that his children were taking the game seriously, despite only playing for fun. He let out a hearty laugh.
The dealer awaited Syron's decision.
"I'll fold. I want to see how they'll play," Syron declared.
The dealer nodded and placed another card on the table. The third card revealed a King of Diamonds, followed by a Jack of Clubs and Diamonds.
"I bet three million," Celeste announced, flashing a smile.
Leonardo and Zeniah promptly folded upon hearing Celeste's substantial raise, sensing she held a strong hand.
Levi calmly responded, "Call."
"Okay. Let's reveal our hands all at once," Valentino suggested, glancing at the others.
Simultaneously, they all displayed their hands, revealing shock on Levi's face as he realized he held a royal flush. Such a hand was rare, especially for a first-timer playing with them.
Syron chuckled, "What a talented individual you are."
"Mr. Levi wins. He has a royal flush. The winnings will be transferred to you," the dealer announced, displaying his QR code on the phone.
Levi shook his head, "No need. Donate it to charity, for those who need it."
"Thank you, sir," the dealer responded, smiling.
Valentino chuckled, "Looks like someone outplayed us in poker—a first-timer. Quite an impressive player indeed."
"You seem to excel at everything," Celeste remarked, looking up into Levi's eyes.
Levi replied, "Of course. I have to ensure that your family will approve of me."
Celeste burst into giggles, nearly stumbling. Levi swiftly caught her arms, preventing her from falling.
Syron smiled, observing how attentive Levi was at all times. They seemed like a perfect match, made in heaven.