Kai's demeanor changed in the blink of an eye. The polite and calm man transformed into a focused predator. He pulled a small device from his pocket, fingers flying across its surface as he tapped in commands. Turning to May, he said, "Please stay back while I check who it is."
May nodded, her heart racing as she pressed herself against the wall. She watched Kai move silently towards the door, his body tense and ready for action.
He peered through the peephole, then frowned. Turning to May, he whispered, "It's a woman. Blonde hair, blue eyes,
wearing a white dress with flowers and a leather jacket. Any idea who it might be?"
May thought for a second, recalling her sister's outfit from that morning. "Lilly," she said. "I think it's my sister Lilly."
Kai motioned for her to take a look, positioning himself between her and the door.
"Yes, that's my sister," May confirmed after a quick glance. "But what's she doing here at this hour?" she murmured.
Kai's posture relaxed slightly, but remained alert. He spoke softly to May, "I'll open the door, but stay behind me. We can't be too careful."
Kai unlocked the door, his free hand hovering near his hip—where May assumed he kept a concealed weapon. He opened the door just enough to see Lilly's face.
"Can I help you?" Kai asked, his tone polite but guarded.
Lilly's eyes widened in surprise at the unfamiliar face. "I... I'm looking for my sister, May. Is she here?"
"What do you need her for?" he pressed.
"I was just wondering if she had enough to eat at home." Lilly smiled awkwardly, lifting a shopping bag, vegetables peeking out.
Seeing that May sighed, feeling both helpless and annoyed. She didn't appreciate Lilly dropping by unannounced, but recognized it wasn't entirely unnatural for an older sister to worry. Though reluctant to let her in, she couldn't leave her standing in the hallway.
Before Kai could respond, May stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. "It's okay, Kai. Let her in."
Kai scanned the hallway and gave Lilly a scrutinizing look before stepping aside.
Lilly's eyes lit up at May's words, unfazed by Kai's cold demeanor. She ducked her head slightly and skipped past him, following May into the living room.
Turning around, May watched as her sister surveyed the apartment with wide eyes. "Is this your first time here?"
Lilly perked up at her question, her face showing a mixture of emotions - curiosity, joy, and a hint of sadness. "Yes, it is," she replied, her gaze darting around the room before settling back on May. "I was worried if you could manage to get by, I mean with your condition," she said hesitatingly, her gaze flickering over to Kai. As he closed and locked the door, he then moved to stand near May, his presence both protective and imposing.
"He knows everything, if that's what you're worried about," May said. Initially, she had planned to offer her sister tea and politely send her on her way, but a sudden reluctance overcame her. Now, she only wished for Lilly to leave as quickly as possible.
May couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, but seeing her sister here felt utterly wrong. The uneasiness wasn't due to Kai's presence or simply having someone in her private space—she didn't feel this apprehensive about her bodyguard. Perhaps it stemmed from the fact that Kai was hired to protect her, while she couldn't completely trust her sister, yet?
"May I ask..?" Lilly looked at the bodyguard with a doubtful expression.
"This is Kai Ward. He is the bodyguard I hired to protect me," May explained.
"That's good," Lilly nodded, relief evident in her voice. "You know, the offer to return to our parents' mansion still stands. I'd love to have you back, even if it's just until you regain your memory. You can bring your bodyguard along if it makes you feel safer. We could even hire additional security—" Her words tumbled out faster and faster until she abruptly fell silent, noticing May's darkening expression.
May stepped forward wordlessly, snatching the bag of groceries her sister had brought. She unceremoniously shoved it into the already packed refrigerator.
"Thanks for the constant invitations," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "but I'd rather stay here." She placed her hand on Lilly's back, gently but firmly guiding her towards the door.
May knew she was being unreasonably harsh, but she couldn't help it. Part of it was irritation at the repeated offers to stay elsewhere, but a larger part was this inexplicable urge to get Lilly out of the apartment.
"As you can see, I am quite well and I have everything I need, including food and protection," May said, her hand already on the doorhandle. " I need some time to myself over the next few days. If there's anything urgent, you can reach me by phone, but please refrain from sudden visits."
Lilly looked crestfallen, but she nodded in understanding.
"You can let Carter and Ian know too," May added, recalling how close the three seemed to be.
While she didn't want to alienate her friends and family, she also didn't want them constantly hovering around her. Especially since their trustworthiness was still in question.
"Alright, but promise me you'll take care of yourself," Lilly pleaded, her voice laced with concern. "And call if you need anything, okay? Stay in touch regularly—daily, if possible—or I'll worry and end up checking on you anyway."
May couldn't help but feel that Lilly was embodying the role of the overprotective older sister. Though she found her sister's worrying excessive, she sighed and conceded, mainly because she thought that Lilly wouldn't leave without her consent. "I'll try."
Beaming at what was barely a promise, Lilly contentedly stepped out into the hallway.
"Then have a good night," she said, glancing back every few steps as she walked towards the elevator.
May closed the door, shaking her head.