As morning light pierced through the pristine white curtains, it illuminated the disheveled figure on the bed. Her eyes fluttered open, focusing on the elegant ceiling above. Memories of the previous day flooded back, accompanied by a throbbing headache. She sat up, wincing, and glanced at the empty space beside her.
Daniel was already gone, and she breathed a sigh of relief. His absence spared her an awkward encounter, for she had crossed a forbidden line – she had slept with her own bodyguard.
The weight of her actions settled in, threatening to tarnish her family's reputation. Her father's expectations echoed in her mind, and she knew she couldn't face Daniel yet.
Hastily wrapping the bedsheet around her, she climbed out of bed, her movements clumsy. She quickly dressed, still reeling from the night's events, and made a swift exit from the room, adjusting her attire as she went.
Kia fled the place, desperate to escape the memories of the previous night. Having slept with her bodyguard, she felt no better than Zack and Tana, whose infidelity had shattered her heart. The painful image of her boyfriend and sister's betrayal lingered, making her reluctant to face her parents.
Ashamed and hurting, Kia couldn't bear the thought of burdening her family with her misery. They had always shielded her from life's hardships, and she couldn't repay that protection with her own failures.
Needing a temporary reprieve, Kia hailed a taxi to her friend's residence. As she rode, hunger pangs intensified, and her stomach growled loudly. Upon arrival, she spotted a nearby restaurant and stepped in for breakfast, grateful for her anonymity.
The cozy eatery offered a warm refuge from her luxurious usual surroundings. The aroma of freshly cooked food enveloped her, momentarily easing her heartache. As she settled in, the gentle hum of conversation and clinking dishes created a soothing background noise, helping her forget her pain, if only briefly.
A friendly waitress approached Kia, presenting her with a menu featuring an array of mouthwatering options. Kia scanned the menu, her eyes lingering on the descriptions, before settling on the avocado and smoked salmon omelet, accompanied by whole-grain toast and a side of fresh fruit. To calm her frazzled nerves, she also ordered a soothing chamomile tea.
As she waited, her gaze drifted out the window, lost in thought as she stared at the cityscape below. The gentle hum of conversation and clinking dishes created a soothing background noise, momentarily distracting her from her heartache.
A few minutes passed, and the waitress returned with Kia's order.
"Here you are, miss," she said with a warm smile.
Kia thanked her and immediately dug in, savoring the harmonious flavors and textures of her meal. The creamy avocado, smoky salmon, and fluffy eggs blended together perfectly, providing much-needed comfort.
After savoring the last bite of her meal, Kia gazed at the empty dishes, surprised by how ravenous she had been. Since leaving Country C, wine had been her only indulgence. She breathed in, reaching for her handbag to settle the bill. Her fingers closed around the black card, and she proceeded to swipe it.
However, the waitress's apologetic expression halted her. "I'm afraid your card has expired, ma'am."
Kia's eyes widened in shock. She had only received the card recently; how could it possibly be expired? She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could speak, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Take this," the voice said, as a sleek, silver card appeared before her eyes.
Kia's gaze snapped up, her heart racing as she recognized the speaker. Her instincts had been correct. Attempting to compose herself, she tried to stand and leave, but a firm hand grasped her wrist, holding her back.
"It's time to go home, Young Miss," he said respectfully, releasing her wrist and bowing.
Kia's eyes widened in surprise, then darted behind him. Her gaze fell upon a phalanx of bodyguards, all clad in black, their imposing presence making the restaurant patrons timid and uneasy.
She frowned, irritated. Did he need to bring an entourage to find her? Kia's glare intensified as she turned back to him. Suddenly, she grasped his hand and sprinted out of the restaurant, pulling him along.
The bodyguards, caught off guard, scrambled to follow. "Young Miss, please wait!"
they called out in unison, their urgent voices echoing through the streets.
Kia sprinted through the streets, pulling Daniel along until they shook off the bodyguards. Breathless, she released Daniel's hand and bent to clutch her knees.
"We lost them," she exclaimed, a mix of relief and laughter in her voice.
As she straightened, her gaze locked onto a sleek, red sports car ahead. The door swung open, inviting her in. Her brother's mischievous grin sparked a warning signal.
He let out a low whistle. "Young sis, let's take a long ride."
Kia's expression darkened, disdain etched on her face as she glared at him.
Kia spun around, intent on fleeing, but her face collided with Daniel's chest. Frustration etched on her face, she groaned.
Without a glance at Daniel, she turned and strode toward her brother's waiting sports car. They sped away, leaving Daniel standing alone, his unreadable gaze fixed on the disappearing vehicle.
Inside the car, Kia ignored her brother's playful jibe. "As always, the great Kia is a spoilt brat," he teased.
"What do you mean?" Kia snapped, her glare piercing.
"You abandoned your beloved bodyguard," her brother said, chuckling.
Kia's retort died on her lips as his mocking laughter filled the air. She huffed and turned away, gazing out the window.
Memories of her intimate encounter with Daniel flooded her mind – embarrassing scenes, awkward positions, and intimate sounds. Her cheeks flushed, and her feet curled in mortification.
"So, what position does he like?" her brother asked, scrolling through his tab.
Kia's head snapped back, her eyes wide with alarm at her brother's mischievous grin.
Panic etched on her face."what are you saying?" Kia asked anxiously, but Dave remained silent.
"Dave?" she called out, her voice laced with concern.
Dave focused on the tablet, his silence fueling Kia's desperation.
"Dave, what do you know?" she exclaimed.
Dave finally looked up, chuckling at Kia's panicked gaze. "Jeez, why are you so worked up?" he teased.
Kia ignored his jest. "What do you know?" she pressed.
Dave shrugged. "What can I know, sis? I know nothing."
"Are you lying to me?" Kia yelled angrily.
"Of course not," Dave reassured her.
. "Then what were you doing just now?" she asked, her voice calming.
Dave pointed to the earpiece. "I was talking to someone."
Kia breathed a sigh of relief.
Dave's expression turned suspicious. "What's wrong with you? Did something happen?"
Kia shook her head. "Nothing."
She slumped back into her seat, ignoring Dave once more, her gaze drifting out the window.