Kia woke up early, preparing for school. As she left the mansion, she called out for Daniel, but he wasn't at his usual post. Instead, a new bodyguard approached.
"Young miss, from today onwards, I will be at your service," he said, bowing.
Kia's surprise turned to irritation. "What? You must be mistaken. Call Daniel over; he's my usual bodyguard."
The bodyguard's persistence only fueled her frustration. "I apologize, miss, but the master instructed me to take over your protection."
Kia marched back into the mansion, seeking answers in her father's study. Her father and Dave were engrossed in a discussion.
"Dad, where's Daniel?" Kia asked.
Dave replied, "Oh, he's been sent on an errand."
Kia's warning tone was unmistakable. "Next time, inform me when you replace my bodyguard."
At school, Agatha greeted Kia with juicy gossip. "Did you sell or fire your bodyguard? I saw him with Lina."
Kia's confusion turned to anger. "That's impossible. Dad said he was on an errand."
Agatha's conviction grew. "I've heard rumors since I arrived, and I've seen him myself. If you don't believe me, go check."
Kia decided to investigate, heading to the senior class. There, she found Daniel amidst a group of girls.
Her frown deepened. Why had her father lied to her?
Kia returned to class, fuming. During break, she spotted Daniel with Lina, surrounded by giggling girls. Despite noticing her, Daniel ignored Kia. She wasn't hurt, but annoyed that someone else now claimed her possession.
After school, Kia watched Daniel open the car door for Lina, his gentleness a stark contrast to his usual demeanor with her. Kia huffed and stormed into the car.
At home, Kia confronted her father during dinner. "Dad, I thought Daniel was on an errand, but he's with Lina."
Her father replied, "Your uncle requested Daniel's temporary assignment. I couldn't refuse."
Kia insisted, "Daniel's my bodyguard. I decide his assignments. Bring him back."
Her father tried to reason, but Kia stormed off.
As cousins, Kia and Lina weren't close, mainly due to constant comparisons. Kia resented it.
Next morning, Kia woke up to find Daniel waiting. She extended her hand for assistance, but he remained still.
Irritated, Kia entered the car alone and slammed the door. Daniel showed no reaction.
"Why are you so annoying ?" Kia snapped.
Daniel retorted, "If I'm annoying, then perhaps I would be better off serving miss Lina."
Kia's anger boiled over. "Do you enjoy serving her? Is she prettier, richer, sweeter?"
Daniel countered, "She's at least more respectful."
Silenced, Kia fumed.
At school, Daniel didn't open her door. Kia confronted him, "For a bodyguard, you're bold."
Daniel ignored her, greeting Lina who had just arrived instead. His smile caught Kia off guard.
"Good morning, Miss Lina," Daniel said, his expression soft.
Kia's eyes narrowed, her heart stinging. Daniel had never smiled at her like that.
Kia's embarrassment simmered, not from hurt, but from Daniel's blatant attention towards someone else. She maintained her composure, speaking calmly.
"Daniel, why don't you give me some face?" she asked, her tone measured.
However, Daniel remained oblivious, his focus still on Lina. Kia refused to let him ignore her. With a firm grip, she pulled him away, guiding him towards her classroom.
When they reached her class, Kia directed Daniel to sit beside her, then maintained silence, giving him a cold shoulder. As the teacher arrived, Daniel stood to leave, but Kia pulled him back.
"Miss Kia, I'm sorry, but your bodyguard cannot stay here," the teacher said.
Kia didn't flinch, holding Daniel's hand firmly. "He's attending class with me, Miss. Sorry for the inconvenience."
The whispers that followed were swiftly silenced by the teacher's warning.
Undeterred, Kia threatened to leave the class if Daniel was forced to exit, leaving the teacher no choice but to proceed with Daniel present.
During break, Kia pulled Daniel to the cafeteria and had breakfast with him. Anyone who approached, including Agatha, was promptly chased away.
As Kia ate, she noticed Daniel ignoring his food, his cold gaze avoiding hers. This made her uncomfortable and angry.
She slammed her fist on the table, attracting attention. "If you can't serve your master well, you might as well be fired!" she yelled, storming off.
In her final classes, Daniel was absent. Kia ignored her anger, thinking Daniel was turning her life upside down.
After class, Kia avoided the car and headed to the basketball court to relieve stress. Lost in thought, she didn't notice a ball flying toward her until Daniel blocked it.
Grateful but still angry, Kia quickly moved ahead. Daniel caught up, holding her hand. "It's time to go home," he said professionally.
Before Kia could respond, Lina's sweet voice called out, "Daniel." Recognizing the voice, Kia felt irritated and turned to leave.
To her shock, Daniel stayed with Lina. Kia's anger burned, and she ran away.
Seeking solace, Kia found Agatha preparing to leave. "Gath, let's go home together," Kia said, feeling down.
Agatha searched behind Kia. "Where's Daniel?"
"That freak is with Lina," Kia replied, slumping her shoulders.
"Shouldn't he be taking you home?" Agatha asked.
But Kia had other thoughts in mind.
She stood up, her eyes flashing. "Am I not better and prettier than Lina?"
Agatha answered confused, "Of course, you are."
"Then why does he prefer serving her? Am I not richer?" Kia asked.
Agatha smirked, "Kia, are you jealous that Daniel is with Lina?"
Kia frowned, "Of course not, I just don't like it when he's with her. He's mine."
Agatha asked with a smile, "Kia, are you in love with Daniel?"
Kia stood up, her face fiery. "How could I be in love with him? He's my bodyguard. And you know Lina and I never get along. Whatever I own, she can never have it."
Agatha sighed, "Indeed. Why don't you let Daniel take you home?"she said gesturing towards the door with her mouth.
Kia turned to see Daniel standing at the doorway. She panicked but hid it well, then kissed her friend goodbye before walking out proudly, with Daniel following.
Kia didn't wait for Daniel to open the car door; she sat in the front passenger seat.