The room was silent except for the faint ticking of the antique clock mounted on the wall. Emi stood by the massive window overlooking the sprawling gardens of her estate, her arms crossed. Her eyes darted toward the door every few seconds, a mix of frustration and curiosity burning in her chest.
"I don't need a bodyguard," she muttered under her breath, her reflection in the glass showing her pout. "This is just another way for Dad to control me."
The heavy oak door creaked open, pulling Emi's attention. In walked a man who instantly commanded the room. Tall and broad-shouldered, he moved with a confidence that was both intimidating and mesmerizing. His sharp black suit accentuated his chiseled features, and his dark eyes scanned the room before locking onto hers.
"Miss Emi," he greeted, his voice low and steady, devoid of warmth.
Emi straightened, raising her chin defiantly. "And you are?"
"Jeon Jungkook," he said, his expression unreadable. "Your new bodyguard."
Emi narrowed her eyes, sizing him up. "I don't need protection. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
Jungkook's lips twitched, though it wasn't quite a smile. "I've been hired to ensure your safety. Whether you think you need it or not is irrelevant."
The audacity of his tone made Emi bristle. "I don't take orders from anyone, especially not from someone my father sent to babysit me."
He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "This isn't about orders. It's about keeping you alive. And if you insist on making my job harder, I assure you, Miss Emi, I can handle that too."
Her breath caught for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a glare. "We'll see about that," she shot back, her voice dripping with challenge.
Jungkook tilted his head slightly, as if intrigued, but said nothing more. The silence between them stretched, heavy with tension.
"Your father's instructions were clear," he finally said. "I'm to stay by your side at all times. No exceptions."
Emi groaned, throwing her hands up. "Great. Just what I needed—a shadow."
Without another word, Jungkook stepped aside, gesturing toward the door. "Shall we begin?"
Emi stared at him, her stubborn streak flaring. But something about his calm yet commanding presence made her falter. Reluctantly, she grabbed her purse and walked past him, muttering, "This is going to be a nightmare."
Behind her, Jungkook's lips curved into the faintest smirk as he followed.