POV: Kang Ji-ah (FL)
The world of the rich and powerful was no place for the weak. I knew that better than anyone. As I stood in the grand lobby of Ahn Group, my sharp eyes scanned every detail, my body tense yet composed. My job was simple—protect Ahn Jae-hyun, the young and ruthless CEO who had more enemies than allies.
But if only things were that simple.
"Ahn Jae-hyun is arriving," my earpiece buzzed with a security update.
I turned just in time to see the sleek black car pull up to the private entrance. The moment the door opened, Ahn Jae-hyun stepped out—towering, sharp-featured, and radiating an aura of untouchable authority. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead.
Even after working for him for months, I still found myself momentarily stunned by his presence. But I quickly straightened. I was his bodyguard, not a fan.
As soon as he stepped into the building, the whispers began.
"Is that his new bodyguard?"
"She's gorgeous... but can she actually protect him?"
"A woman as a bodyguard? Bold choice."
I ignored them. This wasn't the first time people underestimated me, and it wouldn't be the last. I wasn't just any bodyguard—I was trained, deadly, and more than capable of handling any threat.
"Ms. Kang," Jae-hyun addressed me as he walked past, not even sparing me a glance.
"Sir," I responded curtly, falling into step behind him.
He always kept things professional, never engaging in unnecessary conversation. Not that I minded—I preferred it that way. But there were moments, rare ones, when I caught something in his gaze. A flicker of curiosity, or perhaps... amusement?
Why would a powerful CEO be amused by his own bodyguard?
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Later That Day – Ahn Jae-hyun's Office
I stood by the door as Jae-hyun worked. His office was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the city skyline. He was reviewing documents, his long fingers tapping against the desk in thought.
"You're unusually quiet today," he finally said without looking up.
I raised an eyebrow. Since when did he notice my silence?
"I'm here to protect you, not entertain you, sir," I replied flatly.
That made him smirk. "You're always so serious, Kang Ji-ah."
"Because my job is serious," I shot back.
His gaze finally met mine. "You don't find it exhausting? Always being on guard?"
I hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, "No."
Lies.
Of course, it was exhausting. But I had been trained to push through exhaustion, to never let my guard down. Because the moment I did, I could lose everything.
"Very well," he said, returning to his papers.
I exhaled softly, pushing down the strange feeling that always surfaced whenever Jae-hyun looked at me like that.
Because no matter what happened between us, there was one thing I had to remember—
I was his bodyguard. And nothing more.
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