The long, mahogany table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, a chandelier hanging overhead, casting a soft glow over the room. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, each piece telling a story of its own.
Despite the grandeur, there was an eerie silence that enveloped the whole dining area, as if the house itself was holding its breath. The usual chatter and laughter that filled the dining area was absent, replaced by a tension that was almost palpable.Amelia walked in, her footsteps echoing in the silence. She could almost hear the house screaming in the quiet, a silent plea for normalcy in these uncertain times.Mr. Rodolfo Laurier and Mrs.Roxanne Laurier are already on the table, their expressions are serious as they wait for Amelia. Rodolfo was a tall, stern man with a gaze as sharp as a hawk. On the other hand, Amelia's mother, Roxanne, was a woman of grace and elegance. She had a gentle beauty that was timeless, her dark hair always perfectly styled, and her eyes a warm brown that held a soft, loving gaze.“Have you carefully checked his background?” Amelia asked, her gaze shifting to her father and mother. She was referring to her new bodyguard.Rodolfo nodded, he’s a man of few words but great wisdom. “Y-yes, Amelia. We've done a thorough background check. He comes highly recommended,” he reassured her, with his voice calm and steady.“Why? Didn't you like him?” Mr. Laurier asked, his brows furrowing slightly in concern. He had noticed Amelia's hesitation around her personal bodyguard.Amelia paused, considering her words carefully. “It's not that, dad,” she said, her voice soft. “I just... I need some time to adjust. And basically, I don't think I need to have that one.”Her father nodded, understanding her feelings. “You don't have to worry darling”. You are in good hands.” Rodolfo gently said, full of sincerity.Amelia's mind is filled with questions. She knew her father was a good judge of character, but the level of trust he placed in Tyler was surprising.“Dad,” she began, her voice hesitant. “Why... why do you trust him so much?”Her father looked at her, his expression is like a proud father to Amelia's personal bodyguard. “I've known Tyler for a long time. He's proven himself to be reliable and dedicated. He's one of the best in his field, darling.” Rodolfo smirked remembering how good Tyler is.The sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway. The conversation between Amelia and her father paused, their attention turning towards the source of the noise.The door opened, and a familiar face appeared. It was Amelia's new personal bodyguard.Tyler was a striking figure. He stood over six feet tall, his physique lean and muscular which is a testament to his rigorous training and discipline. His hair was a dark, tousled mess, giving him a rugged appeal that was hard to ignore.His jaw was strong and chiseled, stubble shadowing his face, adding to his overall allure.“Oh here he is, darling.”Rodolfo said as he welcomed Tyler.“Good morning,Tita,Tito.”His voice is respectful. He then turned to Amelia, offering her a small nod. “Miss Amelia.”Roxanne smiled at Tyler, her expression welcoming. As she interacted with Tyler, her warmth and kindness were evident. She treated him with respect, making him feel welcomed and valued. “Good morning Tyler,” she said, her voice gentle. “We're glad to have you here.”On the other hand, Amelia couldn't take any of her eyes to Tyler’s features now that he was up close. She had only seen him at night, but now, she could see the details that she had missed.As Amelia took in Tyler's features, Amelia felt a pang of surprise. She hadn't expected her bodyguard to be so... captivating. But as she looked at Tyler, she realized that there was more to him than met the eye. And she was curious to find out more.”But in her mind, Tyler is hot as a rising sun. He exuded a sense of calm and control wherein, his presence reassuring. Despite her initial reservations, she found herself feeling safe in his presence."Tyler, son, this is my daughter, Amelia.” Rodolfo introduced, his voice filled with paternal pride. He gestured towards Amelia, who was standing a few steps away.Tyler turned his gaze towards Amelia, his expression respectful. “Miss Amelia,” he greeted, his voice steady. He offered her a slight nod, a sign of respect.Amelia met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. There was something about his piercing blue eyes that was captivating. “Hello, Tyler,” she said, her voice soft. She offered him a small smile, her nerves slowly easing.Both Rodolfo and Roxanne watched the exchange closely, their eyes meeting in a silent conversation.As when Rodolfo watched the exchange, a small smile played on his lips. He was pleased to see that Amelia was warming up to Tyler. Deep inside, he knew it would take time, but he was confident that they would eventually find a comfortable dynamic; if only everything would be aligned to his plan.“Darling Amelia,” Mrs. Laurier began, “Tyler is the son of your Tito Logan and Tita Isabelle,” her voice filled with warmth as she revealed the connection. Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting from her mother to Tyler and back again.“Tito Logan?” she echoed, her mind racing. Logan was her father's close friend and business associate, someone she had known since she was a child. The realization that Tyler was his son was a surprise.Tyler nodded, confirming Mrs. Laurier's words. “Yes, Miss Amelia,” he said, his voice steady. “My father has always spoken highly of your family.”Amelia took a moment to process the information. It was a lot to take in, but it also explained her father's trust in Tyler. She felt a sense of relief, knowing that Tyler was not a stranger, but someone connected to their family.However, Amelia wondered to herself. Her heart pounding in her chest as she looked at Tyler. It was a mix of surprise, curiosity, and something else she couldn't quite place. Was it comfort? Relief? Or perhaps something more?She had just found out that her new bodyguard was the son of a family friend, which was a surprising but comforting revelation. But there was something about Tyler - his calm demeanor, his kind of arrogant man, a ruthless; and yes, his striking looks that had her feeling things she didn't expect.“Well, that's a surprise,” she said finally, offering Tyler a small smile. “But a pleasant one. I'm glad to have you here, Tyler.”"How was your visit to Laurier's, Son?" Ephraim, Raize's father said. Raize looked at his father, Ephraim, his expression unreadable. "Everything is according to our plan, dad," he replied, his voice steady. He knew better than to reveal his inner turmoil to his father. Ephraim Griffin was a man who valued strength and control, and Raize had learned to emulate those traits in his presence.Ephraim nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Good. Remember, son, this marriage is a strategic move. It's about strengthening our business, our family's legacy."Raize nodded, his gaze steady. "I know dad, that's why I started doing our plan.” “How about Amelia?” Ephraim mesmerizing Raize expression."I started taming her." Raize replied, a smirk drawn on his lips.Ephraim raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air. Raize knew what his father was asking. Had he managed to manipulate Amelia? Had he secured their position?"We discussed the wedding," Raize continued, choosin
"Our wedding is next month, Amelia. We should prepare for it." Raize said as if it wasn't just for business. They all know that there's no pinch of love between them.Amelia looked at Raize, her gaze steady. "Yes, we should," she replied, her voice devoid of any emotion. She knew their marriage was nothing more than a business transaction, a merger of two powerful families.Love was a luxury they couldn't afford.The following weeks were filled with a flurry of wedding preparations. The Laurier and Griffin families were ensuring that the event would be the talk of the town. One evening, as the moon was setting, Raize found Amelia standing alone on the balcony, her gaze lost in the distance. He approached her, the crunch of his shoes on the gravel breaking the silence."Amelia," he began, his voice firm. "I know this marriage is a business arrangement. But I want us to at least have a mutual understanding and respect for each other."Amelia turned to face him, her expression unreadabl
Amelia, still in awe, couldn't believe that Tyler was her new bodyguard and the son of their family's business associate. The revelation was a surprise, to say the least.However, she didn't have a choice but to accept the fact. Her parents could not compromise her life. They were adamant about her safety, and if that meant having Tyler as her bodyguard, then so be it."How old are you?" Amelia asked out of nowhere when they were in the middle of discussing their new arrangement. The question took Tyler by surprise, but he quickly composed himself."I'm 28," he replied, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He wasn't sure why Amelia was asking about his age.“A young man with many achievements already," Mr. Laurier continued, his voice filled with admiration. "You have made your parents proud, Tyler.” Mr. Laurier said, making Amelia groan.Tyler slightly pursed his lips and looked at Amelia. He was going to reply to Mr. Laurier when Amelia suddenly interrupted. "Haven't been married or hav
The long, mahogany table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, a chandelier hanging overhead, casting a soft glow over the room. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, each piece telling a story of its own.Despite the grandeur, there was an eerie silence that enveloped the whole dining area, as if the house itself was holding its breath. The usual chatter and laughter that filled the dining area was absent, replaced by a tension that was almost palpable.Amelia walked in, her footsteps echoing in the silence. She could almost hear the house screaming in the quiet, a silent plea for normalcy in these uncertain times.Mr. Rodolfo Laurier and Mrs.Roxanne Laurier are already on the table, their expressions are serious as they wait for Amelia. Rodolfo was a tall, stern man with a gaze as sharp as a hawk. On the other hand, Amelia's mother, Roxanne, was a woman of grace and elegance. She had a gentle beauty that was timeless, her dark hair always perfectly styled, and her ey
Amelia was known for her grace and poise. She carried herself with an elegance that was hard to miss and a vision of elegance. She had a captivating beauty, and dark eyes sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief and with a long, ebony hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her delicate face perfectly.She was fiercely independent and incredibly strong-willed, and had a fire that refused to be extinguished, a spirit that shone brighter in the face of adversity.“Where's Amelia, Roxanne?” Amelia's father asked his wife. Mrs. Roxannne Laurier looked up from the book she was reading, her eyes meeting her husband's. “She's in her room, dear.”She replied, her voice soft. “She said she needed some time alone to think.”Amelia's father nodded, concern etched on his face. “I hope she's alright,” he said, his voice filled with worry. “This whole situation... it's a lot for her to handle.”Roxannne placed her book down, her gaze steady on her husband. “She's stronger th
“You can't escape with my touch and with my words because you'll be married to me soon, Amelia.” Raize said in a harsh tone. His words rang in Amelia's ears, a harsh reminder of the reality she was about to face. She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance.“Well I'm not trying to escape, Raize,” she replied, without a hunt or being afraid. “I'm well aware of our arrangement. But remember, a marriage is a partnership. We may be bound by this arrangement, but that doesn't mean I'm at your mercy.” Amelia nodded, stepping away from him.Raize ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face.“We will be married soon, maybe I should start treating you as my wife?” Raize starts caressing Amelia’s shoulder stiffened under his touch. Amelia's eyes meet him in a silent challenge.“We're only married soon on papers only, Raize! Better you know, I'm not your slave.” Amelia quickly removes Raize hands. Her movements swiftly and decisively. She took a step back, putting