Chapter 5

Since Xavier had officially become my bodyguard, he and I would be the only ones attending Mrs. Faustina’s birthday party. It did not surprise me that he looked dashing the moment he put on the three piece suit and had his hair slicked to the back with a few strands astray over his forehead. He was indeed a gem that simply needed to be polished to bring out his beauty. But what I truly found pretty were his heterochromia eyes.

It made me feel like if I stared too long, I might get sucked in them and there would be no way out.

During the first few minutes of our ride to the venue, Xavier was quiet. I kept my eyes closed, gathering strength as much as I could for tonight’s event. However, I could feel his gaze on me from time to time and it did break that peace I wanted to have for a while. I opened my eyes and immediately looked at the front mirror.

Right at that very moment, our gazes locked. Xavier immediately looked away as if that would erase the fact that I caught him staring.

“What is it?” I asked, but he merely shook his head. “If you have something to say, then say it. I am not a mind reader to know what is going on in that head of yours.”

He was quiet for a few seconds.

“Who is he?” he asked with his eyes locked on the road ahead of us. “That guy who came before you cast me out to the mall.”

“C-Cast you out?” Disbelief evident on my face. “I did not cast you out.”

I heard a small ‘hmph’ from him, making me raise an eyebrow. This guy…

“Liar. You were supposed to go shopping with me but you changed your mind because that man suddenly appeared out of nowhere.”

“Whoever he is… It is none of your business.” Our gazes met once more at the front mirror. “Do not stick your nose in somebody else’s business. It is for your own good.”

I sighed. Those exact same words should apply to me, too. However, I just had the feeling that Xavier was hiding something and whoever he spoke to a while ago, it must be someone important. Could it be his previous client?

“Who is Xander Monstad?” I outright asked.

Xavier stopped and turned to me with a smile.

“We’re here, my lady.”

I looked out the window and we had parked in Mrs. Faustina’s residence. Before I could coax out the answer from him, Xavier had already left the driver’s seat and opened the door next to me. He extended his hand.

With my gloved hand, I accepted his offer and we walked towards the entrance.

“You have not answered my question, Xavier,” I reminded him.

“He’s just a previous client. Rest assured that I am fully committed to keeping you safe 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.”

Even though he gave me that reassuring smile, I cannot bring myself to trust him completely.

“Aside from working for him before, do you have any personal relationship with him?”

For the second time, he did not answer my question. Xavier took a few steps back, standing behind me.

“Someone is approaching,” he said.

Just as he said, Mrs. Faustina was walking towards our direction with a smile and a glass of champagne. She embraced me.

“Oh, darling… I am glad you are able to attend tonight. How are you feeling?” she asked, concern clearly plastered in her eyes.

“I am recovering faster than usual, Auntie. Happy birthday,” I responded.

I turned to Xavier and he handed me a small silver bag, which Viola purchased for Mrs. Faustina. I handed it to her.

“You should have not bothered, but thank you very much, darling.” Her gaze shifted to Xavier. “Is this the bodyguard I heard about?”

“Yes, Auntie. Having him around will not worry Nonna too much.”

“I must say you have chosen well in terms of physical features since he naturally attracts the crowd.”

Mrs. Faustina smiled at Xavier’s direction, which he immediately reciprocated with a small nod. Her last words made me realize that, indeed, eyes were locked onto him.

“I hope he performs his duty well as your bodyguard. If not, then having him near you is just another addition of danger,” she whispered, giving me a peck on the cheek. “Enjoy the party, darling.”

I could only hope for the best, too. Due to Xavier’s background, I considered him a double-edged sword. Risky and dangerous. However, I put my nerves at ease by convincing myself that Xavier does honor his contracts. He might be suspicious, but I should at least give him a chance to prove himself.

“You are always late on these kinds of occasions, Lisa. Ever the attention seeker, huh.”

A voice came from behind me. From her voice alone, I knew it was none other than Therese Holland. A smile immediately tugged at my lips as I turned to face her.

“It’s been a while, Therese.” I looked at her from head to toe before meeting her gaze. “Well… I am glad that my being late has caught your attention. It does work, right?”

She flashed a haughty smile yet her gaze landed behind me. I was more than sure she was looking at Xavier. It irked me so I took a side step.

“Interested in him?” I teased.

I immediately noticed the slight irritation in her expression before it immediately disappeared. Of course, she wanted Xavier, too. He was pretty and this woman was a hoarder of pretty things.

“I heard you spent a fortune on him. You aren’t regretting–”

“He is worth every penny, Therese.” Without breaking eye contact with her, I motioned Xavier to approach us.

I felt his presence behind me so I lifted my hand and held his jaw.

“With this pretty face, he deserves to stay next to me, right?” I said, showing no remorse in cutting her off.

Her jaw tightened just as her glare at me sharpened more than before. Therese took a step forward.

“You better watch out. Who knows? That pretty bodyguard of yours might just become mine before you know it.”

After saying that, Therese walked away, hitting me on the shoulder on purpose. She was pissed for sure. As for the real reason why? I cannot tell just yet.

Looking at her retreating figure, a thought crossed my mind.

“Do you know her, Xavier?” I questioned.

“Yes.”

“What’s your relationship with her?”

There was a pause so I had to shift my gaze to him. A serious look on his face made me furrow my eyebrows in curiosity.

“Do not avoid the question,” I reminded him.

“She is my ex-girlfriend,” he replied.