Savannah had no idea she was guarded because her grandfather hadn't mentioned anything. And now, she wanted to know more about her bodyguard! After all, who would have thought that the muscular man was actually a bodyguard when he looked like a famous model?
(Ace, huh? that's his codename only.)
"His eyes are so sharp, his jaw so firm that it makes me want to touch it. He's like the male lead described in famous novels."
He drove her home to their mansion and had already called her grandfather. He didn't say anything else and just focused on the road. But Savannah could feel that the man knew she had been watching him since they left the company.
That's right! She had already forgotten what happened at her company and who might be behind it because her handsome bodyguard had captured all her attention.
"If you have been guarding me since I arrived here in the Philippines, how come I didn't know about you and your team? Shouldn't I have been informed that a security team was assigned to me?"
She couldn't hold back any longer and asked him. The man looked in the mirror, and their eyes met.
Ace, huh?
But that was only his codename, not his real name. She wanted to know his true name.
"About that, it's better, Ma'am, if you talk to the president. We are just following his orders."
She crossed her arms and looked away from Ace. Savannah realized her grandfather would never allow her to be without protection, but she thought she'd have more freedom here in the Philippines. Initially, she was surprised that only a few members of the Williamson security force were following her.
But little did I know, I have this...
She glanced back at the calm bodyguard driving.
Savannah shook her head and waited to arrive at the mansion. She was lucky to have been safe from that fire at the company. She took a deep breath. It's really dangerous to be Williamson's new CEO. She knew it wouldn't be easy and that her life could be in danger.
But what's new? Ever since my parents were killed, there's always been a gun pointed at my head.
That's why she's not afraid for herself anymore. She was more worried about her grandfather's safety because he was the most important person to her now.
"I want to meet the other members of your team," she said to Ace while still looking out the window. In her peripheral vision, she saw the man glance at her. He didn't answer immediately, seemingly pondering his response.
"Or it isn't possible?" she asked again.
Honestly, if it were anyone else in front of her, they'd really be in trouble. But she'd spare this man; after all, he was handsome and had saved her from dying earlier. It might sound exaggerated, but she knew she could have died from what happened to her earlier.
"If the president allows it, Ma'am."
She nodded. Three months was a long time, and they must be good at their job because she hadn't noticed anyone following her.
Well, I don't leave the mansion often. If I go to the mall, it's by schedule.
That was the system since she returned. The Williamsons owned a lot of businesses, including malls and theme parks, and there were times when she wanted to go shopping. She'd tell her secretary, who would schedule it so that when she went, no one else was around.
Ever since her parents died, her fear of crowds hadn't disappeared. She was so scared, and every time she saw a lot of people, they were faceless. She believed that among those people were her parents' killers, and they were coming for her next. That thought haunted her, so whenever she was in a crowd, she would have a panic attack.
She's sweating profusely, feeling dizzy, and her chest tightens. She struggles to breathe and feels nauseous. In severe cases, she loses consciousness.
Savannah had tried to go out when she was in Hawaii, thinking she could mingle with people, but it was a wrong move. In the middle of the crowd, she panicked, lost consciousness, and found herself in the hospital.
When will I be free from this disorder?
There were many things she couldn't enjoy, and she always felt different from everyone else.
Savannah licked her lips and caressed her shoulders. She closed her eyes, but suddenly, a bloody image of her parents appeared. She gasped and screamed horribly.
"N-No! Ahh!"
She bent over, covered her ears, and huddled in the corner of the car. She was trembling with fear. She clearly saw the blood spreading, flowing towards her.
"Ma'am Savannah."
"Ma'am..."
Then, a calm voice called her name. It wasn't loud or yelling. Then she felt the man's hands on her arm. Slowly, Savannah looked up at the owner of the voice, Ace, who was looking at her with worry in his eyes. One of his hands moved to her head. He started to caress her hair slowly, as if calming her.
"Breathe... start to breathe slowly."
Following his instructions, she focused on her breathing. She took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Gradually, her heart rate began to slow, and the images of her parents faded away. She kept her eyes on Ace, grounding herself in his presence.
Ace's steady gaze and gentle touch helped her regain control. "You're safe," he whispered softly. "Just keep breathing."
Savannah nodded slightly, continuing to focus on her breath. After a few minutes, she felt more stable. She leaned back against the seat, exhausted but calmer.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Ace nodded, his hand still resting gently on her shoulder. "We're almost at the mansion," he said reassuringly. "You can rest there."
Savannah closed her eyes again, this time feeling a bit more at peace, knowing she had someone looking out for her.
Absentmindedly, she did what he told her. And when she calmed down, she realized the car was already inside the mansion, parked in the parking area. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly and adjusted her position. Ace, who had been in the driver's seat, promptly got out and opened the door for her, but she didn't get out immediately.
"Can you walk, Ma'am?" he asked.
She nodded in response. Savannah's hands were still shaking as she gripped the edge of the car door. But when her feet touched the ground and she stood up, she nearly collapsed from the lack of strength. Luckily, Ace was there to support her, his hand catching her at the waist.
"You can't," he said, and before she could respond, she gasped as he lifted her up.
"I-I can walk! It's not far! You don't need to carry me!"
She was mortified! Especially since the other bodyguards were watching them. They were surely puzzled, as she never allowed anyone to touch her.
"P-Put me down right now!" she demanded firmly. She could smell his manly scent clearly.
Damn. He smells so good. What cologne does he use?
"I'll put you down once we're inside, Ma'am."
"But I can walk now! My legs aren't weak anymore!"
Savannah could feel the bodyguard's broad chest. She looked up and now saw his handsome face up close.
Where did Lolo find this man? He's so hot. Even his voice and the way his lips move when he talks. Everything about him is attractive.
And right now, her heart was beating erratically fast. When he stopped walking, she thought he was about to set her down, but then he glanced down at her suddenly.
And because Savannah was still looking at him, their lips almost brushed against each other when he turned to glance at her!
"You are here."When Savannah heard her grandfather's voice, she quickly moved away from her bodyguard. She also fixed herself, but her rapidly beating heart still hadn't calmed down. She couldn't believe she would feel this attraction to a man she just met!She had seen many men who were better-looking than him. There were also men who tried to get her attention, business partners of her family, but despite their good looks, none of them caught her interest.(But this man is different. He hasn't done much, yet he can make my heartbeat this fast.)(Maybe because he's too close?)It's normal to get closer! Since he just wants to help!(Don't be so affected, Savannah! And you're being so obvious.)"Savannah? Are you okay?"She returned to reality when her grandfather came closer and touched her arm. She looked up and saw his worried face."I-I'm sorry, what is it, Grandpa?" she asked. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ace standing there. His hands were placed in front, and he stood
Savannah gracefully walked down the stairs wearing a red spaghetti-strap floral fitted maxi dress paired with white satin kitten-heel pumps. She likes to dress up, even without any occasion, even if she's just at home. For her, dressing stylishly creates a fierce and intimidating vibe. Especially now, her visitor is no ordinary person."I heard what happened, Sav! Are you alright?"She could barely stop herself from rolling her eyes when she heard the words of her Uncle Marlon's wife, Mathilda. As usual, she was dressed in an extravagant outfit and adorned with jewelry. She arrived early at her Grandpa Salvattier's mansion upon hearing the news about the incident at the company. She's fast to heard it. But why am I surprised? she has eyes and ears in the company. My company."Good morning, Aunt Mathilda," she greeted the woman without a smile. Mathilda approached and kissed her on the cheek, even holding onto her elbows, while Savannah's hands remained at her sides."You are early. Th
She almost gasped! Unlike yesterday, with all-black outfits, he was wearing a white fitted shirt and faded jeans. He looked very casual, not at all like a bodyguard on a secret mission!And he looked so good!"Yes? Do you need something from Grandpa?" she asked, trying not to show that she was mesmerized by his appearance again. But as she looked at her handsome bodyguard and waited for his response, she couldn't help but glance at his face.She noticed that his hair was down, and it looked soft. She felt the urge to comb it to see if it was silky. But of course, no! That couldn't happen, it was just a passing thought! (Your thoughts are unbelievable, Savannah!)"I'm waiting for you, Ma'am."Oh, it's her! That actually surprised her but before she could ask why, she glanced behind him, at one of the household staff—Helen. Savannah remembered her Aunt Mathilda, who was surely waiting in the garden. (I almost forgot.)"Did you come here to escort me downstairs?" she asked Ace. When he n
After Mathilda's visit to Savannah's mansion, her grandfather spoke to her again in the study room to report the fire incident at her company. The work was clean, no traces left. That's what he said. He also showed her the CCTV footage. A dark-skinned man. Completely covered, hardly recognizable. Savannah wondered how he managed to enter her company. It's too suspicious.Savannah knew her grandfather wouldn't overlook this easily, especially since her life was in danger. She immediately thought of her Aunt Mathilda, but this time, her chances of being the culprit, or even her Uncle Marlon, were low. She had a few rival companies, and she had fired employees who did harm to her company.Many could be out to harm her now, and she didn't want to accuse anyone without enough evidence.(But Aunt Mathilda went here because she already knows she's on the list of suspects. There's no other reason. She showed up before being interrogated to avoid looking guilty.)She played with the pen in her
Savannah is not the type of woman who would make a move just to get a man to notice her. She's not like those eager girls, and aside from that, in the past few years, she hasn't been interested in any man. No one caught her attention or even elicited a mere 'crush'. She was focused on herself, on how she would be strong to defend herself because of the threats to her family.Since her parents died, she trained herself to become mentally and physically strong, so romantic relationships never crossed her mind. Her grandfather never introduced any man to her either. He's strict when it comes to men; he once said he wouldn't just choose any man for her, and arranged marriage is not something he'd consider. He doesn't want to influence her in that way either.That's why she's thankful, but if ever he does introduce someone, she won't readily agree.Savannah sighed softly after she adjusted the curtain by the window of her room. She's looking down. She watched the workers in the Lanai. Her
Every time Savannah attempts to expose herself to the crowd, or even just in the company lounge where the employees are, as per her psychiatrist's consent, she really can't handle it. Her whole body starts to shake, she doesn't even realize she's having difficulty breathing, and her vision starts to blur. All she can think about is that at any moment, someone will attack her.What happened in the past still haunts her. Sometimes, when she closes her eyes, she sees her parents' bloodied bodies."It takes time, Ma'am Savannah, your condition is not easy," her secretary said with concern. She nodded and took the spoon."Yeah, but I should try... I need to try harder," she replied.Savannah glanced at the spoon, her eyes fixed on the plastic utensil, and a memory suddenly flashed in her mind. The scene where Ace held her hand and fed her."M-Ma'am, why? Is the spoon dirty?" Marina asked, picking up the dropped spoon and promptly throwing it in the trash.Savannah took a deep breath, shoo
Savannah shut her laptop down after hearing her secretary's purpose for rushing to the mansion early in the morning. It was only 9:30 am when she arrived, and she appeared less troubled than before, but her face still showed irritation."If they want to see me, then they should set a meeting, Marina. One by one. I can't just go to the company and meet all of them. They knew my rules. I don't just face a crowd of people. What changed their decision now, and why do they want me to attend after the incident?" Savannah's patience was tested early in the day. The board of directors wanted to discuss the fire incident at the company, and of course, her grandfather was part of the discussion. But she knew he wasn't one of those who wanted her to go to the company.Her secretary even shared the desires of some other directors. While most of them were on her side, there were a few still siding with her Aunt Mathilda. It was baffling how they still believed Mathilda could manage the company be
The old Williamson's voice was full of sadness, he felt hopeless while looking at his granddaughter. There was pity in his eyes as he watched Savannah clenching her fists, tears welling up."Did you agree to let me come back because you've accepted that my parents' case is going to be closed? That's why you're not as afraid anymore to make me come back."He shook his repeatedly. But that's what came to Savannah's mind. Also, her grandfather made her the CEO, after the threats her late father received before. She smiled faintly and slightly bowed her head."You transferred the company in my name after I came back, grandpa. How can you make me believe that right now?""Savannah, you are the only person I trust! I need someone trustworthy to handle my wealth, and I believe you can manage it now. You've grown brave, smart, and not easily influenced by anyone. I trust you more than anyone else, even though your Uncle Marlon knows more about the company, I trust you.""And this is also my w