Chapter 7: Accidental Intimacy

The crystal chandelier in the luxurious hotel cast a soft glow, transforming the grand hall into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Liora wore a crimson silk evening gown, its hem swaying lightly with her steps. A loose strand of hair fell from her meticulously styled updo, adding a touch of charm and playfulness. Behind her, Kaelan stood in a perfectly tailored black suit, his stern demeanor and piercing gaze making him stand out amidst the crowd.

Tonight’s banquet was anything but ordinary. Liora knew it was a covert gathering for negotiations between powerful families, and her role was purely decorative. Her father intended her presence to intimidate potential rivals. Kaelan, on the other hand, had been assigned as her personal bodyguard.

“Keep a low profile tonight. Don’t draw attention,” Kaelan warned in his usual cold tone before entering the hall.

Liora lifted her chin, a hint of defiance in her eyes. “Low profile? In a setting like this, I doubt that’s possible.”

Kaelan frowned at her nonchalant attitude but chose not to respond further.

Inside the banquet hall, the elite mingled, their lively chatter masking the undercurrents of tension. Liora leaned against a corner, idly toying with her champagne flute, when a young woman in a silver gown approached her.

“Miss Liora, it’s been a while,” the woman greeted with a pleasant smile, though her tone carried a trace of probing curiosity. “I didn’t expect you to bring a boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” Liora blinked, instinctively glancing back at Kaelan. He immediately understood her predicament and stepped closer, placing a firm arm around her waist.

“Yes, she’s my girlfriend,” Kaelan replied flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. Yet his steady and decisive gesture left no room for doubt.

Liora was momentarily stunned. She had never seen Kaelan act so proactively, without the slightest hesitation. Quickly recovering, she flashed a graceful smile and leaned naturally into his embrace.

The woman’s expression shifted subtly, but she refrained from saying more, raising her glass in farewell before walking away.

“What was that about?” Liora hissed once the woman was out of earshot.

“Protecting you,” Kaelan answered, his gaze fixed ahead, seemingly unaffected by her irritation.

“Protecting me? Or were you enjoying it?” Liora teased in a low voice, though a strange flutter stirred in her chest.

Kaelan turned to glance at her, his deep eyes as if seeing through her thoughts. “Don’t overthink it, Liora. It’s just my job.”

The highlight of the banquet was a dance, where all the guests were invited to the floor. Liora intended to decline, but the host called her out specifically. Before she could refuse, Kaelan took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

“You can dance?” Liora raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across her face.

Kaelan didn’t reply. Instead, he placed a hand on her waist and began to guide her effortlessly to the rhythm of the music. His movements were unexpectedly graceful, far removed from what one might expect of a professional bodyguard.

“Seems like you have more secrets than I thought,” Liora murmured with a soft laugh.

Kaelan’s expression remained as stoic as ever, though the lighting lent his features an unusual gentleness. “All I know is that I can’t let anyone doubt you tonight.”

As they swirled to the melody, Liora found herself gradually easing into the moment. Kaelan’s steady presence was unexpectedly reassuring. The warmth of his hand seeped through the thin fabric of her gown, sending an unanticipated ripple through her heart.

“If this is part of your duties,” Liora remarked playfully, “then I must say, you’re doing an excellent job.”

Kaelan remained silent, lowering his gaze as if concealing an emotion he wasn’t ready to reveal.

After the dance ended, the two stepped out onto the balcony. The cool night breeze stirred Liora’s hair, and Kaelan instinctively removed his jacket, draping it over her shoulders.

“Thank you,” Liora said softly, glancing at his chiseled profile. For the first time, she felt that this man wasn’t as icy as he seemed.

“The mission is complete for tonight,” Kaelan stated, though his tone lacked its usual detachment.

“Kaelan,” Liora began, her voice almost hesitant. “Have you ever had a moment like this? When you’re with someone, even if it’s all pretend, and you don’t want it to end?”

Kaelan was silent for a moment before replying in a low voice, “Some things are never meant to have an ending. Don’t waste time thinking about them.”

Liora didn’t press further, but she knew the cold, unyielding bodyguard had let down his guard for a fleeting moment. And in that shared intimacy, she glimpsed a hidden softness within him.

That night, their relationship subtly shifted. Neither spoke of it aloud, but they both felt the invisible line between them begin to blur.