CHAPTER 1

I stopped in front of the tall, large building my family worked so hard to build. Leandro Corporation was one of the major companies competing all around the country. It also kept up with international and global companies. It’s a powerful empire my grandparents worked hard to build. They poured their all into it.

Luckily, it grew even stronger and more prosperous when my father took over.  But as the Leandro Corporation got bigger, the competition increases, the enemies doubled.

And enemy means danger.

So, I had a strong feeling that our 'security' was the main reason why Papa called me today.

When I entered the building, many employees greeted me with a smile on their faces. I returned it with the same demeanor and walked straight through the elevator before punching the floor button. I was deeply thinking about what might be this sudden need of my father to talk to me when the elevator opened and someone was already standing there.

When I looked up, I almost cursed out loud. My knees slightly trembled and millions of butterflies flew in my stomach in chaotic directions.

My God. Of all the fucking times, why now?

Destiny might be so bored right now that it chooses to play tricks on me. I rarely visit Dad’s company! Maybe twice or thrice a year, and look! Of all the chances, right now, right in front of me, stands the very image of the infidelity of my past relationship.

A symbol of how stupid I was before.

His lips were parted. He was also surprised to see me here. I was waiting for him to get out but he remains standing. He was just looking at me, shocked and dumbfounded.

I took a deep breath and entered the elevator with a relaxed and confident aura. I refused to be affected by him. I won't let his presence shake me up. There was a long silence between the two of us until he broke it.

"So ... how's life?" Damien's voice was like a perfect melody to my ear— if only we didn't break up... and he didn't cheat.

His voice brought despairing emotions: anger, hate, pity, sadness, and betrayal. All sorts of negative emotions that I don't want to feel ever again. I don't want to visit that ugliness. This is why I hate being close to his proximity, he's exposing my vulnerability.

Damien Fortez was my ex-boyfriend. We'd been together for two years but we broke up right after our second-anniversary celebration. That anniversary was a really big explosion of ugly truths. Many lies and secrets were unveiled. One of the biggest lies there is— Damien having an affair with my beloved best friend, Georgina.

Within few weeks, I was so down and miserable because of our sudden break-up. The pain just gets intensified as the days goes by and filling me with thoughts that they were banging each other behind my back all along.

I thanked God that my older sister, Alexandra, and Topher — my other best friend who also has a strong liking for Adam's species, were there to give the oxygen tank because I felt like I was drowning in the bottomless ocean.

They helped me a lot and motivated me, too. They gave me the wake-up calls and comfort I needed to get over Damien. As the days went by, I realized that Damien and I had a toxic relationship. There were many things I can't do, us always fighting, him always being jealous (when it was him who cheated and was an asshole). Our pride and ego entangled with one another because no one is willing to compromise, heavy words and false accusations were said, and maybe if we hadn't broken up, we already cross out all the hurtful things in the list as we simultaneously inflict it all to each other.

That's why in the end, I am happy that I was finally free. I didn't t have any regrets after all.

If we didn't fall apart, we will destroy our own lives and ourselves just to make the relationship work. We’ll lose ourselves just to save the relationship. It's not worth it. The break-up was a blessing in disguise. A life-saver from further self-wrecking situations. I never knew I needed that kind of saving.

Because of that, I became a more open person. I was able to go to different parties that I like. I always bought tickets and travel to different places whenever I have time. I'd try various outdoor and thrilling activities. As we go on our separate ways, I became more open with my family. I was able to determine who my true friends are. I became more focused on the things I wanted to do for my growth and happiness.

You lost a man, you found yourself. A door closed; another opens. I considered it a big win at the end of the tunnel.

'How's my life?' I repeated the words in my head.

"It's good. I'm doing fine," I honestly answered.

'Because I have become free from the toxic relationship we have. I was broken-hearted at first, but I'm glad that I let my heart breathe.' I wanted to tell him but refused to do so.

Because I'm truly happy. And you don't need to prove happiness if it's genuine.

Since I am standing in front of him, I could feel his gaze from behind.

"How about you?" I casually asked as if he did not make me question my self-worth and bawled my eyes out before.

"I-I'm fine. I'm glad to hear you're doing good." I heard the disappointment in his voice.

Disappointment that I am happier without him?

Disappointment that I am doing well on my own?

Disappointment that I was acting cool as if we did not share a romantic relationship?

He should be. Well-deserved.

After screwing my best friend because I couldn’t give my body to him— he was worthy of all disappointment there is. After having someone to ease out his horniness and destroy the fifteen years of my friendship with Georgina— he was indeed the biggest disappointment of his life.

Truth is said, it wasn't enough. He should pay more for what he did.

The elevator stopped on the 19th floor, pulling me out of my ill thoughts. I sighed in relief. I don't want to be bitter about this. I don't want to waste my energy on something that ended a long time ago.

There's no point in dwelling on the things that already happened.

"See you around, then," he said goodbye and left.

I wish I could say the same.

It's been few years since we broke up. I noticed that his body build was a bit different now. Larger, I guess. His previously short hair was now long. It needed a trimming.

I pressed the close button and the elevator began to rise again.

Damien was also one of the shareholders of Leandro Corporation. But I wonder, why is he here now?

Damien sure was one of the shareholders, but he never goes here except if his father tells him so... and if there's an emergency. I wonder, what's really happening.

When the elevator opened, the employees at the reception desk greeted me.

"Good Morning, Ma'am Aurora!" Manang Betty, Papa's secretary, greeted me warmly —and so did the two female interns.

"Good morning, too, Manang." I smiled back whilst nodding in acknowledgment to the interns.

I walked into the lobby where at the very end stood a dark wooden double door with two guards on both sides. They immediately opened the door for me.

Papa looked up from the papers he seemed to be signing... or reading. A smile flashed on his lips. He stood with his arms wide open as he approached me. I was welcomed in a tight hug that was choking the life out of me.

"I miss you, Hija."

He tightened his grip on me even more.

"I miss you too, Pa. But I-I can't breathe properly," I said as I gently patted his arms wrapped around my neck.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Hija," he said and laughed like an old man. Well, he is.

I smiled, too. It's been a couple of months since I last saw Papa. Sometimes, I missed being treated like a child and being spoiled by him.

"Sit down, Auring,"

I rolled my eyes. Ugh, that nickname again!

"Aurora, please. Not Auring," I corrected.

"Don't be foolish, Auring! Why aren't you still not used to it? Since childhood that's what I've been calling you, honey," Papa grinned, being sarcastic and teasing me like he always does.

True. Ever since I was a child, Papa always does call me 'Auring'. But as I grew older, I always recoil in embarrassment because it was his habit to call me Auring in front of many people.  He can't just settle for whispering it, he always shouts it in front of his investors and God-knows-who that's listening to him.

I felt like I'm an old hag when I was being called by that name. And my friends make fun of me because of it!

Even so, when maturity hits me in the mental aspect, I just learned to let it go. Sometimes. Just sometimes though, when it's bearable. Seeing him happy calling me by that name because he just love pissing me off— was worth it, I guess.

What's a little embarrassment for me if it makes my Papa annoyingly happy, right?

"Yeah, yeah." I rolled my eyes as my hand gestured to stop. "Why did you call me and send me home?" His face contorted in all seriousness in a minute.

And I knew, whatever's going on, it's threatening.

I was in the middle of a photoshoot for the upcoming winter collection in Brazil. It’s a world-renowned clothing brand when he called me. It's a good thing we called it a wrap when Papa called me.

He looked hesitant for a long while before sighing and giving in. "You know the deal that we are aiming to get from Russia? From Gavorozki Shipping Line?"

I am fully aware of this. Of course, I do. Papa's preparations for this business proposal and for the deal to be sealed were deliberate and pretty detailed. I even heard from my sisters that there were nights Papa slept in his office because of different and numerous revisions about the proposal and approach plans. My father wanted to lay it all articulately because he always perseveres to offer the best to his partners and clients.

Given those facts, this was obviously, a big catch. Papa wouldn't exert tremendous effort if he doesn’t see any big gains for our company.

"What about it?" My brows furrowed in confusion.

"We've finally got it,"

My face lit up for a second before frowning again. "Err, isn't that good news, Pa? You don't seem happy at all. What's wrong?"

"Because that's the very reason why your lives are in danger," he sighed. “My family’s life is in danger because of this sealed deal. You know that someone shot your brother last week, right? When I made him run some confidential business errands abroad?"

Sudden frightening scenarios crept in me. How can I forget. I almost cried out of worry for my brother. It scared the shit out of me when Mama told me Kuya was in the hospital.

"Lucky for him, and us, that the bullet missed... or maybe they did that on purpose, to warn us. But it's still good that your brother was alive from the sniper shooting." He sinks into his chair, pondering about something, deep in thoughts.

Dad's eyes show fear when he looks at me. The patriarchal kind of fear when his family was in danger. I can see a troubled and afraid man in front of me. And take note that my father was never the one who gets scared so easily.

He only feels the need to fear something... or someone when our lives were at risk. When it was his family now and those who are close to him — are at stake and on the line.

I smiled sadly in my head. Why I adored my father. He valued life more than anything and cherished blood relations.

My mind wandered about some things before another question banged in me that made me even more confused.

"Wait." I hold out my finger.

"What's the connection between our lives being in danger... and the deal?" Because honestly, I see none.

"It's not like you had a deal with the devil, right?" I joked nervously.

"No, it's not like that. Our agreements and negotiations were well-discussed. The partnership exceeded my expectations." He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled deeply.

I felt pity for my father. It's taking a toll on him... whatever this was.

"Then what?" I demanded, really intrigued and confused as hell.

"Someone else was also aiming for that deal and partnership. We're not the only ones chasing for it like scavengers after delicious leftovers. It just so happens that the owner of the company has personally chosen us for personal reasons, too."

He opened his mouth but shut it as fast as he can. He wanted to say more but it looks like these pieces of information must be confidential.

There are deeper and more personal agendas why we are the chosen one. Papa knew it and I knew he wanted to tell me but he knows it's not his story to tell. Papa respects the virtue of secrecy.

"And do you know what company was also desperate for that deal?"

"What?" I asked in a low voice, afraid of what might be the answer. Dad's anxious face was telling me this company was no joke.

"It's the Galilei Group of Companies," he said in a strained voice.

I was stupefied, mouth hanging open. I leaned back in the seat, barely breathing. Out of nervousness, intimidation, and yes, the danger brought by the gravity of this situation.

Well, fuck it. Because that's a hell of a company!

Galilei Group of Companies was one of the dominant and powerful empires in the global business industry and international economy. The main branch of the company was located in Russia.

Before my grandparents and great-grandparents were born, GGOC was already there, standing proud and making hundreds of millions of dollars in a day, in an hour. All their branches were scattered in all the seven continents of the world.

Galilei Group of Companies was one of the most dangerous companies to battle with. Not only your property and wealth are at stake when you go head-to-head and teeth to teeth against them. The survival rate of you to be alive next week will drop down from 100% to 1%.

There were rumors and speculations that they have a strong hold on the Russian government.

Galilei Group of Companies was all in one. They have all kinds of business you're familiar with. Telecommunication, hotels and resorts, home shopping, transportation, security services, real estate, clothing line, liquors, jewelry, and the list goes endless. There are several more, name it, fill in the blank. Small and big. Short term and long term.

It was built to negate bankruptcy and succeed in the next millennium. The Galilei Group of Companies can lift a country’s collapsing economy using only the taxes collected from it.

Some of these countries that excelled economically just because GGOC was established in their territory were Russia, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Malaysia, and many more. They ran their businesses in these said countries and all these states displayed the progressing rate of success.

Now, tell me— how can we defend ourselves?

I looked at Dad sadly.

He smiled tiredly at me. "Don't worry, I only have suspicions so nothing is proven yet," he assured but I knew better.

"I'm still skeptical of these ideas in my head," he continued. "Because If it's them behind all of these, we would have more damage than what your brother had. They're on top of chains, powerful and influential, I'm sure they can do worse than that. It's been three weeks since I sealed the deal so why it's still radio silence from them?"

I nodded begrudgingly. Father was right. And it scared me even more. It's either they are silent because it's not really them who the true culprit or they are preparing for bigger and more damaging revenge.

"And if possible, I will terminate the contract. I don't need that deal if it's at expense of the lives of my loved ones,"

Typical Papa. He would rather lose billions than let his children be stung by an ant.

He sighed. "I have a hunch that there is someone else behind the shooting of your brother. I'm just not certain. Especially if we did not catch the shooter.  We didn't find any lead. Even hints or prints or CCTV footage of the alleged shooter, none." He stood up and approached me.

I can no longer speak. I am already fretting about my siblings' security. I have two sisters and one brother.  And Alex has a son and husband. There are so many lives involved in this and it's making me more paranoid.

"For security, I hired bodyguards. Each of you will have your own bodyguards from now on. I already introduced their designated security personnel to other members of the family," he informed me. "It's only you who has not been properly briefed yet,"

I can no longer protest just as I had planned in the first place. I have a suspicion that Papa will have a bodyguard around me. I don't like the idea of some guy following me around, so I decided to reject it... but that was before he told me about all what's this all about. If it's really that bad, then I should listen to Papa.

For my own security and his peace of mind.

Dad noticed my reaction, so he slowly approached me and level our eyes. He grabbed me by the shoulder and smiled.

"Don't worry, princess. There's no proof it's GGOC. Besides, you'll be safe and comfortable with your bodyguard." He smiled slightly.

He stood again and looked at his wristwatch.

"He should be here any minute now," he murmured, still staring at the watch.

The door opened just in time and a familiar man entered from there.

"There he goes," said Papa.

When I saw his face, I stood up so quickly that I almost fell on the floor. What the hell? Is it...? Will he be my bodyguard?!

That's Ezekiel Fortez. That's Damien's older brother!

When our eyes met, I was astonished and amazed at what I saw. His eyes were golden yellow... like amber crystals. Is he wearing a contact lens?

He gave me a polite smile but I wasn't able to return it because of shock.

Okay. He looks so stunningly handsome.

The appealing contours of his face suited him well. It made him look more masculine and attractive. His strong jaw and perfect chin that surely, many women want to run their hands through, made him more someone who will stand out in the crowd. His lips are not too thin or not too thick, just the right shape of lips that made him look like a temptation to nuns.

From the looks of it, he had just his haircut and it just heightened his oozing sex appeal. That clean haircut makes him more formal and intimidating. Seriously though, he's more looking like the CEO of this company while my father was just his business advisor.

His pointed nose ... and his golden eyes. Yes, his eyes are golden yellow. That's what mesmerized me the most. I was still debating against myself whether his color amber yellow eyes were true or not. But regardless if it's true or not, his eyes were like flame. An intriguing flame.

Intriguing enough that if you lack self-control, you'll be amazed and will get close until you burn. Like Icarus flying close to the sun.

His eyes grab attention and arouse interest to those who gaze at it. I swear, in my whole life, that's the most beautiful pair of orbs I have ever seen.

But why did I only see it now?

Curiosity was killing me.

Maybe it's just for fun? For him wearing a contact lens?

When I used to visit Damien's house, his eyes were always dark brown. Not gold. And when Ezekiel and I last met, he was not this athletic and looking strong as before. He's different now. His looks, move, and aura are different.

It must be the military.

I met Ezekiel because of Damien and I can just see him if I was hanging out in their house with Damien. Since it's been 3 years since Damien and I broke up, I didn't also have the chance to bump into Ezekiel.

Until now.

Yes, I admit that Ezekiel was always handsome and strong. But now?

Something changed.

Maturity helps him a lot. He aged like a fine wine.

I'm just fascinated by how much he changed.

And those eyes, are you real or not?

Of so much staring, Kael's eyes moved in my direction and our eyes meet. He must've been reading what's on my mind.

"No, they're not contactlens. Those are real," he told me and turned his gaze back to Papa again.

Even his deep, manly voice sounds sexy.

You idiot, get a grip Aurora!

"Good morning, Sir Renanzo," he greeted with a lazy smile on his lips and extended his hand.

Dad welcomed and patted him on the shoulder with great joy.

Since when did they become this close?

Dad doesn't seem surprised about Ezekiel's eyes at all. It's as if he knew Ezekiel's eyes would look like this.

"Cut out the formalities, Ezekiel. Call me Tito,"

When they're done talking about something Papa looked at me before looking at Ezekiel again. "You know why you're here right?"

Ezekiel nodded with a serious expression.

"Aurora," Papa called softly.

I breathed a sigh of relief when he used my real name. That was short-lived though when I realized something.

"Ezekiel will be your bodyguard," Papa announced.

Ezekiel held out his hand to me. I stared at it for a moment before finally accepting it. I was surprised by his touch. It's firm, but soft, warm, and gentle. His hand was hard and rough, but it's unbelievably light. Like a feather.

"We already knew each other, but it's still nice to see you," he said with a small smile.

And that smile was enough for me to know that it's a sign of incoming trouble. But what trouble could it be?