KNIGHTS 03

Later that night, a heavy silence hung in the air of Aza's small apartment. She sat slumped on the sofa, the weight of the evening's events pressing down on her like a physical burden. The room felt charged with unspoken anxieties, the air thick with the unspoken tension of a crisis barely contained. Lena, her usually cheerful face etched with worry, stood before her, her voice a low, steady stream of concern. Mia and C.C. sat on the edge of their seats, their faces mirroring Aza's apprehension. The comfortable familiarity of their shared space felt strangely oppressive tonight.

The unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air: Why had Aza run away? The question wasn't just about propriety; it was about the potential consequences, the risks they had all taken.

Aza's heart ached with guilt. The thought of enduring another moment with Wilton, of enduring his unsettling advances, had been unbearable. The memory of his possessive gaze, the chilling implications of his words, still sent shivers down her spine. She'd chosen to flee, to escape the suffocating pressure, but now the full weight of her impulsive decision pressed down on her.

"Why did you run away from Wilton, Aza?" Lena's voice was laced with a mixture of frustration and fear. "You should have at least said goodbye. You could have put yourself in serious danger!" The words hung in the air, sharp and accusatory, yet laced with genuine concern.

Aza hung her head, unable to meet Lena's gaze. The shame burned in her cheeks.

"Lena, please, don't scold her," C.C. intervened softly, her voice a gentle counterpoint to Lena's sharper tone. "We can't blame her for what happened."

Lena sighed, the tension in her shoulders visibly relaxing slightly. She turned to face Mia and C.C., her voice strained. "It's just…I'm so worried. What if Wilton comes looking for her? What if he tries to use this against us? What if he makes her marriage to him the price for helping Oz?" The fear in her voice was palpable, a raw, visceral fear that resonated deeply with her friends. They all knew the power Wilton wielded, the leverage his wealth provided.

Tears welled in Aza's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Lena, I'm so sorry Mia, C.C.," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I just couldn't take it anymore. He was…he was making me so uncomfortable. I couldn't bear to be in the same room with him for another second." The words tumbled out, a torrent of guilt and self-reproach.

Mia rose from the sofa, her movements gentle but purposeful. She approached Aza, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Aza looked up, her eyes filled with unshed tears. Mia's smile was soft, understanding.

"You don't need to apologize, Aza," Mia said, her voice soft but firm. "We should be apologizing to you. We were so focused on saving Oz, we were so selfish, we didn't consider how you were feeling. We put you in a terrible position."

Lena's worry was evident. "I'm so scared," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "What if Wilton comes here? What if he forces Aza to marry him? Losing Oz would be bad, but if something happened to Aza...I couldn't bear it." The unspoken truth hung between them: Wilton's wealth gave him a terrifying power, a power they couldn't ignore. Oz was important, but their friendship, their loyalty to each other, was paramount.

Aza stood, her movements resolute. She embraced Lena, her body trembling slightly. "No one's going to get hurt, Lena," she said, her voice gaining strength. "Tomorrow, I'll talk to Wilton. I'll explain everything. He'll understand. I promise I won't let this happen again."

C.C. whispered Aza's name, a soft murmur of concern and support.

Lena, her worry still evident, pulled away from the hug. "Let's not dwell on Wilton right now," she said, her voice regaining its usual strength. "Let's focus on finding another way to save Oz, a way that doesn't involve him. We need to make sure he has no leverage over Aza. Don't worry, Aza, we'll figure something out." A renewed sense of determination filled the room, a quiet resolve to overcome this crisis together. The friends began to brainstorm, their voices a low hum of collaboration, their shared concern transforming into a collective strength. Aza watched them, a wave of gratitude washing over her as she witnessed the unwavering loyalty and support of her friends.

"I'll try to charm one of the Knights," Aza declared, her voice laced with a surprising confidence that sent a ripple of shock through her three friends. They all turned to her, their faces a mixture of disbelief and concern.

"Did I hear you right, Aza? You said you're going to charm one of the Knights? You mean, the owners of Knights Advertising Company?" Mia asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Aza nodded, her expression serious, her gaze unwavering.

"Yes, I'm going to find a way to make one of the Knights fall in love with me," she said, her voice firm, her determination evident.

"How did you even—" Lena started, her voice cut short by a sharp look from C.C.

"I just mentioned it to her," C.C. quickly interjected, her voice defensive. "I told her there was a zero percent chance of it happening." Lena, her brow furrowed with worry, turned back to Aza, her hands gently gripping her arms.

"Aza, please don't do this. We can find another way, a way that doesn't involve you getting forced into marriage. I know the Knights are a better choice than Wilton, but don't sacrifice yourself for Oz. Yes, it's important to us, but if we think there's nothing else we can do, we need to let it go rather than have someone sacrifice themselves to save it," Lena pleaded, her eyes filled with concern.

"But they could help us so much, especially since they're in advertising and they're so successful! We could save Oz and maybe even learn to love whoever I charm," Aza argued, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

"Aza, it's not that simple," Mia said, her voice laced with a gentle but firm understanding. "Those guys are more elusive than rabbits. Yes, Knights Advertising Company could help Oz, but the chances of you charming one of them are slim to none. I'm not saying you're not beautiful, Aza, it's just…with guys like them, who are bachelors and incredibly wealthy, we're out of their league." Mia's words, though meant to be comforting, struck a chord of self-doubt in Aza's heart. Lena, her expression mirroring Mia's concern, sighed, placing a comforting arm around Aza's shoulders.

"Just rest for now, Aza. We can talk about this tomorrow, okay?" Lena said, her voice a soothing balm against Aza's growing anxiety.

"Don't think about it anymore, and forget about Wilton. You'll have nightmares. Get some rest. I know today has been stressful," Mia said, her voice laced with concern. A faint smile touched Aza's lips, a small flicker of amusement amidst the overwhelming stress.

"We'll figure out another way," C.C. said, her voice filled with a quiet determination. "You deserve to marry someone you love and who loves you back." Aza looked at her friend, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.

"Let's just forget about Oz for now," C.C. continued, her voice gentle but firm. "We all need to rest." The three friends embraced, their shared concern and love providing a comforting warmth in the face of uncertainty.

As Aza slipped into her room, she collapsed onto her bed, her body weary from the day's events. Her gaze drifted to the ceiling, her mind replaying the events of the evening. The image of the handsome stranger who had helped her escape Wilton's clutches flashed before her eyes. A sudden warmth bloomed in her cheeks, a blush of unexpected attraction. She sat up, her hands instinctively reaching to touch her cheeks, the warmth spreading through her like a wildfire.

"I didn't even get his name! I really hope I see him again," Aza breathed, a lovestruck sigh escaping her lips as her gaze fell upon her laptop screen. The memory of the incredibly handsome stranger who'd whisked her away from Wilton's clutches flooded her senses, leaving a trail of warmth and a delightful flutter in her chest. Suddenly, the mission she'd set for herself before that disastrous date with Wilton sprang back into sharp focus.

"Right, I need to find out who owns Knights Advertising Company," she murmured, her eyes glued to the screen. She hopped off the bed, settling onto the side table, letting out a dramatic sigh.

"If we can't come up with a plan B for Oz, I think this is my best shot. Sorry, guys, but I have to do this," Aza declared, the image of that incredibly charming stranger – a man who was rapidly becoming a serious contender for "biggest crush ever" – flashing vividly in her mind.

"It's just a crush, though. If I go through with this, I guess I'll have to un-crush him," she admitted, a touch of melancholy in her voice. With newfound determination, she opened her laptop.

G****e became her trusty sidekick. She typed "Knights Advertising Company" with the speed of a seasoned hacker, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. She scrolled, relentlessly searching for a reliable source on the company's elusive owners.

"Aha! Here it is," she exclaimed, her eyes widening as she devoured the information on the screen. "Knights Advertising Company: a global advertising powerhouse, helmed by five undeniably gorgeous guys."

"Five owners? Wow. We're only four...I guess I'll have to choose one to charm," she mused, a playful giggle escaping her lips.

"Azaleah, you're getting ahead of yourself," she chided herself, shaking her head before diving back into the article.

The article gushed, "These five owners – dubbed 'The Knights' for their stunning looks and sharp business acumen – are some of the world's most eligible bachelors. Women are practically throwing themselves at these five ridiculously handsome gents."

Aza sat up straighter, utterly captivated by the description.

"Seriously? That much praise? I wonder if it's all just hype," she questioned, a skeptical eyebrow raised. She continued reading, her curiosity piqued.

"Want to know more about The Five Knights? Click here for juicy details on these five heartthrobs!" Without a second thought, Aza clicked the link, ready to delve into the world of these enigmatic Knights.

"I'm officially a stalker now," she confessed to herself, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "But hey, I'm already this far, might as well go all in!" And with that, she plunged headfirst into the world of the five Knights, her plan to charm one of them taking shape with each detail she uncovered.

## The Five Knights: A Closer Look

Aza's eyes scanned the screen, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She was diving headfirst into the world of "The Five Knights," the enigmatic owners of Knights Advertising Company. This was her shot at saving Oz, and she was determined to make it work.

Onyx Samaniego: The Chick Magnet

"Number five, Onyx Samaniego – the 'Chick Magnet' of the group," she read aloud. "He's the only son of the Samaniego group of companies, which spans all of Asia. He manages Knights Advertising as the Layout Manager, bringing his unique ideas to the table." She paused, a smirk playing on her lips. "Playboy type? Tss! Every group has its charmer, but he's undeniably handsome. I can't blame the girls for drooling over him. Those hazel eyes are seriously captivating, but he's a playboy – never satisfied with just one. He'd be a headache to charm." With a shake of her head, she scrolled down.

Tomi Hideki: The Prankster

"Number four, Tomi Hideki – the 'Man with Many Pranks'," she read, her eyebrows shooting up. "He's half Filipino, half Japanese, and the second son of the Hideki Clan, a Mafia boss in Japan. He's the Strategy Head of Knights Advertising, with a mind that's always plotting and scheming." She chuckled, a shiver running down her spine. "He loves to prank people, and it's all fun and games for him. But a Mafia boss's son? Yikes! What if I do something he doesn't like? He might send me to Japan and chop off my fingers!" She clutched her hands to her chest, a wave of fear washing over her. "He's handsome, with those piercing black eyes, but I'm not risking my life for a prankster. Maybe just a friendly acquaintance." She moved on to the next Knight.

Zild Benitez: The Silent Man

"Number three, Zild Benitez – the 'Silent Man' of the group," she read, her jaw dropping. "He's the only son of the Benitez family, who owns a chain of luxurious hotels across the Philippines, Africa, America, and Europe. He's the Finance Head of Knights Advertising, a genius with numbers." She paused, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead. "Would I even be able to hold a conversation with him? We might sit there in silence for hours, with nothing to talk about. He's handsome, just like the other two, but he's so mysterious. We might not even click. He's quiet, and I'm...well, I'm a bit loud." She shook her head, a sense of defeat settling in.

The Greek Gods of Advertising

"No wonder these Knights are so popular with women," she mused, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Just these three alone are incredibly impressive. They're like Greek gods who descended from Mount Olympus to charm the world." She couldn't help but think back to the handsome stranger who'd rescued her earlier. "He could definitely be one of these Knights. They're all wealthy, and Mia was right – they seem elusive, with very little information available about them. They're practically anti-social! How can I charm them if I don't know anything about them? These three are out of the question. Who's number two?"

Ashlan Tyre Davis: The Good Boy Next Door

Aza's eyes widened as she saw the next Knight's photo. It was him – the handsome stranger who had captured her heart.

"Omg! It's him! My knight in shining armor," she gasped, her fingers flying across the screen as she devoured the information. "Number two, Ashlan Tyre Davis – the 'Good Boy Next Door' guy. He's the only son of the Davis family, who owns the biggest mining companies in the Philippines and Europe. He's half Filipino, half American, and he's known for being kind and gentle." She stared at his picture, a dreamy smile gracing her lips. "He's handsome in this photo, but he's even more gorgeous in person."

The Five Knights had captivated her imagination. She had a plan, a mission, and a newfound determination to make it work. This was her chance to save Oz, and she wouldn't let anything stand in her way – especially not a handsome playboy, a prankster Mafia boss's son, or a silent, mysterious billionaire. She had her sights set on the "Good Boy Next Door," and she was ready to charm him.

Aza leaned closer to the screen, her breath hitching in her throat. The soft glow of the laptop illuminated her face, highlighting the mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within her. This wasn't just a plan anymore; it was a lifeline, a desperate, thrilling gamble to save Oz, and the weight of that responsibility pressed down on her, a physical burden. She had to succeed.

"Ashlan," she whispered, the name rolling off her tongue like a sweet melody. "Ashlan Tyre Davis. I can't believe he's one of them." The discovery sent a jolt of pure, unadulterated joy through her. The handsome stranger who had rescued her from Wilton's clutches, the man whose smile had briefly banished her despair – he was a Knight. And he was breathtakingly handsome, a fact that was only amplified by the photos on her screen.

The image of his kind eyes, the warmth of his smile, the way he’d made her feel safe – it all flooded back, a potent cocktail of relief and burgeoning affection. "If I have to charm one of them, I'm more than happy it's him. I already have a crush," she confessed, a blush warming her cheeks. She felt a surge of giddy excitement, a secret thrill that threatened to burst forth in a squeal of delight. She had to contain herself, though. Her friends were asleep, and she couldn't risk waking them.

With Ashlan secured as her top choice, she moved on to the final Knight, a wave of nervous anticipation washing over her. Raizen Titus Yvanov. The name itself sounded regal, powerful, and utterly intimidating. The description painted a picture of an icy prince, the only son of the Yvanov royal family in Greece, a man whose cold demeanor was as legendary as his wealth and influence.

He was the CEO of Knights Advertising, a position that spoke volumes about his power and capabilities. Aza stared at his photo, her gaze drawn to his eyes – a startling shade of deep blue turquoise, eyes that held a chilling emptiness, a profound sadness that seemed to pierce through the screen. The image of those eyes, devoid of warmth or emotion, sent a shiver down her spine.

"His eyes are… haunting," she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Emotionless, yet filled with a deep, unspoken sorrow. He's undeniably handsome, more so than the others, but there's a coldness about him that's almost… unnerving. A cold man, yes, but his beauty is captivating. And he's a prince, a royal with a lineage that stretches back centuries." A strange mixture of fascination and apprehension filled her. She was utterly captivated by his enigmatic aura, yet a sense of unease gnawed at her.

"He's not for me," she decided, shaking her head. "He seems...unapproachable. And I doubt he even knows how to smile." With a sigh, she closed the laptop, the weight of her decision settling upon her.

She rolled over in bed, a dreamy smile gracing her lips. Ashlan's image filled her mind, a beacon of hope in the darkness. "Ashlan is my best bet," she whispered, clutching a pillow to her chest. "I hope I see him again. I really, really hope I see my crush again!"

A surge of determination washed over her, a potent mix of excitement and trepidation. This wasn't just about saving Oz anymore; it was about a chance at something more, something unexpected and thrilling.

"For Oz, for my friends, I'm going to enter the world of the Knights," she declared, a newfound strength coursing through her veins. She closed her eyes, the image of Ashlan, her knight in shining armor, filling her dreams, a promise of a future where she could save her friends, her project, and maybe, just maybe, find love along the way.