```
The office was too quiet.
"Let's go," Theo said. She reached for his hand.
"Sure." Alex took it.
They were almost at the door when his phone buzzed.
He checked it.
A bitter smile touched his lips.
Theo felt his hand go cold in hers. She let go.
He walked to the window. Back to her.
"Dad, Mom said you haven't been answering her calls."
"I have work."
And he left. Just like that.
Leaving Theo standing there.
"Work??" Her voice cracked. "What about me??"
Why does he keep leaving me?
Outside, Alex paused. He heard her.
He turned back.
"Give me your phone," he said.
"What? Why?" Theo clutched it.
He took it anyway.
"What are you doing? Am I in trouble?"
He didn't answer. Just typed.
"How do you know my password?"
"Call me. Anytime. Anywhere I'm not with you."
He gave it back.
Theo took it slowly. Like he might vanish.
"Take it," he said softly. And smiled.
She didn't check it.
"Saved as 'My Bodyguard'. That okay?"
"Yes," she nodded.
His smile disappeared.
"Take care. See you later."
He walked out.
Theo pressed her hand to her chest.
"I can't breathe."
---
Outside, Jason was waiting. Alex's assistant.
"CEO, your meeting—"
"Jason. Watch Theo. Protect her. That's your job now."
Alex squeezed his shoulder.
"What about you, sir?"
"My daughter comes first. Go. Ivan will drive me."
And he was gone.
Jason stood there, frowning.
Theo just came back from abroad. Who would hurt her?
Alex wasn't telling him everything.
---
Theo dialed the new number. Hesitated. Then pressed call.
Unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Come get me. I can't breathe here."
She hung up.
1 minute later, the door flew open.
Jason.
He stopped. "You're... taking selfies?"
Theo stood, grabbed her bag.
"Oh. You came. Take me home."
She didn't look at him and walked out.
Jason followed, smirking.
In the car. One of her dad's luxury cars.
"These pictures aren't bad," she said, zooming in.
"I look like my dad, right?"
Jason didn't answer. Eyes on the road.
"I'm hungry." She rubbed her stomach. "Restaurant?"
He turned toward it.
He opened her door. Pulled out her chair.
"Sit, Miss Theo. Order what you want."
"Why aren't you sitting? Eat with me."
"I'm fine."
"Then I'm not eating." She stood.
Jason blocked her. "Fine. I'll eat."
"The chair doesn't bite," she laughed.
He'd never seen her smile like that.
They ordered. Ate.
"Stop staring," she said with her mouth full.
"It's just... people might see us. Take pictures."
"So? My dad's name isn't on my forehead."
After, they drove to the mansion.
"My dad said you're my bodyguard now," Theo said at the gate.
"I wish it was him instead. I miss him."
"Thanks, Jason. For today."
She got out before he could open the door.
"You can go. I'm safe."
"I'll wait till you're inside."
"Jason—"
"I don't mind."
She sighed and walked in. The guard bowed and closed the door.
Jason drove off.
5PM. Phone rang. Alex.
"Is she home?"
"Yes sir. Coming to get you."
"No. Stay with her. Protect her."
Click.
Jason stared ahead.
What was Alex hiding?
---
Meanwhile.
Pearl's house. Dinner time.
"This is really good," Yun Jun said.
"Really?" Pearl smiled.
"You cook better now," her mom said.
"Our girl is ready for marriage," Yun Jun's mom joked.
Everyone laughed.
"I learned from the best," Pearl hugged both moms.
After washing dishes, Pearl went to her room.
Knock knock.
"Pearl? Free?" Yun Jun.
"Yeah!"
"Walk?"
She grabbed her phone, tote bag. Water, lipgloss, purse.
"Not like that," he flicked her forehead.
"What?"
"Your dress. It's boring."
"So what do I wear?"
He walked to her wardrobe.
"I'm your brother. I get to pick."
Pearl groaned but smiled.
"Fine. But if I look ugly it's your fault."