“I’ve made my decision. I’ll marry the Sinclair heir–the one in a coma.” Ariana Reeves leaned against the doorframe, a sardonic smile curving her blood–red lips. Her father Frederick Reeves nearly dropped his Cuban cigar onto the priceless Persian rug, jerking upright in his leather chair as the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed in surprise. “Ari, you’ve finally come around? That’s wonderful! The Sinclairs have been pushing for this to happen within the next two weeks. What kind of wedding dress would you like? I’ll have something custom–made-” “Is that all?” Ariana cut him off with a cold laugh. “I’m stepping in for your precious bastard daughter, and you’re not even going to show some appreciation?” The temperature in the room seemed to plummet. Her father’s expression darkened. “Watch your tone. Mia is your sister.” “Half-sister,” Ariana corrected, her eyes glittering like ice. “She’s the product of your affair. I’ll never acknowledge her as family.” A vein pulsed visibly at her father’s temple, but he swallowed whatever rage was building and took deep breath, ash from his cigar drifting to the floor. “What do you want?” he asked flatly. “One hundred million dollars,” she replied without hesitation. “And once I’m married, I want you to reassign Dominic Reed to protect your precious Mia instead of me.” Her father’s expression froze. “Have you lost your mind? One hundred million would drain nearly all my liquid assets! And Dominic–isn’t he your favorite bodyguard? You used to throw tantrums about marrying him, and now you’re willing to give him up?” “Yes or no?” Ariana asked impatiently, already turning to leave. “Fine!” Her father slammed his hand on the desk, rising to his feet. “The day you marry into the Sinclair family, both matters will be handled.” He didn’t bother to examine her demands too closely. His only concern was finalizing the arrangement as quickly as possible. Years ago, when the Sinclair heir had been at the height of his power and influence, Frederick had eagerly arranged the engagement, intending to marry off Mia and secure a promising future for her. But then nobody expected that a sudden accident left the Sinclair heir comatose. Frederick couldn’t bear to see his darling Mia suffer such a fate–which was when he remembered he had another daughter… Ariana gave a dismissive wave over her shoulder, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor with a sharpness that felt like a slap to the face. Just as she gripped the doorknob, her father’s voice reached her again: “I understand the money, but why give up Dominic? I thought you were infatuated with him. Why not bring him over to Sinclair to continue as your bodyguard?” Ariana’s fingers froze on the handle. She didn’t turn around, but her eyes have already burned with unshed tears. That name was like a thorn, piercing the softest part of her heart. She pushed open the door forcefully, shutting her father and his question behind her. Back at her private villa, it was already well past midnight. Ariana made her way upstairs in her heels, but as she passed Dominic’s room, she heard muffled sounds from inside. With a half–close door, she glanced in, the scene unfolding inside- Dominic was half–reclined against the headboard, a photograph held between his long fingers. Eyes closed, his Adam’s apple bobbed as his deep, sensual voice murmured, “Mia… baby… I want you…” It was a photo of Mia. Taken at last year’s birthday gala, where she’d worn a white sundress, smiling with that innocent expression that everyone seemed to adore. Ariana’s nails dug into her Hermès bag strap, leaving crescent marks, and finally answered her father’s question in her mind. ‘Because he’s just like you, Dad. He only has eyes for Mia.‘ The realization tumbled through her mind, scorching her chest with pain. Three years ago, she’d first seen Dominic during bodyguard selection day. Among the lineup of imposing security personnel, her eyes had locked onto him immediately. The reason was simple–he was ridiculously gorgeous. Six–foot–two, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, chiseled features, and especially those obsidian eyes, cold as ice. Ariana was known throughout their social circle as a flirtatious vixen. She’d initially intended to toy with him, but over three years- She’d pretended to be drunk and fallen into his arms, only for him to hold her by the scruff of her neck like a kitten and deposit her back on the sofa. She’d knocked on his door wearing a skimpy nightgown in the middle of the night, but he’d simply wrapped his suit jacket around her and respectfully escorted her back to her room. She’d even faked drowning in the pool. He’d jumped in to save her but hadn’t touched her waist even once. No matter how she tried to seduce him, he remained immune to her charms, always addressing her formally as “Miss Reeves.” And yet, somehow, she’d fallen for him anyway. Even she herself didn’t exactly know why. Perhaps it was because, since her mother’s death, she’d been desperately lonely. When she was seven, on one day, her father suddenly brought home his illegitimate daughter. At the time, her mother had been nine months pregnant with her father’s second child. Her mother had loved Frederick desperately. She’d confronted him hysterically, crying until she could barely breathe. That night, she went into early labor. By the time she reached the hospital, it was too late–both mother and unborn child were lost. Since then, Ariana had despised her father and loathed Mia with equal passion. She’d moved out of the family mansion, attended school alone, eaten meals alone, grown up alone–until her striking beauty attracted so many predatory trust fund boys that she finally decided she needed some guards. Dominic Reed became her first bodyguard. After that, she wasn’t alone anymore. Whatever she did, Dominic was there beside her. Her feelings for him evolved from admiration to flirtation to genuine love, but after three years–over a thousand days and nights–he’d never so much as batted an eyelash at her advances. She’d assumed he was simply cold–natured, until that day when she caught him pleasuring himself to Mia’s photograph, and then overheard his subsequent phone conversation- “Dom, how long are you going to keep playing this bodyguard game? You’re the freaking heir to the North Shore fortune! You could have any woman you want! If you’ve got a thing for Mia Reeves, why not just take what you want? Why are you playing this virginal act, being her sister’s bodyguard just to catch glimpses of her?” Dominic’s expression remained impassive. “I’ve done my research. Mia’s illegitimate. She’s had a difficult childhood and lacks security. Pursuing her too aggressively would frighten her off. I’m taking it slow.” “So what about the infamous Miss Reeves constantly throwing herself at you? I’d have thought you might have been tempted by now. After all, she’s practically the crown jewel of the North Shore scene–there’s a line of me from here to Paris who’d kill to date her…” Dominic seemed to smile slightly, but what him said in the next sent Ariana directly plummeting into an icy abyss. “Is that so? Not interested. She doesn’t compare to even a single strand of Mia’s hair.” Each word, had been like a knife, stabbing into Ariana’s heart! In that moment, she fell out of love with him completely. Whatever was happening in his room continued for what seemed like an eternity. But for some reason, tonight Dominic still wasn’t finding his release. Watching this, she twisted her lips into a cold smile and abruptly pushed open the door-
Midnight Lounge was notorious for these bloody spectacles and betting pools, but she’d always found them distasteful. As she turned to leave, the cage emitted an ominous creaking sound-Click. The latch had come loose. Disaster unfolded in seconds. The larger mastiff rammed the cage door open and lunged directly toward the nearest crowd. Amid the screams, Ariana watched as Dominic, without a moment’s hesitation, turned and instinctively rushed to Mia, enveloping her in his arms and pushing her toward the safety exit. Meanwhile, Ariana stood closest to the mastiff close enough to see saliva hanging from its massive fangs. “Ahh!!!” The pain came without warning. When the mastiff’s teeth pierced her calf muscle, Ariana vaguely heard the sound of fabric and flesh tearing together. A chunk of her flesh was ripped away, blood spurting forth as she collapsed to the floor, watching in horror as the beast lunged again- BANG! The gunshot was deafening. Then the mastiff dropped instantly. The last thing she saw before consciousness faded was Dominic, gun raised, shielding Mia’s back, and the ceiling lights spinning into darkness. The smell of antiseptic. When Ariana regained consciousness through waves of pain, the first thing she saw was the stark white hospital ceiling. Her calf felt as though it had been branded with hot iron each breath pulling at the wound. She turned her head with effort and witnessed a scene outside her door that further lacerated her barely conscious mind. Mia was sobbing in Dominic’s arms. “Dom you’re Ari’s bodyguard–how could you protect me instead? It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have come…” His strong, elegant fingers gently patted her back, his voice impossibly tender: “Don’t blame yourself, Miss Mia.” “Even if it happened a hundred times,” he paused, wiping away her tears with his fingertip, “I would still choose to protect you first.” “Why?” Mia looked up with tear–filled eyes. Dominic gazed at her, his severe features softening with emotion. “Because I lo~” CRASH! The shattering of a water glass interrupted Dominic’s unfinished declaration. Mia jumped from his embrace like a startled rabbit. “Ari, you’re awake!” She rushed to the bedside, tears appearing on command. “How do you feel? Does it hurt? This is all my fault…” Ariana’s pale lips twisted into a cold smile. “Your presence offends my eyes. How could I possibly feel better?” Mia’s tears instantly fell harder, her shoulders trembling as if she’d suffered the greatest injustice imaginable. She bit her lip, casting one last glance at Dominic before running out. Dominic instinctively moved to follow, then forcibly stopped himself. He turned to Ariana, his voice low. “Miss Reeves, the situation was chaotic, and I reacted without thinking ” Ariana remained silent, turning her head to stare out the window. She didn’t want to hear it. For three full days, Dominic stood guard outside her hospital room like the dutiful bodyguard he was, but she never spoke another word to him. Until the day she was discharged. Walking on her still–healing leg, Ariana went straight to the study. She pulled open a mahogany drawer and removed a gleaming black leather whip- This was the Reeves family’s traditional instrument of discipline. One lash could split skin to the bone. “Tell Dominic to come here,” she instructed the housekeeper. When Dominic entered the room, Ariana was methodically polishing the whip. Sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting shadows beneath her eyelashes. “Dominic Reed, you are my bodyguard, yet you failed to protect me,” she said, meeting his eyes. “I’m going to punish you. Any objections?” Dominic stood motionless, his pupils contracting almost imperceptibly. Ariana caught it clearly. This North Shore heir probably never imagined that one day someone would dare discipline him like a servant. Of course he was the legendary Dominic Reed, heir to an empire. People normally fell over themselves please him. Who would dare touch him? Yet now, she intended to whip him? Ariana watched his expression, suddenly laughing. He was hesitating. He could easily walk away, resign, leave–but instead, he was… hesitating? All for Mia? To stay close to her, to maintain proximity to Mia? Her eyes burned with unshed tears, almost laughing through them. Dominic gritted his teeth and finally answered quietly: “No objections.” In that moment, Ariana’s heart contracted painfully. She gripped the whip tighter and raised her arm- “NO!” A slender figure suddenly burst in, firmly placing herself in front of Dominic. Mia stood with tears in her eyes, her voice trembling. “Ari, if you want to hit someone, hit me instead! This has nothing to do with Dom!” “Move,” Ariana commanded coldly. “I won’t!” Mia shook her head, crying pitifully. “I’m the one who caused your injury–punish me if you must…” Dominic reached to pull her away. “Miss Mia, this doesn’t concern you.” But Mia stubbornly remained in front of him, absolutely refusing to budge. Ariana watched this display, her anger boiling over. With a swift motion, she lashed out with the whip! CRACK! The sound of the whip cutting air was piercing. She had aimed at Dominic, but Mia threw herself forward, deliberately taking the blow! “Ah!!!” Mia cried out in pain, her delicate frame swaying before collapsing. Dominic caught her before she hit the floor, bending to examine her injury. When he looked up again- Ariana met a pair of eyes cold as death. Within them, burned pure murderous intent. As if the next moment, he would snap her neck without hesitation. Her body froze, chilled to the core. “Get out,” she heard her own voice tremble. Dominic carried the unconscious Mia and turned to leave. The study door slammed behind him with deafening force. Ariana stood frozen, realizing her hands were shaking too badly to hold the whip. Three days later. Ariana went alone to try on wedding dresses, Night had fallen by the time she left the boutique, Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind, clamping a hand over her mouth! A sharp chemical smell invaded her nostrils. She struggled briefly before losing consciousness. When she awoke, everything was pitch black. Blindfolded, with her hands bound to a chair, she could not move. CRACK! When the first lash struck, Ariana arched her back in agony. The rough rope cut deeply into her wrists, the blindfold making the darkness even more suffocating. She bit through her lip to suppress a scream. “You’ve offended someone you shouldn’t have,” the executioner’s voice seemed to come from far away. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! The whip fell like raindrops, each stroke accompanied by a vicious whistling sound, tearing her skin open. She bit down harder, refusing to cry out. Who?! Who would do this to her? The whipping continued for what felt like hours, until she began to lose consciousness. Only then did it finally stop. Then, the sound of a phone being dialed reached her ears. “Sir, I’ve completed the task as instructed,” the man said respectfully. From the other end came a familiar male voice- “Good. Return her home.” Just one sentence. But Ariana’s blood instantly turned to ice. It was Dominic. Dominic Reed had ordered this! Just because she accidentally struck Mia once with the whip, he had someone give her ninety–nine lashes in return?! Pain and cold washed over her entire body. She finally couldn’t hold on any longer and passed out completely. The hospital. Ariana lay face down on the bed, her back burning with fiery pain. Outside her door, nurses whispered among themselves- “That man was so handsome, and so tender with his girlfriend…” “I know, right? Just a tiny whip mark, and he acted like it was the end of the world. Meanwhile, look at room 304–covered in wounds and not a single visitor…” Ariana pulled out her IV needle and painfully dragged herself toward the corridor, supporting herself against the wall. Sure enough, at the VIP room entrance, she saw Dominic. He was holding a cup of water, carefully helping Mia drink. She pouted and murmured something, and Dominic wiped the water from the corner of her mouth, his gaze tender enough to melt. Ariana leaned silently against the wall, her eyes growing damp. She didn’t understand why, even after deciding to let go, her heart could still ache this badly, as if someone were slowly carving out her flesh with a dull knife. ‘Don’t cry, Ariana.‘ She told herself this. ‘Because no one would care if you did.‘ The day she was discharged, Ariana had just arrived when familiar footsteps sounded behind her- Dominic had returned. Their eyes met, each seeing something different in the other’s gaze. They stood in silence until Ariana’s phone suddenly vibrated, her father’s name appearing on the screen. “Tomorrow is Mia’s birthday celebration,” her father’s voice brooked no refusal. “She’s been crying to me about wanting to improve her relationship with you. Come and attend.” Ariana laughed coldly. “I won’t.” “What are you upset about? This might be the last time,” her father emphasized. “The Sinclairs have set the date, and after you marry in…” She hung up on him, looking up at Dominic who stood in the shadows. “Do you think I should go?” His sharply defined profile appeared especially hard in the lamplight. After a few seconds of silence, his voice was low. “You should go.” “Very well,” she smiled tightly. “If that’s what you want.” The birthday celebration was held in the glass conservatory of the Reeves family mansion. When Ariana arrived wearing an emerald velvet gown, most of the guests had already assembled. Under the crystal chandeliers, Mia twirled in a pink tulle dress, like a princess surrounded by adoring courtiers. “Ari!” Mia exclaimed with apparent delight, rushing forward as if to take her arm. Ariana sidestepped her, her gaze sweeping over the room filled with lavish gifts from their father–limited edition Hermès bags, Tiffany blue boxes, even the keys to a Porsche. “Mia has always been so thoughtful. She’s my favorite,” her father said adoringly as he stood beside Mia, just as… many years ago, he had stood beside Ariana and her mother. She remembered wearing a white dress, being lifted high in her father’s arms, while her mother smiled gently nearby. Now, everything had changed beyond recognition. After the cake cutting, guests dispersed into smaller groups. One of Mia’s friends pulled her aside to gossip. “Mia, there are so many eligible bachelors from prominent families here today. Is your dad trying to arrange a match? I thought you were already engaged to the Sinclair heir?” Mia smiled, deliberately glancing toward Ariana nearby. “That arrangement fell through ages ago.” “Thank goodness! I heard he’s been in a coma. Wouldn’t that basically be signing up for a lifetime as a widow and caretaker?” the friend said with a sympathetic grimace. “So tell us, what’s your type? With all these eligible bachelors here tonight, you must have some criteria.” Under the group’s playful encouragement, Mia blushed and began counting on her fingers: “First, he has to love me enough to tattoo my name on his chest. Second, he needs courage–there’s this rare ‘Thorn Rose‘ that blooms once a decade on Crescent Cliff, and he’d have to get it for me. Third…” Before she could finish, the grand ‘doors to the ballroom suddenly swung open. “Mr. Reed sends his congratulations to Miss Reeves on her birthday, wishing her happiness and prosperity!” a voice announced.
The assistant led a procession of people into the hall, each carrying impossibly extravagant gifts- A rare pink diamond necklace, antique masterpiece paintings, even the deed to a private island. The room erupted in astonished whispers! “Is this all from Dominic Reed?” “I heard rumors about him bidding on everything for Miss Mia at that auction, and now he’s personally sending birthday gifts? It seems Miss Mia is truly destined for greater heights!” The murmurs spread like wildfire. Several guests glanced furtively at Ariana with pity in their eyes. Despite her superior beauty and more legitimate status, everyone now believed she had lost. Ariana set down her champagne glass and walked toward the terrace. The night breeze was cool against her skin. She had barely taken a deep breath when Mia’s voice came from behind: “Why are you out here all alone, Ari?” Without the audience of guests or their father, Mia finally dropped her pretense. “You know what Daddy told me? You’re going to marry that vegetable,” she said with a sweet yet venomous smile. “How tragic. Your mother couldn’t compete with mine, and now history repeats itself with you unable to compete with me.” Ariana whirled around. “Say that again?” “I said-” Mia leaned closer, her red lips spitting viper–like words, “your mother deserved to die in childbirth. She-” SLAP! The sharp sound of a slap rang out. But it wasn’t Ariana who had done the slapping–Mia had slapped herself! In the next instant, tears sprang to her eyes as she stumbled backward, conveniently falling into the arms of Dominic who had rushed over. “It’s not Ari’s fault…” Mia sobbed, covering her cheek. “I provoked her…” A moment later, their father and the other guests arrived, looks of condemnation directed at Ariana. “Ariana Reeves!” her father thundered. “Have you no decency left?” The guests‘ whispers cut like knives. “How vicious, on Miss Mia’s birthday of all days…” “Well, she grew up without a mother’s guidance–no wonder she’s so bitter and small–minded…” Ariana observed this carefully orchestrated performance and suddenly laughed. She strode forward and, in full view of everyone, delivered a stinging slap to Mia’s face. “There,” she said, smashing her champagne glass on the floor, glass shards reflecting dozens of shocked faces. “That’s what it looks like when I actually hit someone.” As she turned to leave, she caught sight of Dominic holding Mia’s shoulders, his eyes cold enough to freeze hell itself. In the garden pathway, Ariana had barely rounded the corner when her wrist was seized in a crushing grip. Dominic’s hold was punishing, and she felt her bones might snap under the pressure. “Miss Reeves,” he said, his voice low with barely contained fury. “What?” She looked up mockingly. “Are you going to give me ninety–nine slaps in return for the one I gave her?” Dominic’s pupils contracted. What did she mean by that? Could she somehow know about the other night? Impossible–he’d been extremely discreet. “Miss Reeves,” he loosened his grip slightly, his brow furrowed, “you have everything you could want. Why do you insist on tormenting Miss Mia?” “I have everything?” Ariana suddenly laughed, the sound raw and broken. “What exactly do I have? Ever since she came to my family, she caused my mother to die in childbirth–both my mother and my unborn sibling! She stole my room, my toys, my allowance, my father! Even my study abroad opportunity–everything!” This was the first time Dominic had heard her speak so much. In the moonlight, those eyes that usually held only scorn were now brimming with tears she stubbornly refused to shed. “I’ve heard,” Dominic said, his voice hardening again, “that Miss Mia is actually the one who suffered.” Ariana yanked her hand free, turning to leave. “Believe what you want.” As she was about to get into her car, Dominic spoke again: “Miss Reeves, I’d like to request a few days off.” “Whatever,” she responded without looking back, closing the car door. After the black sedan had driven some distance, she suddenly told the driver: “Turn around.” Back near the Reeves estate, she saw Dominic climbing into a Rolls–Royce. Ariana instructed her driver to follow discreetly, eventually stopping outside an exclusive tattoo parlor. Through the glass window, she watched as Dominic unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his sculpted chest. The tattoo artist asked something, and he pointed to the area over his heart, mouthing two words–from his lip movement, clearly “Mia.” The assistant tried to dissuade him: “Sir, your grandfather will be furious…” “Do it,” was his only response. The electric needle buzzed to life, each prick seeming to pierce Ariana’s heart rather than his skin. Two hours later, Dominic emerged covering his bleeding chest, pale but determined as he got into the car. “To Crescent Cliff,” he instructed the driver. “Impossible! That place is too dangerous, and you’ve just been tattooed-” “Now.” His tone brooked no argument. Sitting in her car, Ariana suddenly remembered Mia’s list of criteria for her ideal man. “He has to love me enough to tattoo my name on his chest.” “There’s a flower on Crescent Cliff… he’d have to get it for me.” She laughed, and as she laughed, tears finally spilled down her cheeks. “Let’s go,” she told her driver. “We’re done here.” That night, she saw Mia’s Instagram post. A photograph of a thorny rose in full bloom on a cliff edge, captioned: “Someone climbed mountains just to bring me a flower.” At three in the morning, Dominic returned. Covered in blood, right arm fractured, yet his lips curled into a faint smile. The next day, as Ariana was about to leave, Dominic emerged from his room. He was pale, his right arm wrapped in bandages, his shirt collar slightly open. “Miss Reeves,” his voice was somewhat hoarse, “I had a minor car accident last night. I need a few more days to recover, so I won’t be able to protect you for now.” Car accident? Clearly a cliff–climbing injury. But she didn’t expose his lie, merely responding with a “Hmm” before walking out. Today she was saying goodbye to her girlfriends. At an upscale club in a VIP room: “Come on, let’s drink till we drop!” Her friend Lila threw an arm around Ariana’s shoulders. “Our darling Ari is about to get married and become Mrs. Sinclair. We’ve got to celebrate properly!” The room was packed with people who had been her closest friends over the years. The champagne tower glittered under the lights, music pounded through the speakers, yet Ariana felt strangely detached from it all. “If you ask me, a comatose husband is perfect!” Lila said drunkenly, swaying her glass. “Rich, handsome, and you don’t have to cater to his needs. The ideal marriage!” “Exactly!” another friend chimed in. “And the entire Sinclair fortune will eventually be yours!” Ariana smiled faintly, running her finger along the rim of her glass. “Once I’m married, I’ll have to behave myself. Got to maintain the Sinclair family’s reputation.” Everyone paused, then scrambled to backtrack: “I’m sure the Sinclair heir will wake “You’re so gorgeous–how up!” Should he stand to stay asleep?” “Absolutely! Our Ari is North Shore’s premier beauty–no way you’ll end up a caretaker forever!” Ariana smiled as they rambled, drinking one glass after another. When it was time to say goodbye, Lila suddenly embraced her, voice choked with emotion: “Your dad is such a piece of work… and that Mia! Want us to teach her a lesson?” “No need,” Ariana patted her back. “Once I’m gone, none of this will matter to me anymore.” She hugged each friend in turn until everyone’s eyes were red–rimmed. After settling the bill, Ariana was passing by another VIP room when she heard a familiar voice. “Was the flower really that difficult to get?” “Absolutely! Crescent Cliff is so dangerous even professional climbing teams avoid it.” Through the partially open door, Ariana saw Mia toying with the thorny rose while her friend leaned in conspiratorially: “And I think I saw him with your name tattooed on his chest when he delivered the flower! He’s seriously pursuing you, isn’t he?” “A mere bodyguard? Does he deserve me?” Mia scoffed. “I’m being courted by the North Shore heir now,” she stroked the damaged rose petals. “Though Dom is certainly handsome enough to keep as a plaything on the side Her friend’s eyes widened. “Aren’t you afraid he’ll overhear?” “So what if he does?” Mia shrugged dismissively, “Men are all the same–give them a little sweetness and they’ll follow you anywhere,” Standing in the shadows, Ariana wondered what Dominic’s expression would be if he heard these words. How would the mighty North Shore heir react to discovering he was merely a backup option? Huh. This is the woman you risked your life for, Dominic, She smiled sardonically and walked away without alerting them to her presence, After leaving the club, she went directly to the cemetery. Ariana knelt before her mother’s headstone, gently wiping the dust from the photograph. “Mom, I’m getting married. To the Sinclair heir–the one in a coma. It’s not so bad; at least he won’t cheat on me.” The wind rustled the white chrysanthemums before the grave, like a silent response. “Don’t worry, I won’t be like you,” she traced the cold stone with her fingertips. “Loving someone to the point of giving up your life for him–that’s foolish. I’ll live well, very well.” As dusk fell, Ariana stood up, took one last look at her mother’s photograph, and turned to leave. Back home, Ariana spent the entire night packing. Clothes, jewelry, photo albums… She organized everything methodically, preparing never to return. As dawn broke, her phone buzzed. [Account credited: $100,000,000] Immediately after, her father called: “The Sinclairs are pushing hard. You need to leave today. I’ve transferred the hundred million as promised. As for Dominic…” “I’ll have him report to the main house,” Ariana interrupted. “From today forward, he’s Mia’s bodyguard. I don’t want him anymore.” After a moment of silence, her father suddenly softened his tone: “Ari, I’ve always loved you and your mother…” “I used to think you were just morally bankrupt,” Ariana laughed. “Now I realize you’re truly disgusting.” She hung up and blocked his number. Outside, the moving company’s truck had arrived. While directing the workers to load her luggage, Dominic emerged from his room. “Miss Reeves, what’s happening?” He frowned at the boxes littering the floor. “Moving.” Ariana replied without looking up. “Different place to live.” Dominic nodded, apparently not thinking much of it–certainly not imagining that her “move” meant relocating from North Shore to South Bay. “Let me help,” he offered. “No need,” she finally looked at him. “You have another assignment.” “What’s that?” “Go buy candied chestnuts right now, and take them to the Reeves mansion for Mia.” Dominic visibly stiffened. “Why?” “You’ll understand when you get there.” She saw his Adam’s apple bob, conflict flickering in those usually impassive eyes. Ultimately, the desire to see Mia won out over his suspicions. Dominic suddenly remembered something: “Miss Reeves, send me your new address later. I’ll gather my things and join you.” Twenty–four hour personal bodyguard service, eating and living together, ensuring her safety at all times. Those were the terms of their contract. But this time, Ariana didn’t respond. He waited a moment, and when she still didn’t acknowledge him, he assumed she’d send it later and turned to leave. At the main door, he vaguely heard her say something. “What?” He looked back. Ariana stood in the morning light, saying softly: “Nothing. Go ahead.” Once his figure had completely disappeared, Ariana got into the car and told the driver: “Airport.” The scenery flew past the window. She pulled out her phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it in half-Crack. The pieces fell from her hand, tossed out the window, and then vanished completely from sight!
The paper long het onthened from the hear He pressed his hand to his chest, where Max Hame was fitnord, the needle marks were still fresh, firstbing hitheart was caring abnormally fartajt De fromed, aftribusing this unease is weje claying at his nerves, preventing Lim from finding calm. aletarring Mia As he stepped inside, be found Frederick standing in the center of the living room, has expressed as he amempred my reason w Masood with her back to him. Mers fremdding slightly, her sobre faced with fury “fine hundred millinni það, kave you lost your minder Frederick lowered hicrolor: “We have to be practical,heartt Lean’t go back on my word to the timelsirs, I bet to send one of my diegiten in them Mia hither lip, rernhaally i y home He’s a vegetable–marrying him wild be a life sentence an I’ve caught the attention of the North Shore heir… a caretaker! Especially new Halfway through her sentence, she glimpsed Densinde from the corner of her eye, Iter expression instantly transformed as the turned, replæring her vowd with aswert smile “Dom youte bere?” Dominic had 1 clearly head their previous conversation. He tim eximply responded with a soft “Man” holding out the chestnut at them while they’re warm“] sta accepted the boy, her fingers deliberately brushing against his in the smiled with curved eyes: “DI Domina pared at her, the corner of lils mouth lifting slightly glad like the Miss He should have been happy, yet somehow that strange feeling in his chest intensified, as if something were quiety He paused before saying: “I should go now Ma quickly grabbed his sleeve: “Don’t leave. || Domnir froze. “What do you mean?“|| Mia Blinked interntly: “Didn’t Art tell you? she’s given you to me.-] Domanic’s mand went blank||were quietly spiraling out of Mia, seeing his confusion, immediately elaborated with embellishments: “Ari agreed to marry that vegetable for a hundred million dollars. She left for South Bay warly this morning From now on, you’re my bodyguard.“|| Dominar’s breathing suddenly ( Marriage To Christopher Star That former ival of his who now now lay comatose a hospital bed?|| He suddenly recalled Ariana’s mention of “moving that morning–not an ordinary relocation, best, marry to South Bay?|| Unhidden, memories of his first encounter with Ariana Hooded Dominic’s mind-|| Three years ago, during the Perves family’s lesbyguard selection, he had gone there with his sights set on Mia. To his surprise, it was the elder sister, Ariana, who was nonducting the interviews. He had initially planned to leave limitediately, but found himself unexpectedly chosen || bie floor with with a crystalline The sunlight had been perfect that day. She descended the spiral staircase in a red spaghetti strap dress, her stilettos stalking the anathle sound like some delicate mustel performer ~111 take him,” she had said, painting directly at him yat him, her crimson lips curving inh into a ande. He’s || He later discovered that this heires had quite the reputation in their social circles–the vixen,” they called laer, changing boyfriends more often than outf Passionate, vibrant, like an eternal flame that refused to be extinguished || something inexplicable had compelled him to accept the position. He painted it to himself as a means to pet doser to Mia, sjare the sisters lived under the same. pt the positio root repeatedly tried to seduce him–but her attempts were endearingly chumay—|| Tretending to twist her ankle and falling into his arms, only to have applied so much perfume that she triggered her own mersing fir||
The devotion Dominic showed Mia reached levels that shocked even the most jaded observers. As her bodyguard, he accompanied her shopping, dining, and to the cinema. If she casually mentioned craving a bakery’s signature pastries from across town, he would queue at 3 AM to purchase them. When her feet grew tired from shopping, he would kneel before her to massage her ankles, completely disregarding the startled glances of passersby. As the North Shore heir, when Mia admired a high–end jewelry designer’s new collection, he secretly purchased the entire series as a gift. When she mentioned loving stars, he bought a portion of the night sky and named it after her. If she expressed dislike for someone, the next day that person would simply vanish from their social circles. The elite of North Shore whispered that the North Shore heir had completely lost himself to Mia Reeves. -They weren’t wrong. One day, Mia insisted on watching the sunset in the countryside. On their return journey, a truck lost control and barreled straight toward their vehicle. In that split second, Dominic wrenched the steering wheel, positioning the vehicle so that the passenger side would be spared the brunt of the impact, then twisted his body to shield Mia. BANG! Their car rolled twice, glass shattering as airbags deployed. Dominic’s back slammed against the door, metal fragments piercing his flesh as blood soaked through his shirt. Yet his arms remained steady around her, not allowing her to suffer even a scratch. “Dom!” Mia’s face drained of color as she tremblingly touched his blood–streaked face. “You’re–you’re bleeding…” Dominic tried to reassure her, but when he opened his mouth, he coughed up blood. Before losing consciousness, the last thing he heard was her hysterical crying. When he regained consciousness, he stared up at the stark white ceiling of a hospital room. Mia had fallen asleep at his bedside. Hearing him stir, she immediately threw herself at him: “You idiot! Why would you do something so reckless?” She inadvertently pressed against his wound, causing Dominic to groan in pain, yet he still raised his hand to gently stroke her back: “It’s fine… doesn’t hurt.” Mia cried dramatically: “The doctor said the metal came within an inch of your heart!” He remained gentle, “Don’t cry, this is my duty.” “You’re too good to me…” Mia looked up with tear–filled eyes “Even though you’re Ari’s bodyguard, you’ve always secretly taken care of me…” “Remember when I had that fever, and you ran through that terrible storm to bring me those macarons…” That night the rain had poured relentlessly. He’d searched for five hours, returning soaking wet but still delivering warm pastries to the Reeves mansion. “And last year on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting that exclusive necklace that wasn’t even available for purchase, you entered that dangerous street racing competition to win it…” “What touched me most was that flower from Crescent Cliff… such a dangerous place, you risked your life just to pick a flower for me…” “So…” Mia gazed at him expectantly, “why are you so good to me?” “Because…” he opened his mouth, but the words “I love you” stuck in his throat. Something felt profoundly wrong. Despite taking a bullet for her, climbing a cliff for her, even tattooing her name on his chest, when it came to actually saying those three words, his heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. “Are you free three days from now?” he ultimately changed the subject. “I have something I want to tell you.” Mia’s eyes brightened: “What is it?” “You’ll know then.” He managed a smile. Mia was about to press further when her phone suddenly rang. She checked the caller ID, her expression instantly becoming flustered: “Dom, something’s come up–I need to go!” Before Dominic could respond, she had already grabbed her purse and rushed out of the hospital room. As the door closed behind her, Dominic’s smile faded. He stared at the ceiling, suddenly remembering an incident from six months earlier- He was still Ariana’s bodyguard then, and during a business event, they’d been attacked. To protect her, he’d suffered a deep slash across his shoulder, the wound extending to the bone. “Dominic Reed, you absolute IDIOT!” Ariana had erupted, eyes reddening as she cursed him. “Who told you to block it? Who told you to?!” Even while berating him, she’d frantically tried to stop his bleeding, her expensive designer dress becoming soaked with blood without her noticing. Later at the hospital, this pampered heiress who had never lifted a finger for herself insisted on caring for him personally. “Yes, you’re my bodyguard,” she had said, eyes still red–rimmed, “but your life matters just as much as mine.” As this memory surfaced, Dominic’s lips curved upward involuntarily, The next moment, he froze. What was he doing? Ariana had married into the Sinclair family. He was in love with Mia, not her. Why was he dwelling on these meaningless recollections? As if to prove something to himself, he grabbed his phone and called his childhood friend, Alexander West. “Well, look who finally remembered he has friends!” Alexander’s teasing voice came through the line. “I heard you took a bullet for love–nearly martyred yourself in the name of romance?” Dominic got straight to the point: “Help me arrange a proposal setting.” “What?!” Alexander nearly fell off his chair. “You’re finally going to propose to Mia? Done with the secret admirer routine?” “Yes.” Dominic rattled off a series of requirements: “I want a rose garden a symphony orchestra, drone light show, and prepare a pink diamond pendant…” Alexander whistled in amazement: “You’re spending millions only on a proposal? She’ll be completely spoiled! Honestly, I still don’t understand what you see in Mia Reeves.” This question sent Dominic into reflection. Three years ago at that charity gala, he’d first spotted Mia. She’d been wearing a white dress, carefully climbing a tree to rescue a precariously balanced bird’s nest. Sunlight had filtered through the leaves, dappling her figure. Her face wasn’t clearly visible, but the scene was beautiful, like a painting. He’d stepped away to take a call, and when he returned to offer help, she had already successfully saved the nest and departed. He asked a server who she was, and received the answer: “Miss Reeves.” That moment of enchantment had decided everything. He was determined to meet her. He’d even concealed his identity, becoming Ariana’s bodyguard for the sole purpose of gaining regular access to Mia. “She’s kind, pure…” Dominic mechanically listed Mia’s qualities, yet the more he spoke, the more unfamiliar he felt. “Anyway, just get everything ready,” he concluded. “This time, I’m going to make Mia say yes.” With that, he ended the call.
Dominic’s wounds were far from healed, but despite the doctor’s repeated warnings that he needed rest, he insisted on leaving the hospital early. He spared no expense, arranging his proposal at North Shore’s most luxurious rose garden. The garden was filled with Juliet roses flown in from France, each one personally selected by him. The orchestra performed pieces he’d stayed up for three consecutive nights to finalize. The fireworks were custom–designed to match Mia’s preferences, programmed to form a starry pattern that would spell out her name at the most romantic moment. He even personally tasted every dish on the menu, scrutinizing the champagne vintage with meticulous attention. His friend Alexander, watching this display, couldn’t help but quip: “Dom, anyone would think you’re preparing for a coronation rather than a proposal.” Dominic ignored him, checking his watch–thirty minutes until their appointment. However, thirty minutes passed, then an hour… Mia never appeared. Dominic stood on the rose–covered terrace, fingers unconsciously tracing the diamond ring in his pocket. He called Mia countless times, but every call went unanswered. “Could something have happened to her?” His brow furrowed with concern as he contacted his staff. “Check Miss Mia’s schedule for today.” Ten minutes later, the report came in… [Miss Mia Reeves is at Chateau Spa and Resort. Today she received a full–body spa treatment, manicure, and has an appointment with a stylist. She has been there for six hours.] Dominic stared in disbelief. She was… at a spa? Had she forgotten? But he’d reminded her just yesterday. He gripped his phone tightly and drove directly to the spa. When Dominic tried to enter Chateau Spa, the security guard attempted to stop him: “Sir, please present your membership-” “Get out of my way!” The manager rushed over, slapping the guard aside. “Have you lost your mind? This is Mr. Reed!” Dominic strode toward the VIP suite, but paused at the door when he heard laughter from inside…. “You’re seriously not going to meet that bodyguard?” A friend’s voice carried a teasing note. Mia responded lazily: “Why would I? I can tell from the way he looks at me that he wants to propose. As if I’d marry a bodyguard?” “But he’s been so good to you,” her friend countered. “Taking a bullet, climbing a cliff, even tattooing your name on his chest…” “So what?” Mia scoffed. “No matter how handsome or devoted he is, he’s still just a doorman. I’ve been noticed by the North Shore heir now–of course I’m focusing on securing a place in high society.” Dominic’s hand froze on the doorknob. The friend persisted: “But why not just reject him outright? Leading him on seems cruel.” “You don’t understand,” Mia’s voice carried a note of triumph. “He’s gorgeous, strong, and willing to die for me. Why wouldn’t I want an extra admirer? But most importantly…” Her voice dropped to a malicious whisper: “Ariana was in love with him, but he’s in love with me. Just imagining her face when she realized I stole something she cherished–it’s absolutely delicious. It’s like when she used to love wearing white dresses, but I mentioned once that I liked them, and Dad gave me all her white dresses. I wore them around her constantly until she stopped wearing white altogether!” Dominic felt as though he’d been struck by lightning. The friend seemed intrigued: “Speaking of which, you’ve sabotaged Ariana quite a bit over the years, haven’t you? I heard about her mother’s difficult delivery…” “That woman deserved it!” Mia’s tone suddenly sharpened. “How dare she occupy the position that belonged to my mother? I just slipped some abortion pills into her water before her due date… who knew she’d be so weak that both she and the baby would die?” “And Ariana’s study abroad opportunity was canceled because you reported her for academic dishonesty?” “Just a forged complaint,” Mia said dismissively. “That idiot threw a massive tantrum at home but couldn’t do anything about it. Daddy always takes my side.” Each word felt like a poisoned dagger, dismantling the image of the pure–hearted girl rescuing a bird’s nest that had lived in Dominic’s memory. The manager anxiously whispered: “Mr. Reed, would you like to go in?” The room suddenly fell silent, then Mia’s wary voice called out: “Who’s there?” Dominic closed his eyes, then turned and walked away. “Don’t tell her I was here.” In his black Maybach, Dominic chain–smoked one cigarette after another. He replayed Mia’s words in his mind. She considered him a mere “doorman,” only interested in marrying into wealth. She had slipped abortion pills to Ariana’s ten–months pregnant mother, causing both her and the unborn child to die. She had fabricated academic dishonesty claims against Ariana, causing her to lose her study abroad opportunity. Through the haze of smoke, he recalled Ariana’s eyes, always filled with mockery… The way she called him an “idiot” while gritting her teeth, her trembling fingers as she bandaged his wounds, the way she slammed the door as she left with a final “Dominic Reed, I don’t want you anymore“… It now became clear that the woman he’d placed on a pedestal was utterly contemptible. And Ariana, whom he’d repeatedly treated with cold indifference… Was the true victim all along. The cigarette burned down to his fingertips, but he didn’t notice. In the distance, fireworks erupted from the rose garden, forming a brilliant “MIA REEVES” against the night sky. Yet the man who should have been gazing up at those fireworks was sitting alone in his car, smoking cigarette after cigarette, his heart aching inexplicably. He couldn’t understand how the sweet girl who had once rescued a bird’s nest could become this unrecognizable, calculating creature. BANG! His fist slammed against the steering wheel. He finally understood–the woman he’d loved had always been a mirage. That girl rescuing a bird’s nest had never existed–or rather, that person had never been Mia Reeves. His memory flashed back to that charity gala three years ago. Sunlight, white dress, the girl in the tree… Wait. Mia’s words suddenly echoed in his mind with startling clarity. “It’s like when she used to love wearing white dresses, but I mentioned once that I liked them, and Dad gave me all her white dresses. I wore them around her constantly until she stopped wearing white altogether!” Back then, he had asked the server who that girl was. The server had only said “Miss Reeves.” Later, after returning from handling company projects abroad, he finally had time to seek her out, only to learn that the Reeves family had two daughters–one wild and unbridled, the “vixen” of their social circle who preferred red dresses, and one pure as jasmine who loved wearing white. He had automatically assumed “Miss Reeves” meant the younger Miss Reeves. But now… Dominic’s blood instantly froze in his veins. With trembling hands, he dialed Alexander’s number: “I need you to find the security footage from the charity gala garden three years ago…”
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