POV: Isabella
My name is Isabella Chen.
My father is one of the most famous billionaire tycoons in the country.
And apparently… that also means having enemies.
Lots of them.
Business rivals. People who hate power. People who want money.
And sometimes…
People who want me.
A few months ago, I was kidnapped.
Seven days.
Seven whole days before my parents found me.
Seven days in a dark room with strangers watching me.
Even now, sometimes when I close my eyes, I remember the silence of that place.
The fear.
The waiting.
After that… my parents became extremely protective.
But today, I was trying not to think about any of that.
I was lying on the couch in the sitting room, completely absorbed in my K-drama.
The female lead was crying in the rain while the male lead ran after her dramatically.
"Don't go!" he shouted.
I grabbed a pillow and hugged it.
"Ugh… why are K-drama men always so romantic?" I muttered to myself.
Just then, I heard footsteps.
I paused the TV.
My parents walked into the living room.
The atmosphere immediately felt… serious.
Mom sat beside me and gently held my hand.
Her expression was soft but worried.
"Honey," she said carefully, "you know how things are right now."
I frowned slightly.
What things?
She continued, her voice gentle.
"And you know we would do anything to protect you."
My chest tightened.
"Mom… what's going on?" I asked slowly.
Before she could answer, my dad cleared his throat.
He looked serious business serious.
That was never a good sign.
"So," Dad said, folding his arms, "we've decided to get you a bodyguard."
My eyes widened.
"A bodyguard?"
I almost laughed.
"Dad, this isn't a movie. I'm just going to school."
Dad didn't laugh.
His expression stayed firm.
"His name is Ryan Kai."
I blinked.
Ryan… Kai?
Dad turned toward the door.
"You can come in."
For a second, nothing happened.
Then the door opened.
And he walked in.
Everything around me suddenly felt… quiet.
He was tall.
Much taller than I expected.
Dressed completely in black.
Black jacket. Black pants. Black gloves.
And a black nose mask covered the lower half of his face.
Only his eyes were visible.
Sharp.
Calm.
Cold.
But unbelievably beautiful.
My heart suddenly skipped.
No.
Actually
It stopped.
I stared at him like an idiot.
Why is he so handsome?!
Even with half his face covered, he looked unreal.
His eyes briefly landed on me.
Just one second.
But it felt like forever.
My heart started beating faster.
What is wrong with me?!
Dad continued speaking, completely unaware of my internal panic.
"Ryan Kai will be responsible for your safety from now on. He'll escort you to school, events, anywhere you go."
Ryan said nothing.
Not a single word.
He simply stood there like a silent shadow.
Mom smiled gently.
"Ryan is very professional. You'll be safe with him."
I tried to act calm.
But inside my head?
Total chaos.
Why is my bodyguard this handsome?!
Ryan suddenly spoke.
His voice was deep, calm… and strangely cold.
"Miss Chen."
My heart jumped.
"Y-yes?"
His eyes studied me carefully.
Like he was analyzing something.
Then he said bluntly,
"You shouldn't leave the house alone anymore."
I blinked.
That's it?
No greeting?
No smile?
Just… orders?
My lips twitched.
Wow.
He's rude.
Cold.
And extremely serious.
But somehow…
I couldn't stop staring at him.
And one terrifying thought crossed my mind.
I think…
I just fell in love with my bodyguard.
The next morning, I walked out of the house and saw Ryan already standing beside the car.
Of course he was.
Perfect posture.
Black clothes.
Black mask.
Hands behind his back like some kind of silent soldier.
I swallowed.
Why does he look like he walked out of an action movie?
He opened the car door for me.
"Get in."
No smile.
No emotion.
Just… orders again.
I sighed and got into the car.
The ride to school was painfully quiet.
Ryan sat in the front seat, eyes constantly scanning the road.
He looked so serious it was almost scary.
When we arrived at school, he stepped out first and opened my door.
The moment students saw us
Everything exploded.
"WHO IS THAT?!" a girl screamed.
"OH MY GOD HE'S SO TALL!"
"IS HE AN IDOL?!"
Girls started whispering everywhere.
Some even pulled out their phones.
Ryan ignored all of them.
Completely.
He stood beside me like a silent wall.
But the more he ignored them…
The more the girls went crazy.
"His eyes are so beautiful!"
"Why is he wearing a mask?!"
"Is he Isabella's boyfriend?!"
I nearly choked.
Boyfriend?!
Ryan suddenly leaned slightly closer to me.
His voice low and calm.
"Stay close."
My heart skipped again.
I nodded quickly.
Meanwhile, the girls were still staring like they had discovered a new celebrity.
And honestly…
I couldn't blame them.
Even I wasn't immune.
Because standing beside me was the coldest, most mysterious, most handsome man I had ever seen.
And somehow…
He was my bodyguard.