Ivanna's PoV
I stepped out of a building filled with frenetic, thumping music, tightly wrapping my coat around my body to shield myself from the cold night wind. The clothes I wore tonight were more revealing than usual, resulting from a party at an old friend's house.
Despite not being late at night, an eerie silence engulfed the surroundings. It was no surprise that some residents near the club chose to stay indoors after eight o'clock. Rumors had spread about gangs of criminals who didn't hesitate to commit heinous acts of violence, including rape and murder. Mere robberies were no longer enough.
Recent news reports have highlighted the criminals' brutal tendencies, emphasizing how they would kill their victims after assaulting them. This knowledge sent a shiver down my spine as I walked through the deserted streets, fearing for my safety.
Attending the nightclub had been a mistake, especially considering I had already informed my friends, Bri and Damon, that I was leaving early and heading home. Getting in touch with them now seemed impossible, given the late hour and their likely preoccupation with the party.
"Don't move, beautiful. Take off everything on your body right now!" a man I didn't recognize commanded, his voice filled with menace. I dared not turn around to face him, knowing an object was pointed at my head. It was undoubtedly a gun, and the thought of dying young terrified me.
I complied, removing my jewelry and handing it over to him, my body frozen. "The contents of your wallet!" he snapped, demanding more.
"What? No, sir. I need to get home, and I don't have anything except-" I began to protest, but before I could finish, he fired his gun. I stumbled backward, shocked, and had no choice but to surrender everything in my wallet.
To my dismay, it wasn't just one robber; there were three. And even after taking all they wanted, I foolishly believed they would leave. But they didn't. One of them approached me, his eyes fixated on my revealing attire. I cursed David for being late to pick me up, blaming him for this predicament. My palms grew sweaty, and my body trembled with fear.
"What are you going to do? You've already taken everything; please let me go. I won't report you to the police," I pleaded, my voice quivering.
SLAP!
"Ah! Let go of me!" I cried out as they grabbed me forcefully and threw me onto the street. Their laughter echoed through the empty and desolate surroundings, forever etching that chilling sound in my memory. In the next moment, they mocked and taunted me, leaving me utterly defenseless.
I could only surrender as one man held my arms, another gripped my legs, and a third mercilessly beat and slapped me. My dress was torn, and the man prepared to rape me while I screamed for help. Yet, my cries fell on deaf ears. What time was it? The residents nearby must have been safely tucked in their beds, unaware of the horrors happening outside the club's chaotic atmosphere.
"Damon, help me," I whimpered, my desperation reaching its peak. It seemed like I would become a victim of their lust if not for the arrival of a man who swiftly incapacitated the three thugs, beating them to a pulp.
The events unfolded In a blur like time had slowed for me. When I regained consciousness, the three assailants lay helpless on the ground. I mustered the courage to open my eyes and found myself gazing into the mesmerizing, intense gray eyes of the man who had come to my rescue. His rugged features and chiseled jawline gave him an undeniable air of attractiveness. He exuded a captivating aura that left me momentarily stunned.
Without averting his gaze, he removed his coat and gently draped it over my trembling form. The fabric felt warm and comforting against my chilled body. His strong yet gentle presence provided solace during the chaos, and I couldn't deny the undeniable beauty emanating from him.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a deep, resonant baritone voice filled with concern. I could sense the genuine care and empathy in his words. I nodded slowly, still captivated by his arresting presence. The man then guided me towards a parked motorcycle, the engine humming softly.
"Hop on; I'll take you home," he offered, his voice carrying a soothing reassurance. I nodded again, silently acknowledging his offer, and followed his lead. As he revved the engine, the motorcycle surged forward, carrying us swiftly through the night.
During the ride, it felt as though I was caught in a daydream, lost in the mix of emotions and the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The man's enigmatic aura never wavered, leaving me to wonder about his identity and the depth of his character.
Finally, the motorcycle stopped outside my mansion, the journey passing by in a blink of an eye. As I slowly regained my bearings, I realized I hadn't even mustered the courage to ask for his name or express my gratitude. How foolish of me!
"I hope you're doing well. Make sure to have someone attend to your wounds and provide the necessary care. And next time, never wander alone, especially at night, as not everyone knows who you are, Miss Sanchez," he said with concern and sternness.
I sighed heavily, acknowledging his advice and regretting my inability to thank him properly. The man's vehicle soon moved away, disappearing into the night, leaving me to contemplate the events unfolding and the mysterious stranger who had saved me.
***
"Oh my God, Ivanna! What happened to you?" Brianna exclaimed with concern, her eyes widening at seeing my bruised face. I quickly tried to cover up the marks with makeup, desperate to hide the evidence of the ordeal.
Brianna, not only my trusted assistant but also one of my closest friends, had always been reliable and dedicated in her role. Over the years, she had proven her competence and unwavering support.
However, I couldn't help but notice the absence of Tatiana, whom I had asked to join us at the same time as Brianna. Her delay puzzled me, adding to the turmoil of the previous night's events.
"I'm alright now, thank you for worrying," I replied, trying to downplay the severity of the situation and alleviate Brianna's concern.
"No, Vans! You should fire David for repeatedly making such mistakes! And where's Tatiana?" Brianna exclaimed, her worry extending beyond my physical well-being.
As Brianna finished her sentence, I heard footsteps approaching my room. Tatiana and Damon entered together, as they often did. Tatiana was Damon's cousin, and their close relationship made such encounters commonplace.
"I'm here. Did I miss something?" Tatiana asked playfully; her expression quickly turned to concern as she noticed my disheveled appearance.
"Oh my god, Ivanna! What happened to you?" Damon's eyes widened as he took in my bruised face. "You're supposed to take care of her, not let something like this happen. You're always so preoccupied with work."
I held back a sigh, not wanting to escalate the situation further. "Please, let's not make a big deal out of it. It's nothing compared to what could have happened."
"What do you mean?" they both asked in unison, their concern growing.
"They almost assaulted me," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. Damon's face contorted with anger as he moved closer to examine my injuries.
"But how are you now? Who did this to you, Ivanna? Tell me so I can make them pay!" Damon growled, clenching his fists tightly. I gently reached out and stroked his jaw, offering him the warmest smile I could manage.
"I'm fine, babe. There's no need to worry about anything," I reassured him, wanting to avoid further conflict. The last thing I wanted was to exacerbate the situation.
"No! I think you should have a personal bodyguard!" Brianna chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "Someone to ensure your safety at all times."
"I appreciate your concern, Brianna, but I just want to find one person, if possible. The person who saved me from those attackers," I explained, hoping they would understand my desire.
The others furrowed their brows, unsure what to make of my request. The room fell into a brief silence as they processed my words, contemplating the significance of finding the mysterious stranger who had come to my rescue.
In a swift motion, Tatiana held up her cell phone, showing me a displayed identity and a photo of someone who seemed familiar. However, the impact of the previous night's attack had left me struggling to remember the man in the picture.
"What's this?" I asked, puzzled by Tatiana's sudden revelation. She had a knack for surprising actions without offering explanations unless prompted.
"Your future bodyguard. And you can't say no. His name is Jax, and he'll be arriving this afternoon. So be prepared. Damon and I will be away for a while," Tatiana explained, rising from her seat to plant a peck on my cheek.
"Where are you both going?" I inquired, curious about their frequent outings together. While I couldn't feel jealous because family ties bound Damon and Tatiana, I couldn't help but wonder if something else was at play.
"We're organizing a fundraising event for cancer patients, remember? The hospital we funded is hosting the event," Tatiana clarified, her words catching me off guard. How could I have been unaware of such a significant event?
I turned to Damon, seeking an explanation for Tatiana's statement. However, he seemed distant, not meeting my gaze. What was happening now? Was there something I didn't know?
"Never mind! We can't talk about it now, okay? We'll be late if we don't leave soon. Besides, Jax is already on his way here," Tatiana interjected, eager to redirect the conversation.
"Do you even know who Jax is?" I inquired, hoping for more information. Tatiana shrugged, offering a hesitant response.
"I found him through a private bodyguard search platform. A friend recommended him so that you won't be disappointed. Alright, everyone, I'm heading out first," Tatiana declared before leaving.
As I watched their departure, Bri remained by my side, understanding the turmoil I was experiencing.
"Stay calm, Vans. They're just cousins; there's nothing more to it. Tatiana would never betray you," Bri reassured me.
"Yeah, I hope so," I replied with uncertainty and hope.
Honestly, I did hope that everything was as it seemed.
A few hours passed, and a well-built man stood before me. I lifted my face from the sheet of paper that had initially occupied my attention. And when looking at men in black shirts and pants, I was wide-eyed. My heart almost jumped because of the mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement.
Ivanna's PoV
I finally accepted Jax as a bodyguard, and he started working later that day. From what I've noticed, he did a great job. Everything is as good as I expected.
Today is exactly one week since Jax started working as my bodyguard. I waited for a long time. Bri didn't show up, and neither did Jax. However, I wasn't worried about Bri because she had informed me that she was going back to the studio to finish her design that I would wear to the awards ceremony.
So where was Jax? Did he decide to go home tonight? If he did, he would and should have informed me, right?
I got up and strolled, looking for the servants who would usually be standing guard in some rooms so that they could help whenever I needed assistance.
They were still there, asking me what I needed.
"One margarita, please. Please put it in my room. I'm going to get some fresh air for a while."
A bartender nodded obediently and made me what I ordered while I was still on my original mission of finding Jax, as well as taking a short walk to enjoy the night air and the stars sparkling in the sky.
The night was clear. The air had gotten warmer in recent days. I didn't wear a coat, just a black satin dress with a sleeping robe of the same material and color, walking with no footwear to feel what I was stepping on.
"Jax?" I call his name when I hear a voice in the garden's bushes. I went closer and found Jax sitting there and injecting something into his thigh.
I couldn't have been mistaken. Jax was indeed injecting a red-colored liquid-which I didn't know what kind of liquid-into his body. Several times. First in his thighs, then his arms, and stomach.
Was he suffering from some disease? Diabetic perhaps? Or did he have a substance use disorder?
***
"What you are alleging is not true, Miss. I'm not an addict! You must have a wrong look," Jax retorted while stuffing the damn things into his waist bag. "It's just a serum. I have a little trouble with the cold."
I squinted when I heard him explain what was happening back then, ensuring he wasn't lying. However, it was clear that it was just an excuse.
"It's not cold tonight, Jax. Unless you're suffering from thyroid problems, you won't feel cold," I argued, not to be outdone. "How about we do a test?"
Jax's face, which had been a little pale, now looked even paler when I mentioned the addiction test. He could have an addiction.
If he were, I would stop using his services.
"Uhm, Vans. I think your suspicions are unwarranted. It would be best if you weren't questioning Jax about his illness; it's impolite," said Brianna, who seemed to be trying to understand the conflict before her.
"But I saw it myself, Bri. He injected something!"
I still insisted on my opinion and what I saw, even though Jax was still trying to find an excuse, it seemed, so that he could be free from my accusation. However, as usual, Bri tried to calm me down, and she approached Jax. I don't know what they were talking about. I hoped it wouldn't cause me any new problems.
***
I woke up and felt sweat on my forehead and body. It seemed like I had just had another nightmare. And seeing Jax standing right in front of me took my breath away.
I was about to scream, but no sound came out.
Was he here to vent his anger at my accusing him of what he did a few hours ago? I wasn't lying, and he did inject something I didn't know about.
I'm very much against a person with an addiction, so it's only natural that I'm strict. I even told him not to work here anymore, but Bri kept him from staying.
"Ssh ... don't yell, Miss." The man smothered my mouth and then placed a forefinger on his lips as a sign that I shouldn't make a sound. I didn't know what the reason was. However, when I blinked, Jax was no longer in front of me.
He had vanished like an afterthought.
Was I hallucinating? Or could it be that I was too disturbed by the man's presence and strange behavior to fantasize anything about him?
I got up and off the bed, then strolled out of the room. The entire room was only dimly lit; no one could still awake. Maybe Jax was the exception since he was my bodyguard; he might guard me for twenty-four hours.
I kept walking, unintentionally hearing a voice coming from the first floor. I walked down the stairs and followed the direction of the sound source.
My chest heaved when I saw what was in front of me. Damon, with a woman, was doing something I never thought he would do.
There was no way I could have guessed wrong this time. Even though I couldn't quite make out the woman who was now under Damon's body and was exchanging sweat and fills with my fiancé, there was no way my eyes wouldn't recognize the man who would become my husband.
My chest feels tight, packed as if it's going to explode. All my bones seemed to have disappeared somewhere. My body was weakening like there was no more strength to keep it from swaying and falling to the floor. And indeed, I would almost fall if a pair of sturdy arms didn't catch my body swiftly. And afterward, I only felt darkness enveloping my world.
***
I woke up abruptly, but a glimmer of sunlight creeping in through the gap in the curtains made me confident that what I experienced last night was just a dream. Moreover, Damon was sleeping beside me, and only a blanket was wrapped around our bodies.
I got up quickly, shaking my head in disbelief.
Does this mean I saw Damon making love to me at that moment? What was wrong with me?
"Hey, what's going on, baby?" Damon asked, getting up and stroking my hair. I just shook my head, not understanding these situations.
"Where were you last night? I didn't find you in bed," I asked, unable to help myself. It could be my hallucinations, or Damon was betraying and playing me.
How could I not be suspicious? Damon is a successful businessman who is handsome and generous. He could quickly feel pity for anyone, which would make him act unreasonably. Even if his goal was to help others, it was often in a way that I couldn't understand.
For example, once upon a time, a woman was mistreated by her husband; Damon took her in and allowed the woman to stay in his apartment.
When I checked on her, she misbehaved, and when Damon found out, he defended her.
"Oh, maybe you woke up while I was using the restroom. I'll be a minute, and when I come back, you're asleep, honey."
The man stroked my hair again. His answer made sense and was probably the truth. However, why didn't I believe him?
I felt something was wrong, whether it was Damon or myself.
I responded to Damon's words with a shake of my head. I didn't believe him, but I didn't want to start the morning with an argument. Especially when he pecked my lips and nuzzled the hollow of my neck, the sting of desire suddenly arose from within me.
"Damon, I want you," I begged, then looked deeply into his gray eyes. I'm still breathing heavily, trying to contain the explosion of lust that's starting to overcome me. However, Damon's answer dimmed that desire and drowned it to the bottom of the ocean.
"I'm sorry, baby. You were so wild last night that I was overwhelmed. This morning, I have an appointment with Tatiana to visit the disaster post. We'll donate to them," he said.
Yes, of course-Tatiana again. How can I not be jealous if she continues like this?
"Then I'm coming with you," I replied with the sweetest smile I could muster, hoping she would grant my request this time.
So far, Damon rarely allowed me to join him whenever he organized social activities. It was always Tatiana who he would bring along and be Damon's best partner. I also wanted to experience doing helpful something together with him once in a while.
I wanted to get to know him better. What he likes, his hobbies, his passions. I want to learn and explore it all. However, he seemed to give me the distance to avoid getting too deep into his life.
And sure enough, hearing my request, he looked at my face with his lips pressed together.
"Don't say it. I know you'll prevent me from going with you again." I looked down in disappointment.
"Baby, it's not like that. Look at your condition. I'm just worried about you. Too many bad guys are out there, and they're crazy about you."
"What does that mean?" I asked, not liking the statement that had just come out of his mouth. "Are you saying that those who like me are bad people? All of them? How dare you-"
"Vans, please, don't start." Damon shook his head. He then kissed my lips for a few seconds. I counted how long it took because this was a move he always made whenever I started sulking. "I have to go. Jax will take care of you, and you can ask him to take you anywhere you want. But please, be careful, okay?"
What difference does it make? He went out alone with Tatiana and wouldn't let me go with him, but instead let me go out with Jax.
Fuck you, Damon!
***
I looked at the departure of Damon and Tatiana, who had blown a kiss bye to me. I just gave a faint smile. I'm sick of this friendly charade.
Okay, call me cruel, mean, harmful, or whatever for thinking badly of my best friend-who was the one who introduced me to Damon, her cousin. But please, look at it from my perspective. Would any woman have the patience for her boyfriend, her future husband, to be dealing with his cousin too much and looking like a lover than with her?
"Miss, are you ready? Is there anything else you want to bring?" asked Jax, who was ready with my luggage.
I tightened my coat. The air feels so cold even though it's almost noon. And about Jax-why does his skin look so pale and glow in the sunlight?
"Jax, can I ask you something?" I asked as the car started moving slowly away from the mansion. I had intentionally brought one driver and let Jax focus on his job of protecting me, not doubling as a driver.
"Please, Miss." The man sitting beside the driver's seat seemed to turn his head slightly toward me. However, I couldn't see how he reacted because of the sunglasses he was wearing.
"Where were you last night?" the same question I asked Damon, and I hoped I would get a more relieving answer that I wasn't dreaming or hallucinating last night.
"I stood guard outside your and Mr. Alejandro's room. Is there a problem, Miss?"
I sighed harshly. The answer wasn't much different from what Damon had said. They are not precisely similar, but they are the same. It didn't give me what I wanted to hear.
"No, I'm not. I feel weird. Last night I woke up and looked for you, but I didn't find anyone. And when I went down to the first floor, Damon-" I couldn't continue my word. "Never mind. I don't think we should talk about that."
How strange. Were Jax and Damon working together to play me? Considering I got Jax through Tatiana's app. And the night of the attack-was it also their ploy?
Ivanna's PoV
I didn't do much all day. I just went shopping, visited some new places, and was only with Jax, who was someone else-not a friend, not a lover. And that was very strange to me.
I've never been anywhere random, especially without my best friend-Bri and Tatiana-cause, as Jax once said, no one didn't know me. This afternoon, some people crowded around to ask for a photo session with me. Luckily, Jax was there to protect me and remove me from the crowd that wasn't just one or a few people but dozens of people.
"Jax, what are you doing? They want to take a picture with me!" I snapped as Jax led me away, wrapping his sturdy arms around me after covering my head with his jacket.
I felt like a criminal who had to run and sneak away from people. What's wrong with taking a quick picture anyway?
"Didn't you see? They weren't just one or two people, Miss. Ten or maybe more. Are you sure you can fulfill their wish of taking a photo, and then that's it? One is done, and another will come. You're not an actress who just came out yesterday afternoon. No one doesn't know you," he replied, sounding overprotective.
Well, I can understand his concern if that's how he feels. Or it could just be formality and professionalism because that's his job. But at least give one or two people a chance.
"Besides, this isn't a meet and greet event. Today is your day off. And don't you see some reporters-"
"Enough, Jax. You're neither my assistant nor manager, so please know your limits."
"I'm sorry, Miss."
And he was silent.
Okay, I know that he is indeed running errands. However, could he not cross the boundary between his work and mine? If he has to protect, do it while I do my work.
And when I got home, I didn't talk to Jax at all-because we had no interest in it. And I just wanted to find Bri to vent my frustration on.
When I walked into my office, Bri was there, looking at the sheet before her and then focusing on the iPad.
"Hey, how was the trip? What did you shop for?" Bri asked without taking her eyes off the object in her hands.
I flopped down on the sofa and rested my feet on the table. I closed my eyes for a moment before finally answering Bri's question.
"I don't know what happened. Damon never allowed me to come with him and Tatiana and the weird Jax, then... there's another one, Bri!"
I got up and hurriedly pulled out a chair to sit near my best friend.
"This sounds like an interesting story. Spill it!" Bri said, then pushed aside the object before her to listen to me.
This is what I love about Bri. She was always there whenever I needed her. I won't complain if she's not available when immersed in her busy schedule at the studio; that's what she likes the most. At least when I want her presence, she still tries to be there.
I tried to remember the events of last night that made me feel like an insane person the following day.
"Before I ask, do you feel anything strange about Damon? I mean, maybe his gestures or his behavior. I know you weren't always here, but you must have had some one-on-one conversations with him. Don't you think he looks different?" I asked. Honestly, I didn't know where to start.
I didn't want to come across as accusing randomly or looking like a possessive girlfriend. I just wanted to know what was going on.
And Brianna just shook her head.
"I haven't noticed anything strange except for his being busy lately. What's the matter? Do you sense something going on with him?"
"I don't know, Bri. I just-maybe it was just a nightmare, but somehow it felt so real. I witnessed Damon having sex with someone."
Bri looked wide-eyed when she heard my explanation. She then shifted her chair to get closer and started listening. I could see the serious look on her face. Of course, she should have been surprised; for all she knew, Damon and I had never had any problems.
Not even about my jealousy of Tatiana-something I've been feeling recently.
Or maybe she already knew; she just chose to keep quiet and pretend she didn't know. I don't know.
"Are you sure? I mean, Vans... you've been having a bad time the last while; it would be possible if you were more sensitive because you could be having-you know what I mean."
"No, I don't. I don't know what you mean," I snappishly replied.
Maybe Bri was right. But still, I wouldn't like it if everyone I told about what I was going through then assumed it had something to do with the lousy incident I'd just had.
And another thing, Bri's statement just now made it sound like the problem came from me, not Damon and Tatiana. What if it was? Should I go to psychiatry for my problems?
"Vans, I hope you don't get angry just yet. Many people who work in the entertainment industry suffer from pressure, stress, and even depression. Other mental problems as well. Especially you who had been through something terrible. I want to point out that it's okay if you do. I'm here, and I care about you, Vans. I love you, so if you have it, let's work it out."
I shrugged at Bri's long-winded words. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture. So I got up and intended to leave her to get back to work.
"And let's finish this conversation. Get back to work because I'll need the details of my schedule soon and your latest design," I said and hurried away before Bri started talking again.
To hell with her opinion!
***
I didn't realize I was ranting to my room. Nor did I realize who was following me to my private room. And it was when I slammed the door that I realized Jax was there.
Oh, God! That must have hurt a lot.
"Oh, my God, Jax! Oh, I'm sorry. Are you hurt?" I asked, immediately checking his nose, which looked slightly blue among his pale white skin.
Why didn't I care when I was about to slam the door, and what was he doing there?
"It's alright, Miss. I'm fine," he replied calmly.
I knew it must have hurt. However, it was strange that instead of being reddish, Jax's nasal bone was slightly gray and almost bluish.
"Are you sick? I just realized that you're very pale." My hand unintentionally reached out and caressed his face with a look of confusion and disbelief at what I was seeing.
Also, what I was feeling right now made me unable to think logically. Because Jax's body felt so cold, even as if frozen. I withdrew my hand and looked at him, who flinched and only returned my gaze with an expression I couldn't read.
"Sorry, I just wanted to see if you had a fever. If you're sick, you can get a rest. There's an empty room on the first floor; you can rest and use it. Sorry, I just realized I haven't been paying attention to you these past few days."
"No problem, Miss. I've always gone home when my duty is done."
I nodded in understanding, though I couldn't believe he had gone home and rested. And his icy body was probably the result of him never taking the time to rest. I guess that's why he always had to inject something like what I saw that night.
"You can use that room from now on. I insist. Anyway, it looks like you'll have to stand guard more often. Don't refuse it; you deserve it."
The man nodded, then looked back at me.
"What's going on? Do you have something to say?"
"Just wanted to ask, is something bothering you? You've been looking so upset since yesterday."
I bit my lip, considering whether it would be okay to ask him about Damon. I had blacked out and didn't remember anything. Maybe Jax knew about Damon and the woman he had sex with.
"Jax, that night I woke up and didn't find you anywhere. I'm not sure, but I think when I fainted, you were the one who helped me first. Is that right?"
The man nodded. And at that moment, I felt like I could ask him about Damon. He must have also witnessed what was in front of my eyes-in front of our eyes.
"Did you witness it, too? I mean, I saw Damon there, and he was fucking a woman. Did you see the same thing?"
The man audibly sighed but didn't respond to my question in the way I expected.
"Jax, please say something. You know, Damon and I aren't just lovers. We're engaged. If he betrayed me, then I had to make the right decision. That's why I have to have evidence and witnesses. Did you see what I saw?"
Jax nodded. His face looked as if he was resigned to whatever my question was.
"Who was that woman, Jax?" I asked. My chest was already rumbling, my stomach churning as I worried about the answer I would hear from this man. However, I had to prepare myself to hear Jax's answer.
"That woman is you, Ms. Sanchez. It was you who had sex with Mr. Alejandro that night. And I'm sure of it."