One Night Bodyguard One Night Series Book One

Ariana's POV

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I stammered, nearly crashing into a waiter holding a tray of drinks. My heels clicked against the white-tiled floor of Silver Foods Restaurant as I rushed toward the private booth at the back.

Thirty minutes late. My stomach churned as I glanced at my wristwatch again. I was supposed to meet Daniel at 7:00 PM, and it was nearly 7:30 PM.

Why was I running? Well, as ridiculous as it sounds, I was desperate to meet my boyfriend of five years, who'd called me earlier with a tone so cold it sent chills down my spine.

"Hey, love," I'd greeted warmly when I picked up his call.

"We need to talk. Meet me at the usual spot."

Before I could ask him what was wrong, he hung up.

I had barely caught my breath when I spotted him sitting at our usual table. His broad shoulders were hunched, and he was staring at his phone, oblivious to the bustling restaurant around him.

"Danny!" I called, plastering on a smile as I slid into the seat opposite him. "I'm so sorry. Traffic was horrible",

"You're late," he interrupted without looking up.

"I know, and I'm really sorry," I said softly, leaning closer. "But I'm here now."

Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet mine. My heart sank. His eyes, once filled with warmth and love, were now cold and distant. Something was wrong. I glanced at the table and noticed the spread.Steak, salad, and an expensive bottle of red wine. My heart warmed. Daniel had always been caring and romantic.

"So, is this a date?" I asked, smiling as I stared at him with love and admiration. "You should've told me. I would've worn something more... you know, sexy. Like that red dress you love," I teased, lightly touching his face.

But Daniel didn't react. On a normal day, he would've kissed me so hard I'd struggle to catch my breath. Now, all I got was a cold stare.

"What's going on, Danny?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "Ariana, we need to talk."

"Okay..." I said hesitantly. "Talk about what honey? Is something wrong?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he poured himself a glass of wine, took a sip, and stared at the table like it held the answers to life's biggest questions.

"This is going to be our last meeting," he said finally.

I froze. "What do you mean, last meeting'?" I asked, forcing out a shaky laugh. "Danny, what are you talking about? Are you joking?"

He shook his head, his expression unreadable. "I'm serious, Ariana. We can't be together anymore."

My heart stopped. "Why?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"It's for the best," he said, his tone detached. "I got engaged last week."

For a moment, I thought I'd misheard him. "Engaged?" I repeated, blinking rapidly. "To who?"

"To the daughter of my dad's business partner," he said, his voice flat.

I stared at him, my mind struggling to process his words. "You're joking, right? Please tell me this is some kind of a sick joke."

"It's not a joke, Ariana," he said, looking me in the eye. "It's reality."

"Why?" I asked, my voice breaking. "Why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong?"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ariana, you've always been amazing caring, beautiful, and loving. But..." He paused, searching for the right words. "You're not the kind of woman I need by my side. You don't understand the business world. My family expects me to marry someone who can contribute to our empire."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "You've got to be kidding me," I said, my voice rising. "I loved you, Daniel. I stood by you when I didn't even know who you were, when you were just a regular guy at school. And now, you're throwing me away because I'm not 'business-minded' enough for you?"

"It's not personal, Ariana," he said, his tone infuriatingly calm.