Acela stormed into one of her lavish mansions, flanked by an entourage of burly bodyguards. The sound of her heels echoed ominously against the marble floors, a rhythmic reminder of her power.
As she glided past her staff, they bowed their heads, acknowledging their formidable boss. Without a second glance, she entered her bedroom, leaving her stalwart guards outside.
Today was no ordinary day; there had been yet another assassination attempt by her rivals. At just 27 years old, Acela was the wealthiest woman in the county, and such threats were perilously routine for her.
She sank onto her bed, allowing her maid to release her legs from the suffocating grip of her high heels, granting her the sweet relief she craved.
"You're all lucky nothing happened to her!" The voice of Sebastian, her legal guardian, bellowed from the other side of the door, his frustration palpable.
Acela rolled her eyes. She had grown accustomed to the danger that lurked around her. To her, this was just another day in her tumultuous life.
With a sudden crash, the door swung open, and in walked Sebastian towering 6-foot man with dark curly hair and piercing blue eyes who scanned her form for any sign of injury.
"I'm fine, Sebastian," she said, not bothering to meet his worried gaze, her eyes still closed as she leaned back to indulge in a moment of silence.
He observed her, recognizing the weight of her thoughts. It was clear that today's threat was trivial compared to the horrors she'd faced three years prior.
Sebastian lowered himself to her side, the protective figure she had always relied on. He was the only one she trusted completely, having stood by her side after the tragic loss of her parents.
His fingers brushed through her hair, melting away her tension with each soothing stroke. "Leave us," he ordered the maid, who quickly departed, sensing the intimate moment they shared.
"It's alright, sweetie. You're safe now," he murmured, his voice a gentle balm to her frayed nerves. Acela remained silent, but every word registered in her mind.
Acela was not one to be silenced; she had a lot to say, but her life had shifted dramatically ever since her parents died and her innocence was violently stripped away by an unknown assailant.
Now, she was a fortress clad in ice, having dismissed all her male servants and only accepting Sebastian's presence for her protection during this chaotic time.
With a sudden burst of resolve, she withdrew from his shoulder and opened her captivating green eyes to meet his. "I'm fine."
Throwing on some casual clothes, a snug pair of shorts and a crisp white top-she stormed into her dressing room, eager to shed the constraints of her earlier attire.
Sebastian's jaw dropped; each time he laid eyes on her, he was reminded of her breathtaking beauty. He had known her since childhood, their bond forged in innocence and loyalty, and now, as her protector, he was determined to shield her from any harm.
"I'm getting you a new bodyguard," he declared firmly.
Silence enveloped the room, and he knew she was weighing her options. Her safety was his top priority, and he wouldn't hesitate to hire the entire male population if that's what it took to keep her safe.
"It's your choice, Sebastian," she replied as she emerged from the dressing room, the embodiment of casual elegance.
Sebastian's heart raced-how could anyone be so alluring, even in such simplicity? He had been with her family for as long as he could remember, his loyalty unwavering.
As she settled onto the bed and opened her laptop, completely engrossed in her work, he rose to his feet. "I'll have a maid bring you dinner," he said, planting a light kiss on her head before stepping out.
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Meanwhile, in another part of town, a man sat behind a sleek desk, his eyes glued to the screen of his computer. He appeared to be in his forties, the charismatic leader of an elite agency known as 'PROTECTORS.' They were the last line of defence when all seemed lost, a team renowned for making the impossible possible.
Just as he was absorbed in his work, his phone rang, breaking the focused atmosphere.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hi, am I speaking with Avram?" a voice on the other end chimed.
"Yes, who am I speaking to?" he replied.
"My name is Sebastian. I need your services. Someone I treasure has just had an attempt made on their life."
"Is this person a relative?" Avram inquired.
"Yes. She's my boss."
"Ah, a woman," he remarked, intrigued.
"Yes. What's your fee?"
"We discuss terms only in person once we understand the situation."
"Done."