Chapter 2
After a moment, the Director, fearing another blow-up between Emily and me, stepped in to mediate. Before he could speak, Emily smiled again.
Before he could speak, Emily smiled again. "Charlotte, let me introduce you."
She added, "This is my newly hired bodyguard, Nathan Cole. Oh, wait." She feigned forgetfulness. "Silly me, he's your boyfriend, isn't he? No introduction needed."
She pushed Nathan toward me, eyes sparkling with amusement, clearly waiting for the show.
But this time, my expression didn't change. I didn't even grant him a second glance.
"What's wrong, Charlotte? Don't you recognize your own boyfriend?" Emily continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Nathan stood stiffly, looking uncomfortable.
Countless mocking eyes shifted between us. Our relationship was indeed local gossip.
But I had never let him face it alone.
He lifted his eyes to me, calm, but I could tell he wanted me to say something, to rescue him.
I pretended not to see.
"Whether I recognize him or not, Miss Bright, you still want him as your bodyguard. It doesn't matter to me," I replied coolly.
Emily fell silent, her plan to see me lose it foiled.
Nathan stiffened at my words, pursing his lips, staring straight at me.
I was amazed by my own words for a moment.
In my previous life, I longed for a reaction from him, but he remained silent. Now, he seemed desperate to explain.
"Charlotte, Miss Bright and I, we are just—" he began.
Emily chuckled, deliberately cutting him off, then beckoned with her finger.
Before I could figure out what she was up to, a tall, muscular man in a black tuxedo walked over. He stood about six feet two, with perfect proportions, single eyelids, and eyes that looked completely lifeless—as if he couldn't care less about the world.
But I knew exactly who he was—Adam Bell.
Emily's top bodyguard.
She marched Adam right up to me. "I want your man. Let's swap. I'll trade you my bodyguard for yours."
"So, what do you think?" Emily challenged, shooting me a daring look.
Even the Director was stunned.
But I had expected this. In my previous life, Emily also offered me Adam, but I refused.
Because Nathan was uncomfortable with other men around me.
Because he said, "Charlotte, I can protect you. No one else, please?"
I heard that guys would lose their minds when a girl acts sweet, and honestly, I was no exception. I hadn't received much warmth from Nathan before, so when he finally said that, I agreed without hesitation.
The final cost was my life.
All eyes at the party were on us. Emily waited for my answer. For once, Nathan seemed confident.
I glanced at him unintentionally; a faint smile played on his lips.
He seemed sure I would refuse Emily.
Too bad, this time he'd miscalculated.
"Sure." I nodded.
Nathan's face instantly darkened. He stared at me in disbelief. "Charlotte?"
I ignored him, smiling. "But, Miss Bright, such a generous offer, giving me your personal bodyguard. My father worries about me constantly. If he knew, he'd probably bow to you in thanks."
"Next time, I'll treat you to coffee," I teased.
Emily raised an eyebrow, her smile holding a hint of something unclear.
I didn't care to figure it out.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the Director, I left first.
After all, the real star of today was Emily.