Ana woke with a start, her scream echoing through the empty room. "Ray!" But it was just a dream. Reality crushed her - her brother's funeral.
She dragged herself to the bathroom, the scent of lavender soap and fresh towels a stark contrast to her grief. Thirty minutes later, she emerged, dressed in a simple black dress, her eyes swollen from crying.
As she gazed into the mirror, her reflection showed a face etched with sorrow. Seven days of non-stop tears had taken their toll.
Ana's mind flashed back to the day she received the devastating news. She had run to her room, overwhelmed. The next morning, she found a stranger waiting outside her house.
"Who are you?" Ana asked, still reeling.
"I'm Ben," he replied, his expression somber. "I'm here for your protection."
"My protection?" Ana's voice shook.
"I have orders from the boss," Ben explained calmly.
"Who's this boss?" Ana demanded.
Ben's expression remained neutral. "I'm not at liberty to disclose that information."
Ana remembered feeling frustrated and scared.
"The boss has arranged everything for your brother's funeral," Ben continued. "You don't have to worry about the arrangements."
Ana recalled her skepticism, but Ben's words had proven true. The funeral arrangements were taken care of.
Now, as Ana exited her house, she saw Ben waiting by the car.
"Good morning, Miss," Ben said, opening the door.
"Good morning, Ben." Ana's voice barely above a whisper.
The drive to the funeral house was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and Ana's muffled sobs. Ben's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, his expression understanding.
At the funeral, Ana stood numb, surrounded by mourners. The scent of fresh flowers and incense filled the air. Two men in dark suits caught her attention - their somber faces seemed out of place.
One, with piercing blue eyes, seemed to bore into her soul. The other, with a rugged jawline, radiated an aura of quiet strength.
As the funeral ended, Ana noticed the men approaching her.
"I'm very sorry for your loss," the blue-eyed man said, his voice low and gravelly.
"Ray was our friend, our brother," the rugged-jawed man added.
Their voices were low and hushed, but Ana could sense a hint of tension beneath their calm tone. One of them spoke in a slightly gravelly pitch, while the other had a smoother, more measured sound. Their words were indistinguishable, but the sound of their voices sent a shiver down Ana's spine.
"Thank you," she whispered.
The men's eyes locked onto hers, sending another shiver down her spine. Ana felt a chill run down her back, her heart racing with unease.
Ben's subtle nod, almost imperceptible, hinted at a connection between him and the mysterious men.
My thoughts swirled with the questions...
Whore these men?
What did they want?
And why did Ben seem to know them?
Stay tune because next chapters will turn Ana and your world upside down 😳
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Guarded Heart❤️🔥
Ficción General"Orphaned and alone, Ana discovers her brother's secret life. As she unravels the truth, she's forced to trust two enigmatic strangers. But can they shield her from the dangers that lurk in every shadow?" ⚠️warning ⚠️ Mention of- -> self-harm -> ki...
