Guarded Hearts || Yoon Jeonghan ||

CHAPTER 9

Jeonghan's pov

"Leaving early, huh?" the girl said, her voice laced with disappointment a hint of desperation. 

"I'm done," I replied, buttoning up my shirt. "Find another playmate if you want to keep going.   

"And you know Jessica is waiting for me, I think," I added while securing my watch, its leather strap creaking softly. 

"By the who's she? And what is your relationship with her?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she slipped into her dress.

"I don't share my personal relationships with strangers," I replied, my gaze meeting hers, a subtle warning.

 "We just fucked and you're in my house," she said, rolling her eyes, a mixture of frustration and amusement.

"That doesn't change the fact that you are still a stranger," I said, shrugging into my jacket.      "Still, tell me who's she?" she pressed, her voice tinged with curiosity.

This woman is not leaving me alone."She's my bodyguard, God damn," I replied, with a hint of exasperation.

"Bodyguard? Do you think I'm a kid?" she asked, her expression confused, eyes wide.

"Yeah, she can beat five guys at a time and just beat up a guy today to protect me," I said, chuckling, recalling Jessica's skill.

 "Interesting, isn't it?" I added, giving my last glance to her and leaving her house.

After reaching outside, I saw the car parked directly next to the house. Damn, I didn't know she was that loyal to her job.

I quietly opened the car door with the spare key and slipped into the passenger seat beside her. Jessica slept peacefully, her gentle breathing a soothing melody. Her face, relaxed and serene, was a rare sight.

My gaze lingered on her, and a chuckle escaped my lips. She looked like a kid, lost in slumber. 2:00 am glowed on the dashboard clock. She hadn't gone home, choosing instead to wait for me."Why so stubborn, Jessica?" I wondered. "Three hours in the car, just to take me home ?"

I didn't want to disturb her peaceful sleep, so I decided to wait. As I watched her, my thoughts drifted.                                                                                                                                                        "Jessica, why in the world did you choose this job?" I asked silently. 

My eyes narrowed. "I can't help but hate you... and only hate you," I thought, my voice trapped in my mind.

Yet, gazing at her tranquil form, a flicker of confusion danced within me.

Jessica's pov 

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed, jolting awake to find Jeonghan beside me, his eyes locked onto mine.

"I'm sorry, I slept," I stammered, still surprised by his unusual proximity. 

"It's okay, I just came," he replied, his gaze drifting to his phone."Okay then, let's leave," I said, starting the car.

"You'll drop yourself home first, and I can go by myself from there," Jeonghan instructed, his eyes still on his screen  

"No, I can go after leaving you," I countered.

Jeonghan's gaze snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you so stubborn, Jessica? Can't you see the time? You'll reach home so late after dropping me off. Drop yourself off."

I felt a surge of frustration. "It's okay, I can protect myself. Let me do my job."Jeonghan's expression turned stern. 

"You'll do what I say. You'll drop yourself home, and I'll go myself from there. That's it. I don't care if you can protect yourself."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. What was going on in his mind? First, sitting beside me, now this? why is he acting like he cares about me? Oh god, I hate him, what do he think of himself?  I thought.

But exhaustion won out. "Okay" was all I said.

I pulled up to my house and stepped out, Jeonghan following suit.
"Good night, Jessica," he said, his voice low and unexpectedly gentle.

"Good night, Mr. Jeonghan," I replied, my tone measured. As I walked away, I felt his gaze on me, lingering.

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I woke up exhausted, the weight of last night's restless sleep still bearing down on me. I forced myself to shower and pack, the thought of leaving my family for a while gnawing at my heart.

Yesterday's conversation with Mom was replayed in my mind. She'd been surprised and worried, but I'd reassured her it was only temporary.

"Mom, I have to leave. Where are you?" I called out.

Mom appeared, her face etched with sadness. I knew that look.

"Jessica, please take care of yourself when you're there," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "Don't overwork, and I'm sorry...just because of us, you have to do this."

Her words cracked my resolve. I hugged her tightly, fighting back tears.

"Mom, don't worry about me, and stop apologizing. It's not your fault," I whispered.

"I know, but still..." she sobbed.

I gently wiped away her tears, then my own. "No, please don't cry. I'm not leaving you. I'll visit often."

Mom's eyes, red-rimmed and puffy, locked onto mine. "Okay, take care of yourself. Don't worry about me and Arin; we'll be fine."

"And when is Arin's surgery scheduled?" I asked.

"In a week. Don't worry about that; I'm here. You focus on your work, okay?" Mom replied.

"No, I have to be there for Arin's surgery," I insisted.

Mom nodded. "Okay, okay. Now, have you packed everything?"

"Yes, I have," I confirmed.

Mom's lips brushed against my forehead in a gentle goodbye kiss.

With one last glance, I left the house, the weight of my decision settling heavy on my shoulders.

As I walked away, I heard Mom's whispered words carried by the wind: "Come back to us soon, Jessica"
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I pulled up to the mansion, its grandeur intimidating. But as I stepped in the eerie silence enveloped me. Where was everyone?

Just as I wondered, Martha emerged, her warm smile a beacon.

"Oh dear, you're here!" she exclaimed, hurrying toward me.

Relief washed over me. Martha's kindness always made this opulent prison more bearable.

"Let me show you to your room," she said, gesturing for me to follow.

I trailed behind her, grateful for her gentle guidance.

We reached the room it was on the ground floor, a haven away from Jeonghan's upstairs quarters.

"Do you like it?" Martha asked, eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, I like it, Martha," I replied, smiling.

Martha beamed. "Okay, so now you can unpack and make yourself at home."

Home. The word stung, reminding me of what I'd left behind.

"Thanks for everything, Martha," I said, forcing a smile.

Martha's expression softened. "No need to thank me, dear. My room is just a few blocks away from yours. Don't hesitate to come if you need anything."

I nodded, feeling a sense of security with Martha nearby.

"Okay," I said, watching her leave to attend to her duties.

Alone now, I began unpacking, the silence a welcome respite.

The room was cozy, a sanctuary. At least here, I could breathe.......