guarding his heart

The Guarded Heart (amara)

Why did I ever think working at this 'high-end shopping center' was a good idea? Everywhere I look, there are wealthy people strutting around with $5,000 designer bags, money that could be spent on something truly important. Did I mention how much I despise rich people? Yet, despite my disdain for them, I can't turn down a job that pays $30 an hour—especially when I can barely afford my rent. I live with my friend Soph in an apartment, and since we've known each other for quite a while, I've come to trust her.

I moved to another state to start fresh after some difficult family issues. Honestly, I don't talk about it much with anyone. My brothers were all about tough love, always insisting that I should be independent and not rely on anyone. But their idea of independence conflicted with my desire to hang out with friends in the evenings; they believed I should just sit and study instead. I often felt trapped, and to make matters worse, my dad is exceedingly old-fashioned. When I turned 18, he even wanted to arrange a marriage for me with the son of one of his friends—which I absolutely refused.

I spent 18 years feeling alone, with my mom being a drug addict and abandoning us. Living in poverty and dealing with constant struggles was hard enough, but the fact that we moved to the US and I still feel marginalized is truly unbelievable. Anyway, enough of my trauma—I've got to focus on this job for now.

Lost in my thoughts, I don't notice the elderly man trying to get my attention until he's practically hovering over me.

"Excuse me, young lady—"

"Oh, hello, sir! Do you need assistance with something?" I respond, trying to mask my irritation.

"Yes, actually. I'd like to speak with your manager."

Why the hell is he asking for my manager?

"Of course, let me get her for you," I say, masking my annoyance.

As we walk toward the store entrance together, he stands at the front desk while I head to the back to find Lucy.

"Hey, uh, Lucy?" I call out as I peek into her office.

"What is it, Amara? Aren't you supposed to be up front? What's going on?" she snaps without looking up from her paperwork.

Oh right, I forgot to mention—my manager, Lucy, is a total bitch.

"Everything's fine, just keep doing your thing. There's a customer asking for you," I reply, trying to keep my tone light.

She gives me a sharp glare, pushing past me with a slight shove as she strides out of the office. What a piece of work.

As I walk back toward the front, I can see her engaged in a calm conversation with the man. He hands her an envelope, and I catch a snippet of their coversation: "I'll be waiting in my car."

Curiosity piqued, I continue toward the front door, but suddenly, a cold hand grips my shoulder, halting me in my tracks.

"You. My office. Now."

Great.

Here I am, face to face with my manager. She shakes the envelope right in front of me and starts swiveling in her chair. Ugh, I can't stand her. "I sold you," she says as she pulls out the cash.

"Excuse me?"

"I sold you. No questions, no answers needed."

"Don't mess with me, Lucy. What do you mean you sold me?"

"Well," she replies, turning back to me and slamming the hefty wad of cash onto her desk.

 "Apparently, the man I was talking to is a billionaire. He wants you to be his son's bodyguard."

"Ha! You've got to be kidding. Right...?"

"Hahahahaha, I'm not." She drops her fake smile. "I sold you to him, so you don't work here anymore. Pack up your things and get out."

"You think I'm just an object? You can't just sell me like that, you witch!"

"You signed a contract, remember?"Crap. I do remember that contract. I'm done. I sink back into my chair, trying to collect myself. 

"Okay, so when do I start with him?"

"Oh, right now! And don't worry about me; I can replace you anytime. You're fired.

"

"You know what? You beat me to it. I was planning on quitting this shithole anyway." I grab my water and splash it all over her papers and the cash. Watching her scream in frustration and panic honestly makes me feel a little happy. It's the highlight of my day!

I leave with my purse, not looking back at the blank-faced employees. They're such robots, honestly. Just as I step outside, I spot two men in suits standing in front of me.

"Come with us. The boss is waiting." Great, my ride has arrived, and these two cute bodyguards are accompanying me. Not a bad start, I think, sneaking a little smile as we walk out of the shopping center toward a fancy car. Ooh la la, how posh! One of the bodyguards opens the door for me, and I can't help but blush. As I get in, instead of admiring the luxurious interior, I find myself thinking about how attractive those bodyguards are!

"Quit blushing and let me give you some instructions, girl!" Oh wow! That startled me. I turn to my left and see the same elderly man from before, staring at me with a serious expression.

 "Y-yes, sir..."

"Good. Your manager has probably informed you, hasn't she?"

"Yeah, I'm working for your son?"

"You're not just working for him. You're here to protect my son. In return, I'll pay you $1,000 a week. Fail in your duties, and you'll see what happens."

"Y-yes, sir..."