# Kaira

I saw a face I had never seen before. He was dressed in a blue suit and had sharp features... neat and presentable. The seriousness on his face was unmistakable.

A stranger had come to my rescue.

"Who is he?" I pondered

Aunt Martha's wrist snapped back as his fingers closed around it. She yanked against his grip, her face twisting.

"Let go of my hand!"

He released her but didn't step back. Instead, he turned to me, extending his hand.

"Are you okay, Miss Kaira?" My legs trembled as he helped me stand on my feet. His voice was firm but gentle.

Tonia's mouth fell open. She blinked twice, then smoothed her hair and stepped forward, her hips swaying. Her eyelashes were batting like butterfly wings.

Before I could thank him, Aunt Martha's voice struck with annoyance.

"Dressing in a nice outfit doesn't give you the audacity to address an elder rudely!"

"And what you just did was breaking and entering, which won't be taken lightly. Out of my house, now!" She pointed toward the door.

"No, Mom... wait." Tonia covered the distance between them, her voice as sweet as honey. She tilted her head, studying his face like she was solving a puzzle.

"How do you know my sister?" She asked. The word 'sister' dripped with false concern.

"Where do you work? You seem well off..." Her eyes traced his expensive watch, and his Italian leather shoes.

My stomach clenched. Here it was again... Tonia's radar for money. She loved money but never worked for it. All her potential boyfriends were just ATMs to her. She never loved genuinely, only someone she could use.

I once overheard her dumping a guy who'd just spoiled her with gifts. She punched him when he tried to kiss her.

"Let's break up," she'd said, examining her nails.

"Why?!" he'd screamed, confused.

"You didn't say anything before. You said you loved me. We are in love... right?"

"Wait, you believed I loved you?" she'd laughed, cruel and cold.

"I just wanted your money, fool." She scoffed.

She had been using him to drain his money. When he wasn't giving her enough anymore, she dumped him.

## Back to the present.

"You must be Tonia Yaren," The man said, and then reached into his jacket and withdrew a cream-colored business card.

"Yes," Tonia replied quickly, and snatched it before he'd fully extended his arm.

"Tonia..." Aunt Martha's warning died on her lips as she watched her daughter's reaction.

Tonia held up one finger without looking at her mother. Aunt Martha's jaw snapped shut.

He straightened his tie. "I'm Vincent. I work with De&J Enterprise."

She saw it on his card before he announced it himself.

The card slipped from Tonia's fingers and fluttered to the floor like a fallen leaf.

"What!" The word slipped out of her mouth in surprise. Even Aunt Martha's eyes widened until I could see the whites all around her irises.

Tonia's hands shook as she bent to retrieve the card. De&J Enterprise... the company that owned half the skyscrapers downtown, the one whose CEO's face graced magazine covers. The company she'd applied to three times and never even gotten a phone call back.

She looked at me, with a sharp gaze. I pressed myself against the wall, still feeling the sting from the earlier beating received from Aunt Martha. I didn't dare walk away, either; I just stood quietly and was grateful to Vincent for rescuing me.

My own chest tightened also at the revelation. De&J Enterprise might as well have been on Mars for someone like me.

"Why... why is someone like you here?" Tonia asked, with a cracked voice.

Vincent ignored her question; his attention stayed fixed on me.

"I'm sorry for abruptly coming in. I knocked but there was no response, and I needed to act fast when I saw what was happening through the peephole."

"You can file your complaint later, Mrs. Yaren." He looked towards Aunt Martha.

"For now, I'm leaving with Miss Kaira." He turned toward me, his movement was calm. "Please come with me."

He bowed... like I was some kind of royalty instead of the family disappointment.

Tonia and Aunt Martha exchanged glances at his courtesy towards a nobody like me, raising their eyebrows.

I looked between them, waiting for the explosion, the shouting, the accusations. Instead, they were quiet.

"Please come with me," Vincent repeated, his voice unchanged. Still calm and respectful.

Still nothing from them. No grabbing, no threats.

"I will tell you the details outside if you don't mind stepping out with me."

My feet moved before my brain caught up. Each step toward the door felt like walking on ice.

Outside, Vincent's shoes clicked against the pavement in a steady rhythm.

I thought he was going to explain, but he was quiet and walked me toward his parked car.

"Where are we going?" The words tumbled out.

"Please get in ma'am." He opened the passenger door, standing beside it like a chauffeur.

"Ma'am? He's now calling me ma'am?? What the hell am I to this man? He's probably way older than I am but...

Who is he?" I thought to myself.

Then I asked curiously, hoping for a genuine reply this time.

"You said you would explain outside."

He did not say anything and instead, he gestured toward the car's interior leather seats, it has a spotless dashboard. I remained rooted to the sidewalk.

"I know what you are thinking. But it's not that. You are safe."

Something in his tone made me relax.

I slid into the passenger seat. The leather was soft. Through the tinted window, I caught a glimpse of movement near the house.

"Kaira!" The voice was muffled but familiar. I pressed my face to the glass, scanning the street.

"I thought someone called my name," I whispered, brushing it off.

"You speak to me in an honorific manner... why?"

Vincent's hands stilled on the steering wheel.

"Because I do not dare speak down to you."

He took his phone from his pocket and typed rapidly, his thumbs moving over the screen, then slipped it back into his pocket before starting the car.

"Where are we going?" I asked again.

"You will find out soon."

The engine purred to life. Vincent shifted into drive, and...

Suddenly, a figure stepped directly in front of the car, arms spread wide like a shield.

Tony.

His chest rose and fell rapidly. His T-shirt was wrinkled, his hair disheveled like he'd been running.

"My ears weren't wrong; it was Tony who had called my name."

"Move," Vincent said after a beat with a flat voice.

But Tony didn't budge, he planted his feet wider.

"Stop the car, he is my brother."

Vincent's head bowed slightly, and then he killed the engine.

I rushed out, my hands reaching for Tony's shoulders, checking for scrapes, bruises, anything.

"Are you okay?"

Vincent emerged from the driver's side.

"And you must be Tony," he said.

Tony's fingers closed around my wrist. "You followed a stranger? What if he wasn't who he said he was?"

"I..." My mouth opened, then closed. I had no answer.

Then I was about to ask a question when Vincent cut in.

"How did you..."

"She is coming with me," Vincent stated.

"Says who?" Tony stepped forward, his shoulders squaring.

"Look, I do not know who you are or care what you do, but you are going nowhere with her."

"Tony..." His name came out as a whisper.

His jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin. He tightened his grip on my wrist.

"My boss," Vincent replied, taking a step closer.

"So do not dare stop me." He added.

"I have already stopped you..."

The air between them crackled. Tony's breath came in short puffs. I wondered what to do in such a situation... two men faced off over me. I stood frozen between them, my heart pounding with uncertainty and fear.

* * *

# Kaira's POV

Vincent's jaw tightened as he stepped toward Tony. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. Without thinking, I jerked my hand free from Tony's grip and threw myself between them. Spreading my arms wide to block Vincent's path.

"Enough!" I roared. My voice cracked, my heart pounding, but I forced my voice to stay steady, even as panic clawed at my throat.

"Both of you." I glared at both men.

My legs trembled as I pretended to be brave. Vincent didn't step back, and Tony tried to push me aside, his jaw clenched but I stood firm.

Vincent took one step.. then froze mid-step. His cold eyes flicked from Tony to me.

Tony's hand grabbed my shoulder, trying to pull me back. "Kaira, get out of the way..."

The silence stretched between us. Then something shifted in Vincent's eyes... like a flicker of thought. His shoulders slowly relaxed. Then he stepped back and gave me a slight bow.

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

Tony's fingers found mine again, his grip intense and warm. I didn't pull away this time. Our eyes met, and I saw his worry mixed with anger.

"I will be back," Vincent said. His voice was calm now and controlled. Then turned and walked to his car without another word.

I watched him drive away, my legs shaking with earlier fear. My shoulders sagged with relief. Tony and I both let out long, shaky breaths at the same time.

When I looked at Tony, his face was tight like he was holding back words he didn't want to say. His mouth opened, then closed again.

For a moment, I thought he might yell. But instead, he just looked at me... and his expression softened.

"Thanks, Tony," I whispered, my voice softer than I expected.

He nodded, but his eyes lingered on me a second too long.

Movement caught my attention. I heard whispering sounds drift from the nearby houses. I glanced around and saw neighbors peeking through curtains and standing in doorways. Some pointed in our direction, their heads bent together in conversation. They were probably talking about me.

I stared at them and let out a bitter laugh under my breath. "They always find time to talk... just not to me."

Tony squeezed my hand. "What did you say?"

He either hadn't noticed the stares or was pretending not to, trying to spare my feelings.

"Oh, nothing," I said quietly, looking away.

Of course, they were talking about me. A pregnant girl following a stranger into his car would give them enough gossip for weeks.

But who was Vincent really? And why would someone from a company like De&J be looking for me?

For a second, I let myself dream.... maybe this was it. A chance. A job offer. Something that could help me save, maybe even go back to school someday. But that dream slipped fast.

Why would they want someone like me? No degree. No experience. Pregnant.

Unless... maybe it wasn't about a job. But what else could it be?

Could it be someone important? Someone high up?

No. That's crazy.

I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts away before I let them get too far.

"You sure?" Tony asked, his eyes searching mine.

I forced a small smile. "Let's get inside."

I started to move forward, but Tony's hand on my arm stopped me.

"Is there anything you want to eat?"

I hesitated. My stomach answered for me with a low growl. I bit my lip. "Um... ice cream? Candy apples? Yogurt?"

Tony smiled... but it wasn't just understanding. It was something softer. Almost sad.

"Just enough that I couldn't even list them all now that you're asking," I added quickly, trying to brush it off.

"And... I have to cook. I need to prepare lunch." I pointed toward the house,

"I'll take care of Mom and Tonia." He squeezed my hand, ignoring the curious glances around us.

"Come on."

"I will get them all. Your cravings."

I followed him, letting out a soft smile despite everything.

* * *

# Damian's POV

Vincent's head hung low as he walked into Damian's office. Disappointment and fear warred in his chest. He had texted Damien that he had Kaira and they were on their way, but now... he had to explain his failure.

He wished Damien hadn't seen the text. But if he hadn't sent it, Damien would have complained about his incompetence anyway. And if he had been too forceful with Kaira, Damian would have been furious too that he didn't treat her with respect.

The office door slammed open. Damian strode in without knocking. Why wouldn't he? He was the boss, above everyone else, and he knew it.

Vincent's heart stopped. He immediately bowed, his hands shaking at his sides.

Damian walked straight to his desk and crossed his legs. Vincent stood at attention, trying to calm his racing pulse.

"How was the meeting, sir?" Vincent asked, trying to hide his fear.

Damian said nothing. Instead, he just stared with that cold glare that made everyone's skin crawl. His eyes bulged slightly, making his already scary expression even worse. No smile, no warmth.

"Where is she?" Damian asked.

Vincent's stomach dropped.

"So he saw the text. I'm doomed." He thought within himself.

He kept his composure and explained everything that happened, emphasizing the parts that weren't his fault. Damian listened with cold seriousness.

Suddenly, as if the whole story was boring him, Damian held up his hand. Vincent's mouth immediately snapped shut.

"Simply put, you let her go," Damian said.

"I didn't want to make it look like she was being forced, sir," Vincent explained respectfully.

"I was acting under her will."

Damian's expression didn't change, but the air in the room chilled. His silence pressed harder than a shout.

"I was being respectful to her..."

"I..." Vincent started.

"You failed," Damian cut him off.

"When I give you an order, you have the guts to defend yourself after you failed?"

"I was being respectful to her..."

"Shut it!" Damian boomed.

Vincent's face went pale with fear.

"Accept your failure, Vincent."

Vincent immediately dropped to his knees. "Please forgive me, sir. Give me a second chance."

"Forget it." Damien's reply came quickly. He loosened his tie as if he was being choked and needed to breathe.

"So... did you tell her who your boss is?" His voice was calmer now, more controlled.

"No. But just by looking at me and seeing that I work for De&J..."

"Nonsense." Damian interrupted.

"Anyone can work for the company. Your boss could just be a regular person, which I am not."

He rubbed his temples as if thinking of an idea. Then he paused.

"Check my schedule. When am I free?"

Vincent didn't dare ask why. He bowed and immediately pulled out his phone, scrolling through the calendar with trembling fingers.

While Vincent worked, Damian continued questioning him.

"The face on the magazine... how do I look in the photos? Handsome? Or..." Damian asked, rubbing his chin.

Vincent looked up to answer.

"Focus," Damian said smoothly, gesturing toward the phone.

"Yes, sir," Vincent whispered.

"You can still answer without looking up," Damian said.

"You had ordered your face removed from all the magazines, sir. You said it would make you seem too common, that ordinary people would recognize you and cause unnecessary attention..."

"Enough. I did say that?" Damian seemed to be remembering.

"It was for the best anyway," he added.

"Now whose face is on them?"

"Sir Dean," Vincent replied.

Damian hummed. "I assume you've checked my schedule now. When am I free?"

"Wednesday next week, sir."

"Not that day. Wednesdays are always my free day." Damian's voice was distant, like he was thinking of something important.

Vincent checked again. "There are no other free days until Thursday in two weeks."

"I can't wait that long." Damian clicked his fingers on the desk. "Cancel all appointments for this Saturday."

"I'll go to her myself."

* * *