Connected Blood

7 - Watchful Presence

I was really sulking, feeling like no one even told me about this. I was slouched on the side of my couch, glaring at the three of them in front of me. My shoulder was slumped against the cushion, and my feet were raised on the couch.

“Deny it or not, you need a bodyguard. What if your accident wasn’t an accident? What if something happens again? It’s better to be safe,” Maxene said, trying to convince me.

“Max and I just feel better knowing someone’s watching over you, even here at home,” Matthew added, holding Max’s hand. I just shot them a look of annoyance.

“Don’t tell me he’s going to live here just to keep an eye on me,” I grumbled.

“Why not? It’s better than imagining things and telling us someone’s talking to you in the dark. We don’t want you getting hurt again,” Maxene replied.

I glanced at Draco, the so-called new bodyguard. He was sitting in front of me, sitting up straight and firm. His face was expressionless. He looked so serious, like he could break the mood in any room. He seemed impossible to talk to.

“You guys hired a robot,” I muttered, glaring at him.

“Well, it’s better this way, so you don’t fall for anyone,” Max said. Without thinking, I threw a cushion at her. Matthew immediately blocked it.

“Are you calling me weak?” I snapped.

“Why? Isn’t it true?” Max replied with a smirk, and I was about to throw another cushion when Matthew grabbed it from me. “Stop being childish, both of you.”

“Whether you like it or not, Selene, Draco will be your bodyguard,” Matthew said firmly, standing up and adjusting his clothes. I could only let out a long sigh.

“We’re leaving now, come on, Max,” he said, and Max followed him, both of them walking out. I gave them one last dirty look.

“Don’t complain. It’s better this way so you’ll have company,” Matthew added as he turned to leave. I rolled my eyes at him.

Draco stood up and walked them out. I could hear them while they walked towards the door. “You take care of Selene. Let me know if anything happens. Keep me updated,” Matthew said, and Draco simply nodded.

As soon as they were gone, I went to the kitchen to grab some water. It felt like I was being watched. I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was always keeping an eye on me.

After drinking, I went back to the living room and sat down to watch TV, trying to pretend Draco wasn’t in the house. I changed the channel, eventually stopping on a variety show.

I glanced behind me, but Draco wasn’t there. When I looked again, I didn’t realize he was already sitting right next to me. I jumped in shock.

“Oh my God, you scared me!” I yelled. He didn’t even react, just stared at the TV. “Seriously? You’re just going to sit here and watch with me like nothing’s happening?” I said, irritated, and moved away a little.

I decided to just focus on the show and let him be, since he wasn’t going anywhere. He was just here to keep an eye on me, after all.

---

The next day, I was still a mess. I couldn’t sleep, my mind kept replaying the accident. The truck kept flashing in my head, making me fear it more. Just thinking about encountering one made my whole body tremble. I was even scared to touch the steering wheel.

When I came downstairs from my room, I noticed there was breakfast already set on the island counter. Eggs, ham, and fried rice. The presentation was nice. I realized I wasn’t used to having someone here. I was used to being alone.

I looked around the house for Draco, but he wasn’t anywhere. I sat down to eat. The food was surprisingly good—something I didn’t expect from a typical breakfast. I hadn’t eaten rice for breakfast in ages, usually opting for fruit or cereal.

“Hmm, this is surprisingly good,” I said, chewing and taking another bite.

Just then, I heard the door open. It was Max, talking on the phone, holding some files. “We need to reschedule this. Next week is packed. We can’t fit it in,” I heard her say, sounding annoyed.

I continued eating until my plate was clean, and just then, Max set the files down and hung up the phone. “Double time, double-check everything. Proposal, photoshoot, and script,” she said while grabbing a cold bottle of water from the fridge.

“Can you at least do it one at a time?” I asked, picking up one of the files.

“We can’t. You’ve been gone from showbiz for a while, and now everything’s piling up. Projects that should’ve been yours for the past months are waiting,” she replied, gulping down her water.

“I’m still human, you know? Let’s take it slow,” I said as I flipped through the first file. It was for a photoshoot endorsement—a beauty product with a fairy-themed concept for a new luxury brand, Brilliance.

Then I moved on to the thick, compiled script for an upcoming series. I noticed Max was sitting beside me now. “Can you handle it?” she asked, watching me intently.

“I have to. It’s my job,” I answered, flipping through the pages. There were around 300 pages, and this was just the screening version. It wasn’t even complete yet.

“Let me know if you can’t, but please bear with it. It’s hard to turn down these opportunities. It’s another big milestone for you.”

I sighed and set the script down. “What else can I do? He's my onscreen partner."

Suddenly, Max’s phone rang. “Hold on, I have to take this. Get ready. We’re heading to the Brilliance photoshoot,” she said, standing up and heading outside to take the call.

I quickly got ready, preparing myself for another busy day ahead.