the stranger who stayed

Dangerous feelings

Chapter 6 — Dangerous Feelings

Sheila.

The rest of the week went smoothly, and before I knew it, Monday arrived again.

I really didn’t do much the previous week. Mr. Lee had sent the documents as promised, so I spent most of my time studying them carefully. Crystal constantly reminded me that overworking myself would eventually make me sick, but this opportunity was too important to take lightly. I had to prove myself worthy of such a huge responsibility.

I stood in front of the mirror, getting ready for work. I wore a fitted black suit with a deep V-cut neckline. Looking at myself, I suddenly questioned if it was really a good idea. It was undeniably sexy, but it did absolutely nothing to hide my full breasts or wide hips.

“You can do this, Sheila,” I whispered to myself. “You’re the best.”

The ringing of the doorbell interrupted my little pep talk.

“I’ll get it!” Crystal shouted from the living room.

I continued applying my makeup before grabbing my handbag from the drawer along with a pair of black heels when Crystal suddenly called out again.

“Sheila! It’s for you!”

“Coming!” I yelled back.

I picked up my phone, and a file before taking a deep breath.

“Let’s do this!” I shouted dramatically before walking into the living room.

“Oh my God, Sheila… you look hot!” Crystal squealed the moment she saw me.

She rushed toward me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

“Good luck today,” she said excitedly.

“Thanks, Cris,” I replied with a smile.

“Oh, right. Someone’s at the door. They said they’re here for you.”

She practically dragged me toward the entrance.

Standing outside was a huge man with a stern expression. The moment he saw me, he bowed respectfully.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“And who are you?” I asked cautiously.

“Mr. Gu assigned me to you. I’m your bodyguard, ma’am.”

“Bodyguard?” I blinked in confusion. “Give me a minute.”

I immediately took out my phone and dialed Gu’s number.

“Hello…” his deep voice sounded from the other end.

“Uh… hi, Gu. Did you assign a bodyguard to me?”

“Oh, yes. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

“Oh… but I really don’t think I need one. I—”

“Please, Sheila. Just trust me,” he interrupted gently.

“Okay…” I sighed.

Honestly, I didn’t understand why I needed a bodyguard. It wasn’t like I was some celebrity or criminal. The whole idea felt strange to me.

Crystal placed her hands on my shoulders dramatically.

“Oh, come on, Sheila. Don’t overthink it. He just wants to keep you safe.”

She glanced at the bodyguard before looking back at me.

“You are so lucky!”

I rolled my eyes. She was way too excited over this.

I pulled her into another hug.

“Bye, Cris. See you later.”

Then I turned toward the giant man.

“What’s your name?”

“Tony, ma’am.”

“Okay, Tony. Lead the way.”

He escorted me to a sleek black BMW, opening the door for me before gently shutting it once I was seated inside.

This was my life now.

Expensive clothes.

A huge paycheck.

Luxury cars.

And apparently… a bodyguard.

The drive lasted about an hour. Quiet. Peaceful.

As soon as we arrived at Gu Empire, I spotted a familiar face waiting near the entrance.

“Ms. Davita,” Secretary Kim greeted with a smile.

“Oh, Mr. Kim,” I replied warmly.

“Come with me. The president is waiting for you.”

I followed closely behind him, admiring the massive building around us. Gu Empire was even more magnificent than I imagined.

The moment I stepped through the entrance, polished marble floors and gleaming glass walls surrounded me like a silent whisper of wealth and sophistication.

Employees glanced at me as we crossed the luxurious lobby. My chest tightened with both excitement and nervousness.

After what felt like forever, we finally stepped into the elevator. I quietly released a shaky breath.

“Are you okay, Ms. Davita?” Mr. Kim asked with concern.

“I’m fine,” I replied with a small smile.

When the elevator doors opened, we entered a quiet carpeted hallway decorated with elegant artwork. The air smelled faintly of leather and polished wood.

A middle-aged receptionist greeted me politely with a bow.

“His office is this way,” Mr. Kim said, gesturing ahead.

At the end of the hallway stood massive dark wooden doors engraved with the silver word:

CEO.

As the doors slowly opened, my breath caught.

The office was breathtaking.

Floor-to-ceiling windows displayed the city skyline beautifully, while the elegant modern interior screamed power and luxury.

For a moment, I was completely speechless.

“Welcome. Good to see you.”

Gu’s rich voice pulled me back to reality.

His eyes softened as a small smile appeared on his lips.

“Th-thank you, Mr. Gu,” I stammered.

He extended his hand for a handshake, but the moment our skin touched, electricity rushed through my body.

It felt exactly like the kiss we shared before.

And judging by the way he slowly released my hand… maybe he felt it too.

I cleared my throat awkwardly.

“About the bodyguard… I really don’t feel comfortable with it.”

“Like I said, Sheila, I just want you safe.”

Again with the safety.

Why exactly did a marketing manager need protection?

I groaned softly while massaging my temple.

“My feet are killing me,” I complained before helping myself to his chair.

“Oh, I’m doing this because I want you safe, Sheila,” I mocked dramatically.

Gu stared at me in amusement before chuckling.

He slowly walked closer until his face was only inches from mine. My breath hitched when he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

“You do realize you’re talking to your boss, right?” he murmured with a raised brow.

“So?” I challenged playfully.

“I could fire you right now.”

His eyes never left mine.

The tension between us became suffocating.

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“You can’t possibly fire me now,” I whispered.

“Oh? And why not?”

“Because…” I smirked slightly. “I’m your fiancée.”

The moment the words escaped my lips, my eyes widened in horror.

Oh no.

My hands instantly flew over my mouth.

Embarrassment burned through me.

Gu remained silent for a moment before sighing softly.

“I hope nobody saw me kiss you,” I muttered nervously while standing up.

“None that I know of,” he answered calmly.

“Thank heavens.”

Before I could say another word, the office door suddenly opened.

“Mr. President.”

A tall handsome man walked inside. He was nearly as tall as Gu, with calm eyes and a pleasant expression.

“This is Liam, the Head of Security,” Gu introduced.

“Oh, nice to meet you,” I said politely.

“The pleasure is mine,” Liam replied while shaking my hand.

“This is Ms. Sheila, our new Head of Marketing. Make sure she’s protected at all times.”

I rolled my eyes immediately.

Clearly, Gu wasn’t letting this go anytime soon.

‘Just go with it, Sheila,’ I told myself internally.

“Okay, Mr. Gu. I’ll get going now.”

Without waiting for another response, I left the office.

Tony was still standing exactly where I left him.

“Tony, let’s go.”

We stepped into the elevator together.

“And Tony…”

He turned toward me.

“You look way too serious. Relax a little, okay?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but I interrupted.

“I’ll introduce you as my assistant, so don’t act too rigid.”

He sighed before nodding quietly.

“Good.”

Gu.

I stared at the proposal submitted by the marketing team.

It had only been three days since Sheila started working here, but I had to admit…

She was impressive.

I just hoped this fake relationship would convince Mr. Lee to keep his shares in the company without forcing me into marriage with his daughter.

Suddenly, loud voices interrupted my thoughts.

“Do you even know who I am?!” a furious female voice shouted.

“I’ll get you fired for this!”

“I’m really sorry, miss,” my receptionist answered politely, “but Mr. Gu instructed me not to let anyone in.”

I frowned.

It was already 9 PM.

Why was my receptionist still here?

And who would show up this late?

I immediately called the front desk.

“I’m so sorry, sir…” she apologized nervously.

“It’s fine, Mrs. Vinta. Let her in.”

The call ended.

Seconds later, a familiar figure walked into my office.

Rachel.

I forced a small smile.

“Hey, lover boy,” she purred seductively.

Rachel was my ex-girlfriend… and Mr. Lee’s daughter.

We dated for two years before she left for the UK for her second degree.

Even after the breakup, she constantly called and sent photos, but I always kept things distant.

“I heard you’re engaged,” she said while slowly approaching my desk.

“Yes, I—”

“Oh… that’s heartbreaking.”

She sat directly on my desk before placing her hand on my chest.

“Why don’t we relive old times?” she whispered seductively.

I sighed quietly.

“I wish that were possible, but—”

“Why? Because of her?”

Tears suddenly filled her eyes.

“I love you so much, babe,” she cried softly. “I thought I could move on… but I can’t.”

Before I could react, her lips crashed against mine.

For a split second, familiarity hit me.

Once upon a time, Rachel’s kisses ignited passion inside me.

But now…

There was nothing.

No spark.

No warmth.

No emotion.

Just emptiness.

I gently pushed her away.

“I’ve moved on, Rachel,” I said quietly. “I’m happy now, and I want you to be happy too.”

“You’re leaving me for that cheap slut?!” she snapped angrily.

“Watch your mouth, Rachel,” I warned immediately.

“She doesn’t deserve you!” she argued desperately. “Just give me another chance.”

“I think it’s time for you to leave.”

My cold expression finally silenced her.

After one last painful look, she walked away.

The office fell silent.

I leaned back in my chair, exhausted.

Mr. Lee was dangerous.

Heartless.

I knew this situation wouldn’t end peacefully.

And if they wanted revenge…

Sheila would become an easy target.

Panic immediately gripped me.

I grabbed my phone and called her number repeatedly.

No answer.

Fear burned through my chest.

“I pray I’m not too late,” I muttered before rushing out of my office.

The elevator ride felt endless.

But the moment the doors opened, I heard it.

Laughter.

Her laughter.

It warmed my chest instantly.

I spotted Sheila laughing happily with Liam.

Jealousy twisted painfully inside me.

“Mr. President,” Liam greeted respectfully.

He whispered something to Sheila before walking away.

The moment he left, I grabbed her hand.

“Let’s go.”

“Huh? Where?” she asked while pulling her hand away.

I frowned.

“And where’s Tony?”

“He’s getting me iced tea,” she answered smugly.

“You should’ve gone home already. Why are you still here?”

“Because I’m working,” she replied with a raised brow.

“Come on. It’s late. I’ll drive you home.”

“I’m a grown woman, Gu,” she argued.

But I grabbed her hand again.

“I insist.”

She stared at me for a moment before finally sighing.

We walked silently toward the parking lot.

“No bodyguards?” she teased.

“Hm?”

“Where are your bodyguards?”

“I don’t have any.”

“Then why do I have one?”

I sighed tiredly before opening the passenger seat for her.

“Get in.”

To my surprise…

She obeyed.

The drive home was long and quiet.

She kept shifting and groaning dramatically.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“No,” she replied coldly.

“Why?”

“I didn’t get my iced tea.”

I burst out laughing.

“Such a baby.”

Her eyes widened.

“Did you just call me a baby?!”

I laughed harder.

“Gu, it’s not funny!”

“Jin,” I corrected.

“Huh?”

“My name.”

She stared at me blankly for a second before bursting into laughter.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because it’s cute!”

I shook my head helplessly.

“Aww… Jinie sounds adorable.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Try me.”

I found myself smiling without realizing it.

I genuinely loved seeing her happy.

Soon, we arrived outside her apartment.

“Well… safe and sound,” I said softly.

“Thanks,” she replied with a smile.

Without another word, she stepped out of the car and disappeared inside.

And somehow…

Watching her leave felt harder than it should have.