Episode 1
1003 Words
Chapter One – The Bodyguard (Part 1)
The Harrington penthouse had a view that could silence anyone — a panoramic sweep of the city skyline glittering beneath the late evening sun. From her balcony, Sophia Harrington watched the world move below her, cars threading through the streets like veins of light, people crossing intersections with their coats pulled tight against the wind. From here, she could almost believe life was perfect. Almost.
She took a slow sip of her wine, letting the rich taste linger. Behind her, the soft hum of music played from the living room speakers. The air smelled faintly of white lilies, her mother’s favorite flower, though her mother hadn’t stepped foot in this penthouse in months.
To the outside world, Sophia had everything — wealth, beauty, influence. Her late father’s company, Harrington Industries, was one of the largest real estate empires in the country. At twenty-four, she was already seated on the board, her signature capable of moving millions. She had Liam Bennett, her boyfriend of two years — handsome, ambitious, endlessly charming. They were the kind of couple that graced magazine covers: perfect smiles, tailored suits, designer dresses.
But perfection had cracks no one else could see.
Her father’s sudden death six months ago had shifted something in her world. She felt the weight of eyes on her wherever she went — reporters hungry for a story, board members questioning her capability, and something else… something darker.
Two weeks ago, a letter had arrived at her office. No name, no return address. Just one sentence:
You’re not as safe as you think.
She’d tried to brush it off, but then came the late-night phone calls — silent at first, then followed by a low chuckle before the line disconnected. Yesterday, she found her car door slightly open in the private parking garage. Nothing was stolen. No one was seen.
Liam had insisted she hire additional security. “You’re a target, Soph,” he’d said over dinner last night, his hand warm over hers. “You can’t take chances. I’ll find you the best.”
She’d agreed, though part of her wondered if he wanted her protected… or watched.
Tonight, she was waiting for the man Liam’s recommended agency was sending over. Supposedly, he had a flawless record, ex-military, discreet.
The knock on the door was firm, measured. She straightened her silk robe before crossing the marble floor to answer.
When she opened it, the man standing there wasn’t what she expected.
He was tall — well over six feet — his frame lean but powerful. His suit was simple, black, fitted enough to suggest strength without flaunting it. His dark hair was neatly cut, his jaw clean-shaven. His eyes… they were startling. A shade of hazel that seemed to shift with the light, sharp yet somehow familiar.
“Miss Harrington,” he said, his voice low, steady. “I’m Ethan Cole. I’ve been assigned as your personal protection.”
There was no arrogant smirk, no hint of the cocky charm she’d seen in so many men in this city. Just calm confidence.
“Come in,” she said, stepping aside.
He moved with controlled precision, scanning the space as he entered. Not in a way that felt intrusive, but as if he was mapping every exit, every shadow.
“Your agency came highly recommended,” she said, closing the door behind him.
“I don’t work for the agency full-time,” he replied, glancing briefly at her before focusing on the room again. “I take select assignments.”
Something about his tone made her curious. “And why mine?”
For a fraction of a second, his gaze held hers — and in that moment, something stirred in her memory. The warmth of summer grass. Laughter in a hidden garden. A boy with hazel eyes who’d once promised, I’ll always keep you safe. But before she could place it, the feeling slipped away.
“Let’s just say,” Ethan said evenly, “I believe in protecting people who matter.”
Her heart skipped. She wasn’t sure why.
“Alright, Mr. Cole,” she said, forcing her voice to steady. “What do you need from me?”
“A complete schedule for the next two weeks. Access to the building’s security footage. Any recent threats — letters, calls, unusual activity.”
“You came prepared,” she noted.
“I always do.”
As he spoke, his eyes swept the room again, pausing on the balcony doors. “Do you leave those unlocked?”
“Sometimes.”
“Not anymore,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “From tonight, you don’t go anywhere without me.”
A part of her bristled at the authority in his voice — she wasn’t used to being told what to do. But another part… felt oddly safe.
They spent the next half hour reviewing her security measures. Ethan moved quietly, methodically, checking windows, entry points, even the building’s emergency stairwell.
As he worked, Sophia found herself watching him. He didn’t move like an employee trying to impress his client — there was something personal in the way his attention lingered on details that most guards wouldn’t notice. And those eyes…
“You’ve done this for a long time?” she asked.
“Long enough,” he replied, not looking up from the small device he was installing on her front door.
“And before that?”
He paused, his hand stilling for the briefest moment. “Another life.”
Something about that answer made her think there was more to Ethan Cole than Liam had told her.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Liam: Dinner tomorrow night. Just us. Miss you. She smiled faintly, her chest tightening with a strange guilt she couldn’t name.
When she glanced back at Ethan, he was watching her — not the phone, not the message, but her. The look in his eyes was unreadable.
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