Amaranthine : A Bodyguard and Heiress love story

Hired Help

James

The rhythm of Sage’s life has become second nature to me. I trail behind her in the school halls, unnoticed by most but always watching. It’s a skill I’ve perfected: blending into the background while maintaining control of the situation. She doesn’t acknowledge me, but I can tell—she’s aware I’m there.

As the lunch bell rings, I catch the flicker of something in her expression. Mischief. She’s up to something, and knowing Sage, it’s going to be dramatic. I let her be, trailing a step behind as she makes her way to the cafeteria, practically skipping.

When we enter, the atmosphere shifts. Conversations falter, heads turn, and Sage slows, clearly expecting the spotlight to fall on her. I almost laugh. Of course, she assumes this is about her—she thrives on it.

But then the crowd bypasses her entirely and swarms me instead. It’s a surreal role reversal. I relax into the attention, indulging the students with effortless charm. Girls giggle at my remarks, boys nod along eagerly. It’s amusing, really, watching the tides of high school adoration turn in my favor.

Through the throng of students, my gaze catches hers. She’s frozen, her mouth slightly agape, her cheeks tinged with disbelief. The queen bee of Monroe High, momentarily dethroned.

This wasn’t planned, but I won’t lie—I enjoy the irony. Yesterday’s little stunt to humiliate me had consequences. Now, I’m simply basking in the attention her actions inspired. Turnabout is fair play, after all.

I spot one of her companions from yesterday, the boy who skipped class with her. He gives me an enthusiastic wave, trying to join the conversation. The corners of my mouth twitch with amusement. Sage’s jaw clenches from across the room, and I know this moment will haunt her.

Her fury is palpable even from this distance, and it’s all I can do to keep from grinning outright. But for now, I keep my composure, graciously accepting the adoration. After all, I’m just the “hired help,” lending her a hand with her usual spotlight.

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Sage

I knew today would be hell the moment I stepped into the cafeteria. The sea of faces didn’t turn toward me but toward him. James—the smug, self-righteous, unbearable thorn in my side—was at the center of it all, lapping up attention that was rightfully mine.

I stood there, paralyzed, as the crowd shifted around me like I was invisible. The disbelief felt like a slap. Yesterday, I had turned him into a school joke. Today, they were fawning over him like he was some kind of hero.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself not to storm over there and drag him out by his stupid, perfectly pressed shirt. Instead, I squared my shoulders, plastering on a neutral expression. If he wanted to play the game this way, fine. But I wouldn’t let him see how much it rattled me.

The ride home was unbearable. His calm, quiet presence behind me was infuriating. I stomped up the mansion’s grand stairs, my temper bubbling over with every step.

When I finally found my father in his study, I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Father!” My voice cut through the room, sharp and loud.

He looked up, startled. “Sage, what is it?”

“It’s James,” I hissed, barely able to keep my voice steady. “I want him gone. Fired. Immediately.”

My father frowned, setting down his pen. “What’s going on?”

I launched into my tirade. “He’s flirting with my friends, neglecting his duties, and humiliating me!”

Before my father could respond, James stepped into the room, calm as ever. “Mr. Monroe,” he began, his voice infuriatingly smooth. “I assure you, my actions today were entirely professional. I took the initiative to assess Sage’s social circle to ensure her safety.”

My jaw dropped. He was spinning that narrative? Before I could interject, my father nodded thoughtfully. “That’s commendable, James. Thank you for your diligence.”

Commendable? Was he serious? “Dad, he’s lying!” I burst out. “You’re letting him manipulate you!”

“Sage, enough.” My father’s tone was sharp, his gaze firm. “You’re overreacting.”

Overreacting? The word hit me like a punch. I stood there, stunned, as my father dismissed my concerns in favor of James’s perfectly polished lies.

The rage boiled over. “You know what? Screw you both!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the house. Without waiting for a response, I stormed out, slamming the door behind me.

When I reached my room, I locked the door and leaned against it, my chest heaving with anger. I’d had enough of James and his insufferable charm. If my father wouldn’t take my side, I’d have to find another way to knock him down a peg. And I would. Just wait.