UNBROKEN BONDS OF LOVE

unbreakable tether

"He is a high-value individual requiring utmost protection. Overseeing his security will be your primary responsibility," the major stated sternly as their military helicopter soared ten thousand feet above ground.

This was an highly unorthodox assignment.

When Zanaya had arrived at the military base earlier, Command Sergeant Major Ramirez had merely instructed her to sign a confidentiality agreement before they boarded the helicopter. It was only during the flight that the major finally explained the mission parameters – she would be protecting a private individual from a severe threat. But the identity of this VIP remained classified.

After some time, they ultimately reached their destination. Earlier, Zanaya had thought they were nearing a familiar city, but the major kept engaging her, ensuring she couldn't discern their landing point from the air.

The helicopter touched down on a rooftop helipad. Again, it all seemed vaguely familiar to Zanaya, but observing everything from such an elevated vantage point made pinpointing specifics difficult.

Zanaya reluctantly followed the officer down into the building, where they were met by bodyguards who escorted them through an elegant hallway into a private office suite.

The man she was assigned to protect sat in a leather chair with his back turned to them.

'Shouldn't he have heard the doors opening? Why is his chair facing away?' Zanaya mused, studying the chair intently.

Eventually, a blond man announced their arrival. "Sir, Major Ramirez is here with Captain Vega."

The chair slowly swiveled around, and at the sight of the man she was meant to safeguard, Zanaya's palms grew clammy, her heart plummeting.

It was Enzo Andresson, Rian's father.

'No. Why didn't I see this coming?' she asked herself silently. Of course, now the location's familiarity made sense – she was in Riverton Heights, Enzo's hometown and the headquarters of the Andresson Corporation.

Major Ramirez strode over, shaking Enzo's hand. "Mr. Andresson. Good to see you again."

'They've met before?' Zanaya wondered with a frown.

"Captain Vega, this is Mr. Enzo Andresson. He's the new CEO of the Andresson Corporation, and his life is currently in grave danger. He requested military assistance, and you've been selected for this assignment," the major explained. "You'll be reporting directly to Mr. Andresson around the clock, which means residing here until the authorities apprehend the mastermind behind the assassination threat against him."

Zanaya stood rooted to the spot, throat working as she swallowed hard repeatedly. Finally, she drew a steadying breath. "The military isn't meant to be employed by private individuals. I refuse this mission."

"Miss Vega, that's true, but we'll intervene if it's for the greater good of the nation," Major Ramirez replied evenly. "And that's precisely why you're here."

"Besides, isn't it true your own family has utilized military protection services for personal matters as well?" the major pointed out.

Inwardly seething, Zanaya fought for composure. How dare he throw that in her face?

Yes, it was accurate – because her great-grandfather had been a high-ranking general, the Vega family had enjoyed certain military benefits and protective services over the years. So it was decidedly unfair to use that as justification for not safeguarding Enzo. Thus, she exhaled heavily. "I understand, Major. My apologies."

"Then I'll leave you to it. Report to me weekly through our dedicated secure line," the major instructed before offering Enzo a crisp salute. With that, he excused himself.

The door clicked shut, leaving Zanaya alone with Enzo. She lifted her chin defiantly to meet his gaze.

Damn, he looked good – but Zanaya reminded herself she hated this man, the man she had loved, given everything to, only for him to vanish without explanation.

"How have you been, Zanaya?" Enzo finally asked, his voice still that deep, slightly raspy timbre she remembered. "It's been far too long."

"Oh." Zanaya let out a derisive laugh. "So you do actually know me?"

"I'm sorry about our last encounter. I...wasn't fully prepared for it," Enzo said by way of explanation.

"And you are now? Let me guess, you orchestrated this whole scenario?" she demanded.

Enzo simply smiled enigmatically, neither confirming nor denying her accusation. He gestured toward the chair before his desk. "Please, have a seat, Zanaya. I'd love for us to catch up. Can I get you coffee? Tea?"

"I don't need anything. I'll only sit and talk if you tell me why you left," Zanaya countered, unable to contain the rising tremor in her voice. "Where have you been all this time? What on earth did you do over these past ten years that you went completely missing? Why didn't you contact any of us – not even your own parents?"

"How could you just discard years of friendship, love, brotherhood, like it was nothing?" she added, voice cracking, for Enzo had been incredibly close with her brothers too.

"If you didn't want to be with me anymore, you could've just said so!" The scream tore from her throat before she could stop it.

Her emotions threatening to overwhelm her, Zanaya clamped her eyes shut, focusing on slowing her ragged breaths.

"Who said I didn't want you, Zanaya?" Enzo stated plainly. "I came back solely to reclaim you."

His answer stupefied her. Eyes snapping open, brows raised incredulously as she asked, "Really? You want me back? After vanishing for ten years?" She scoffed derisively. "Are you out of your mind?"

"You left me!" she cried, voice laced with a decade of hurt and anger. "You devastated me, destroyed our families' bond! You only left me a vague note telling me not to wait for you!"

Zanaya raked a hand through her hair, utterly confounded by his eerie calm. "What makes you think I even want you back, Enzo? Newsflash – I've moved on, as you requested. I have a fiancé now!"

Yet again, Enzo didn't respond, though Zanaya noted the abrupt darkening of his expression.

He leaned back in his chair, fingers raking through his dark locks. "Do you think I care if you don't want me anymore? Is your fiancé half the man I am? I highly doubt it."

His cavalier dismissal incensed Zanaya. "Where have you been?" she demanded.

"I can't tell you that," he replied flatly.

"Why? Why can't you?" she pressed, fists clenching. "If you can't tell me, how can I trust you?"

"The past decade is exactly that – the past. Didn't they say a person's history shouldn't matter in relationships?" Enzo stood, slowly approaching her. "Come back to me, Zanaya. I'll give you everything you want."

"What I want is for you to leave me alone," Zanaya stated coldly.

Enzo halted before her, eyes glinting with fleeting amusement before his expression hardened implacably. "Anything but that."

He gripped her wrist, leaning in to repeat adamantly, "Come back to me, Zanaya."