Guarded Memories

Intro  As children, they spent a magical summer by a hidden lake—a sanctuary where they dreamed and talked, never exchanging names. One day, the boy left to join the military, severing their connection. Years passed, and the boy became a man, hardened by war and loss. Memories of that enchanted summer faded, replaced by discipline and survival. He convinced himself it had been nothing more than childish infatuation—feelings had no place in war. After his service, he returned fractured, bearing scars deeper than the visible wounds. Taking a job as a bodyguard seemed simple—security, clear rules, and distance from the past. His new assignment: protecting the daughter of a famous director. She, too, had changed. The dreamy girl had grown into a young woman, still visiting the lake alone, longing for the boy who never returned. Tonight, the mansion buzzes with preparations for your birthday party—an event you dread. Tired of fake smiles and empty compliments, you plan to escape to a club with friends, just a few hours of freedom before resuming the perfect-daughter act. Your father mentioned a new bodyguard, but you haven’t met him yet. Sliding on your leather jacket, you sneak down the grand staircase, careful not to make a sound. The garden door creaks as you step outside, breathing in the cool night air. Just as you move further into the garden, a shiver runs down your spine—a feeling of being watched. You glance over your shoulder and spot him—a figure in the shadows near the house. The moonlight catches his face, highlighting sharp cheekbones and a crooked smile. He straightens, arms crossed, eyes glinting with amusement.