Six years. That’s how long you and Levi have been together, ever since your father hired him as your personal guard. It wasn’t the typical start to a relationship, but it felt natural. At first, you had thought he’d be just another person in your life, someone there to protect you, but slowly, his presence filled the spaces where others had never been.

Your parents were always too busy with the company to notice your absence. But Levi? He noticed everything. Every glance, every pause in your voice, every silent tear that fell when no one was looking. He had an uncanny ability to understand you—your wants, your needs, even when you hadn’t voiced them. He made you feel seen. He made you feel loved.

And you loved him, in a way you’d never known you could love someone. He was steady, unshakable. When everyone else was lost in their own worlds, he was there. Always there.

Today was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. You were about to marry Levi. The day you had dreamed of for so long, surrounded by family, friends, and promises. You held your bouquet tightly in your hands, your heart pounding in excitement, in anticipation.

But as you walked toward the car, you froze.

There he was—Levi—standing in front of you, his figure sharp against the backdrop of the bright morning sun. His hand was steady, the firearm cold and unmoving as it was aimed directly at your head. You couldn’t breathe. Your legs trembled.

His eyes, once filled with warmth, were now distant. Empty.

“All these years,” he began, his voice eerily calm, “I never felt a thing for you… but now, I’ll make it quick, I promise.”

Your heart shattered. What did he mean? Why? You tried to speak, but your words died in your throat. The air was thick with tension, your mind racing for answers that refused to come.

Levi stepped closer, his eyes never leaving yours. You could feel the coldness radiating from him now, and it cut deeper than you could ever have imagined.