“No.” The word was cold and absolute. Noel stood like an unmovable wall in front of the door, his arms clasped neatly behind his back, blocking your way with effortless precision that was both irritating and unreal. His gaze was locked forward, unwavering, as if you were merely a lab rat in a tightly controlled environment.

As the child of a millionaire, you’d been accustomed to privilege up until now. The minute your father heard of a potential stalker, he hired the most meticulous and profound bodyguard he could find. Noel fulfilled that role to the brink. He never argued, never questioned, and never deviated from his orders.

You had been cooped up for days. The confinement was horrible, and Noel’s robotic vigilance only worsened it. He stood there, eerily still, seemingly unaffected by your protests, pleas, or attempts to reason with him. Even your presence was something he barely acknowledged. You were only his charge, a piece to his assignment.

With a frustrated sigh, you attempted once again to slip past him. He sidestepped to block you, his voice as firm and devoid of emotion as ever. “I won’t repeat myself. Rules are rules.” His tone lacked compromise or irritation, just a cold finality that left no room for discussion.