Chapter 979:

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“You know what’s ridiculous?” she went on, her tone carrying a mix of annoyance and disbelief. “The girl next door accepted my limited-edition doll without a second thought, yet she still goes around saying I have a terrible temper. Can you imagine? I’ve decided — I’m done with her. Completely done.”

Kole didn’t know how to reply, so he simply continued pushing the swing in silence, letting the rhythm speak in place of words. Carole didn’t mind in the slightest. If anything, she found comfort in it. Around him, she could say whatever she pleased and lay out her thoughts without being interrupted or judged.

She liked having Kole nearby, always within reach — whether she was admiring the flowers in the garden, scattering feed for the fish in the backyard, or sitting in the study with her books spread open. Though he rarely spoke, he was always attentive, always the first to place whatever she needed into her hands.

She soon discovered that Kole had an incredibly gentle temperament. She would tug at his ears, tuck flowers into his hair, or sneak up to startle him while he watered the plants. Yet no matter how much she teased him, he never once lost his temper. On the rare occasions she went too far, his face would flush red, and after a long pause he would finally say, “Miss Davis, please don’t tease me.”

Seeing how close they had become, Mateo gathered his courage and proposed an idea to Carole’s parents. “Why not have Kole learn some fighting skills? With proper training, he could become Miss Davis’ personal bodyguard in the future.”

Carole’s parents considered it and found the idea sensible — someone they knew and trusted was far more dependable than any outsider. And so they agreed.

From that day forward, Kole began his training, and the time he spent with Carole grew noticeably less. Whenever she saw him, his body bore fresh bruises layered over old ones. Having never known hardship herself, the sight made her heart ache, and tears welled up in her eyes.

𝘙𝘦a𝖽 𝗼𝘯 𝗮𝗇у 𝘥𝖾v𝗶𝖼е 𝗼𝗇 𝘨𝘢l𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝗅s.𝗰o𝘮

“Kole, stop training,” she pleaded. “My father can hire an entire team of bodyguards. I don’t need you to become one. I won’t allow you to keep doing this.”

At her words, the light in Kole’s eyes flickered, dimming for a brief moment. He remained silent for a while before lifting his head, his gaze steady and resolute. “Miss Davis, I want to be your bodyguard. It’s the only thing I can offer you. And when it comes to protecting you, no one can do it better than me — because I’m willing to give my life for you at any moment.”

Carole was caught off guard by the depth of his sincerity. She turned her face aside and muttered softly, “I know. If I ever need a bodyguard, of course I’ll choose you. What I mean is… you don’t have to push yourself this hard. Can’t someone else take on the part where you get hurt?”

Kole shook his head without hesitation. “I have to become stronger. It’s the only way I can protect you better.”

Time moved on without much noise, as it always does.

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