Chapter 3: Close to him

The words hit me like a brick wall. My eyes widened as I read the article. Apparently, someone had tried to kill Cloud yesterday—somebody had made a threat against him. The billionaire was now actively looking for a bodyguard to ensure his safety.

I scrolled through the article, the details about the incident were vague, but one thing was clear—Cloud was in danger. He needed protection, and it wasn’t just some random threat. It was serious.

I leaned back in my chair, my mind whirling. Cloud Smith—the man who had everything I didn’t. The man who was now in danger.

And suddenly, something clicked inside me.

I wasn’t just fighting to win Celine’s heart. This was more than that. If Cloud was in danger, he was probably going to need help, and fast. He was going to need someone to protect him, someone who could step into his world and do the things he couldn’t do while dealing with this threat.

The realization hit me like a shot to the chest. What if I could use this situation to my advantage? What if I could somehow get involved in Cloud’s world, make myself necessary to him, and gain an information than can ruin his name?

I know and I feel that there’s something about Cloud. He’s not perfect and I need to prove that to Celine.

A plan was beginning to form in my mind. It wasn’t just about making her jealous anymore. It was about showing Celine that I was capable of more than she ever realized. I wasn’t just a guy trying to win her over—I was someone who could fight for what I wanted, no matter the cost.

I needed to be involved in this, and fast.

The news hit me like a sledgehammer. Cloud Smith, the man who had taken everything from me—Celine, her attention, her affections—was now in need of a bodyguard. It was the perfect opportunity, an opening I couldn’t ignore. I had to act fast before someone else snatched up the position.

I didn't waste any time. The moment I saw the headline, I made the decision. This wasn’t just a job. This was my way in. My chance to get close to my rival, to observe him, learn his weaknesses, and use that knowledge to my advantage. I could manipulate him, control him, and maybe—just maybe—find a way to stop him from pursuing Celine.

I turned to Leona, who was sitting beside me, still glowing with excitement from our "date" earlier.

“Leona, I’ve got to go. There’s something I need to do. Thanks again for being with me today. I’ll drop you off at your place now.”

She looked at me, her eyes still filled with hope, but she nodded, understanding that this wasn’t just any regular errand.

“Of course, Clinton. I’m always here for you,” she said, though there was a hint of disappointment in her voice. She wasn’t blind to the fact that I wasn’t fully invested in our time together.

I gave her a quick smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. My mind was already elsewhere, already thinking of the next step in my plan.

When I arrived at Cloud Smith’s company, I parked my car quickly, my thoughts racing. This was it. This could be my ticket to breaking down everything Cloud had built. I needed to get in, prove myself as the best candidate, and take control.

The building was sleek and modern, reflecting the power and wealth of its owner. I felt out of place, my nerves gnawing at me as I approached the front desk. The receptionist barely glanced at me as I walked in, a stark contrast to how I imagined Cloud would be treated. He was treated like royalty. Me? I was just another man with a chip on his shoulder.

“Hi, I’m here for the bodyguard position,” I said, trying to sound confident.

The receptionist looked me up and down, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Her judgment was clear, but she didn’t voice it.

“You’ll want to head to the admin office. Second floor, room 205,” she said, pointing towards the elevator.

I nodded and took the elevator up, my palms clammy as I waited for the doors to open. I wasn’t sure what I expected, but I wasn’t prepared for what I saw when I walked into the admin office.

A woman sat behind a sleek desk, her sharp eyes assessing me with a clinical precision. She was beautiful in a way that made you pause, but it wasn’t her looks that held my attention. It was the way she carried herself—her power, her control. She had the air of someone who didn’t have time to waste on anyone who wasn’t serious.

She looked up at me, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re here for the bodyguard position?” she asked, her tone cold, yet not unkind.

I nodded, doing my best to mask the nervousness that clawed at me. “Yes, ma’am. I’m Clinton.”

She gestured for me to sit. “Well, Clinton, let’s see if you’re a good fit for the job.”

The interview was brief. She asked about my experience—none, really, but I had to sell myself. I told her I had a background in security and was well-trained in physical combat, able to handle any situation that might arise. I emphasized my loyalty, my dedication. I gave her just enough to make her doubt her initial judgment.

I was prepared to beg if I had to. This job meant everything to me. If I could get it, I could manipulate Cloud into staying away from Celine. I could be the one in control, not him. I needed to be close to him, find out what made him tick.

Once I was his bodyguard, I could control his every move. He’d never be able to go on dates with Celine if I kept him busy. And if he started to suspect something, I could make him believe that it was all for his own protection.

The silence that followed my last statement was thick. I tried not to fidget, my eyes locked on her as she sifted through my resume.

Then, without warning, she looked up, her gaze piercing.

“You’re hired,” she said flatly. “You’ll be the bodyguard for our CEO, Mr. Cloud Smith.”

I blinked, disbelief flooding me. “Wait—what?”

She didn’t repeat herself. Instead, she stood and handed me a folder with instructions. “Meet with the head of security tomorrow at 9 AM. Mr. Smith is expecting you.”

I stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened.

Before I could speak, she was already back to her work, no longer paying attention to me.

I walked out of the office, the folder heavy in my hands, my heart racing. This was it. This was my chance to get close to Cloud Smith.