episode 5 : unexpected Guardian

Mathew leaned back in his chair, watching Sean from across the office. It wasn’t often he saw his friend like this—smiling, distracted, even a little… human. Sean had always been controlled, precise, untouchable in every way Mathew knew. Yet today, there was something different.

Every subtle expression, every small twitch of the lips, the way Sean’s eyes lingered just a moment too long on Alicia—Mathew noticed it all. He had never seen him like this, and it was fascinating, almost unsettling. A smile that belonged to no one for years now shone quietly across his face, and Mathew knew it wasn’t just admiration. There was a pull, a spark, a vulnerability Sean hadn’t allowed anyone to see in years.

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Five Years Ago: Celina

Mathew remembered vividly the heartbreak that had changed Sean forever. Sean had loved Celina with everything he had. He had imagined a life together—plans, laughter, quiet moments, shared dreams.

When he discovered her betrayal, Mathew had never seen Sean so raw. He had begged her to stay. “Celina… please. I’ll take care of you. I can forgive you. We can work through this,” Sean had pleaded, voice tight with desperation and pain.

But she had already made her choice. She walked away, carrying her secrets, her betrayal, and a new life he had no part in. Sean had watched her leave, helpless, heartbroken, utterly betrayed.

From that moment, walls had risen around him—walls built from pain, trust denied, and love turned into caution. Smiles became rare, laughter fleeting, vulnerability forbidden.

And now… here he was, captivated by Alicia, the girl from the café, unaware of the storm she had stirred. Mathew could see it clearly: Sean’s long-shielded heart was stirring again, and for the first time in five years, it was no longer completely closed.

Daisy clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling. “Okay, celebration time! You got the job, Alicia! Lunch, my treat!”

Alicia laughed, still giddy from the news, her nerves replaced by excitement. “Alright, let’s go!”

They found a cozy little café, chatting and teasing, Alicia animatedly recounting the interview. For a while, it was all laughter, lightness, and the warmth of friendship.

But halfway through lunch, the atmosphere shifted. Two men approached their table, leaning too close, smirking. One reached out, brushing his hand against Alicia’s hair, making her flinch.

Before Daisy could protest, a shadow fell over the table. The men froze.

“Touch her again, and you’ll regret it,” a calm, commanding voice said.

Alicia looked up, wide-eyed. There, standing between them and the men, was none other than Sean Carter. Suit impeccable, posture flawless, eyes sharp and unreadable.

The two men stepped back, startled, muttering something inaudible as they hurried away.

Daisy gawked. “Wait… is that—?”

Alicia’s heart raced, part awe, part embarrassment. “Mr. Carter…” she whispered.

Sean’s gaze softened slightly, though the protective edge remained. “Are you alright?” he asked, his tone calm but laced with something she couldn’t quite name.

Daisy leaned forward, grinning. “Thank you… on behalf of Alicia, of course,” she said, waving a hand dramatically. “Really, we owe you one!”

Sean inclined his head slightly, expression unreadable but calm. “Just doing what’s right,” he replied simply.

Alicia’s cheeks burned. She opened her mouth to speak but only managed a shy, “Th-thank you,” while Daisy nudged her teasingly.

Sean didn’t move immediately, just stood there for a moment, ensuring the two men were gone. Alicia couldn’t shake the surreal feeling that her life had just collided with someone powerful and unpredictable—someone who didn’t just belong in magazines, but in her very world.

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