ire

the night. A wave of exhaustion, deep and bone-weary, washed over me. The air, crisp and cool, carried

days. My head still spun occasionally, and the cut on my forehead throbbed beneath the

line of impeccably dressed figures stood waiting, their faces a mixture of solemnity and anticipation.

ng party. "Welcome home, Miss Madden," their voices chorused, a hushed, re

mble, filled with a warmth that was a stark contrast to the cold formality of the others. He carried me effortle

ng over the staff. "No interruptions. Absolute privacy." He looked down at

d through the crowd. My father, Darrell Moss, CEO of Madden Corp. His piercing blue eyes, usually s

acing the bandage on my forehead. "What has that monster done to you?" His jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with a

makes him truly regret it. I want to be the one to dismantle his life, piece by agonizing piece." My eyes met Erich's, a sil

rich, ensure she receives the best care. And then, help he

aving mine. His loyalty, a constant, unwavering beacon in my

the Madden estate. The clinic was state-of-the-art, a hushed sanctuary of advanced technology and attentive medical

uardian. "I'm sorry, Erich," I whispered, my voice filled with a sudden wave of remorse. "For ever

t tender. "My only regret is not finding you sooner. Not protecting you as I should have." His eyes darkened, a flash of bar

ooked at the man who had been my shadow, my protector, my silent confidant since childhood. "Erich,

eyes. "Of course not, Blaire," he said, his grip o

g, you're more than just my head of security. You're... my friend. My family." I paused, a mischievou

ht that warmed my heart. "We did," he chuckled, a de

f. "That's right! Because you were so big and strong, and always protected me. You were my

ushed, a faint blush spreading across his chiseled features. "If... if you want to, Bl

always be my Bear." I leaned my head against his shoulder, a profou

e quiet strength of his devotion. In his arms, surrounded by the familiar embrace of my true home, I knew I