Primera

As I was on my deep thoughts again, I suddenly heard a loud noise.

I trembled, peeking through the peephole. Four menacing figures loomed outside.

"Primera Sayahi De Avioa," one growled. "We know you're in there."

My heart raced. How did they discover my true identity?

"Open up, heiress!" another sneered.

I silently dialed Mom's number.

"Primera, darling! We're downstairs," Mom's soothing voice answered.

"Mom, please hurry! Men are trying to break in!" I whispered urgently.

"Daddy's here, sweetie. We'll handle it. Stay inside!"

Heavy banging shook the door.

"You think you're above us, De Avioa?" a goon snarled.

Suddenly, the noise ceased.

"Daddy!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me.

"Primera, open up!" Daddy's commanding voice resonated outside.

I unlocked the door, revealing Daddy's imposing figure flanked by bodyguards. Mom rushed in, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"Who are these men?" Daddy demanded.

The goons cowered, retreating.

"We'll handle this, Primera," Mom reassured me. "You're safe now."

Tears streamed down my face as I clung to Mom.

"Selso's troubles are spreading, aren't they?" Daddy's eyes narrowed.

I nodded, fearful.

"We'll protect you, Primera," Daddy vowed. "No one touches my family."

As Mom's warm embrace enveloped me, I felt a sense of relief wash away my fear. Daddy's commanding presence reassured me that everything would be alright.

"We're taking you home, Primera," Daddy said firmly, his eyes scanning the area for potential threats.

But I hesitated. Home meant safety, but also confinement. Selso's troubles had already entwined with mine, and abandoning him wasn't an option.

"I...I don't want to leave, Daddy," I stammered, pulling back from Mom's hug.

Daddy's expression turned stern. "Primera, those men could return. You're not safe here."

"I'll be fine, Daddy," I insisted, trying to sound brave. "Selso will protect me."

Mom exchanged a worried glance with Daddy. "Primera, sweetheart, Selso's involvement with those men—"

"I love him, Mom," I interrupted, voice trembling. "I won't leave him."

Daddy's face hardened. "Love? You barely know him, Primera. We can't risk your safety for someone with Selso's baggage."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "You don't understand, Daddy. Selso needs me."

Mom placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "We understand love, Primera. But safety comes first."

I shook my head, determination welling up. "I won't leave Selso. Please, Daddy, Mom...trust me."

Daddy's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "We'll post guards outside. You'll stay here, but with protection."

Relief mixed with worry. Would Selso accept Daddy's intervention?

"Thank you, Daddy," I whispered.

Mom hugged me tightly. "We'll keep you safe, Primera. And Selso, if he truly cares for you."

As they departed, I couldn't shake off the feeling: Selso's world and mine were colliding, with unforeseen consequences.

As the door closed behind my parents, I slumped against it, relief mingling with anxiety. Their protection enveloped me, but concerns about Selso deepened.

I paced across the room, replaying our last conversation. Selso's words echoed: "I'm handling it, Aya." Handling what? The mysterious men? His family's crumbling empire?

Selso's transformation baffled me. From charming friend to brooding stranger. His family's bankruptcy had unleashed a maelstrom.

My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Unknown number.

"Aya, stay away from Selso." A low, menacing voice sent shivers down my spine.

"Who is this?" I demanded.

The line went dead.

Fear gripped me. Who was behind these ominous warnings?

Suddenly, memories flooded my mind: Selso's laughter, our late-night conversations, his vulnerable eyes. Our friendship had blossomed into something more, but his secrets pushed me away.

Determined, I dialed Selso's number.

"Aya?" His voice, laced with caution.

"What's happening, Selso?" I pressed.

Silence.

"Tell me!" I urged.

"Meet me at Café Luna. Come alone. Midnight." He hung up.

My heart pounded. What secrets would Selso reveal?

Café Luna's dimly lit corners and soft hum of conversation enveloped me as I waited. Selso's text had been cryptic: "Come alone. Midnight."

At 11:59 PM, the door swung open. Selso's tall figure scanned the room, his eyes locking onto mine. His expression was grim.

As he approached, I felt a mix of trepidation and concern. "Selso, what's going on?"

He slid into the booth, his voice barely above a whisper. "My family's in deeper trouble than I thought. Those men...they're collectors."

"Collectors?" I repeated, confusion etched on my face.

Selso's eyes darted around the café before focusing on mine. "My father's debts. They want their share."

I gasped, pieces falling into place. "The break-in, the threats...it's all connected."

His dark eyes, like black onyx, gleamed intensely across the café table. "Aya, as the De Avioa heiress, you're a target. My family's downfall won't affect just me, but everyone around me. I won't let that include you."

I shook my head, trying to process. "Why reveal this now, Selso? You pushed me away."

His gaze dropped, and his voice cracked. "I couldn't bear losing you, too. You're the only one who knows me beyond the scandal. I needed to protect you."

Selso's hands clenched into fists. "My pride wouldn't let me come near you, but I couldn't stay away. Not when your safety's at stake."

His eyes locked onto mine, burning with sincerity. "I'll do whatever it takes to shield you, Aya. Even if it means risking everything."

~