Chapter 42

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Narrine's POV:

As soon as I stepped out of the car, Thara was already waiting for me, a smile on his face. Before I could even process anything, he rushed toward me and hugged me tightly.

"Good morning, baby," I greeted, my arms wrapping around him.

"Good morning too, baby," Thara responded, his voice soft and affectionate. Without warning, he leaned in and kissed me, and I couldn't help but respond immediately, a warmth spreading through me.

"Where have you been?" I asked, pulling away just slightly to look at him.

"Not too long," Thara answered with a grin, but I noticed him glance behind me, a quick, curious look.

I turned my head to see what he was looking at, but before I could fully turn, Thara asked, "Where's Sir Gulf? He didn't drop you off today?"

I sighed softly, my concern for Dad creeping up again. "Dad said Mama's not feeling well. I'm worried because he gets tired so quickly and he looks pale sometimes."

I could see the worry in his eyes reflected back at me, but Thara just smiled reassuringly. "I think he's just tired. Don't be sad, okay? And Sir Mew is always there to take care of him," he said, lifting my spirits just a little.

Then, without any hesitation, Thara kissed me again. As soon as our lips met, I heard a slight shuffle behind us. I pulled back and saw the three bodyguards—who had been quietly watching us from a distance—suddenly turn away. I couldn't help but laugh, realizing how used to this I was becoming.

"Sorry about that. But you'll have to get used to it, okay?" I said to the guards, who nodded politely in unison.

"Yes, sir," one of them responded, but his eyes quickly flicked back to Thara, who was still holding my hand.

"Well then, shall we, baby?" Thara said with a playful smile, his hand squeezing mine. "We're gonna be late."

I nodded, still smiling as we began walking toward the school gates, my bodyguards following behind us at a safe distance.

As we walked down the street, we saw Thomas. He was walking alone, his expression distant. I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for him. Everything that had happened to his family—especially with the tension between him and my boyfriend—was unfortunate. Still, I didn't want to engage. Thara gave me a look, and I silently agreed with him when he said, "Let's just leave it."

It's been a week since my dad had a conversation with Thara. I could tell he was starting to accept our relationship, as long as we kept things within the boundaries he set. The presence of the bodyguards was his condition, and at first, I questioned it. But now, I understood. It was for my safety. I've realized how hard it is to be an influential person—how you can never truly have control over your own freedom. It feels like there's always a looming threat hanging over you, that something bad could happen at any moment.

Sometimes, I miss being a simple citizen—living without the constant security, without the endless restrictions. But I can't complain. I know I'm fortunate for what I have. I'm surrounded by loving parents who truly care for me, and I have Thara, who's always there by my side. I've never felt more loved and protected. I think he's made some sort of promise to my dad, because he's never far from me, not even when I need to go to the bathroom.

As I was lost in my thoughts, Thara's voice snapped me back to the present.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, glancing at me with a concerned look.

I smiled softly, meeting his gaze. "I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to have you guys. I really don't deserve all of this," I said, my heart swelling with gratitude.

Without another word, I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. He kissed my forehead gently and I felt the warmth of his love.

"No," Thara replied, his voice low and sincere. "I'm the lucky one. Because I have you. I love you so much, baby. Only you."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his chest, feeling safe and loved in his arms. With him by my side, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

As we continued walking, I felt a warmth spread through me from Thara's words. It was moments like these that made me appreciate everything I had, despite the challenges. The security, the constant attention from my father and his team, it all came with a price, but it was worth it knowing that I had people who genuinely cared for me.

"Do you ever wish things were different?" I asked, looking up at Thara as we walked side by side.

He looked down at me with a thoughtful expression. "I don't know," he said after a pause. "Sometimes, yeah. It would be nice to have a simpler life. But, I wouldn't change anything about us."

I smiled softly. "Me neither," I replied. I knew that no matter what came our way, we'd face it together. It was all that mattered.

The day was busy, and soon we found ourselves at school. Thara walked me to my class, and as we reached the entrance, he gave me one last kiss. "See you later, baby. Don't worry about anything," he whispered. I smiled up at him, nodding.

"I love you," I whispered back, even though I wasn't sure if anyone else could hear us.

"I love you too," he said with a grin, his eyes full of affection.

As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and unease. The weight of the world felt a little heavier on my shoulders sometimes, but I knew I could handle it as long as I had Thara by my side. And even with everything that happened with Gulf's family, I knew that everything would eventually work out. I had to believe that.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and walked into the classroom, ready to face the day. But I knew that, no matter what came next, I wasn't facing it alone.




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