The Morel estate gleamed that evening like a perfectly polished jewel. The hanging lights illuminated the vast garden, reflecting off luxurious dresses, discreet jewelry, and champagne glasses that were constantly being refilled.
It was the party.
And Aïnis Morel was the center of it.
Eighteen years old.
Finally.
She descended the marble stairs slowly, aware of every gaze on her. Her dress hugged her figure with natural elegance—neither too provocative nor too modest. Her hair fell in controlled waves over her shoulders, and her smile—that precise, calculated smile—told the world she knew exactly who she was.
The daughter of Victor Morel, queen of the high school, heir to the family fortune.
— Aïnis, you look amazing! whispered Maya Kensington, already holding a glass.
— As always, added Inès Valmont, phone raised to film every second.
— Normal, it's her kingdom, murmured Sofia Delcourt with a knowing smile.
Livia Roche, more in the background, watched Aïnis silently. She always saw beyond appearances.
Aïnis laughed, answered, and threw light jabs. She led the dance as she always had. Around her, her small circle of wealthy friends naturally gravitated. Girls born into abundance, raised in the same private schools, accustomed to the same codes.
She had just finished high school.
Another milestone achieved.
A freedom she thought was finally within reach.
And yet…
Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the main terrace.
Her father.
Victor Morel stood tall, impeccable in his dark suit, speaking with two serious-looking men she didn't know. Their voices were low, their gestures measured.
Aïnis felt a twinge of annoyance.
— He still has that look, she murmured.
— The "I control everything" look, replied Maya, rolling her eyes.
— He's probably going to give a never-ending speech, sighed Sofia.
Aïnis sipped her champagne.
A slight unease settled in.
Something was off.
FLASHBACK — JAKE'S CONTRACT
Victor Morel's office was enveloped in heavy silence. The dark walls and shelves stacked with files radiated power and control.
Sitting across from him, Jake Blake, twenty-six, straight-backed, alert. Beside him, an open folder: the contract.
— You know why you're here, Victor asked in a grave voice.
— Yes, sir, Jake answered without hesitation.
— My daughter is exposed. My name too. Some people would like to see me fall… and targeting her would be the easiest way.
He paused.
— You will be her permanent protection.
Jake nodded slowly.
— I've read the contract.
Victor slid a specific page toward him.
— This clause is crucial. You are not to touch her. In any way. You remain professional. Always.
— I understand, sir.
— Until further notice, you are her exclusive bodyguard.
Jake picked up the pen. He did not flinch. He thought of his twelve-year-old sister and fifteen-year-old brother. This job would allow him to pay for their schooling.
He signed.
— Protect her, Victor concluded, standing. No matter the cost.
RETURN TO PRESENT — THE ANNOUNCEMENT
The music lowered. Conversations quieted. All eyes turned toward Victor Morel, now at the center of the terrace, microphone in hand.
— Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight to celebrate my daughter's eighteenth birthday.
Applause. Aïnis smiled mechanically.
— Today, Aïnis enters a new phase of her life.
She crossed her arms.
— And with this new stage come new responsibilities.
A murmur ran through the crowd.
— Pardon? Aïnis whispered.
— A bodyguard has been hired to ensure her protection from today onward.
Victor slightly turned his head. Aïnis followed his gaze.
And saw him.
Jake Blake, standing back, almost invisible. Dark suit, discreet earpiece, attentive eyes. He wasn't watching Aïnis. He was watching everything else: the exits, the movements, the faces.
Time seemed to freeze.
— This is a joke? she spat, icy.
Her friends stirred around her.
— A bodyguard? Seriously?
— That's ridiculous…
— Well, at least he's hot?
Aïnis wasn't listening. She looked at her father.
Victor held her gaze without flinching.
She understood. She had no choice.
FATHER-DAUGHTER DISCUSSION
The party continued, but Aïnis pulled Victor into the small lounge away from the crowd.
— Care to explain? she asked.
Victor crossed his arms.
— This is neither the place nor the time.
— It's my party and my life, Dad. You just announced in front of everyone that I'll be followed like a criminal.
— You're exaggerating.
— No. You imposed a bodyguard on me without asking.
He looked at her long and hard.
— You're eighteen today, Aïnis. The world doesn't get kinder just because you're of age.
— I've never needed protection.
— Until now.
— What does that mean?
— There are things you don't need to know.
— You're hiding something from me, she whispered.
— I'm protecting you.
— By treating me like a child?
— By assuming my role as your father.
— Mom wouldn't have done this, she murmured.
Victor clenched his jaw.
— Don't do that.
— You never tell me anything, Dad. You decide. You impose. And I just have to obey.
— Because I know what's at stake.
— And I don't have the right to know why?
He approached her, calmer now.
— Not yet.
— Then at least let me trust one thing, she said, looking him straight in the eye. This bodyguard… it's not a gift. It's a punishment.
Victor placed a hand on her shoulder.
— It's a necessity.
Aïnis gently pushed him away.
— One day, you'll have to explain.
— One day, yes.
— Fine. But don't be surprised if I hate this decision.
Victor watched her leave, face closed… and worried.
FIRST FACE-TO-FACE WITH JAKE
Later in the evening, Aïnis approached Jake, followed by Sofia and Maya. She studied him without restraint.
— So, it's you, she said.
— Jake Blake, he replied calmly. Miss.
She arched an eyebrow.
— Are you really going to follow me everywhere?
— Yes, Miss.
— Even when I go out with my friends?
— Yes, Miss.
— Even when I want to be alone?
— Especially then, Miss.
Sofia smiled, amused. Maya rolled her eyes.
— I'm eighteen today, you know.
— I know, Miss.
— I'm not a child.
— I never said otherwise, Miss.
— So what? You're my shadow?
— If necessary, Miss.
— Do you always talk like that?
— When it's appropriate, Miss.
— You don't seem very funny.
— My role isn't to be, Miss.
Aïnis stared at him long, looking for any crack. Nothing. He was calm. Controlled. Untouchable.
— Very well, Jake Blake. We'll see how long you last.
— As long as necessary, Miss.
He stayed still as she walked away. Jake watched her a second too long… then remembered his role.
Professional.
Always.