My whole system was like a zombie when Dad spilled the beans to me this morning. Yes, I'm very happy to meet my older brother but I'm not so thrilled to know my engagement with Marc. I haven't even met that guy! I know how much Dad trusted that guy and he told me how nice he is but I still haven't met him. Just saw him once is not enough to be sure that he's worthy to be my husband.

And besides, if he is going to be the next mayor, how can live a normal life? I can't go on public with a Mayor husband. I will always be guarded like I am right now. Even more horrible, I assume.

Dad already talked to the Doctor after our conversation and Dr. Muller is surprised to see him talking so quickly. Because in his state, it maybe he hard for him to talk because of his difficulty to breathe. But he manage to tell me a whole story and dropped the bomb at me. This is so crazy.

"My lady, are you alright?" Rune asked me while we stand inside the room. "You suppose to be jumping in joy now that your Dad is awake. I did not expect this gloomy face."

"I'm fine." I muttered, crossing my arms and looking at my Dad as he talk to the doctor. "I'm just so relief."

"I don't think so, I feel like you are thinking something." Rune wondered. "Is it because of your Dad's health?"

"Y-yeah, that's it. I'm just worried how much time I have with him." I came up with that lie. "But still, I am still in danger so how am I going to take care of him now?"

I heard how Rune took a deep breath. "Do not overthink, my lady. Let us handle the rest of your worries."

"I wish it is easier as it sounds." I stated, sighing. "Dad doesn't have that much time left."

I want to meet this Brian.

I have to meet him without Rune suspecting anything. He doesn't have to know about this but I need to see Brian and know why Dad trusted him so much.

"Ms. Waylord..." Dr. Muller grab my attention as she walks near me. "The Mayor's wounds are still not that healed up so maybe it will take 4 to 6 days before you can take him home."

I nodded. "Will he be okay after that? How about the chemo?"

"He doesn't want anything that has something to do with his state. All he wants is to get out of this hospital." She told me while shaking her head. I guess she finally felt the irritation how stubborn my Dad is when it comes to his condition.

"I will talk to him." I told her. "But don't expect too much."

"Alright then," she bows her head. "I need to get to my next patient. I will come back later to check up on him again."

"Okay, thank you, Doctor." I smiled at her then Rune escorted him out of the room. I walked over to my Dad and he smiled upon seeing me. He doesn't have an oxygen on him now but I can see how he inhales and exhales to maintain his breathing. "You look like shit, Dad."

He let out a husky chuckle. "I know, I know."

I sat down on the side of his bed and arched a brow. Time to get some answers for my questions. "Dad, I want to meet Marc."

"Of course, you need to talk to him. He's s good man, princess. I can assure that he will take care of you."

"Is that the reason you are marrying me off, Dad? You are afraid that I might get lost once you leave me?"

Dad blinked at what I said before taking it in. "Well, that's a part of it, though. I wanted to make sure that you are in good hands once I die."

"I'm a big girl now, Dad. I can manage to find my own husband." I stated. "And I'm not that irresponsible to not be able to take care of myself. I lived in so many countries that I'm alone."

"I know but it will be different. What if something like this happens again? Marc comes from a very powerful family, he can take care you and you're safety." He battled with me. "And I've known that boy since he was a kid. I know him. He can take care of you and love you."

"Dad, is this really want you want? How about I tell show you someone that can prove to you that he is worthy to be my husband?" Shit, what I am even saying?

"And that really comes from you, princess? You can even stay in a relationship for a month or even a week then you will introduce someone who is going to be your husband? I can't assure that would be good." He laughed.

"But Dad —marriage is still not part of my plan. I still have a lot of things to do." I urged him. "I'm too young and I still want to discover so many things. I still want to have fun."

"And Brian is very aware of that." He insisted. "I told him to not be so tight on you and he agreed that he will still give you the life you want even if you two are married. He can assure that you will feel comfortable with him." Dad seems so willing about this arrangement. I can see how much he wanted this and this is the very first time that he did something in my life that does changes.

He always let me do whatever I want in my life. Starting from my choices of schools, my career, my friends, my freedom...all of those. This is the only time he planned something from me without my consent. He must have wanted this pretty badly.

"Give me this chance, princess. Please." He plead, solemnly while taking my hand and kissing it. "Please, I can prove to you that he is a nice man."

There is something in Dad that made me just nod and agree with him. I can't turn him down. That is the last thing I wanted to do, is to disappoint him. If this will make him happy the so be it.

But how about Rune? How will I tell him?

"Maybe even before I die, I can see that my little princess is in safe hands." He stated, emotionally.

"Then why don't you take some medication, Dad. Go to a chemo or any treatment?" I looked down on our intertwined hands. "I can't lose you. It's too soon."

"No, sweetheart. There is no use of any treatment. It's too severe." Dad closed his tightly and opened them. "And if I do those treatment, I won't be able to do my job properly anymore."

"Daddy, people will understand that their Mayor is taking medication." I forced, brushing my face with my hand while shaking my head.

"That's not my job, my dear. My job is to be your father. That is my first priority." He stated, assuring me. "Everything is going to be fine, princess. As I said, let me take care of the rest. These are my problems not yours. So do not worry about a thing."

Like that is going to help. He always take things to himself. Saying that he will take care of the rest. Rune says the same thing. Jeez, do they really think that I'm that unreliable? That I can't deal with my own problems.

"So when will I meet this Marc?" I asked.

"When would you like? As soon as possible? As long as it is before our engagement party." I told him.

"Alright then." He nodded. "Let me just call him. He will be so happy to meet you."

"Yeah." I breathe out, softly. "I will just go get Rune and tell him to buy me something to eat. Why don't you sleep and rest?"

"No, I'm going to be up for a while." He stated, reaching out for the remote control on the side but it was a few meters away so I took it instead then handed it to him. He opened the tv and watched something about the news.

I heard someone knocked on the door and it opened. Rune came marching in with a straight, calm face. He is keeping up his bold and serious, bodyguard face. "Good day, old man."

"Rune, good to see you, son." Dad grinned seeing him. "Thank you for your service. You did a great job protecting my princess. I can't thank you enough."

Rune bowed his head. "I'm just doing my job, old man. Protecting my lady has been my top priority ever since."

A smile spread on Dad's face. "I know, that's why you're the only one I trust in this. You are the best in your agencies."

"I hate to disagree on that one, old man. Everyone is just amazing in their own way." He chuckled and walks closer. "I came here to inform you that there is a man outside who keeps on insisting in coming in. He's name is Brian Sanchez. Should I let him in?"

My eyes widen hearing the name. He's here? Of all times, this is the time he picked to see my Dad.

"Yes, please. Let him in." Dad answered, cheerfully.

"But we have strict instructions that my lady needs to leave if someone is coming in. She is not allowed to be seen by anyone." Rune told him, straightly.

"No, it's alright." Dad waved his hand, disapprovingly. "Let him in...but only him. I trust that guy."

It took Rune seconds before he could answer back. "If that's what you want." He replied then turns to leave the room.

"The heaven is kind to us, Jasmine. You are going to meet your fiancé." Dad stated, groaning as he sat up slowly while he is holding a part of his stomach where he was shot.

I don't think I'm ready to meet my future husband.

I stood up straight and arranged myself. I'm just wearing a white tank top, with a cardigan over it and a black pants. I don't even have any makeup on so I don't know if I look good

In just a minute, someone already knocked on the door and a tall man came in. He had pale skin, dark brown hair with a nice haircut, he's wearing a suit like a respected politician and may I just add that he is very good looking.

The moment he sees me, a smile spread on his lips but his eyes went to my Dad. "Mr. Mayor." He greeted. "I'm glad to see you in back to life. You got us worried back there."

"Well, son...it's take a lot of that before you could take me down." He grinned back and chuckled. "Oh, Brian! You came here a perfect timing...this is my lovely daughter, Jasmine. Jasmine, meet Brian Sanchez. The next Mayor of Crimson City."

"If I win." Brian turned to me with a kind smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Jasmine. Your Dad has been telling me nonstop about you."

"I hope they are all good things." I joked.

"Amazing things, actually." He stated, looking at me admiringly. "Seriously, Mr. Mayor, your security out there is so amazing. The long haired dude told me to take off my clothes to make sure that I don't have any gun or hidden cameras with me. I thought he was joking but he was dead serious."

Oh, Rune. I can't help but chuckle at the thought. "Don't tell me you did."

"No, of course not. Why would I do such thing?" Marc laughed, genuinely.

"Sorry about that, Marc. My instructions are very clear that I will not let anyone visit me today." Dad told him.

"Oh, is that so? I'm sorry, I didn't know. When I heard from Dr. Muller this morning that you already woke up, I walked out of my conference." Marc shared.

"Why did you have a contact with Dr. Muller?" My eyebrow raised, suspiciously.

"She's my mother." He answered, rubbing the back of his head. "Muller is her maiden's name. He and my Dad were never married in the first place."

Oh. I thought he had something up in his sleeves over there.

"My apologies, Mr. Mayor. I can leave now since I already seen you awake. You can continue your resting now." He slightly bowed his head and turns to leave but Dad stopped him.

"No, it's alright. Stay here and get to know my daughter. You two are already engaged, right?" Dad smiled.

Oh, great. Just fucking great, Dad. You are really the one who is insisting this engagement thing.

"I don't think this is a good place for courtship. A woman like her deserved to be courted somewhere beautiful." Brian replied, turning to me and winked. "But I have to go now too, I have a board meeting in ten so I have to catch that up before people starts to wonder where I have been."

"Alright then. But please, do come back. I have things to discuss with you."

Brian nodded and then slowly walks over to me and kissed my hand all of sudden. "I hope to see you soon, Jasmine. I can't wait for our next meeting."

I slightly blushed at his action. "Yes...I mean, I will see you soon. Have a safe day."

"I will." He responded to me then says his farewell to my Dad before turning to leave. Phew, I'm glad that he already left and it is also a relief to find out that Rune is not here in the room.

"I told you he's a good man." Dad smiled cheekily at me.

"Dad, first meeting is not enough for me to say that he's a good man." I retorted, crossing my arms. "Did he already know about us being engage?"

"Yes, he is very aware of that." He stated, groaning as he tries to move a little on the bed. "Damn, I can't wait to get out of this hospital."

I shook my head. Stubborn as always.

Jeez, I feel like I have to tell Rune about this but I am not sure if he would care. I mean...we are not even dating or in a relationship kind of type. All we knew is we like each other and we haven't talked about me being his girlfriend, right?

But I know there is already something there between us. I can assure of it. My feelings about him is just so different and the happiness I'm experiencing when I'm with him. Shit, I sound so cheesy. I don't even know what is going on with me.

So this day passed with me spending my whole day in the hospital, helping Dad and of course less talking to Rune. He just stayed outside our hospital room and guarding. He is keeping up that act as a bodyguard as always. Then later when we are alone, he will be change and becomes very caring and sweet to me.

I wonder what will Dad think if he knew that something is going on between me and Rune. Will he agree?

Later that night, Rune took me back to the Royals since I spend the whole whole evening at the hospital. I just have to go back tomorrow morning then.

Rune and I are having dinner in his office where he had his own private kitchen. He cooked us an Italian styled meatballs spaghetti which tasted very delicious though. I'm very impressed. Well, nothing is hotter than a man who knows how to cook.

Seriously, a man who cooks amazing for me is so hot. That's why most of my ex boyfriends are chef. Oh, better not recall those anymore. I should pay attention to this man more.

"Why are you looking at me like that? You have something to say?" Rune's head tilted on one side as he noticed me glancing at him as we eat. "You barely touch your food, don't you like it?"

"Huh? No, I love it actually. It tastes wonderful." I woke up from my thoughts and sigh. "Thank you for cooking."

"You're acting strange since we got back from the hospital. Are you sure you're okay? Are you still worried about your Dad?" He asked, curiously.

"No!" I laughed, genuinely. "I'm fine, really."

"Are you sure?"

"Definitely sure." I answered, nodding my head. I twisted my fork to take scoop the spaghetti noodles before munching it to my mouth. "Tell me, Rune...have you dated other women? Real question, okay?"

"Why are you asking that?"

"Nothing, just to make a conversation. Besides, there is nothing wrong with my question. I told you some informations about the guys I dated." I reasoned out, grinning.

Rune chuckled, leaned his elbows on the table to look at me, skeptically. "I'm not interested in the past, my lady. For me, what happens in the past stays there. No need to look back."

Well, now that he mentioned that. His job is more about killing and haunting evil people. He can't look back and think about the people he killed. They just move on and forget about it that's why they don't take it seriously. They need to shoot if they have to. Kill if they need to.

"Just this once...I'm curious about your personal life." I insisted.

He stared at me for seconds before letting out a sigh and seems to be giving up. "I never had a serious relationship, my lady. Scratch that, I never had a relationship with anyone."

My mouth gape. "For real?"

He nodded. "I already told you before, my lady. In this kind of job, you can't have a relationship. Just think if I had a girlfriend at a time like this, but I have a mission that I have to be with you 24/7, do you think my girlfriend will like that setup? I don't think so." He chuckled, dryly. "It will just cause conflict."

He does have a point. "How about some affairs? Some only one night shit, ever have that?"

Rune laughed at my question. "Are you trying to ask if I'm a virgin?"

"Oh fuck no." I quickly denied. "Jeez, I should not have any conversation with you tonight."

"Of course, I had, my lady." He answered while shaking his head. "There was also one time that I slept with our target just to get some information."

I made a disgust face. "Ew, that is so gross. You would go through that just for your job?"

"I have to, if that is the only way to take her down." He smiled, boyishly.

"Whats her status then? It's hard to believe that a woman is the mob leader or something." I questioned. I can't believe I became o interested in this topic.

"She's the daughter of a drug lord." He answered. I'm actually glad that he is not hiding it from me anymore. Before, I'm sure he would not answer me truthfully. "And the only way to take down his father is through her since she is the only one who knew."

"Poor girl." I murmured. "But, that can't be helped."

"How about you? Since when did you lost your virginity?" He asked, forwardly.

I didn't expect that he would be asking such thing but, I will answer it because he answered my questions. "16."

"Oh, with that man who made you loose the confidence so you started wearing those makeup." He remembered, sitting back and crossing his arms. From his posture, I figure out that he is going to ask me more question.

I nodded and continued eating. "Yep, that's the man."

"And you slept with every boyfriend that you had?"

"That's exaggerating, dear. Not all." I glared at him. That is very offending, though. "You think of me that kind of a dirty girl?"

"Of course not, my lady. I was just asking." He raised both hands and laughed. "I bet none of them has gave you the best organism yet." He joked causing me to choke at the noodles.

"The heck?!" I gasped, taking the glass of water and he just laughed out loud. "I loved that reaction on your face."

"Oh, I bet you do." I grunted, wiping my lips. "Jeez, I nearly die because of your question. That is too private, Rune. Fuck you."

"Why don't you try it with me? I will give you a reason not to leave." He winked at me and I am so close in killing him right now.

"I'm not going to ask you any more question."

"Oh come on, my lady. I'm just kidding." He continued laughing.

"I don't care." I chanted, finishing my spaghetti as I hide the blush that is creeping to my face. The dinner ended and we just watched some tv in his room before going to sleep.

The same thing happened the next days, Dad finally checked out the next week but he is still being watched by a private nurse that will be coming home with him while I need to stay hidden. I'm not just so sure if we have to go back to St. Dominique or we will just hide at the Royals for the meantime.

But now that my Dad is alright, that is all that matters. He is taking his medication well and he needs to be checked about the Leukaemia that he is suffering right now. I asked the doctors do all they can to help my Dad but he doesn't really want to go to chemo.

But right now, all I wish is that Rune and the others are already finding a way to defeat Lyndon.

To be continued.