MY PERFECT BODYGUARD CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN: EMBRACING TOMORROW

Six months have passed since Linda made the difficult decision to leave Richard's side and assume control of the company, dedicating herself to rectifying the turmoil left by Gloria. The extensive effort required to address the state Gloria left the company in consumed much of Linda's time. In the midst of her demanding responsibilities, Linda inadvertently lost track of Richard's recovery progress.

Linda found herself compelled to purchase additional shares of the company, a task made somewhat easier due to her previous substantial holdings. In honoring her commitment to Victor, she navigated the complexities of the business world despite being in the midst of her education. Upholding her promise, she expanded the workforce by employing 500 new workers and initiated reconstruction in certain sections of the company to accommodate the growth. Despite the challenges, Linda recognized the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company, aiming for an 85% knowledge base to effectively navigate its operations.

With the company successfully restored and thriving, Linda opted to host an extravagant celebration, marking the comeback of the business and the integration of new talent. The city witnessed an unprecedented event, as a multitude attended, including the newly acquired shareholders, Victor, Cynthia, and Maria, alongside Linda's close friends and other guests.

The vibrant atmosphere of the party was fueled by the diverse mix of attendees. Amidst the festivities, Victor approached Linda, seeking a conversation to discuss the triumphs and challenges they had faced together.

An 18-year-old heading a multi-billionaire company is both challenging and overwhelming, eliciting cheers and congratulations from the attendees as they raised their glasses.

Truth be told, I initially considered leaving it all for Gloria; I had almost given up. It wasn't until Richard stepped in to help that everything changed. Now, I can't even express my gratitude to him," Linda lamented.

"You're being too hard on yourself, and you speak as if your boyfriend is gone forever. He's just in a coma, and I assure you, he will wake up," Victor reassured.

Feeling adrift without Richard, Linda shared, "My dream is to run the company by his side as my husband because I genuinely feel safe with him. I just hope he wakes up."

They clinked their glasses again, raising a toast to Richard's swift recovery. "I need to give a speech," Linda said to Victor, who nodded in agreement as he allowed Linda to ascend the podium.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen.

Before I delve into my speech, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us in such large numbers today.

Many might assume it was solely my efforts that got the company back on track, but that's far from the truth. There's someone to whom all the credit is due. He had a family, people who cherished him deeply, yet he chose to stand by my side and confront Gloria with all his strength.

Today wouldn't be possible without him. He taught me that love propels us to reach our utmost potential. I dedicate the progress of this company to him. Any success this company achieves in the years to come belongs to him.

Let's raise a toast to him!" Linda declared, prompting everyone at the party to clink their glasses in unison.

As Linda descended from the podium and rejoined Victor, he remarked, "That was a short and powerful speech. Are you sure you're even 18?" Linda smiled in response.

Amid their conversation, a tall, young figure in a black suit entered through the entrance. The hushed whispers spread through the attendees as they turned to see who it was. To their astonishment, it was Richard. Both Linda and Victor, utterly surprised, couldn't believe their eyes.

Richard, with a smile, approached Linda and Victor. "Hi, Richard," he greeted.

"Hey kid, I thought you were in a coma," Victor asked, his shock evident.

"Yeah, I was, but now I'm awake," Richard replied. Victor, overwhelmed with joy, dragged him into a tight hug. "Our hero is back!" he exclaimed, prompting cheers from the entire party. "It's good to have you back, kid," Victor added with a heartfelt sentiment.

Linda remained frozen in shock as Maria and Cynthia approached them. "We are so sorry for not telling you," Richard explained. "I wanted to fully recover before revealing myself. I woke up two months ago, but I was still lean, so I stayed indoors, focusing on eating and sleeping," Maria added.

Victor, understanding the situation, commented, "Well, that's great. The most important thing is he's back."

Overwhelmed with joy, Linda rushed to Richard and embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face. Richard, noticing her emotions, held her with a reassuring grip, gently caressing her back. "Hey, it's okay. Let's find somewhere private and talk," he suggested as he led Linda upstairs.

As they ascended to the topmost floor of the building, they stayed there in silence for a while until Richard finally broke it. "Here is a handkerchief. Clean your tears," he offered, helping Linda wipe away her emotions.

"I kept on believing. Thank goodness you're back," Linda expressed emotionally.

"I'm glad to see your beautiful face again," Richard replied, causing Linda to blush. "I guess the company is now back on track," he asked.

"Yeah, of course," Linda replied. "You know the company needs an owner," she added.

"Of course, it needs, and that's definitely you," Richard cut in. "You're smart, brave, and intelligent. Even though you're still a teenager, you're the best for the job," he said, smiling.

Linda approached Richard closely, holding his two hands as she looked up at him. "Hey, I've given it a lot of thought lately, and I know this might sound crazy, but I've considered it billions of times," Linda said.

"What's that?" Richard replied.

"Well, I was thinking that we could get married. If this company needs an owner, I think it's you. You gave your life for it. I don't see anyone better for the CEO work than you," Linda expressed.

"But I didn't do it for the company; I did it for you," Richard said, smiling.

Linda inquired, "Why are you smiling? Did I say something funny?"

"Of course, you didn't," Richard replied. "I'm just happy that you want to marry me. I'm glad you think of me this way and trust me a lot. It makes me feel special, and I love you more and more for that. Believe me when I tell you, I really want to marry you more than you want to marry me," Richard said, holding Linda's hand and drawing her closer to him.

"But I want to live a life I'm proud of. You and I know that if I marry you and take over the company when I am of no use to the company, just a fighter that fought his way through, then I'm not worthy enough. I want to be smart like you; I want to be intelligent like you. I want to be the perfect man for you, not just a perfect bodyguard, so you can be proud of me in every aspect of life," Richard explained.

"All I want is for you to give me time to be the perfect man you want. But I already love you this way," Linda said.

"Yeah, I know, but I want to be better for you. And I promise you, once I'm back, we will get married," Richard assured as he held Linda's cheek.

"What are you planning to do?" Linda asked.

"Well, I enrolled in a tech school. It teaches us a lot about technology, and I got in. I want to be a professional as well, and it's a two-year course," Richard explained.

"How sure are you that things will be normal? What if you meet another girl?" Linda asked.

Richard laughed, "I promise it's you I will only see."

"And you? You're going back to school?" Richard asked Linda.

"Yes, of course. I just need to interview the new acting CEO to finish my studies," Linda replied.

"So, make sure you don't see any boys," Richard teased.

"Of course, I won't. I promise."

"When I lost my memory, I felt a big sense of imbalance with me. I thought maybe all my memories were lost, that's why. But I later found out that it was you that my heart kept rooting for," Richard said as he grabbed Linda and gave her a heavy kiss, to which Linda held onto him and kissed him back.

THE END