MY PERFECT BODYGUARD 2 CHAPTER FIVE SHADOWS OF WARNINGS

As Richard and Becky gazed at the stars, Richard found himself lost in contemplation. Contrary to his belief that seeing Linda with someone else would bring him peace, the reality sparked fear and panic within him.

"I need to go back to the party," Richard declared. "I have to talk to Emma."

"Sure, let's head downstairs," Becky agreed. They descended to the party area, where Richard hurriedly approached Emma.

"Hey, Nina, can I borrow Emma for a moment?" Richard requested.

"Of course, you can," Nina agreed. Richard led Emma out of the party, seeking a private conversation outside.

Breathing heavily, Richard stepped outside, prompting Emma to rush to his side.

"Hey, bro, what's wrong?" Emma inquired, concerned.

"I thought if she forgets about me and moves on, I'd find peace or something," Richard confessed. "Why am I reacting like this to just a picture? It's like my heart wants to explode." He sat down, attempting to catch his breath, grappling with the unexpected intensity of his emotions.

Emma, understanding Richard's concerns, sat down beside him. 

"She's sent 34 letters waiting for you to reply. What makes you think she doesn't need you?" Emma questioned. "She loves you for who you are, not for what you have."

Leaning in, Emma asked, "How did you guys meet?" prompting Richard to recount the story of their meeting, aiming to remind him of the genuine connection they shared beyond material differences.

After Richard shared his journey and adventures with Linda, Emma was genuinely impressed.

"OMG, I can't believe you were this cool! You're a great fighter. If anyone deserves to be by her side, it's you. You were there with her through thick and thin, and you're here saying you don't deserve her? Cut that bullshit, bro," Emma exclaimed, trying to shake Richard out of his self-doubt.

"I don't know, man," Richard admitted, still harboring some doubt. "I just want to have my own life, that's all. I love her, but I still need to be a man of my own," he expressed.

"Well, I think you're right. For now, focus on your studies, and let's see how things go," Emma suggested as they headed back to the party, offering support for Richard's desire to carve out his own path.

The next morning, Linda headed to school, engaging in her daily routine with friends. They chatted about the weekend, sharing their experiences.

"I can't believe you've uncovered the prime automobile. Congratulations, babe," Natasha exclaimed.

Amidst their conversation, a tall and handsome figure walked up to them. Linda was amazed to see Franklin.

"Hey, Franklin, what are you doing here?" Linda asked.

"Well, I got admitted here. Just passing by and saw you, so I decided to say hi," Franklin replied. Cecelia and Natasha, sensing Linda's nervousness, discreetly excused themselves, leaving the two to talk.

"Congratulations on your admission," Linda said. "Hope you enjoy your stay here, Frank."

"I definitely will, especially when you're around," Franklin replied with a smile, both sharing a moment of amusement.

"Welcome to Pine Stellar," Linda greeted as they both giggled.

"I was going to ask you for a date so we could go out and get to know each other more," Franklin proposed.

"I'm sorry, but I'm expected to see Richard's family today," Linda explained. "I do that every midweek after school, and I work during weekends, so I don't know if I can make time for that. Richard is my boyfriend, and seeing and staying with his family is my top priority."

Franklin, though disappointed, put on a smile. "Okay, no problem. Just know I'm always available whenever you need me," he said as he walked away.

Franklin dialed Gideon's number, maintaining a distance from Linda.

"Hey boss, I think you should know that whoever this Richard is and his family, I think they're getting in the way of our plan. Linda seems to have a lot of devotion to them," Franklin reported.

"Don't worry; I'm already on it," Gideon assured as he abruptly ended the call, and Franklin walked away, leaving an air of suspense around their mysterious plan.

Back at Richard's school, he was in class, deeply focused on the computer languages lecture, diligently jotting down notes. Computer-related classes were crucial for his self-project to build an AI. However, in the midst of the lecture, someone entered and whispered to the lecturer.

Once the person left, the lecturer announced, "Richard, you have a visitor who wants to see you."

"Can't he wait until after the class?" Richard questioned.

"Well, go now; it seems urgent," the lecturer insisted. Richard stood up and left the class to find out who was calling for him.

Outside, Richard encountered a tall man in dark shades, donned in a high-quality suit with a hat, exuding a menacing aura. Three formidable men stood guard behind him as he perched on top of his Bentley truck.

"Wow, I was expecting the Richard I was told about to be more intimidating and vicious. Looks like he's just a scared little boy," Gideon remarked with a hint of mockery as Richard approached him.

"Who are you?" Richard questioned them.

"There's no need to know, Richard. We just came to extend our greetings and warnings to you," Gideon replied.

"What warning?" Richard asked.

Gideon continued, "Looking at the kind of school you enrolled in, the tuition is worth $25 per semester. It means you come from a wretched family, and you have no birthright in the so-called wretched family."

"Did you come here to insult me, or do you have something to say?" Richard retorted. "I have a class that I don't want to miss, so please speed it up."

"Linda is out of your league. She's meant to marry someone she'll be proud of, someone who would back the company – I mean, someone from a rich family. So, I advise you to stay clear of her," Gideon warned.

"Why would I listen to you? Last I checked, Linda didn't have a guardian or something. So, who are you guys?" Richard questioned, refusing to be easily swayed by the intimidation.

Gideon stood from the car and approached Richard, asserting his dominance.

"You might sound tough, but let me make one thing clear. If I ever see your family or you around her again, I'm going to show you how tough and intimidating I can be. I'll shred your family into pieces, so hear me out—stay clear," Gideon warned. He ordered his guards to enter the car, and they drove off.

Richard, left with a sense of foreboding, watched them leave the school premises. Gideon's knowledge about his family added an unsettling layer to the situation, leaving Richard deep in thought.