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After five years of study at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, Donna had a string of small roles and appearances in films without ever really breaking through into the cutthroat world of Hollywood. If she was beginning to despair, one morning, her life changed when she was called by the director of a film who was looking for an actress for the main role, and after a breathtaking audition that had the jury in agreement, the redhead had just gotten the role of a lifetime. If the first rumors in the press appeared about her, quickly, people started to recognize her in the street, she had more and more followers on social networks, and her calendar began to fill up with a series of invitations to shows or interviews. When the trailer for her film was released, that's when she knew things were getting serious. When she signed for this film, her childhood best friend, Rachel, advised her to get an agent, and out of spite, she hired Mike, the brunette's boyfriend, who was originally a sports agent but who was launching his career and who decided to start small with Donna. But now, a year and a half after that phone call, things had changed dramatically for her as she struggled to acclimatize to her newfound fame. « What is this? » asked Mike. Donna, Rachel, and Mike were sitting on the couch and looking at the redhead, who was twisting an envelope between her fingers with a stressed look. 
« Another letter »
 « A threatening letter again? » Rachel asked. 
« Yeah »
 
« Donna, I know you're not going to like what I'm going to tell you, but I think it's necessary: ​​you need a bodyguard »
 
« What? No, Mike, I don't need a bodyguard »
 
« Donna, you're starting to gain some notoriety, you're receiving threatening letters, and then, you've even seen how people stop you in the street and their reactions, this can't continue any longer »
 Indeed, since the trailer was available and the release of the film was progressing quickly, they multiplied the interviews and appeared on television, and the crowd waiting for her became bigger and bigger, and, above all, more insistent. Every time she left the studio or the set, people were waiting for her, shouting at her, stopping her in the street, wanting photos, and, as happy as Donna was to be a recognized actress, she sometimes had the impression of being a spectator of her own life, especially since she didn't always feel very comfortable with everyone. 
« I don’t know Mike »
 
« I don’t think we really have a choice »
 « And, even then, I’m pretty sure I don’t have the money to pay a bodyguard » muttered the redhead. 
« I'm not going to lie to you, it may be complicated at the moment, but have you seen the nominations this year? With the Oscars, the BAFTA, the Golden Globes, and even the Brit Awards, your career and your life will change »
 
« We’re not sure about it, Mike »
 
« Well, trust me. And I think that when you’re going to interviews, studio outings, and that sort of thing, you'll just have to be accompanied, at least until the hype dies down. Because we don't know what goes through people's heads when they see you. Look what happened when you left the studio last Monday »
 A few days ago, while she was leaving the set of a second film that she was busy filming, she was stopped a few steps away by a man in his forties who recognized her from afar. He had asked for a photo with her, and, although she was tired and just wanted to go home, she had accepted. Once it was done, she tried to get back on the road, but the man continued to follow her while asking her a series of increasingly indiscreet questions. Even though she planned to take a walk before returning home, because she was being followed by the man, she decided to hail a taxi and return home immediately, locking herself in until the next day, for fear that the man would follow her to her house. Especially since, for the moment, she didn't have the money to buy an ultra-secure house in Los Angeles like all the big stars, and she was still living in her one-bedroom apartment in New York, so she thought about Mike's proposal for a few seconds before sighing. 
« Alright »
 
« So you agree? »
 
« I don’t really have a choice, no? »
 « Yeah, that’s true » chuckled Mike. 
« Anyway, how do you even find a bodyguard? »
 
« I might have someone in mind »
 « Already? » replied Donna with big eyes. 
« Yeah, he's a friend of mine »
 « Who? » asked Rachel, surprised. 
« Harv »
 « Oh yeah. Of course » smiled the brunette as she looked at her friend with a smirk. « What? » giggled the redhead. 
« Oh, you’ll see. Harvey is .. Harvey. But you’ll get along well, I’m sure »
 « Alright. Do what you have to do, then » sighed Donna as she stood up to go to her kitchen. The rest of the evening, the three friends talked until Mike and Rachel went home, leaving the redhead alone at her place. The next day, Mike had arranged to meet Donna at his house so that she could meet Harvey, and while she was eating noodles on the couch, she began to question her agent. 
« So, what about Harvey? »
 
« What do you want to know about him? »
 
« Everything. He will take care of my security, I deserve to know him a little »
 
« Alright. What can I say? Harvey and I have known each other since we were twelve, we met at a baseball game when we were each on different teams. The following year, I changed schools, we ended up in the same class, and we have been inseparable ever since. You'll see, we're very different, but he's great »
 
« And how did he become a bodyguard? It's a strange career choice »
 
« It's not really a choice. He has a somewhat complicated past, and as a result, he didn't went to college, instead, he was spotted during an amateur boxing match, he turned professional, and he was very talented. But one day, his opponent was trying to piss him off on purpose, and he delivered a blow which was not authorized. He was then excluded from the competition, and he can no longer fight professionally. So, to continue earning money, he became a bodyguard »
 
« And for what kind is he working? »
 
« For the moment, he is a bouncer for private parties, and he sometimes provides protection for businessmen or politicians »
 « And he's going to take care of my security? I mean, I’m just an actress » muttered Donna. 
« Yeah. He owes me one »
 
« Great »
 
« It's just waiting for it to calm down, that’s it »
 
« Alright »
 « I prefer to warn you, sis, at first glance, he's arrogant, self-confident, he's a pain in the ass, but I promise you that deep down, he's a softy » laughed Rachel. 
« Yeah, he’s smartass, but it’s just a facade »
 « I can’t wait to meet him, then » replied the redhead as she continued to eat her noodles. For another twenty minutes, they talked until the front door rang, and Mike got up from the couch to walk out into the hall while Donna and Rachel continued to talk. As soon as the bodyguard passed the door, he looked at his best friend with a smirk. 
« Hey buddy »
 
« Hey »
 
« So you found your bestie a new job? »
 
« Well, you need money, look at that appearance »
 
« You’re just jealous, Mike »
 « Of course » laughed the blonde man. 
« Anyway, I have to babysit a new actress who thinks she's the next Meryl Streep? »
 
« Harvey, don’t »
 As Harvey walked into the living room, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a redhead standing next to the couch. She was a head shorter than him, wearing wide black pants, a dark green silk top with thin straps revealing her thin shoulders, her long pale arms covered in freckles, as well as the space between her two clothes, revealing part of her flat stomach. As he looked up, he swallowed hard when he saw her face. She had long red hair cascading down to the middle of her back, a curtain bangs framing her sweet face, large green-brown eyes, and a series of barely visible freckles dotted her face. Harvey wasn't a big fan of art, but if he had to describe the perfect physical appearance, it would look exactly like the redhead. For a few seconds, the room was silent until they heard the redhead speaking in a soft, sexy voice that made his knees weak. 
« Hi, I’m the new actress who thinks she’s the next Meryl Streep that you’ll have to babysit »

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After Mike quickly introduced them, the makeup artist arrived as she took Donna upstairs to start preparing her for the interview that awaited her in less than two hours. While the girls were upstairs and both men found themselves all alone, Harvey plopped down on the couch as Mike looked at him, laughing, as he took a seat across from him. 
« You’re a fucking asshole »
 « I didn’t know she was there » muttered the bodyguard as he rubbed his face. 
« I saw that »
 For a few seconds, neither of them spoke as Harvey stared at the ground and Mike looked at him, with a stupid smile on his face. Seeing his best friend in his thoughts, the blonde man chuckled before starting to speak again. 
« You’re alright, buddy? »
 
« Hum? »
 
« You’re alright? »
 
« Yeah, yeah. Why? »
 
« I watched your face when you saw her for the first time »
 « I don’t know what you’re talking about » muttered Harvey. 
« Hey, dude, we’ve known each other for almost fifteen years now, and let me tell you, you are so fucked up »
 « Alright, she’s smoking hot » chuckled the bodyguard. 
« I know, but I’ll stop you right there »
 
« Why? »
 
« Because she’s not like that »
 
« What do you mean? »
 
« She’s serious, Harvey, and she’s a great girl too. She doesn’t deserve to be just another woman on your hunting table, she’s better than that »
 
« Hey, I’m not like that »
 
« You are. Harv, I love you, you’re my best friend, but when it comes to women, you’re the worst. A different girl every night, no ties with any of them, just physical, you spend the night with them, and the next day, you forget just as quickly. That’s not for Donna, she’s not that kind of woman »
 
« Come on, she’s an actress »
 
« I know, but she’s not just an actress, she’s a great person too, you’ll see. But trust me, it’s gonna be hard for you, because, if you’re flirty and think that all women succumb to your charm, let me tell you, she’s irresistible. You’ll fall hard for her »
 « We’ll see about that » smirked Harvey. 
« Yeah, yeah. Anyway, you saw the game the other night? »
 
« It was crazy »
 For several more minutes, the two best friends continued to discuss the match from the day before while Rachel helped Donna put on her outfit. Since seeing Harvey for the first time, the redhead had a hard time getting him out of her head, despite the derogatory remark he made without him knowing she was there. Before he arrived, she had no idea what he looked like, but when she saw him, her heart skipped a beat. Physically, he was perfect and was everything she loved in a man. His brown hair was combed to the side, he had large, round brown eyes, a peculiar smirk, and a protruding jaw where she would have loved to pepper kisses. He wore suit pants that tightened around his muscular thighs as he moved forward, his white shirt clung to his skin and revealed his bulging biceps, as he was holding his jacket in his arms. Even if his remark annoyed Donna at first, she saw the way he had blushed when he saw her and how he looked at her with hunger and admiration, and she couldn't help but feel her breath hitch when she first saw him too. 
« He was kidding, you know »
 
« Huh? »
 
« Harvey »
 
« What about him? »
 
« The remark about you being the new Meryl Streep. He was kidding »
 
« Oh yeah. I had guessed it »
 
« He's like that, he acts like an idiot to get noticed, but in reality, he didn't mean it. I am sure you two will get along very well »
 
« I hope. We're going to spend time together, so it’s for the best »
 
« You'll see, he’s a great guy. Give yourself time to get to know him »
 
« Yeah »
 
« Anyway, I think you’re ready, no? »
 
« Yep. Let’s go »
 After a final inspection in the mirror, the redhead and her best friend walked down the stairs while chatting and laughing together, and again, Harvey felt his breath catch as he saw her approaching them. While she was tapping away on her phone, he took a few seconds to inspect her and swallowed hard. On her feet, she wore high heels, on which she swayed as if it were the simplest thing in the world. She then wore a long white silk skirt with a slit reaching almost all the way to the top, revealing her pale leg with every step she took. Above it, she wore a matching top that stopped below her ribs, revealing the strip of skin on her stomach, and, as she turned around, Harvey remained staring at the hollow formed by her spine in her back. Never in his life did he think he would be so turned on by a spine, but seeing her move around the living room like that, he swallowed hard again. While he was in his daydream, he came back to reality when Donna started talking to his best friend. 
« Are we going, Mike? »
 
« Well, Harvey will drop you off »
 
« Oh »
 « Yeah. Bodyguard and driver » smiled Harvey. 
« I didn't know, sorry. Let's go then? »
 
« Yeah, yeah »
 
« See you Mike, thanks Rach »
 « See you Donna » replied the couple together. As they walked towards the car, Donna was surprised to see Harvey open the back door for her. She then sat in before he closed the door behind her and got in at the front, behind the wheel. While sitting in the back, Donna felt uncomfortable acting like that, while the bodyguard drove silently. After a few minutes, feeling the heavy silence, Harvey cleared his throat before starting to speak. 
« Hey, about earlier, I'm sorry »
 
« It's fine »
 
« Really, it was a joke. I'm stupid sometimes, well, most of the time »
 « Really, don't worry, I know what it looks like. The new little actress of the moment who needs security like a spoiled little girl, believe me, if I could have avoided it, I would have done it, but Mike obliged me » whispered Donna, looking at the passing landscape outside. 
« I can imagine »
 After this brief conversation, silence fell again in the car, until we arrived at their destination. As he parked the car, he already saw the crowd of people waiting for her a little further away, and, after going around to open the door for her, he felt his heart sink. Although she always looked confident, smiling, and sure of herself and everything, at this moment, he could see her taking a deep breath, changing her facial expressions, as if she were wearing a mask, and getting out of the car with a big smile. When she was noticed, the crowd started to shout, and Harvey saw her take a brief step back before she moved forward to sign some autographs, greet people, and take a few photos. He remained behind her but close enough, as she took her time with the crowd in order to satisfy everyone, but as he saw people becoming more and more agitated and insistent, after a while, he approached her to place his hand on her back and whisper in her ear. 
« Alright, let's go now »
 As soon as his hand touched the bare skin of her back and he brought his face closer to her, he was enveloped in her scent and felt delirious. For her part, when Harvey's delicate fingers rested on her bare spine, she felt her whole body shiver as his hot breath caressed the skin of her neck. Without even waiting for a response from the redhead, Harvey exerted pressure on her lower back to encourage her to move forward, and, a few seconds later, they found themselves inside the building as Donna sighed. Even though she was the epitome of a strong, confident woman, the bodyguard could see that she was still having a hard time adjusting to this new celebrity status, and if his job was only to ensure her security, after having spent barely a few hours with her, he felt like he only wanted her to be happy and safe, and that he’d do anything for her. A few minutes later, they were immediately greeted by a small man with glasses. 
« Miss Paulsen, nice to meet you. Please follow me, and you sir, you can wait here, it will normally take an hour and a half »
 
« What? He's not going to wait in a hallway for an hour and a half »
 « Miss Paulsen, it's fine » smiled Harvey. 
« No, it's not. Come with me »
 Clearly, she was really new in this environment and had a hard time understanding that Harvey was only there to protect her when there were people around, not to accompany her everywhere, but above all, she had a hard time getting her head around the fact that she was a big star while Harvey was just an average bodyguard. To avoid upsetting her, he looked at the man, who nodded reluctantly, and the three adults headed towards one of the rooms at the end of the corridor. The redhead greeted the interviewer, then sat down on the sofa opposite, while Harvey stood up in the back, next to the control room, as he looked at her through the screen. For almost an hour, he watched her with admiration while she answered all the lady's questions with ease and naturalness, completely in her element. Once she was done, she greeted everyone kindly, and Harvey took the opportunity to go get the car and park at the back of the building so she could get into it without meeting anyone else. Once parked, he got out of the car, and, as he was about to open the back door for her, he was surprised to see the redhead open the front door and get in on the passenger side. 
« Miss Paulsen, it’s not - »
 
« Come on, let’s go »
 Again, he complied and got behind the wheel before driving off. After a few seconds, Donna turned her head to look at him, whispering in a soft voice. 
« Call me Donna »
 
« Miss Paulsen, I’m not sure it’s - »
 
« Please, it’s weird. I’m friends with Mike, and you’re his best friend, we’re around the same age, so don’t call me Miss Paulsen »
 
« You’re my boss »
 
« No, I’m not. Well, technically, yeah, I am. But I don’t want you to feel like that, I mean, I’m not.. like that you, know. I’m not a spoiled star who thinks she is superior. So, instead of being boss and employee, let’s be friends. What do you think? »
 
« I’m not sure it’s a good idea »
 
« Harvey »
 The way she said his name sent a shiver through his body as he gripped his steering wheel a little tighter. After a few seconds of thinking, he sighed before taking advantage of the red light to turn and look at her. Seeing her big eyes looking deeply at him, he gave in. 
« Alright »
 « Thanks » smiled Donna. For a few seconds, the car fell into silence again until the redhead started speaking again with a soft smile. 
« By the way, how old are you? »
 
« I am twenty-six »
 
« Alright. You don't ask me? »
 
« You just turned twenty-five a month ago. I read your Wikipedia page when you were doing the interview earlier »
 « No way » laughed Donna. « I did, yeah » chuckled Harvey as he continued to drive. For another twenty minutes, they chatted about everything and nothing, as if they had known each other for years, and both were surprised to see how well they got along. Once in front of the redhead's building, Harvey quickly got out to open the door for her, and, as he was about to get back into the car, Donna looked at him with a questioning look. 
« Come on »
 
« What? »
 
« It’s late, you’re probably hungry, and I was about to cook something for me, we could share the meal »
 
« Miss Paulsen, I mean Donna, it’s for the best if I go home now »
 
« Harvey, it’s fine »
 
« Donna - »
 
« I hope pesto pasta suits you »
 Without even waiting for a response from her bodyguard, she turned to head towards the entrance, while Harvey remained frozen on the sidewalk. 
« Come on »
 Five minutes later, Harvey found himself in front of door number 206, went inside, following her as Donna threw her keys into the vase on the hall cabinet. After coaxing him to get comfortable, she disappeared into the hallway, only to return a few minutes later, changed. Her hair was now in a high ponytail, she had swapped her white skirt for gray sweatpants that fell low on her hips, and her white top for a tight cropped t-shirt that still showed a thin strip of skin. Harvey would never have imagined one day ending up in the apartment of one of his bosses while she was preparing pasta for them in loungewear, as if it were the most normal thing on earth. A quarter of an hour later, they were both sitting at the table, busy eating the pasta that the redhead had prepared, and, while he couldn't help but look at her with a small smile, he saw Donna chuckle. 
« What? »
 
« Nothing, it’s just that I imagined that you lived in a bigger apartment, that you had your private chefs and all that »
 « No way. I’m not that kind of person » giggled Donna, rolling her eyes. For over an hour, the two adults talked about everything and nothing, never getting tired of chatting until Donna received a call from her mother and Harvey realized it was time to leave. Once she hung up, he stood up, put on his jacket again, and clear his throat. 
« Well, I'll go »
 
« Are you sure? »
 
« Yeah, it's late, and I'll leave you alone »
 
« Alright »
 
« But we’ll see each other on Tuesday? It seems to me that I have to accompany you on a shoot »
 
« Yeah, that’s right. See you on Tuesday then »
 
« Bye Donna »
 
« Bye Harvey »
 With these words, the bodyguard hurriedly got out of the apartment to go to his car, before getting behind the wheel and staring in front of him for several minutes, thinking about everything that had just happened today. Mike was right. He was so fucked up.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Tuesday morning, Harvey was pacing the hall outside the redhead's place, waiting for the time to read one p.m., and as the right number appeared on his phone, he stood in front of the door before taking a deep breath. Ever since he left Donna's apartment the other time, he hadn't stopped thinking about her day and night, remembering the great times they spent together. The bodyguard had done everything to forget her, going out, flirting, and making out with different women every night, and yet, as soon as he closed his eyes, he could see her: the redhead constantly haunted him. After knocking three times, he waited patiently until she opened the door for him. 
« Hey »
 
« Donna »
 
« Please, come on in »
 Again, Harvey followed the redhead into the apartment before she sat down at the table again, where she was obviously busy eating lunch before he arrived. 
« You want something to eat or drink? »
 
« Don't worry, I’m all good. By the way, you better eat, we have to leave in twenty minutes »
 « Yes, chef » giggled Donna. Faced with the redhead's cute little laugh, Harvey couldn't help but smile widely while looking at her. A few seconds later, the bodyguard started to talk once again. 
« What are you drinking? »
 As she took the straw out of her mouth, she looked at the cup she had picked up from the bar downstairs at her house, before answering him. 
« Mint Citrus Green Tea, you wanna try it? »
 
« No, it’s fine »
 « Come on, taste it » replied Donna. As she was holding the straw out towards Harvey, a few inches from his mouth, the bodyguard swallowed hard as he gave in, and caught the straw between his lips as he looked at her with eyes burning with desire. For a few seconds, neither spoke, staring at each other until he took a sip and slid his lips slowly along her straw in a sensual way. 
« It's very good »
 
« Told you »
 While they were both in their bubbles, still focusing on each other, they were abruptly interrupted when Donna's phone rang, reminding her that it was time to leave. The journey to the filming location was not very far, and although she usually went there by herself, since this time it was an outside location, Mike preferred that his best friend take her there. After arriving at the right place, he parked, and they chatted while arriving at the precise filming location. After saying goodbye, Donna got into her trailer while Harvey remained frozen in front of it, knowing that he had to leave, but not having any intention to do it. 
« Hey, do you need help? Are you lost »
 
« Um, no. I'm Donna's bodyguard, I mean, Miss Paulsen »
 
« I think she's gonna be shooting for at least four hours today, did she ask you to stay? »
 
« No, not at all, but can I? »
 
« If you want, yeah, I'll give you the visitor badge, but it's going to be long »
 
« It’s fine »
 
« Alright, wait.. here. If you ever get asked any questions, you show this, and your security badge too, just in case »
 
« Thanks, buddy »
 
« Enjoy the filming »
 After the young man left, Harvey found himself all alone, not really knowing what to do. So he walked around the filming location, chatting with the cameramen and sound engineers while waiting to see the redhead perform. Half an hour later, everyone was in their spots, and for the first time, he saw Donna acting on the set, completely in her element. As the director gave final instructions, he observed how the redhead listened and followed the advice, and, as Harvey heard an older man shout action, he lost all sense of time as he got lost in his client’s acting. For nearly four hours, he remained static, completely mesmerized by her performance, without ever stop watching her for a second. When the director announced the end of filming’s day, he saw Donna returning to her trailer and hurriedly waited for her to come out to take her home. Obviously, she hadn't noticed that he had stayed, and, as she got out of her trailer and saw him, she looked at the bodyguard in surprise. 
« Harvey, what are you doing here? »
 
« I was waiting for you »
 
« You didn’t have to, there is no one anymore, I could turn back by myself with the taxi »
 
« It’s fine, don’t worry »
 As the two headed towards the car, Donna approached the front door to turn her head slightly to look at him and question the young man as she took a seat next to him in the vehicle. 
« What did you do during all this time? Weren't you too bored? There's not much around »
 
« I watch you act »
 
« What? »
 
« You’re very talented, you know »
 
« You stayed for more than four hours, just to see me acting? »
 
« I did, yeah »
 « Oh my God » chuckled Donna as she got closer. 
« What? »
 
« Don’t you have anything better to do? No one to see or hang out with, or no one waiting for you at home »
 « I don’t » muttered the bodyguard as he looked at the road in front of him. 
« I’m sorry, Harvey. I didn’t mean too »
 « Don’t worry, it’s fine » smiled sadly Harvey. For a few minutes, Harvey continued to drive in silence while Donna watched him out of the corner of her eye and saw that he had a sad and thoughtful look on his face. As he was about to take the direction to drop her off at home, she spoke in a soft voice as she looked at him. 
« Did you eat? »
 
« Not yet, why? »
 
« How about an In-N-Out? »
 
« At the driving? »
 « Of course » smiled the redhead. 
« Alright, let's go then »
 About ten minutes later, they both found themselves eating their burger and French fries in the front of the car, parked in the fast food parking lot. Noticing that he was still lost in thought, Donna placed her hand gently on his forearm before whispering. 
« Hey »
 
« Hum? »
 
« Look, I know we’re not the closest people in the world, and we’ve met only a few weeks ago, but if you wanna talk about it, I’m here, I’m very good at listening. No judgement, I swear »
 
« Thanks »
 For a few seconds, they continued eating in silence while Harvey continued to think about what Donna had just said, and, after a moment, she heard the bodyguard clear his throat and begin to speak quietly. 
« No one is waiting for me at home »
 
« What do you mean? »
 
« Well, my father and I fought a lot, I stopped talking with my mom almost ten years ago, and with my brother, it’s kind of complicated »
 
« You want to talk about it? »
 « I don’t even know where to start » sighed the young man. 
« Don’t feel forced to tell me anything if you don’t feel it »
 
« It’s not, I mean, it’s just that I never told anyone before »
 
« Not even Mike? »
 
« He knows a bit, but not everything »
 « I’m here » whispered the redhead as she gently caressed his hand with her thumbs. 
« When I was a teenager, I caught my mother with her lover, and she convinced me not to say anything to my father so as not to sadden him. So, because I loved my father very much, I followed her advice, and I didn't say anything for all those years while she continued to cheat on him. And the worst is, the day he found out about her and the cheating stuff, instead of hating her like I hated her, he forgave her, and he offered to forget everything and start again. Except that she preferred to leave with her lover, divorce her husband, and abandon her two kids. Since that day, I have never seen her again »
 
« Never again? »
 
« When she left home, I stayed with my father for two more years while my brother followed the shared guard, and then, since my dad absolutely wanted us to reconcile, I left, because I couldn't stand the situation anymore, it was way too hard. Barely eighteen, I arrived in New York, I worked odd jobs to pay my rent, and I managed on my own, without my parents »
 
« Are you still angry at her now? »
 
« I am »
 « You think you could forgive her one day? » muttered the redhead in a sweet voice. 
« No. She destroyed me »
 
« That much? »
 
« I no longer believe in love, well, I no longer believe in anything or anyone because of her. They always said that they were the love of each other's lives, and yet, she stuck a knife in his heart, and what's more, she had fun twisting it. She didn't hesitate to abandon the man she married and her own children after years for a random guy, how can anyone do that? »
 
« Sometimes, you don't know what's going on in people's heads, but you can't let one bad experience ruin your life, Harvey »
 
« He was the purest man on the planet, I'm not a quarter of him »
 
« You’re a good man, Harvey. I swear »
 
« But how can I trust someone, when my mother, the person who is supposed to love me like anything, betrays me without an ounce of guilt? So how can I imagine that, one day, a woman could stay with me all my life when my mother never did so? I just can’t »
 
« We’re not like your mother, Harvey »
 Faced with the redhead's implication, he looked at her with tenderness, and an ounce of hope, while the redhead cleared her throat, a bit embarrassed, before she started to speak again softly. 
« I mean, I’m talking about women in general, not just me. Maybe one day, you’ll find the one, I’m sure »
 
« Even if it happens, I can’t do that »
 
« Why no? »
 
« Because I’m so fucked up in my head that I’ll destroy any relationship, and I don't want to be responsible for destroying someone's life like my mother did with my father's »
 
« You are not going to reproduce the same thing as your mother »
 
« Of course I’m going to, it's the only thing I've ever known: the pain, the lies, the cheating, and the deceptions »
 
« So you prefer doing nothing about it? »
 
« No strings attached, it's easier. I can't be heartbroken »
 « You deserve everything, Harvey » muttered Donna. Faced with the redhead's words, Harvey fell silent before starting the car again towards her place. Throughout the journey, they continued to quietly discuss their pasts, their fears, and their doubts, without realizing that they had been parked in front of her building for several minutes now. While they were engrossed in their conversations, Harvey saw that it was past midnight and they were still busy talking in the dim light of the car. He then took a deep breath before whispering without looking her in the eyes. 
« I think you should go home, it's late »
 « When will I see you next time? » asked Donna. 
« You have a talk-show on Friday, I'll pick you up a little before, but I'll keep you in touch about the time »
 
« Perfect. Good night, Harvey »
 
« Good night, Donna »
 As she left the car, she couldn't help but think about their conversation, and she felt her heart melt. Mike and Rachel were right, his arrogant, self-confident, and annoying side was just a facade, and deep down, he was so kind and pure that Donna could have promised him the world when he admitted to her that he felt alone. For his part, Harvey found it hard to believe that he did tell such personal things to a girl he hadn't known for even a month, and yet, when she looked at him with her big, beautiful eyes and her little smile, he was ready to confess and tell her everything he considered unspeakable. He had never felt as good and confident as with her. And God, he was terrified.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

On Friday, as planned, Harvey went to pick up the redhead from her house while Mike and Rachel were already there. As he knocked on the door, it was his best friend who came to open it, and, after a brief hug with him and with Rachel, he waited in the living room, sitting on the sofa, until she was ready. Once again, the moment she came out of the room dressed, and whispered his name in a soft and captivating voice, he lost the use of speech for a few seconds. 
« Hey »
 She was wearing a tight black dress that stopped just below her knees and hugged all her curves perfectly while the collar was straight, compressing her breasts and revealing the hollow of it, as the piece of clothing was supported by two shoulder straps barely visible. On her feet, she was wearing leopard print high heels, which, despite this, still left her slightly shorter than him. God, he thought he was going to have a cardiac arrest as he was looking at her with desire. After a few seconds of watching her, he came back to his senses. 
« Are you ready? »
 
« Yeah, let's go »
 Barely in the car, the two adults chatted about everything and nothing while Harvey tried to stay focused on the road despite the distraction sitting next to him. Now that she was seated, the new position made the dress a little shorter and left her knees and part of her lower thigh visible, making the bodyguard want to slip his hand on it, peck her delicate skin with kisses, and sink his teeth into her flesh there. He then took a deep breath while continuing to listen to her until they reached the bottom of the studio. After escorting her inside, once again, some producers and managers invited Harvey to stay downstairs and pick up his client when the talk show was over, but as usual, Donna grabbed Harvey's arm to take her with him. Once in the redhead's dressing room, he sat down on the sofa, took a bottle of water, made himself comfortable, and waited for her to appear on the screen placed against the wall of the room. In the meantime, she had left her things under Harvey's supervision, and her phone kept ringing, non stop. So out of curiosity and because he was bothering to be disturbed, he took the phone from her bag and looked to see who the messages were coming from. One was obviously from her mother, the other from Rachel, and then, Harvey saw on the lock screen a set of messages from an unregistered number. And as he read them, he felt jealousy rising.

So you’re on a talk show tonight

I saw you today, your black dress suits you so well, you look lovely in it

You always were, by the way

I'm still waiting for your response about going out for a drink

While he felt his anger building, he instinctively calmed down when he heard the host call Donna's name and see her enter the set with a big smile while greeting the crazy audience. Again, for almost an hour, he lost himself in her words, watching every movement, every facial expression, and every smile while he felt like he no longer had any control over his body and mind, like if she controlled everything. Once she was finished, they left the studio, and, as they were out on the street, he saw her shiver as her bare shoulders, arms, and legs came into contact with the cool air outside. 
« Here »
 
« Harvey, no, you’re gonna be cold »
 
« I’m not, I swear »
 
« Harvey.. »
 
« Don’t make me force you »
 Faced with his raspy, sexy voice, she shivered again, and this time, not from the cool air. After a few seconds of thought, she looked at him with soft eyes and a shy smile. 
« Thank you »
 Once he took off his jacket fully and placed it on Donna's shoulders, she felt overwhelmed by his scent and felt her knees go weak at the sensation. Once she was a little warmer, they continued to move towards the entrance of the parking lot, a little further away, when he heard a man calling out to the actress from afar. 
« Donna! Donna Paulsen, please! Wait »
 If Harvey would have tended to move forward to avoid the guy, when he saw the redhead stop, he imitated her but stayed close to her. 
« Oh, I’m so glad I didn’t miss you, Ive been waiting for hours in the cold. I’m such a fan of you »
 
« Thank you »
 
« You were amazing in the last movie »
 
« That’s sweet »
 
« Do you mind signing an autograph for me? »
 
« Sure, what’s your name? »
 
« Mark »
 « Alright, that’s for you » smiled the redhead softly. 
« And can we take a picture? »
 The man must have been their age, he was already graying with a beard and Harvey couldn't help but feel the anger rising when he saw the guy sneaking glances at the redhead’s slight cleavage, who visibly noticed too, and who had tightened the bodyguard's jacket around her. Seeing that the man was taking time, Harvey decided to intervene, but when Donna slowly approached the young man, while keeping a certain distance, and Mark took out his phone, he gave them a few seconds to take the selfie. As he watched them closely from behind, he saw the redhead tense as the man placed his hand on the small of her back, and, without Harvey having time to say anything, the man slid his hand up to rest on Donna's ass. Seeing red, and without even thinking, he grabbed the man's wrist forcefully as he made a small cry of pain, probably because Harvey must have broken it while grabbing him since he was so angry, and after he pulled with a sharp blow, the man found himself thrown a few steps away from the actress. Without a moment's respite, he grabbed the man by the throat and slammed him against the nearby wall, ready to break his neck with just the force of his fingers. « I’m gonna kill you » whispered Harvey, a few inches from the man’s face. The man's face turned red as he moaned while trying to remove the bodyguard's hand from around his neck. After a few seconds, never thinking he would be able to stop until the man stopped breathing, he felt Donna's small hand wrap around his bicep before hearing her soft but somewhat rough voice in his ear. 
« Stop »
 Immediately, he let go of the man, who, once both feet were on the ground again, quickly ran to leave the dark alley in which he had touched the actress without her consent. Once reconnected to reality again, he turned to approach Donna, who quickly whispered. 
« Are you doing well? »
 
« It's you I should ask that »
 
« It's fine »
 
« He touched you, Donna »
 
« I know »
 
« Without your consent »
 
« Harvey, can we just go home, please? »
 
« Sure »
 They walked silently towards the car as Harvey opened the front door for her and walked around to get behind the wheel. Once out of the parking lot, Harvey turned slightly to look at her and started to talk. 
« I’m sorry for what happened »
 
« It's not your fault, and unfortunately, it's inevitable. I'm a woman, and an actress what's more, people have the feeling that we're not human and they can do whatever they want »
 
« But they shouldn’t »
 
« I know »
 
« Don't you sometimes regret? »
 
« What? »
 
« To be an actress »
 
« I don't know. I always wanted to be an actress, that’s all I’ve aspired to be since I was little. Already at four years old, I was doing shows in the living room for my family, I always wanted to be famous, to go to ceremonies, to have beautiful dresses, to put on makeup, to take photos, and that kind of thing, but I never would have imagined that there would be all.. that »
 
« But do you like it? »
 
« Some of it, I adore it. I find that the support of fans, the love for cinema, and that kind of thing make me vibrate, but sometimes it becomes toxic. People don't realize that you are human too and directly imagine that being an actress has gone to your head or that you think you are above others. This is not the case »
 
« And a normal life? Doesn't that tempt you? »
 
« There is no normal life. I mean, if I want to make a living from my job, I have to take the notoriety that goes with it. And as much as I would like to live a normal life, it's not possible »
 
« What is a normal life for you? »
 
« To be able to go out to do my shopping or take a walk without being stopped every thirty seconds, that no one takes pictures of me without my knowledge, that my limits are respected, and who knows, one day I will be able to get married, have children, and have a nice house, you know, that sort of thing »
 Hearing her mention marriage and children, Harvey swallowed hard, imagining her already marrying one of her co-stars, with whom she would buy a huge house in Los Angeles where she would try to raise her children far from the celebrity world while he’d continue to be a miserable bodyguard on the other side of the country. 
« That's why I was reluctant to have a bodyguard at first, you know? »
 
« Yeah, I can understand »
 For a few seconds, neither of them spoke, Donna seeing him in his thoughts and Harvey replaying over and over the images of the man sliding his hand on Donna's butt, and the way the redhead stiffened at the feeling of it. She could see the way he gripped the steering wheel tighter and tighter between his fingers and the way his jaw clenched. 
« Hey »
 
« Hum? »
 
« Thanks for defending me »
 
« It’s my job »
 « Still » smiled Donna. 
« And thanks for stopping me, I was about to kill the guy »
 « It’s my job » chuckled the redhead as the bodyguard joined her. 
« I'm sorry this kind of thing happened to you »
 
« I know. And I'm glad you're my bodyguard »
 
« I will protect you, always »
 Faced with the young man's words, Donna couldn't help but feel her breath catch at the way he said it. At that moment, she understood that he wasn't just talking about his job, as if he were implying that he would always be there for her, and the redhead couldn't help but blush slightly. 
« Thank you »
 Oh, she fell hard for him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

For several weeks, Harvey and Donna continued to see each other and work together more and more frequently as the film was a hit in theaters. Everyone only seemed to talk about it while Donna's life was getting crazier and crazier despite her trying to keep as much normality as possible, even if it was getting more and more complicated. Pacing around her house, she looked at the last message Harvey sent and hesitated for a few seconds before calling Mike. 
« Hey »
 
« Hey, D. How are you? »
 
« I’m fine, and you? »
 
« Great. Do you want to talk to Rach? »
 
« No, not at all. Uhm, do you know where Harvey does his boxing? »
 
« What? »
 
« Well, he forgot his phone charger in my bag when we turned back from the filming set yesterday, and I wanted to bring it back to him today because we won't see each other until next week. But he told me that he wasn't at home but at the boxing gym, you know where he trains? »
 
« I do, yeah »
 
« Can you send me the address? »
 
« Donna, it's not a good idea to go out alone now »
 
« Come on, I really need to get some fresh air. And I promise you to be careful »
 
« Donna… »
 
« Can you send me the address, please? »
 « Alright » sighed her agent. 
« Thanks Mike »
 After hanging up, she received the address a few seconds later and hurried to get ready. She didn't really make an effort, she put on sweatpants, sneakers, a black crop top, a Yankees cap, and large sunglasses. She then grabbed her bag, Harvey's charger, and her keys before going out and calling a taxi, heading to the training room. Barely a quarter of an hour later, the driver stopped and headed towards the private club, and, just at the reception, she approached an extremely muscular man, took off her cap and glasses, took down her hair, and started to talk with a big smile. 
« Hello, I'm looking for Harvey, he told me he was training here »
 
« Yeah, he’s there, who - Oh my God, you're Donna Paulsen »
 
« I am, yeah »
 
« Miss, it's an honor to meet you »
 
« Likewise »
 
« Um, you are here to see Harvey? Of course, I’ll take you to him, then. Please, follow me »
 
« Thank you so much »
 After walking around the reception area, the man walked down the long hallway while Donna followed him. After a few seconds of silence, the man cleared his throat before speaking to Donna. 
« Is Harvey your coach or something? »
 
« Oh no, he’s my bodyguard »
 
« Bodyguard? »
 
« Yeah. He never said it? »
 
« Oh, you know, Harvey is rather discreet about his private life, we don't know much about him. He likes to accomplish things in silence »
 « Yeah, that's him » smiled Donna as she continued to follow him down the hall. A few seconds later, when she arrived in a large room with two boxing rings, she felt a wave of heat invade her as soon as she saw him. 
« Harvey! Someone’s here to see you »
 As he turned to look around, she swallowed hard. She knew the bodyguard was muscular, she could see it through his clothes. But apart from a costume that hid his entire body, she had never seen the other young man otherwise, and the least we could say was that she felt hot right now. Donna wasn't the type of girl to be attracted to looks alone, she found intellect and personality just as important, but she couldn't lie to herself, Harvey was very handsome, and, if his face was perfect, his body was no less different. In the boxing ring, he wore nothing except black shorts that hugged his hips and which he had rolled up so that they did not hinder his movements and made it look like a brief. She could see the muscles in his calves and thighs contracting with every movement, and his abs... Donna didn't think she could be any hornier than she was right now. His pectorals were slightly bulged, and his stomach was magnificently sculpted, highlighting the different abdominal muscles that rose with each deep breath he took. As he was busy removing his boxing gloves, she watched as his biceps contracted with each movement, and, as he threw them further and approached the edge of the ring, she saw the thin line of hair go from his navel, escaping into his shorts. 
« Donna? What are you doing here? »
 Stepping out of her daydream, she took a quick breath before smiling at him. 
« You forgot your phone charger in my bag yesterday »
 
« It's nice, but I could have passed over, you know »
 
« I know, but I needed to go out, so it was the occasion »
 
« It is really nice »
 
« You wanna eat lunch together? »
 
« Donna, I would have loved to, but if a paparazzi sees us… »
 
« Come to my place then »
 
« I don't know »
 
« Come on, I insist, I have nothing special planned today »
 
« Alright. I’ll take a shower first and join you at your place later? »
 
« Perfect »
 
« See you »
 As he turned around, she quickly glanced around to make sure she was all alone, before she bit her lip as she saw him walking away, his ass perfectly molded into his rolled up shorts and his muscular back dripping with sweat. After taking a deep breath, she tied her hair again, put on her cap and sunglasses, and went out to take a deep breath to calm the fire burning inside her. She then hurried home, put on a little more makeup before starting to prepare a salad for her and him, and about twenty minutes later, he knocked on her door. It was the first time she saw him dressed casually. Because of his job, he was always dressed to the nines, but here, he was wearing black chinos and a dark gray polo shirt, while he was holding his sport bag, and his hair was still wet from his shower. 
« Hey, come on in »
 
« Thanks »
 
« Bagels and salad? Does that suit you? »
 
« It's perfect »
 For almost an hour, they chatted about everything in a good mood until Harvey announced that he had to leave because he was working this afternoon. Suddenly, Donna remembered that she wasn't his only client, and the idea that he could be as close to another person, well, another girl, as he was with her, made jealousy well up inside her. 
« Where do you work today? »
 
« A private evening for an insurance company »
 
« Oh alright. But we will meet soon? »
 « Of course, see you Donna » smiled Harvey. As the bodyguard opened the front door to exit, he stopped in his tracks when he saw an envelope on the ground. He leaned down to grab it before turning to Donna, who was watching him petrified in the doorway. Immediately, seeing her face, he was quick to worry about the redhead. 
« What is that? »
 
« Nothing »
 
« Donna »
 
« I don't know »
 Harvey quickly opened the mail and read the contents before crumpling the paper in his hands and muttering angrily. 
« Mike told me about these threatening letters, have you received a lot of them since I started working for you? »
 
« I don't know. Maybe two or three »
 
« Are you kidding me? »
 
« Harvey, I - » 
 
« Why didn't you tell me anything »
 
« Because it's not important »
 
« Not important? Fuck Donna, did you read what was written there? This fucking psychopath knows your address, and you tell me it's not important »
 
« It's just letters »
 
« It's not just letters, it's fucking threats, Donna. And my job is to protect you, but I can't do it if you lie to me like that »
 « I didn't lie to you, I just didn't say anything » whispered the redhead weakly. Donna could see how angry he was with her. Since he had found the letter, he had approached her slowly to find himself a few inches from her, a look half threatening, half worried while she remained impressed in front of him. If he was usually so jovial and joking, she already saw another side of him when he had caught the guy who had placed his hand on her ass, it was pure hatred, but right now, she could sense worry in his voice. As she was about to open her mouth again, he moved away from her, slammed his fist into the nearby wall before moving aside to take the emergency stairs, not even waiting for the elevator to come, even though they were on the twelfth floor. For a few seconds, she stood petrified in the hall, not knowing what to do, but after regaining her senses, she returned inside where she replayed the altercation with her bodyguard over and over again. After hours of thinking, she called Rachel. 
« Hey, Rach. I need informations »
 
« Sure. How can I help you? »
 For his part, after his brief argument with Donna, Harvey stopped by his place to change before rushing to his work in hope to clear his mind. But unfortunately, nothing worked. He was angry with her for not telling him anything, but he couldn't help but be worried to death that something would happen to her. As he returned home around eight, he was surprised to see her leaning against his door, phone in hand, her gaze fixed on the screen without having noticed him. 
« What are you doing here? »
 
« Harvey »
 
« How did you know where I lived? »
 
« Mike and Rachel »
 
« Of course »
 
« Hey - » 
 
« You better go home, Donna »
 « I can't stand the idea of ​​you being mad at me » whispered Donna. 
« I’m not mad at you »
 
« Of course you are »
 
« You should have told me »
 
« I’m sorry, Harv. I promise you that if it happens again, I'll tell you »
 
« Alright. Do you want to come in? »
 
« Sure »
 As she walked into his apartment, the first thing that struck her was his scent that made her feel safe, and the second thing was how good she felt, like she had always been there. After pulling out two beers, he turned to her. 
« Shitty Thai from around the corner? »
 
« Perfect, thank you »
 After ordering on his phone, he placed it on the central kitchen island before sighing and muttering. 
« I’m sorry for getting angry at you earlier »
 
« No, you were right, it was unconscious not to consider these letters »
 « It just made me crazy that this guy would say that kind of thing to you and drop that in front of your house, it's so perverted. That's why I wanted to be a lawyer, to send this kind of asshole to jail » muttered Harvey. 
« You wanted to be a lawyer? »
 
« I did, yeah. It was kind of my dream, actually »
 
« Why didn’t you do it? »
 « Because, things were messy. I didn't have the money for my studies, I didn't want any help from my parents, and then my brother got into trouble, and I also had to help him financially, so all my money was gone and I was never able to start my studies. I mean, I was even aiming for Harvard, can you imagine? » chuckled the bodyguard. 
« You are only twenty-six years old »
 
« It's too late now »
 
« It's never too late, Harvey.  Look at me. My life changed at twenty-four, you must not give up. If your dream is Harvard Law, you should at least try. You know, it's better to have remorse than regrets »
 
« I didn't know you as a philosopher. But alright, I'll keep that in the back of my mind »
 
« Great »
 A quarter of an hour later, the delivery man rang the doorbell, and the two friends continued to discuss their regrets and their desires while Donna fell more and more seeing his sensitive and tender side, and Harvey felt his heart melt as he faced her devoted and compassionate side. They were perfect for each other.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It had been a week since she had seen Harvey, and she had to admit, she missed him terribly. She loved spending time with him and never noticed the hours passing because they had so much fun together. In recent days, her schedule had been rather calm, and, apart from a photoshoot for Vogue in her neighborhood where she had gone alone, she didn't attend any other events until this evening. Her makeup artist had just left, Rachel had finished helping her get dressed, and, after putting on the dress planned for the filmed interview this afternoon, she was inspecting herself in the mirror one last time before her best friend hugged her, then left her apartment. The dress was dark green, hugging her body perfectly down to her legs, giving a perfect mix between classy and casual. Once finished, she left to join Mike, and was surprised not to see Harvey, who was supposed to come pick her up yet. With a questioning look, she talked to her agent. 
« I’m gonna be late »
 
« Let’s go, then »
 
« What? We’re not waiting for Harvey? »
 
« He won’t be able to come today, I’ll drop you off »
 
« Why? »
 
« Something with his dad »
 
« Is Gordon alright? »
 « You know his father? » muttered Mike, surprised. « Well, he talked about him with me. Why? » asked the redhead. 
« He never talks about his father with anyone, that’s why »
 
« Oh »
 
« Anyway, we better hurry. I’ll drop you off at the studio, then I’m going to the hospital, and - » 
 « Hospital? » exclaimed Donna. 
« He had a heart attack, and he was plunged into a coma »
 
« Oh my God »
 
« Yeah »
 
« I have to go »
 
« Yeah, I know Donna, that’s what I said »
 
« No, I mean, I have to go see Harvey »
 « Donna, you have an interview right now » sighed Mike. 
« Reprogram it »
 
« I don’t know »
 
« Please »
 
« Donna, he’s your bodyguard, not - »
 
« Mike. Please »
 For a few seconds, neither spoke because they both understood the implication of the other one. Mike knew the redhead was attached to her bodyguard, but before being his client, she was his friend, and he didn't want her to be devastated when Harvey would push her away later. For her part, Donna knew that he was not just her bodyguard, and even if she had little hope of one day starting a relationship with him, she carried him in her heart and didn't want him to be alone facing this moment. « Alright, give me a moment » sighed the agent before taking his phone out of his pocket.   A few minutes later, Mike hung up, explained to Donna that they would do the interview tomorrow before grabbing his car keys while Donna took a sweater and her purse. Twenty minutes later, as Mike stopped in front of the hospital entrance, he turned to the redhead with a sad look. 
« It's on the sixth floor, in the intensive care unit »
 
« Aren't you coming with me? »
 
« I have to go to his place to pick up some things for him, he's going to spend the night there, I believe »
 
« Alright »
 As she was about to get out of the car, she heard Mike clearing his throat. 
« Donna »
 
« Yeah? »
 
« Please, be careful »
 
« What? »
 
« I love Harvey, he’s my best friend, but you’re my friend too »
 
« I don’t understand »
 
« I don’t want you two to suffer »
 « Oh » muttered Donna as she looked at the ground. 
« Tell him I’ll be there soon »
 
« I will »
 With these last words, she left the car to head towards the sixth floor before speaking to the department's secretariat. As she asked to find Gordon Specter's room, the nurses opened their eyes widely when they saw one of the big star of the moment in front of them. After brief explanations, Donna thanked them before heading towards the indicated room. As she slowly opened the door, she saw the man connected up to a series of machines and IV while Harvey sat in a chair in the corner of the room, his elbows on his knees, and his face hidden in his hands. 
« Hey »
 Hearing the gentle voice that he could recognize among thousands, he quickly raised his head and discreetly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. And even though he tried to hide his pain, Donna could see how red and swollen his eyes were from crying. She gently closed the door behind her before walking towards him as he started to talk weakly. 
« Hey. What are you doing here? »
 
« Mike told me about your father »
 
« And your interview? »
 
« I reported it »
 
« I’m sorry I couldn't accompany you today »
 
« I don't care, Harvey »
 For a few seconds, neither adult said anything until she approached him and whispered. 
« Are you okay? »
 He then lowered his gaze to stare at the ground, not really knowing what to say, and feeling the tears come up again as he heard his name whispered so sweetly that he thought he would melt. Without thinking, he walked the two feet between them before sliding his hands under her arms and pulling her against him forcefully. In less than a second, her chest was crushed against his torso while his muscular arms completely surrounded her waist and his hands anchored themselves on her hips. Although she was surprised at first, she was quick to react and wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him even tighter. They couldn't have said how long they had been like that, but little by little, the bodyguard's cries subsided while the dampness of her sweater from tears stuck to her neck. She then reluctantly separated, letting her hand slide to the back of his neck, up his upper back, and then down his arm as she whispered. 
« Harvey »
 
« I’m sorry »
 
« Don’t - »
 
« I shouldn’t have reacted like that »
 
« It’s fine »
 
« No, it’s not, you’re my boss »
 
« You know I'm not »
 For a few seconds, the room was silent aside from the noise of the machines as Donna started to speak again. 
« How is he doing? »
 For almost an hour and a half, the two friends chatted about everything, while the older man still lay unconscious on the bed. After a while, Mike entered with Harvey's stuff, and, after the three friends talked for an hour, the agent offered the redhead a ride home, and after a quick nod, the two left the room to head home, leaving the bodyguard alone with his father and his grief. Three hours later, the doctors reduced the sedation, and less than an hour later, Gordon came to his senses, waking up from his coma. The patient spent the rest of the evening alternating between short talks with his son, eating, and sleeping, hoping to regain his strength fast. When the father woke up in the middle of the night, he saw his son still sitting on the chair, in the dim light of the hospital room, playing with his fingers, as he stared blankly in front of him. 
« Harvey »
 
« Hey, aren't you sleeping? »
 
« You neither »
 
« Yeah, I can't fall asleep »
 
« Because of me? »
 
« Exactly, yeah »
 « What if you told me the truth » whispered Gordon. 
« What? »
 
« Harvey, I know things haven't always been easy between us, I'm aware of that, but you remain my son, and I know you by heart. So I know there's something going on in your head, so tell me »
 
« I’m so fucked up, dad »
 
« Why? »
 
« I’m in love »
 
« Harvey, that’s great news »
 
« No, dad. I can't do this to her, I don't want her to suffer. No matter how much I do everything to keep her away, I can't do it, she obsesses me day and night, I have the impression of not really being me without her, and that scares me because I can not live like that »
 
« Harvey, what are you talking about? »
 
« She and I could never be together »
 
« Why not? »
 
« Because I'm going to screw up at one point or another, she's going to realize it, leave me, and I couldn't stand that »
 
« You're not going to screw things up, if you love her, and she loves you, there's nothing else you need »
 
« Love is not enough, and you know it very well »
 
« Harvey, you're not me, just like this girl probably isn't your mother. Don't let our past mistakes ruin your life »
 
« That's what she said too »
 
« See, she's a smart girl. I already like her »
 
« There is not just that. We could never be together, we are not part of the same world »
 
« What are you talking about, son? »
 
« She's an actress, and for the moment, I'm ensuring her safety »
 
« An actress? »
 
« Yeah, her name is Donna Paulsen. She’s in this new film everyone is talking about »
 
« The redhead? »
 
« Yeah, it's her »
 
« Well, Harvey, you didn't choose the ugliest one »
 
« She’s beautiful, but it's not just physical, Dad. She is kindness personified, she is sweet, funny, teasing, and so understanding. Whenever I’m with her, I feel so at peace »
 
« She looks perfect »
 
« She is, and that's what I'm afraid of, I don't want to destroy her because I'm too fucked up in my head »
 
« Harvey, life is short, you don't know what might happen tomorrow, I mean, look at me, I’m the living proof. So do something about it and live your life »
 
« I can't, dad. I can’t do that to her »
 At that moment, Harvey was in so much pain that he wanted to rip his heart out so he wouldn't feel anything anymore. He didn't want things to change, he had lived for almost ten years without getting attached, without being disappointed or brokenhearted, but she had turned everything upside down by showing up in his life. He wanted to be with her, to experience and share everything with the redhead, even if he knew that one moment or another, he was going to make her fall apart with him. And even if right now, he wanted to act selfishly just to stop suffering, he couldn't do that to her, she was far too pure to sink with him, she didn't deserve that. She didn't deserve that.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After the scare with his father, Harvey spent a few days in Boston with him, and, once the older man was feeling better, the bodyguard returned to his duty and turned back to New York. After his talk with his dad about the redhead, Harvey was even more unhappy and sad about the situation he was currently in, seeing himself sinking little by little. When he showed up at Mike's house, it wasn't to pick up Donna, but instead, he was invited to the lunch organized by his best friend and his girlfriend. As he waited outside the door for someone to open it, he dreaded seeing Donna today. Aside from a few text messages sent, the last time they saw each other, Harvey had been crying in her arms for a long time while she spent long minutes stroking his scalp with her fingertips while muttering sweet words in his ear. A few seconds later, the door finally opened, and Mike greeted his best friend. 
« Hey buddy »
 
« Hey brother »
 
« How are you doing? »
 
« I’m fine »
 
« What about your old dad? »
 
« He's fine too »
 
« Good then, come on in. It won't be long »
 As he entered the living room, he saw the redhead chatting with the brunette, both sitting on the sofa, a glass of wine in hand. When he appeared in front of them, the two young women stood up to greet him, and, after a quick hug with Rachel, he swallowed hard when he saw Donna. 
« Hey »
 As she leaned towards him, he imitated her, and hugged her tightly, before quickly separating from her when her scent immediately went to his head and drove him crazy. « Hey » muttered the redhead. 
« Aren't you too stressed about today? »
 « I’m freaking out, but I act like everything's okay » chuckled Donna. 
« I can imagine »
 For a few minutes, the four of them chatted about everything and nothing while sipping their glasses of wine until Mike's phone rang and the four adults went silent, staring at the device on the table. « Oh my God » muttered the redhead. 
« Alright, everyone shut the fuck up »
 Mike grabbed his phone, and picked it up, before putting it on speaker and placing it on the table while the four friends remained standing, tense, their gaze focused on the device. 
« Hello »
 
« Mr. Ross, this is Albert Anderson, I am part of the Oscar Jury »
 
« Hello Mr Anderson »
 
« I’m calling to tell you that Mademoiselle Paulsen is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress »
 Without even waiting for the rest, the four adults shouted with joy, while the man chuckled as he heard the excitement in the room. As Rachel stood next to the redhead, she threw herself into the redhead’s arms while she felt Mike patting her back to congratulate her. As her chin rested on the brunette's shoulder, she saw how Harvey looked at her with a sweet and proud look as she felt herself melting under his gaze. While she heard Rachel and Mike talking and congratulating her, the only thing she saw was her bodyguard raising his glass, murmuring a congratulation, and looking at her with an adorable smile. 
« Are you still there? »
 
« Yeah, sorry Mr. Anderson »
 
« No problem, I wanted to point out that Miss Paulsen is also indirectly nominated in the categories of Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Original Song, and Academy Award for Best Cinematography »
 
« It's magnificent, thank you very much, Mr Anderson »
 « Thank you » smiled Donna. 
« Congratulations Miss Paulsen »
 As soon as Mike hung up, the four friends started to chat excitedly for half an hour before they all settled down at the table for lunch. Once they were done, they sat on the coach as they continued to talk about everything and anything until Rachel started to talk. 
« Oh my God, it’s already on the internet, I can’t wait to see what people say »
 Seeing Donna, Mike, and Rachel take out their phones, he imitated them without really knowing what to do. Harvey wasn't the type to be on his phone or social media all the time, since he spent all his time either at work, boxing, or going out flirting, although right now, it doesn’t happen much anymore because of who he has in mind. As he typed the redhead's name into the search bar, his breath hitched at the number of results appearing. While scrolling through the various articles all dedicated to the redhead's Oscar nomination, he stopped short when he read the title of an article published a few days ago on an unknown website.

Everything you need to know about the love story between Thomas Kessler and his co-star, Donna Paulsen

After stealing a glance at the three other adults in the room, he clicked on the link, intrigued, before feeling his heart tighten. Scrolling through the article on her phone, each picture showed the redhead and her co-star growing closer and closer. Some showed screenshots of moments during the interviews where they were laughing and being tactile, and others showed the different outings they had taken together in a café or a restaurant. Little by little, he felt jealousy rising within him until he came across a blurry photo taken from a long distance when they were on the set, where you could see that they were kissing. Immediately, he locked his phone before standing up and clearing his throat. 
« I have to go »
 « Now? » asked Mike, surprised. 
« Yeah, tomorrow I work early, I don't want to be tired »
 
« I understand, brother, we keep in touch »
 
« Of course, bye Mike, bye Rach »
 
« Bye Harv »
 « Hey, do you mind taking a detour and dropping me off at my place? » asked Donna. 
« You should stay here and celebrate »
 
« It's fine, I'm exhausted, and I don't think I'm going to stay awake late tonight anyway »
 « Especially when I saw what you did last night » chuckled Rachel as she looked at her best friend with a smirk. 
« Oh shut up. Anyway, it's okay for you, Harvey? »
 
« Of course, come »
 After a quick hug, Harvey and Donna left the couple's house before getting into the car. If the first few minutes were silent and the atmosphere heavy, when Donna yawned, Harvey cleared his throat before trying to answer the question that was running through his head. 
« Are you okay? »
 
« Yeah yeah. I'm exhausted, it was a lot of emotion today »
 
« I guess, but are you sure it has nothing to do with last night? »
 
« Last night? »
 
« I don’t know, Rachel implied you had a rough night yesterday »
 
« Oh, that, yeah. Do you know The Delancey? »
 
« The nightclub? »
 
« Yeah, that. Well, Thomas knows the owner, so we spent the evening, and the night too, there. It was kinda fun, I was a little tipsy, but of course the photos leaked online, and it ruined my day »
 In a fit of jealousy, Harvey turned to look at her angrily. 
« You’re fucking kidding me? »
 
« Excuse me? »
 
« Fuck. Why are you so unconscious? »
 « What's wrong with you? » shouted Donna. 
« What's wrong with me? For God's sake, do you hear yourself talk? You literally pay me to ensure your safety, and then, at night, you go out to a club, completely drunk and you are surprised that photos leak on the internet »
 
« First, I was not drunk, just tipsy. And even then, I have to live my life, I'm twenty-five, I can't just stop living in fear that something will happen to me. What do you want? Lock me up to make sure nothing ever happens to me? »
 
« Why not »
 
« What? Are you crazy or what? I was at a nightclub to have fun, and then even, Thomas was there »
 
« Oh, so Thomas is here, you don't run any risk? »
 
« Exactly »
 
« It's my fucking job, Donna. And if I tell you that going out to a nightclub slightly drunk with your co-star is risky, you have to trust me, you are completely unconscious »
 
« Harvey, what - » 
 
« Do I have to remind you of the threatening letters, the guy in the alley, the people who follow you in the street, who insult you on the internet? Should I remind you of all of that or not? Fuck, let me do my job properly »
 Faced with the argument with Harvey and his comments, Donna remained speechless for a few seconds as he took deep breaths to try to calm down. Just as she was about to speak again, Harvey interrupted her. 
« We're at your place, you can go »
 
« You're not serious? »
 
« You better go home, Donna »
 
« Harvey »
 
« Look, I don't want to argue anymore, I'm afraid I’ll say things I regret »
 Not knowing what to say anymore, she whispered an alright before leaving the car without a last look, her eyes filled with tears. Meanwhile, Harvey quickly drove home, and, as he plopped down on his couch, he hesitated for a few seconds before searching on the internet for Thomas Kessler's name, and he immediately found an article about the outing in the nightclub with the redhead. As if he wanted to hurt himself even more, he clicked on it, and he felt his heart being torn apart when he saw the pictures. In the various photos, we could see the two actors close together, chatting and laughing, a drink in hand in the darkness of a nightclub. As he continued to scroll, his heart sank when he saw the last photo. They were a few inches apart, the actor's hand was on her hip, he was whispering something in her ear, while Donna had put her arm on his shoulder, her drink against his upper back, making the position feel like they were hugging. Feeling a spike of jealousy rising inside him again, he locked his phone, changed into sweatpants and went running for over an hour to clear his mind. Once he returned home, he heard his phone ring, and his throat tightened when he saw a message from his father.

I read about Donna's nomination for the Oscars, you must be proud of her

Fuck, he was a real idiot. Today was one of the happiest days of her life, and he had managed to ruin it because of his jealousy. Today was just one example of how bad he was for her. So after several minutes of reflection, he gathered his courage and grabbed his phone. For her part, after her argument with Harvey, the redhead returned home completely upset. If the day had started well, it became catastrophic after his argument with the bodyguard in the car. If she had been trying to take her mind off things all day, she wasn’t able to get him out of her head. And as she was about to get in the shower, she saw that Harvey had sent her a voice message, and after taking a deep breath, she listened to it. 
« Hey, Donna, it’s Harvey. Well, you know it’s me, I presume you still have my number. Anyway. I wanted to tell you that I was sorry for reacting like an asshole earlier, but with my father and all that, I'm a little on edge, but that's not a reason to justify my behavior with you. You didn't deserve me to yell at you like that, it's not fair to you and I really hope you’ll forgive me. Um, about the nightclub thing, well, I screwed up and I shouldn't have yelled at you. It's just that, how can I say this, I'm afraid something will happen to you. I know that I'm only a bodyguard and that it's my job to protect my clients, but you, it's.. different. I mean, you are Mike's client, you’re his friend, and then you are also Rachel's best friend, they would never forgive me if something happened to you, and, also, I mean, I would never forgive myself too because.. well.. you know why. Shit, forget what I just said. I just want to tell you that I'm really sorry and that I will never raise my voice at you again, I promise. I'm a real asshole, and look, I can't even call you to tell you that I’m sorry, I'm making a voice message because I'm too afraid to hear you. Anyway, I also wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I'm very proud of you. I didn't really have the chance to congratulate you as I should earlier, but you deserve this nomination so much, and I'm really happy. I'm convinced that you're going to win. Well, I'm not going to bore you too much either, but I really hope that you will accept my apology and forgive me one day. I'm so sorry »
 As the audio cut out, Donna wiped away the tear that had just rolled down her cheek. Of course she was going to forgive him, she could hear all the sincerity in his voice and the sadness in those words that she couldn't not believe him, he was so sincere. So after taking a deep breath, she took her phone, before recording an audio message too. 
« Hey Harvey. Thank you for your message. Our last argument had really affected me, and I was feeling bad at the idea of ​​you being angry at me. I also wanted to tell you that I was sorry too, that I sometimes forget that I am no longer a normal girl who can do what she wants, and the fact that you are worried about me warms my heart. Of course I forgive you, and I would be happy to see you again on Sunday before the ceremony »
 An hour later, while he was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, he listened to the redhead's vocal message for the hundredth time, over and over again, without ever getting tired of it. She was way too good for him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Since their arguments in the car, things have calmed down between the two of them, and despite the various calls and texts, they haven't seen each other physically yet, but today was the Oscars ceremony, and he was supposed to accompany her all the way down. As he got into the elevator, he pressed the button, and, as the doors were about to close, he saw a hand coming between the two doors, followed by a man entering the elevator shaft. 
« Sorry »
 As he pressed the button indicating the twelfth floor, Harvey found it odd that this man was going to the same floor as him since, apart from Donna and her old neighbor, there was no one else there. A few minutes later, and as the doors opened again, the two men walked out at the same time, and as the other guy saw Harvey looking at him suspiciously while he was walking towards the golden 206 number, the man stopped dead in his tracks before moving backwards. « Are you alright, buddy? » asked the bodyguard. 
« Yeah, my bad. I went to the wrong floor »
 As he quickly entered the elevator, Harvey saw the man repeatedly press a button, and as the doors were about to close, he turned, and the bodyguard saw a white envelope stuffed in his back pocket. In one second, he was taken back to weeks ago, when he found the threatening envelope on the redhead's doorstep. « Hey! » shouted Harvey. As he ran towards the elevator, he saw the man pressing the button again and again, probably to make the doors close faster, and as Harvey was about to slide his hand in to hold the elevator, it was too late, and the man disappeared before his eyes. He couldn't believe it, he took the elevator with the man who sent threatening letters to the redhead, and he didn't even catch him. For a few seconds, he felt like he was having trouble breathing, his vision was getting blurry, and he was suffocating. God, he couldn't let him go like that, so after a few seconds of thinking, he took the emergency stairs and descended the twelve floors quickly in the hope of catching up with the man. Once on the ground floor, he scanned the room without seeing anyone except the doorman. 
« Excuse me? »
 
« Yes? »
 
« Did you see a man getting out? He had black jeans and a gray sweatshirt, and he had short hair and clear eyes »
 
« Oh yeah, he left a minute ago »
 
« Do you know who it is? »
 
« He's a friend of Miss Paulsen's I believe, he used to come more often before, but now, it's rarer »
 
« Do you know his name? »
 
« No, unfortunately, I don’t. I'm sorry »
 
« It's alright »
 At the same time, he received a text from Donna asking him where he was, and he quickly thanked the doorman before getting back into the elevator. Once the doors closed, he banged his head a few times against the cold metal to clear his head and make a decision. He couldn't say anything to Donna, today was a special evening for her, and he had no desire to ruin her. So he took a deep breath before arriving on the twelfth floor and knocking on her door. « Hey, are you alright? » muttered Donna as she looked at him. 
« Yeah, why? »
 
« You look weird »
 
« Well, it’s a crazy day »
 
« Oh please, don’t tell me about it »
 « You’re ready? » asked the bodyguard. 
« Yeah, let’s go »
 After closing the door, Donna and Harvey took the elevator again to get in the car, heading to the hotel where her stylist and her makeup artist were waiting for the redhead. While she was getting ready in the bedroom and getting her makeup done, Harvey was sitting in the living room, hanging out on his phone, waiting for her to be done. For a few seconds, the redhead's phone kept ringing on the table, and again, filled with curiosity, he discreetly looked at the screen. Surprised, he noticed that it was like the last time an unregistered number the texted her, and, after a furtive glance towards the room, he grabbed her phone to scroll through the messages on the locked screen.

Hey Donna, tonight is the Oscars

I can't wait to see you in your beautiful dress tonight

You will be beautiful, as usual

If you feel like it, you can always stop by my place afterwards to celebrate

I am waiting for you

I miss you so much

I know you think I've changed, but I'm still your Stephen

For heaven's sake, it was harassment. As he stared at the ton of messages received, he heard Donna's soft voice, and he hurriedly placed her phone back on the table. 
« Harvey? »
 
« Yeah? »
 
« You don't have to wait for me tonight, you can go home if you want »
 « Yeah, I'll see. Do you have anything planned after? » asked the bodyguard. 
« There's an after-party, I don't know if I'm going to go or not yet »
 
« Alright, you'll keep me in touch »
 
« Yep »
 
« Anyway, I have to make a call, I'll come back »
 
« Alright »
 Harvey hurriedly went out into the hall, looked for a phone number before putting the device to his ear, and after a few rings, he heard his best friend's voice reasoning. 
« Hey buddy, what's up? Have you already dropped Donna off at the hotel? »
 
« Yeah, she's busy with the makeup right now »
 
« Where are you? »
 
« At the hotel with her »
 
« Harvey.. »
 
« She asked me »
 
« And of course, you couldn't say no »
 
« Mike, you know that - » 
 « I know » sighed the agent. 
« Anyway, that's not why I called you. Does Donna know someone named Stephen? »
 
« Stephen? Um, the only one I remember is her ex Stephen Huntley, but it’s been over for more than a year and it didn't last very long, a few months, I think »
 
« Why did they break up? »
 
« He was unreasonable, he was controlling her whole life, he never wanted her to go out and he hated the fact that she wanted to be an actress. So when he asked her to choose between him and her career, she chose her career, and it ended like this. But why do you ask? »
 
« For nothing »
 
« Harvey, I know you, why do you ask? »
 
« Look, I’ll explain everything to you later »
 
« Well, I guess I don't have much choice anyway »
 
« Thanks Mike, see you »
 
« See you, brother »
 As soon as he hung up, he went online and hurriedly searched for a man named Stephen Huntley on the internet, until he found him and saw the guy's face, and he felt his breath catch. It was the exact same man he had taken the elevator with earlier today, who was sending death threats by mail to the redhead. It didn't take much for Harvey to feel exploded, he hastened to call his best friend back. 
« Harvey? »
 
« Mike, send me his address »
 
« What? »
 
« Stephen Huntley, send me his address »
 
« Harvey, I don't understand, what's going on? »
 
« Please, I need it now or I'll go crazy. It's in Donna's best interest »
 
« Harvey.. »
 
« Mike, please »
 
« I don't think this is a good idea »
 
« It is, please »
 
« Alright, let me ask Rachel, wait »
 For a few seconds, Harvey heard his best friend chatting with the brunette as he paced back and forth in this hotel lobby, waiting for an answer. After a while, he finally heard Mike speaking. 
« Harvey? »
 
« Yeah »
 
« She doesn't remember exactly, but she tells me that he lives in the building opposite the George Bruce Library, apparently it's above a Spanish restaurant, but she doesn't know exactly where it is »
 
« It doesn't matter, I'll find it »
 
« Harvey »
 
« Yeah »
 
« Don't do anything stupid »
 
« Bye Mike »
 As soon as he hung up, he entered the room again, and his breath caught when he saw her. She was wearing a magnificent gold dress that highlighted her beautiful neckline, the curves of her hips, and her slim waist as he swallowed hard. As she looked up, she smiled softly at Harvey. 
« Hey, is everything okay? »
 
« Yeah yeah. You are very.. pretty, that’s it »
 
« Thanks, Harvey »
 
« Let’s go? »
 
« Yeah, apparently the entire cast is already there and waiting for me »
 
« We better hurry, then »
 After thanking the entire team, she left the hotel room with Harvey before heading towards the parking lot, and, when she was about to get in the front, Harvey stood in front of her with a cute smile. 
« Not this time »
 
« What? »
 
« Come on, it's the Oscars, everything will be filmed, you have to ride in the back, you’re the star »
 
« For what? »
 
« People wouldn't understand, Donna. Please »
 « Alright » whispered the redhead with a sad smile. The drive from the hotel to the ceremony was quite short, and barely ten minutes later, Harvey was following the procession of other cars as he cast furtive glances in the rearview mirror. 
« Are you okay? »
 
« I’m freaking out »
 
« I can imagine »
 
« It's the Oscars for heaven's sake. I mean, holy shit, I'm in the Oscars »
 
« You deserve it »
 
« I’m pretty sure I won't win, but at least, I was nominated »
 
« The most important thing is that you have fun tonight, alright? »
 
« You will watch me? »
 
« Of course. I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world »
 
« You better go now »
 
« See you later? »
 
« Of course, see you Donna »
 As soon as the redhead got out of the car, he watched her walk away before searching for the George Bruce Library on his phone and launching the navigation. Barely twenty minutes later, he thought he spotted the building Rachel described and took a deep breath before thinking about some plan action. Right now it was the Red Carpet, he could afford to miss that, but the ceremony started in an hour and twenty minutes, and it took fifteen minutes to get from here to his place to watch the show live, so that left him almost an hour to resolve the problem. He then got out of the car, took off his suit jacket, folded it in the back of his car, and rolled up his shirt sleeves before crossing the street. For several minutes, he read the names on the different doorbells before seeing the one he was looking for and whispering. 
« S. Hunthley »
 He took advantage of someone leaving the building to enter it before going up to the fourth floor and finding door 4.2 to finally quickly knock. After placing his hand on the peephole, he waited until the door opened a few seconds later. When he faced the man, he saw red when he recognized him, and, immediately, he pushed the door, entered the apartment before grabbing the man's throat with his hand, closing the door behind him, and pressing him against the wall. 
« You remember me? »
 « What the fuck, dude? Let go of me » muttered Stephen. 
« Let you go? You fucking asshole harasses Donna »
 
« You know Donna? »
 
« Yeah I know her, and you're going to regret meeting her »
 Without even giving the man time to retort, he pulled him sharply to throw him to the ground, grab his collar, straddle him, and give him the first punch in the face. 
« I saw the tones of messages you sent her, you have a huge problem »
 
« I’m sure that deep down she likes me to insist, she feels desired that way, she’s just a woman after all »
 This time, Harvey sent his elbow into his jaw. 
« You're a fucking sociopath. I also read your letters where you threaten to kill her if she shows up on screen again »
 
« She's better at home »
 Again, Harvey punched him in the face as the man continued to laugh despite the pressure Harvey placed around his opponent's neck, and he started to speak again. 
« Who are you again, and how does my love story with Donna concern you? »
 
« You have no love story with Donna »
 
« I did. We had a great love story, but she blew it with her career. She should have never believed in it and stayed home with me, but no, instead, she just decided to become a fucking actress. But don't worry, as soon as she realizes how mediocre she is without me, she'll beg me to take her back. On her knees » 
 
« You fucking asshole »
 This time, Harvey saw red and kept punching the man in the face without stopping until he saw blood and bruises forming on Stephen's face. Seeing the man half-conscious on the ground, Harvey let go of him, stood up before grabbing his collar and bringing him closer to his face. 
« Listen to me carefully, if I see that you have sent her one more message to her, or if I see a single threatening letter, I swear to you that I will kill you. I'm not afraid of anything, I'm ready to risk everything for her, so if you want to continue living with your four limbs functioning, forget about her. I hope you understand »
 Without waiting for a response, he walked out of the apartment, the man still groaning on the ground as he got into his car a few minutes later to head home. Arriving at his place, he slipped his hand under cold water to get rid of the dried blood before taking out a packet of iced peas and settling into the sofa to finally watch the Oscars ceremony, his hand surrounded by the frozen bag.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The speeches followed one another, the awards were given, the performances were achieved, and Harvey had to admit to himself, he didn't give a damn about the Oscars, it was long and boring, and the only moments that interested him were the redhead's brief appearances on screen. Each time, he saw her having fun, enjoying the ceremony, and he could see that she was in her element. After an hour of show, the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived : Academy Award for Best Actress. The two presenters came on stage, did their show for a few seconds before announcing the five nominees in the category. During the excruciating seconds while the presenters opened the envelope, Harvey's gaze remained fixed on the redhead's head, who was waiting for the result. 
« The winner is.. Meryl Streep »
 Faced with the announcement, he felt his heart break at the fact that she hadn't won, but on the other hand, seeing her softly giggling, he couldn't help but laugh too at the irony of the situation. The first time they met, he implied that she thought she was the next Meryl Streep, and today, she lost her Oscar to this great actress, and deep down, Harvey knew she didn't care, the most important thing for her was to have been nominated. Even though he didn't know if she had her phone with her or not, he quickly sent her a text.

You deserved to win, you were exceptional in this film

A few seconds later, his heart sped up when he saw that the redhead had responded quickly.

Looks like I'm not the next Meryl Streep after all lmao

Faced with the redhead's message, the bodyguard burst out laughing. Even in defeat, she managed to find the words to make people laugh. He then hastened to respond to her again because, although she seemed to be fine, he hoped that she was not too disappointed.

The next one is for you

Maybe, let's just hope the champagne is better next time

That bad?

Awful, anyway, I have to leave you. I'm going to the after-party, do you think you can drop me off at the hotel to change before?

Of course

Perfect. See you, Harv

Have fun, Donna

After this brief exchange, the rest of the awards were given, and, once again, as the presenters came on stage to announce the Award for Best Picture, he focused again on the screen. A few seconds later, when Donna's movie was announced as the winner, Harvey couldn't help but let out a cry of victory when he saw the redhead stand up in shock with the rest of her co-stars. If he was all smiles when he saw her, he quickly became disillusioned when he saw as her co-star, Thomas, took her in his arms and the way the man hugged her and placed kisses on her shoulder, then on her neck. Soon, Harvey sat back on his couch to stare at the screen, his heart broken into a million pieces. The cast came forward and took the stage, and while the director was giving a speech, the bodyguard's gaze was fixed on the redhead in the background, who was all smiles, while Thomas Kessler caressed her back and placed his hand on her hip. If his first idea was to get drunk to forget, he remembered that he still had to go get her after and decided to drink a non-alcoholic beer instead, hoping for a placebo effect. In order not to be suspicious, he sent a message again to congratulate her on the victory of her film, but this time, he got no response, well, at least not until she told him that he could come and pick her up, that she was leaving the reception room. At 11 p.m. sharp, he waited in the car until he saw her walking slowly on the red carpet in the company of the director, and the bodyguard hurried out to open the back door for her. Without insisting, she smiled at him before she moved in so Harvey could close the door and sit behind the wheel to drive off. 
« So? »
 « Oh my God, it was crazy » smiled Donna. 
« I can see. I’m just sad you didn’t win »
 
« It’s fine. I mean, I knew I stood no chance, but I was proud to be nominated next to those legends »
 
« I’m sure one day you’ll be a legend too »
 
« We’ll see about it »
 
« Anyway, you know where the after-party is? »
 
« Yep, not far from here. But don’t worry, I go back to the hotel, I change into something less uncomfortable, and then, we arrange to meet the rest of the cast in the entrance hall, and we will go together. I've already asked a lot of you today, you must be exhausted, and besides, I know you're working tomorrow »
 
« Really, it doesn't bother me »
 
« Don't worry, we made arrangements »
 
« Alright »
 During the rest of the trip, the two young adults continued to chat about everything and nothing, while Harvey continued to have this pang in his heart while remembering the images of the evening. Once at the hotel, he put the car in the parking lot before taking the elevators to Donna's room while he held her things, and she started to undo her hair, which cascaded down her back. Facing the scene, he observed her delicate shoulders and the series of freckles that dot her skin while a scent of perfume caressed his nose with each movement she made, making the young man's going crazy. Once in the room, she headed towards the bedroom while he sat on the couch, scrolling on his phone, waiting for her to be done. 
« Harvey? »
 
« Yes? »
 
« Do you mind helping me? »
 
« Sure »
 He got up to walk into the room where Donna was, before slowly approaching her. « Can you help me with the dress? I panic at the idea of ​​removing it alone, it costs thousands » 
« You're making me panic here »
 
« No, don't worry, you just have to lower the zipper all the way down, it's just that I'm afraid of being at a bad angle to pull it »
 
« Oh yeah, I understand. Wait »
 As she turned her back to him and lifted her long red hair to give him access to the top of the dress, he felt his breath catch when he saw the delicate skin of her neck and upper back. He then moved with trembling hands to the top of the zipper before grabbing it, his fingers brushed against her skin and the redhead shivered. « Sorry » whispered Harvey. « It's fine » replied Donna weakly. God, why was he trembling like that? Ordinarily, he would even pull this zipper with his teeth before sliding his tongue over her skin, but there, even if the urge was there, he remained paralyzed. Once the little pull tab was between two fingers, he slowly pulled downward, revealing the hollow of her spinal column that had made him lose his mind the first time he saw her. As he continued to lower the zipper, the atmosphere in the room became heavy and unbearable as Donna tensed, and Harvey imagined placing his lips on every inch of the skin of her back. As he slowly lowered the zipper, he first noticed that she was not wearing a bra, and the very idea of ​​her being topless under her dress excited the bodyguard, who felt more and more tight in his pants. After taking a discrete deep breath to calm himself, he continued to lower the zipper and control the movement of his fingers to avoid succumbing to his urge to slide them against her skin until he reached the end. As he pulled down the remaining few inches, he saw the top of a dark green lace thong appear, and Harvey let go of the zipper as if it had burned him. 
« Done »
 
« Thanks. Hum, I’ll go take a shower »
 
« Sure. I’ll be waiting »
 Harvey took a few steps back as Donna placed both hands on her chest to support her dress and headed towards the bathroom. Once she closed the door, Harvey left the bedroom where Donna's scent wafted in the air and headed out to the terrace, where he hoped the fresh air would take his mind off things and calm the restlessness in his underwear. Nearly twenty minutes later, when he was calmer and less tight in his pants, he saw Donna coming up behind him with a small smile. 
« I am ready »
 
« Perfect, let's go »
 The redhead walked in front of him with a magnificent dark green dress, the same color as the thong Harvey saw earlier, and which hugged all the lovely parts of her incredible body. She smelled so good, her hair was falling beautifully down her back as her delicate fingers were tapping on the small purse she carried. When they entered the elevator, neither spoke, as they could feel the tension between them. During those interminable seconds, Harvey did everything to think about something other than the redhead next to him, because, if he followed his heart, he would stop the elevator to lift her magnificent dress, remove the thong who obsessed him for over half an hour to make passionate love to her against the walls of the elevator, but fortunately for him, when they arrived on the ground floor, he saw Thomas Kessler waiting for the redhead, and it was like a cold shower. 
« I’ll leave you then »
 
« Thanks for tonight, Harvey »
 
« No problem, have fun »
 
« See you soon? »
 
« Hum, bye Donna »
 
« Bye Harvey »
 On this last exchange, the bodyguard hastened to leave the hotel lobby without a last glance, for fear of having his heart broken even more by seeing the woman he was madly in love, meeting another man for the night. Less than half an hour later, it was almost half past one in the morning when he got out of the cold shower he had just taken, pulled on his boxers, and plopped down on his bed. Even though he knew he should forget Donna and sleep, his curiosity was too big as he grabbed his phone to put the redhead's name in the search bar and came across the article he was hoping for: the arrival of the actors at the after party. After scrolling through the different photos, his heart stopped when he saw Donna's one. She was smiling despite the fact that she was slightly hiding her face from all the flashes, while Thomas walked in front of her, waving to the photographer, as his other hand held the redhead’s, who was following right behind. Feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and jealousy, Harvey locked his phone, throwing it a little further on the mattress before staring at the ceiling and thinking about what he should do. In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight touched his bare chest, and the bodyguard sighed, exhausted from not having closed his eyes all night through thinking. But at least he knew what he was going to do now.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It's been more than a week since the Oscars happened, and aside from a few text messages exchanged where Harvey basically apologized for not being able to see her because of the ton of work he had, the two adults didn't really talk anymore. The last time they saw each other, the redhead understood that something had changed between them, just in the way his breath was taken away when he helped her take off her dress, or how he looked whenever he thought she didn't see him. She knew something was going on with him, but as she tried to be with him, she grew more and more desperate. But today, things would be different. She was invited on a talk show this evening, and Harvey had to accompany her to the studio, so she had spent hours choosing her dress, her accessories, and her makeup, not to be the most beautiful for tonight, but to be the most beautiful for him. After one last look in the mirror, she took a deep breath before leaving her bedroom to go into the living room, only to stop dead in her tracks. While she expected to see Mike and Harvey, she was surprised to find herself face-to-face with a stranger. 
« Hey, Donna »
 « Miss Paulsen » nodded the man. 
« Hello. Hum.. who are you? »
 
« My name is Edward. I'm the one who takes care of your safety from now on »
 
« Mike, I - » 
 
« Harvey won't come »
 
« What? »
 
« Edward, can you give us a moment? »
 
« Of course »
 As the redhead and the agent waited for the bodyguard to leave the room, Donna immediately turned to Mike, eyes wide as she stared at him in incomprehension. 
« I’m sorry, Donna »
 
« What are you talking about? What is happening? Is he alright? »
 
« Yes he's fine. It's just... How can I say that? »
 
« Mike, please »
 
« He resigned, Donna »
 
« What? »
 
« He decided to terminate our contract »
 
« I don't understand. For what? »
 
« Look, he didn't give me a precise explanation, but - »  
 
« Is it my fault? »
 
« Absolutely not »
 
« How do you know about that? It's been a week that he's been running away from me by message and not answering my calls, and here, I arrive in the living room, and you tell me that he resigned, just like that »
 
« I’m sorry »
 
« How long have you known this? »
 
« Donna, I - » 
 
« Since when? »
 
« One week »
 
« Are you kidding me? Why didn't you tell me anything? »
 
« Because there's nothing to say, Donna. He was your employee, he ensured your safety, he decided to resign from his position, and that's it. I'm his boss, he's not accountable to me »
 
« He's your best friend, Mike »
 
« Yeah, but in this case, I’m his boss »
 « I don't understand » whispered Donna. As Mike was about to respond, the new bodyguard burst into the room again to interrupt the conversation. 
« I’m sorry to bother you, but we have to go, Miss Paulsen, otherwise, we'll be late »
 After a quick nod and one last look at Mike, the redhead followed the man into the car, and although her first instinct was to sit in the front seat, she quickly came back to earth when she saw the man standing there, opening the back door. As she settled in, the first thing that struck her was the absence of Harvey's pleasant scent, which made her feel safe instead of the horrible cologne she was smelling at this moment. The second thing that broke her heart was the silence in the car as they drove to the recording studio. She remembered the long hours spent chatting, laughing, and having fun in the car, the fast food in the parking lots late in the evening, and all the confessions they let go in the darkness of the vehicle at night. What was going on with Harvey? Why had he left like that without explanation? All these questions tormented the redhead, who didn't even realize they had arrived when the bodyguard opened the back door for her. Without even accompanying her, Donna found herself alone, wandering through the corridors of the building, listening to the producers and employees talking to her about a thousand things, but this time, without Harvey's protective gaze on her. Everything happened so quickly, and because Donna was a good actress, she managed to act as if nothing happened and appear to be all smiles on camera. Once finished, she tried to contact Harvey a few times, but without success, and after a brief moment of reflection, she headed towards the car. As her new bodyguard was about to take her home in silence, she cleared her throat. 
« Edward? »
 
« Yes, Miss Paulsen? »
 God, she missed hearing Harvey say her name in a deep, hoarse voice. « Would you mind dropping me off somewhere else instead? I’m gonna eat with a friend tonight » lied the redhead. 
« Sure, give me the address »
 After explaining to him, the bodyguard started the car, and about ten minutes later, she arrived in front of the building, which made her heart beat wildly. « Should I wait for you, miss? » 
« No, it's nice, you can go home, I don't know how long I'll stay here »
 
« Alright. Good evening, Miss Paulsen »
 
« Good evening, Edward »
 Once the car left, she quickly rushed into the building and returned to the fifteenth floor. Once she arrived at the door, she knocked several times, but without success, no one was there. Not wanting to lose hope, she decided to wait for him, pacing back and forth in the hall, in front of the door, hoping that he would come home quickly. Time seemed endless, first it was 9:30 p.m., then 10 p.m., then 10:45 p.m., and as she was getting ready to leave, she heard the elevator doors open, then footsteps, until she saw Harvey in front of her. God, he looked exhausted, and when he saw her, Donna noticed that he swallowed hard before she started to speak in a soft voice. 
« Hey »
 
« Donna, what are you doing here? »
 
« You weren't answering calls, so I came here »
 
« Didn't you have a talk show? »
 
« What? Are you interested in my schedule now? »
 
« Look, I'm tired, I think it's better if you go home »
 
« No way »
 
« Donna.. »
 
« I’ve been hanging around your door for almost two hours, hoping for an explanation, so the least you can do is explain to me why you quit? It's my fault? I did something wrong, maybe? »
 
« No, it's not you »
 
« What is it then? »
 
« It's me, Donna »
 As he responded weakly, he walked past Donna, staring at the ground, to finally approach his door and open it slowly as he heard the redhead lose her patience behind him. As he was facing the apartment, she moved so that she found herself next to him, while he kept his eyes closed and his head against the cold wood of the door in the hope of making his migraine disappear. 
« That's all? The only explanation you're going to give me is that it's because of you? I hope you’re not serious »
 
« Donna, please »
 
« You're just a coward. Instead of assuming you have a problem with me and telling me the truth, you’re running away. What is wrong with you? Did you think about me, about how I’ll feel when Mike tells me that you quit? Fuck, Harvey, that's not a way to do this, you need to give me an explanation or something, I - » 
 Faced with Donna's monologue, Harvey quickly turned to look at the redhead and approached until she found herself pinned between the wall and the bodyguard's body. Seeing her surprise, he tried to regulate his breathing before starting to speak in a hoarse voice. 
« Do you want an explanation? Here. I’m going to ruin you, Donna, do you understand that? I'm not a good person, and you mean too much to me for me to do that to you »
 « What are you talking about? » whispered the redhead. 
« You are perfect, innocent, and pure. I can't say no to you or stay away from you, I just can't do it. But I also know that, the more you let me into your life, the more I'll destroy it, because that's what I do. So I'd rather die little by little from not seeing you anymore, than knowing that I'm responsible for all the shit that's going to happen to you. You deserve the world, and with me by your side, I'm going to stop you from going through all of this, and I'll never forgive myself »
 
« Harvey, I - »
 
« I’m in love with you, Donna. So in love. And even then, I don't even know if it's love because I didn't think it could hurt so much to love a person, it’s killing me. I think about you day and night, I spend my time worrying about you and waiting for you, I go crazy as soon as someone looks at you strangely, or someone approaches you, because the idea that something might happen to you because I couldn’t protect you, keeps me from sleeping at night. I want to spend every second of my life with you, but every time we are together, I can't help but think about how you're wasting your time with me, how you deserve better, and how you should spend this time with people who are less fucked up in their heads and with fewer problems than me, but I can't do it. Every time I drop you off somewhere and see you walking away, I suffer, and I can't live like that anymore. So I prefer to resign, at least the temptation is less strong, it may hurt now, but it will get better with time when I’ll see that you finally live the life you deserve. But now I can't, I'm crazy about you. Fuck, completely crazy about - » 
 Faced with his words and seeing all the pain, sadness, and despair in his eyes, Donna grabbed his head in her hands before suddenly pulling him towards her and placing her lips on his. After a shock of half a second, Harvey in turn grabbed the redhead's face in his hands before approaching and pinning her body between the wall and his even more, while staying glued to her. For several seconds, they continued to kiss passionately without stopping or breathing, completely obsessed with each other's lips, until Harvey separated from her, their foreheads still pressed together. 
« Stop »
 « I love you, Harvey » whispered to Donna as she placed a tender kiss on his lips again. 
« Don’t. I can’t do that to you »
 
« Harvey, what are you talking about? I love you, and you love me, what's the problem then? »
 
« The problem is that you deserve better, Donna »
 
« Harvey, that's not true. You are - » 
 
« I’m not up to it. I'm incapable of being perfect for you, like you are for me, and, one day you're going to wake up and regret wasting your time with me, blame me, and God Donna, it's already killing me just by imagining it »
 
« I won’t regret anything »
 
« You don't know that. I know myself, Donna, and you know my past, you know how things will end between us, I could never make you happy, so please live your life, you deserve everything, but not with me »
 « I deserve to be with you. And you deserve it just as much, Harvey. You are kind, gentle, sweet, caring, and you have a pure heart » whispered Donna, wiping the tears of rage that flowed down the bodyguard's cheeks. 
« Donna, I - » 
 
« Harvey, I love you. I know your past and your state of mind right now, but I also know that you can make my life so much better if you’re by my side. It’s only with you that I feel so safe, and - » 
 
« It's my job »
 
« Stop with that, you know very well that it was never just your job, that from the start, we have always been more than bosses and employees, or even friends »
 
« I can't do this to you, Donna »
 
« Harvey, I love you »
 
« You don’t »
 
« I do. Like crazy »
 « Why me? » whispered the young man as he looked down. 
« Harvey, I don't think I'll have enough of a lifetime to say everything I love about you »
 
« I’m just a stupid bodyguard, you're a talented actress, you're going to waste your time with me »
 
« Harvey »
 
« I’m serious, Donna. I'm just a hobby. The person who will suit you best is the one who will share your passion, who will, like you, shoot movies and tv-show, travel, go to ceremonies, but not a man who will wait for you to come home every evening, who will prevent you from living the high life »
 
« But Harvey, it’s with you that I want to live the high life. Nobody else »
 
« You better go out with Thomas »
 
« Excuse me? »
 
« I saw you at the ceremony, the way he placed kisses on your neck and shoulder, how he put his hands on your body, the way he held your hand to go to the after party, that’s what you deserve »
 
« Harvey, what are you talking about? »
 
« He's perfect for you, Donna »
 
« You have no idea what you’re talking about »
 
« He seems kind, gentle, and attentive to you. And he’s also talented, he has money, you share the same passion, and I am sure that he will be able to make you so happy, more than me, that’s for sure »
 
« Harvey, don’t - »
 
« He’s ideal, Donna »
 
« Yeah, maybe, but not for me. Harvey, you are my ideal. I need a man who is dedicated, who always places me at the center of his life, who loves me like crazy, who talks to me about themselves, even the most difficult things, without fear, who lives intensely, who kisses me passionately in the middle of a corridor just after confessing that he would rather die than see me suffer. That's what I want, Harvey. You are what I want »
 While he stared at her intensely, breathing deeply without knowing what to say or do, Donna approached slowly before placing her lips on his again and kissing him languidly until he let himself go and responded in the same way. Both of them could feel each other's love in their kisses, and, as Harvey felt himself gradually losing control, Donna pushed him lightly with her own body before grabbing the collar of his shirt, opening a bit more the door to the apartment, and pulling them inside. As soon as the door was closed behind them, they moved slowly towards the bodyguard's bedroom without ever separating their lips, completely obsessed with each other. After a few minutes, the two of them found themselves two steps away from the bed as Harvey slid his hand up her thighs, under her silk dress, to pull them up to her ribs and slide the dress up her body until Donna raised her arms so he could remove it completely. Once in her underwear, Harvey pulled back to look at her and bit his lip as he watched her absolutely perfect body, and, feeling his dark gaze of desire on her, Donna lightly pushed her old bodyguard until the back of his knees touched the edge of the bed. He quickly sat up, and Donna straddled him before kissing him languidly again, hearing him moan into her mouth while his hands explored and gripped every part of her body, as if he were afraid that she would disappear. Taking advantage of this new position, she started to unbutton his shirt quickly, but not fast enough for her because, as soon as she reached the middle of it, she pulled sharply, making all the buttons explode before hastening to remove it to slide her hands on his muscular shoulders and back, where she could feel his warm skin and his muscles contract as she dug her nails into his flesh. Feeling Harvey grab her ass and squeeze it hard, she moaned before pushing him back, so they were both now lying on the mattress while they continued to kiss. When she felt him slide his hands under the fabric of her panties, she suddenly stood up, only to find herself sitting on his lower stomach and placing one hand around his neck to hold him still, before dropping both palms on his pectorals. 
« God, look at this body. Perfect »
 « You're the perfect one » whispered Harvey. As she dug her nails into his abs, Harvey bucked his hips involuntarily as they both moaned at the sensation. The bodyguard's hands were still gripping her ass until he slid them down to her hips, then on her stomach to finally grab her breasts while Donna felt her breath catch. She pulled back slightly, gripping her lover's thighs forcefully behind her before rubbing herself against his crotch in the hope of releasing some tension. « Don't go too hard » moaned Harvey. 
« What? »
 
« It's been three months since I had sex, I won't last long if you continue like this »
 Faced with the young man's revelation, she removed her hands from his thighs to grab the hands placed on her breasts before moving them, and placing them on her ass. In this new position, she leaned down again, crushing her breasts against his chest before kissing him full on the mouth, sliding her hands through his hair, and whispering against his lips. 
« Three months? »
 
« Yeah »
 
« Rachel lied to me about you then »
 
« What did she say? »
 
« That abstinence wasn't your thing »
 
« That's the case, but for the past three months, I've been kind of obliged »
 « Oh really? » chuckled the redhead as she placed open-mouthed kisses on his neck and dragged her teeth against his carotid. 
« Yeah »
 
« And why is that? »
 
« Because for every second of my days and nights, I had this super sexy and absolutely perfect redhead haunting my mind »
 
« Really? And who was it? »
 « Jessica Chastain » chuckled the young man. Faced with Harvey's joke, she pressed her ass hard against his crotch, and quickly the bodyguard's laughter turned into a growl while he grabbed her hips in his big hands to prevent her from doing it again and for him to finish in his pants. 
« So? Who was it? »
 « You. It’s always been you » muttered Harvey before grabbing her jaw and kissing her hard with his tongue. Quickly, he stood up, flipped them over so that he was now on top of her, and kissed her entire hot body while taking off her underwear. Faced with the naked redhead, Harvey no longer had any self-control and quickly took off his pants and boxers, and the both of them found themselves under the sheets. In less than a minute, Harvey was inside her, and the sounds in the room were nothing but moans, grunts, sighs, and their bodies meeting frantically. More than an hour later, Donna finally fell asleep against him, physically and emotionally exhausted from today, while Harvey continued to stare at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had just happened. He couldn't believe he had been so weak and selfish in letting her in, and now he was going to ruin everything. After long minutes of thought and making sure that she was still sleeping soundly against him, he slowly moved so she was now on her back and he was above her, still being careful not to wake her up. He then watched her sleep for a few seconds and studied every part of her face as he never wanted to forget her features and how peaceful she was at that moment. He then approached slowly to place his lips delicately on hers, and, when she moved a bit, Harvey remained frozen, their mouths still against each other, until she was still again, as he took the opportunity to place one last butterfly kiss and whisper against her lips. 
« I’m so sorry. But you don't understand, you mean the world to me »
 With these last words, he got out of her arm, put on his boxers, grabbed some clothes, and left the bedroom silently, taking one last look and seeing the redhead turn around to land on his side of the bed. Fuck, what had he done? He couldn’t do that to her.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Harvey felt his headache becoming more and more bothersome, his eyes burning, and the lines in his notebook becoming more and more blurred. He had been studying non-stop for two hours now, and he couldn't take it anymore. After a brief thought, he closed the enormous notebook in front of him before taking a quick look around and noticing the silence in his small apartment near Cambridge. Wanting to clear his mind, he took out his phone to scroll on it and felt his breath catch as he read the title of an article on a gossip website.

Actress Donna Paulsen, 27, walks around with a wedding ring on her finger and a suspicious roundness hidden under a big sweater. A secret marriage and a hidden baby? Everything you need to know, here

With a trembling hand, he clicked on the link while he felt his throat tighten and his stomach knot as he scrolled through the article until he came across the pictures that were at the origin of all these rumors. God, she was beautiful. Even after all those years, every time he saw a photo of her, it took his breath away, like the first time he saw her in Mike’s living room. Obviously, the years had changed nothing about how he felt about her. He then took a few seconds to look at the photos that had been taken by paparazzi, as she was obviously unaware of being photographed. In the photos, she could be seen putting shopping bags into a large, dark gray SUV before getting into the car. She was wearing black shorties reaching mid-thigh with a large light gray university sweater on top, as well as sports socks and sneakers - a very Lady Di look. She also had large sunglasses, probably in the hope of not being noticed, but the long red hair cascading down her back, under a Yankees cap, was quite treacherous and allowed the actress to be recognized directly. The next photos were mostly zooms on what all the gossips was about. The first one was a slightly blurry photo that showed her hand with the diamond and the wedding ring she was wearing on her fourth finger, not big enough, thought Harvey. Right under were a series of other pictures where he could see the sweater stretching and tightening around the redhead's visibly swollen belly, indicating a probable pregnancy. For a few seconds, he stared at the photos as he felt his heart race and his throat continue to tighten until he felt two hands settle on his shoulders, slide down to rest on his pecs, and lips resting gently on his cheek. 
« Are you done studying? »
 
« I'm taking a break »
 
« What’s going on? »
 
« Did you see the pictures? »
 
« I did, yeah »
 
« Everyone will know »
 
« Know what? »
 « You know what » sighed Harvey. 
« That I married the love of my life and he got me pregnant? »
 
« That you married a bodyguard »
 
« No, I married a hot lawyer »
 
« Not yet »
 « But soon » chuckled Donna as she continued to drop kisses on the side of his face. 
« Yeah »
 
« I bet seeing me in your Harvard sweater turns you on like crazy »
 
« You’re so hot, jeez »
 « Baby? » asked Donna. 
« Yeah? »
 
« What’s going on? »
 
« People start to ask questions, they will start to dig, and understand »
 
« Well, I'm five months pregnant, I'm not going to stay hidden for the rest of my pregnancy, or for the rest of my life, and even then, I want people to know that I married you. I'm proud to be your wife »
 
« They won't understand. You're an amazing actress, you’re so talented and beautiful, and yet, you married a random guy »
 
« I don't care »
 « Yeah, I don’t know » sighed the future dad. Seeing her husband slightly lost, she stood up before going around and straddling Harvey, despite her belly in the way. She then slid one hand on his cheek while the other circled his neck to rest on his upper back before looking up at him with a soft smile. 
« I know you're afraid, but there will come a time when it will have to be known. I don't want to stay hidden my whole life »
 
« I know that »
 
« And you better be ready 'cause we're gonna announce it tomorrow night »
 
« Tomorrow? No baby, come on »
 
« Yes, Harvey. Tomorrow »
 
« Why? »
 
« Well, because I'm nominated for the Oscars again, my dress is tight, and there will be dozens of photographers who will take pictures of my belly and my ring from all angles, and they will ask me who the mysterious man of my life is »
 
« You can say that you prefer to keep your life private »
 
« It won’t be possible »
 
« Why not? »
 
« Because you're coming with me »
 
« Donna, no »
 
« Harv, yes. Anyway, you have no choice, you're my plus one, so go pack your bags because we have an early flight tomorrow morning »
 With these last words, she kissed him languidly before getting up, while Harvey took advantage of her standing to lift her t-shirt, wrap his arms around her, and place lots of kisses on her stomach. A few seconds later, Donna placed one last kiss on his head before going to the bedroom, leaving the young man alone, lost in his thoughts. He still remembers the day that changed his life forever, three years ago, when Donna was sleeping in his arms. Harvey had left the bed, needing to get some air, completely lost in the face of what had just happened. He was crazy about her, but God, he was so scared. As he sat in his boxers on his terrace, enjoying the fresh air against his still wet skin, he couldn't have said how long he had been there, but he remembered the moment when Donna joined him in the middle of the night. She had put her panties back on, and his shirt, before coming up behind him, slipping her arms around his neck, and turning his head to kiss him languidly on his mouth. After a few seconds, she took a seat next to him before intertwining her fingers with his and placing a kiss on the back of his hand. 
« I don’t regret »
 
« You will »
 
« Harvey, can you stop for a second »
 
« I don’t know how to do that »
 
« I think you should see someone »
 
« Donna, I - »
 
« Harvey. I want you to be happy, and I’ll be there for you whenever you want, but I can’t do this alone, you need to see a professional to help you »
 
« I don’t know »
 
« Please »
 For a few seconds, he thought about it before sighing and looking at the redhead. 
« Alright, I’ll see someone »
 « Thank you » sighed Donna before kissing him again. After that night, everything changed for him. He started seeing a therapist and got used to the idea of being good enough for his now girlfriend. Then, a few weeks later, with the redhead's support and thanks to a scholarship, he enrolled at Harvard Law School, and quickly, the couple moved together into a large apartment located between New York and Cambridge. For almost two years, the two of them lived their love story discreetly, without ever being caught by the paparazzi, while Harvey continued to pretend to be her bodyguard. The different thing was that, at night, they slept in the same bed without anyone ever finding out. While the redhead had just finished filming her latest film, the couple decided to spend a week together, just the two of them, without anyone to disturb them in their bubbles. While they were lying in each other's arms on the beach of the private villa they had rented, Harvey took advantage of the sunset to get down on one knee and ask the redhead to marry him. Not even letting the young man finish his sentence, Donna threw herself on him to kiss him passionately while crying with joy. The ring that Harvey had given her was made up of a huge diamond that the young man had bought after more than a year of saving thanks to all the odd jobs he had taken on as extras. It was true that she was a celebrity, that she had a lot of money now, while Harvey remained a bodyguard, but he had done everything to make it big when it came to the proposal. Not wanting to wait, they got married barely a month later in the sole presence of their witnesses, Rachel and Mike, before discreetly resuming their married lives. Not wanting to be outed, Donna only wore her ring and wedding band when they were in private, and continued to deny any rumors of a romance with co-stars. A few months later, when Donna woke up for the fourth time with the need to throw up, the two newlyweds were overjoyed when the obstetrician confirmed the redhead's pregnancy on the fifth morning. From that moment on, Donna started to wear looser clothes, decreasing her public appearances, until one day when she went out for a quick errand without thinking of taking off her wedding and engagement ring. A few hours later, the photos made it to the news, and the rumors started. The next morning, as Harvey had slept little at the idea that, later today, the world would find out that he was the mysterious husband and father of her baby, Donna turned towards him, the suitcase at her feet, and a huge smile. 
« You’re ready? »
 
« Yep. Let me take your luggage »
 A few hours later, while they were waiting in the corner of the lounge area of ​​the JFK airport, Harvey sighed as he saw the latest news posted online. 
« Shit »
 « What? » muttered the redhead, who was leaning against him. 
« Someone filmed the two of us at the airport »
 
« Already? »
 
« Yeah »
 In the video of a few seconds, the redhead could have been seen wearing black leggings, a white t-shirt leaving little hesitation about her pregnancy, a thick, mid-thigh cardigan on top, while her hair was in a low bun, and she was wearing a cap. Next to her, Harvey was wearing a cap too, a beige large pants, a dark blue hoodie, partially hiding his face, as they walked hand in hand towards the security control of the airport. 
« Well, tonight the world will find out about you, so it's not really a problem anymore »
 
« Yeah, you're right. It just feels weird to me. We've been hiding for three years, and no one knew except our friends and family, and now I find myself on the internet »
 
« At least, you can stop being jealous every time a celebrity magazine thinks I'm in a relationship with a co-star. The whole world is going to know that I'm yours, forever, doesn't that make you happy? »
 « Very happy » chuckled the former bodyguard. After chatting for several more minutes, the two future parents discreetly boarded first class before going to their hotel right after landing, where the stylist and makeup artists were waiting for them. If Harvey wore a simple black and white suit, was clean shaven, and his hair was slicked to the side as usual, Donna wore a much more sophisticated dress made of a veil overlay, which highlighted her adorable rounded belly and revealed the skin of her ribs and part of her back. Once ready, they walked hand in hand towards the car before sitting together in the back while the young man panicked at the idea of ​​taking his first step on the red carpet. 
« Hey, breathe »
 « I’m sorry » muttered Harvey. 
« Everything will be fine, I promised »
 
« I know. And I also wanted to tell you that, even if I'm panicking about tonight, I'm very happy and proud to be with you tonight. I hope you win because you deserve it so much. You’re amazing »
 
« Thanks, baby. And thank you for being here, I know that things haven't always been easy and that the fact that we were in our bubble has made our relationship easier, but I wanted you to know that, it's not because tonight the world will know who you are that it will change something for us. I love you, in a few months we will have our baby, you will finally be an amazing lawyer, and we will try to live our crazy lives as simply as we can »
 
« I love you so much »
 
« I love you too »
 After one last quick kiss, and Donna making sure she didn't leave any lipstick marks on her husband, the two of them got out of the car. Quickly, Harvey let the redhead join the cast of her new film while he went through the back where all the agents and partners of the other guests were going. As he waited for Donna to walk the red carpet on the other side, as soon as she made her appearance, her hands supporting her rounded belly, the photographers became wild and shouted the redhead's name over and over while she waved and smiled at the different cameras. A few minutes later, she arrived at the end of the red carpet, and, as Harvey held out his arm for her to grab it, she could hear the reporters shouting behind her. 
                       Miss Paulsen, is this your husband?
 
Could we have photos with Mr. Paulsen?                       
 
                       Sir! Please, look over here
 
A picture, please                       
 Without a last glance, they each slipped their arms behind each other's backs before Harvey placed a tender kiss on her head, and they moved towards the interior of the building. Once inside, they took the two seats reserved for the redhead while they chatted with the rest of the cast until the ceremony started. Again, for over an hour, they listened to the different speakers and presenters until they arrived at the category where Donna was nominated. After introducing the five actresses, Harvey intertwined his fingers with his wife’s before placing a kiss on them and holding his breath. 
« And the winner is... Donna Paulsen »
 As applause broke out in the room, the two looked at each other intently, Donna with a huge smile, while Harvey felt his vision blur as she stood up. He hastened to get up too before feeling his wife slide one arm under his jacket, her belly pushing against his stomach as she placed a furtive but loving kiss on his lips while caressing his cheek. Quickly, she left her row to go on stage, and Harvey looked at her with admiration and love as she was about to give her acceptance speech as soon as the statuette was handed to her. 
« Oh my God, I can't believe it. Hum, I first wanted to congratulate all the actresses who were nominated with me because they deserved just as much as me to be on stage tonight. I also wanted to thank each person who participated in this film and who allowed me to be here today, I would never have made it without you. Thank you to the organizers of the evening as well as the juries, and even if I don't want to drag out this speech, I still wanted to take advantage of this moment to thank the love of my life. Harv, I know you must probably be super embarrassed that I'm talking about you in front of everyone, but I wanted to thank you for being the incredible husband and partner that you are, thank you for always believing in me, for putting me before everything else, and for always doing everything so that I could live the life I wanted. Thank you for loving me like you do, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a mom soon. You rock, baby, I love you so much »
 As she raised the statuette in his direction, Harvey did everything not to cry at his wife's poignant speech. A few seconds later, she left the stage, and he waited another twenty minutes before she returned to her seat. From that moment on, they no longer listened to anything at the ceremony, too obsessed with the other to worry about what was around them, their baby kicking like crazy inside her. At the end of the ceremony, everyone left the room while Donna headed towards the interview stage reserved for the evening's winners, Harvey's hand still in hers. She then went up the stage to reach the microphone and place the statuette on the display stand while he waited for her from a certain distance. As a dozen journalists raised their hands to ask questions, one of the organizers selected a person in the room who started to speak. 
« Miss Paulsen, or should I say Mrs. Paulsen, I first wanted to congratulate you on this victory »
 
« Thank you »
 
« I must admit that you created a surprise this evening by confirming your marriage and your pregnancy »
 
« Indeed, I think that, even if my husband and I wanted to remain as discreet as possible about our private life, my pregnancy was becoming difficult to hide, and then, I am proud of him and of our lives together, so I no longer wanted to hide that »
 
« Ms. Paulsen, at barely twenty-seven years old, you won your first Oscar. Does that motivate you to accept another project? »
 
« For the moment, I will mainly devote myself to more personal projects, as you can see, and maybe after I take some time off with my family, I will resume filming, why not, yeah. But first, I prefer to take some time away with my husband and our baby »
 
« About the baby, do you already know if it’s a little girl or a little boy? »
 After a quick glance at Harvey, she saw him smiling widely, clearly proud of the answer, and after a quick giggle, Donna replied. 
« We’re having a baby girl »
 
« By the way, where is the future father? »
 
« Oh, he’s hiding over there. He’s not really into pictures and fame, so I’ll leave him alone tonight. He's already done me a huge favor by accompanying me tonight, so I'm not going to overdo it »
 
« Mrs. Paulsen, what are you planning to do tonight? »
 « Tonight? Probably going home » giggled the redhead. 
« So no after party this year? »
 
« I don’t think so »
 « What about tomorrow? » asked another journalist. 
« Well, tomorrow I’ll celebrate my wedding anniversary, so it will be just between my husband and I »
 After a series of other questions about her victory, the film, and her private life, the redhead thanked the journalists, then left the room, statuette in hand, before finding herself alone in a hall as he wrapped his arms around the redhead and placed his lips delicately against hers. 
« Let's go home? »
 
« Yep, let's go »
 The couple immediately returned to Donna's old apartment and fell asleep instantly, as soon as their heads hit the pillow. No more after-parties, and no more beer-drinking and talking until the middle of the night, now they were future parents and no longer crazy newlyweds living their lives at a thousand miles an hour, but they loved this new lifestyle. As Donna slowly woke up in her husband's comfortable arms the next morning, she was already surprised to see him awake and scrolling on his phone. 
« Good morning »
 
« Hey, baby. Did you sleep well? »
 
« Yeah, pretty much. What are you doing? »
 
« I’m on a lot of pictures from last night. I didn’t realize »
 
« Show me »
 Harvey then handed the phone to his wife, who scrolled through the different photos posted by everyone on social media. Seeing them, she couldn't help but feel her heart melt, because no matter which one, you could see how much they were in love with each other and how proud Harvey was of his wife. One picture was the way of he looked at her when she won, another of her in his arms as they were talking together outside, and a lot of other pictures were taken during the ceremony, when they were flirting, kissing, talking, and laughing together. Among the photos, there was the one she posted the night before on her Instagram by one of her co-stars during the ceremony. On it, Donna was sitting on Harvey's lap, holding the statuette in hand, while her husband had his arms around her belly and his lips on her shoulder while looking at her with love and pride. In return, Donna had slid her free hand on his face as she also looked at him lovingly. Without bragging, their first photos as a couple on social media were adorable. Taking advantage of the fact that Harvey was now in the kitchen, she decided to make it even more official by creating a post to celebrate three years of being together and their first wedding anniversary. For almost ten minutes, she took her time to select a series of photos while being careful not to take some that were too personal and daring. The first chosen was, of course, a photo from their wedding, where Donna was wearing a magnificent white lace dress with a long train and an embroidered veil, while Harvey was in a suit, putting the ring on her finger, both of them with a big smile in front of a magnificent landscape of southern Italy. The next was a photo taken by Mike at the very beginning of their relationship, where Donna was sitting on Harvey's lap, her iced tea in hand, while the young man had the straw in his mouth, and the redhead looked at him with a smirk and loving eyes. The third remained one of the redhead's favorite photos, which was a bit more personal but so adorable that it had become Harvey's wallpaper. The photo was a selfie taken from below, where we could see in the foreground the bare skin of her round belly revealed by the crop top she was wearing. Her husband had his head resting on her stomach, placing a tender kiss on her skin, while Donna had her hand in his hair and was smiling widely. In this photo, you could see how happy and in love they were, and it melted Donna's heart. The following selected photo was a little more daring, but why not? It was taken during their first vacation together, just three months after getting together. On it, Harvey could be seen holding his girlfriend bridal style but in a much sexier way, with one arm completely surrounding her back, holding her against him, while his second arm had slipped between her thighs to support her with his hand spread on her ass. For her part, Donna had one of her arms wrapped around his neck for support while her other hand was resting on his cheek as they kissed. They were both on a heavenly beach with palm trees, a blue sky, and transparent water while their position allowed it to highlight the boxer’s muscular body by revealing the bottom of his defined abs, his swollen biceps, and his muscular shoulders. Even though the photo was perhaps a little too personal, Donna found her man way too sexy not to share it with the whole world. Then, the last chosen picture was taken during one of the award ceremonies last year, when she was getting ready and Harvey was behind her, carefully pulling up the zipper while she held the front of her dress with both hands. Although the photo was nothing special, for Donna, it reminded her of years ago when he helped her undress after the Oscars and the tension between them became unbearable in the hotel room. Once the five photos were selected, she typed a short text, not too long, in honor of their anniversary. 
Happy anniversary, baby. Three years with you, and a year as your wife, were the best times of my life. Thank you for being so perfect, and I look forward to spend many more years by your side. I love you
 Once satisfied, she uploaded her post before locking her phone when she heard Harvey coming back into the bedroom. Facing her husband, she couldn't help but smile widely and feel her heart melt once again when she saw him. He was standing, wearing only his boxers, carrying a large tray in his hands with pastries, orange juice, tea, fruits, and, of course, flowers and a gift for her. « Happy birthday, baby » whispered Harvey, looking at her lovingly. After their appearances at the Oscars and Donna's post on Instagram, the couple formed by the actress and her former bodyguard had become unmissable, and if Harvey was afraid of not getting used to this new celebrity status, he still managed to maintain a semblance of normality. Despite all this, the two future parents continued to live their lives, the redhead had taken a step back to fully and calmly enjoy the end of her pregnancy, while Harvey continued to study for his final exams in order to obtain his Juris Doctor. A few months later, and a few weeks early, the first Paulsen-Specter came into the world, much to the delight of the new parents, who were already crazy about their daughter. The days went by, and, while Donna had not returned to filming, Harvey continued to study and take classes during the day before taking over with the little redhead at night to let his wife rest. Although it was complicated, at the end of May, all their efforts were rewarded when Harvey graduated summa cum laude while Donna applauded with pride, the sleeping baby against her, as her husband took the stage. The months then continued, the couple organized themselves so that Harvey could work, while completing his master's degree while Donna resumed shooting new movies, and despite the military organization that it required, they had never been so happy. A few months later, as they were both lying in their beds, their sixteen-month-old baby between them, the lawyer heard his wife laughing softly as she was looking at her screen. 
« What? »
 
« Look at that »
 As she handed her cell phone to her husband, Harvey choked when he saw the title of the article that the redhead was showing him.

Who is the sexy lawyer married to Donna Paulsen, and why are they couple goal?

« Is this a joke? »
 « Oh come on, we're couple goal » chuckled the redhead. As he read the article, he couldn't help but smile when he saw the photos and the comments. In each photo, they were always stuck together, laughing, flirting, looking at each other lovingly, walking hand in hand, supporting each other during Award evenings or Commencement ceremony, or even taking care of their baby with attention and softness. As he scrolled through the pictures of the different moments of their lives captured by the paparazzi, Harvey felt his heart sink as he thought about how much his life had changed in the last five years. « It’s true that we are couple goal » Harvey smiled, gently kissing his wife. 
« Wait until you read the comments »
 
« The comments? »
 
« Yeah, wait, let me show you »
 A few seconds later, she gave Harvey her phone back again as his eyes widened at the comments. 
They are so cute
 
He can be my daddy, too
 
Please, adopt me
 
He can put me in prison, no problem
 
Couple goal. I want the same
 
He’s so hot daddy coded
 
Where can I find a man like that? I am available
 For a while longer, Harvey scrolled through the comments while laughing at some. Once he read the tone of them, he handed the phone back to his wife before laughing and then talking softly to her. 
« People are crazy »
 
« Wait until they hear baby number two is on the way »
 As Donna giggled, Harvey leaned over the sleeping baby, making sure not to wake her, before placing tender kisses on the redhead's unclothed and slightly swollen belly. Seeing her husband slide his cheek against her bare skin, she passed her hand through his hair to caress his scalp with her fingertips. 
« You're a star now too, baby »
 
« Apparently I am »
 For a few seconds, neither spoke as Harvey continued to place a multitude of kisses on her bare belly before stopping to watch their sleeping daughter in awe as he gently nuzzled her little cheek. 
« Donna? »
 
« Yeah? »
 
« Thank you for giving me a reason to live »
 « You’re welcome, baby » smiled the redhead. 
« You gave me the life I could never have hoped for, even in my wildest dreams. You are everything to me, and I always feel like I don't tell you enough, but I really want to thank you for saving my life and I want you to know that I love you so much »
 
« I love you too. Like crazy »