Settling In

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Walker hacienda, casting golden patterns across the marble floors. Jia woke up in her childhood room, a mix of nostalgia and mild frustration swirling in her chest. She stretched, listening to the faint sounds of birds chirping outside and the distant hum of activity from the staff preparing breakfast. 

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A text from Kayden: 

"Breakfast in 10. Don't be late." 

Jia rolled her eyes, muttering, "Of course, he's punctual even in a fake relationship." 

Jia arrived in the dining room to find Kayden already seated with her parents. He was the picture of calm, dressed in a crisp shirt and slacks, sipping coffee as he engaged in polite conversation with Mr. Walker. Calvin, predictably, was making himself at home, leaning back in his chair and enjoying a stack of pancakes. 

"Good morning," Jia greeted, sliding into the seat next to Kayden. 

"Morning," Kayden said without looking up, his focus on the financial section of a newspaper. 

"Morning, sunshine!" Calvin chirped, pointing at the food. "Your mom makes the fluffiest pancakes. A true gift to humanity." 

"Calvin," Jia groaned, reaching for the coffee pot. "Do you ever not talk?" 

"Only when I'm chewing," he replied, stuffing another bite into his mouth for emphasis. 

Mrs. Walker smiled warmly, setting a plate in front of Jia. "We're so happy to have you back home, dear. And Kayden, thank you for keeping her safe." 

Kayden inclined his head. "Of course, Mrs. Walker. Jia's safety is my top priority." 

Mr. Walker set his fork down and leaned forward. "Speaking of which, Mr. Hayes, I noticed the guards stationed outside. Is there still a threat we should be concerned about?" 

Kayden placed the newspaper down carefully, his expression measured. "The situation has been contained, but I believe in taking every precaution. Your daughter's safety is not something I take lightly." 

Mrs. Walker sighed, clearly impressed. "Jia, you've found such a responsible young man. Isn't he wonderful?" 

Jia, caught off guard, nearly choked on her coffee. "Uh... yeah. Wonderful." 

Calvin raised his mug in mock celebration. "A toast! To Kayden Hayes: CEO, protector of damsels, and master of awkward family breakfasts." 

Kayden shot him a glare. "Calvin." 

"What? Just adding some flair to the morning," Calvin said, feigning innocence. 

After breakfast, Mr. Walker invited Kayden for a walk in the gardens, leaving Jia and her mother to chat in the sunlit sitting room. Calvin tagged along with Kayden, earning a pointed look from Mr. Walker, which he ignored entirely. 

"So, Mr. Hayes," Mr. Walker began, his hands clasped behind his back, "you seem like a man with a plan. What are your intentions with my daughter?" 

Kayden kept his tone polite but firm. "My primary intention is to ensure Jia's safety and happiness. Beyond that, we're taking things as they come." 

"Hmm," Mr. Walker mused. "A careful answer. I respect that." 

Calvin, walking a step behind them, talking to himself behind them

Kayden didn't break stride, though his jaw tightened slightly. "Calvin, why are you here again?" 

"To document this bonding experience," Calvin replied, raising his phone like a camera. "Also, someone has to make sure Mr. Walker doesn't scare you off." 

Mr. Walker chuckled, surprising Kayden. "You've got a good friend here, Mr. Hayes. Annoying, but loyal." 

"Annoying is debatable," Kayden muttered under his breath. 

Back in the sitting room, Mrs. Walker handed Jia a cup of tea. "So, Jia, tell me honestly—how serious is it with Kayden?" 

Jia nearly spilled her tea. "Uh... serious enough, I guess." 

Mrs. Walker raised an eyebrow. "You guess? He seems devoted to you." 

Jia tried to mask her discomfort with a sip of tea. "He's... very committed to keeping me safe." 

"That much is clear," her mother replied, setting her cup down. "But Jia, relationships aren't just about protection. Do you feel cared for? Loved?" 

Jia hesitated, her mind racing. "He's... attentive. We're still figuring things out." 

Mrs. Walker smiled softly. "Fair enough. Just don't let him slip away if he's the one, dear. Men like that don't come around often." 

Jia forced a smile, her chest tightening at her mother's words. "If only you knew the truth."

That evening, the family gathered for dinner. The conversation flowed easily, with Mrs. Walker asking Kayden about his work and Mr. Walker chiming in about business strategies. 

Calvin, seated at the far end of the table, interjected occasionally with witty remarks, earning both laughs and glares. 

As the evening wore on, Jia couldn't shake the growing tension in her chest. Kayden was playing the part perfectly, but every word he spoke felt like another brick in the wall of their shared lie. 

When the meal ended, Mrs. Walker stood and clasped her hands. "We're so glad you're staying with us for a while. It feels like having family back under one roof." 

Jia glanced at Kayden, who nodded politely. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Walker." 

"Please, call me Mom," she said with a wink. 

Calvin choked on his water, earning a glare from Kayden. "Sorry," he sputtered, wiping his mouth. "Didn't see that coming." 

Mr. Walker laughed heartily. "Get used to it, son. Around here, we don't stand on ceremony." 

Jia sighed, leaning back in her chair as Calvin whispered to her, "This just gets better and better." 

She shot him a look. "I'll pay you to stop talking." 

"Not enough money in the world, Jia," Calvin replied with a grin.