"I'm the prize."

"He said I'm the prize."

"How can I be the prize?"

Was Eros Delacourde genuinely interested in him?

A giddy feeling rushed through his body, making him shudder. Then, the ticklish feeling settled in his stomach. It wasn't iffy to make him frown, but a cheesy smile was created by it. What was this feeling? The thought of a man like Eros being interested in him made him heady. His first suitor.

"Wait. Was I 'hit on' as they say? If it was, this is my first time..."

Jaejin's mumblings halted when a blinding fact came to mind. His sexuality was still foreign to not only his mind but his body. His cheeks flushed when the ghost-like touch of Eros's lips on his neck recreated itself at that moment. The young CEO was bold enough to do something like that, but it calmed him down. Three days ago, when he returned home, the intentions of a certain someone were made clear. Not only were secrets and fears heard, but that one statement overshadowed everything. 

Jaejin dazedly stared at the far wall with an internal war rampaging through his mind. The nurse who clocked in today was doing light cleaning around her patient but stealthily keeping an eye on him. She had to hide her smile. Some of Jaejin's mumblings were heard because he has been in this position the past few days. It wasn't hard to figure out who placed him in that situation. Their young master put his claim on the young man. In the background, things were moving according to plan, while in the forefront, to get a connection started, things were being taken step by step.

Checking the time, the nurse wrapped up her cleaning and approached the future partner of her temporary boss.
"Young master Jaejin, lunch will be arriving soon. Do you require help with anything?" she asked with a warm smile. The now slightly bruised man flinched upon realization of her presence. Dressed in an oversized t-shirt and loose shorts, Jaejin looked like a high schooler in his father's old college clothes. His inky black hair was freshly washed and now unbound, thrown messily to one side of his head. His large spectacles gave him a much cuter image; he was adorable in many factors.

"Oh, miss Shannon, I'm sorry I was a bit out of it. Ummm, I will eat here. I have some assignments to do and also work schedules to adjust. Can you help me up? I want to move my limbs a bit," he said. Those dark eyes were pure, and the smile was full of innocence and sincerity. Shannon thought of her employers. Will this young master fit in if he does accept the second prince?

"That's no problem. How about a short walk onto the balcony then back?"

"Perfect."

He watched on with a ghost-like smile on his face when she moved the makeshift work desk to the side and helped him with his slides. The tummy pillow was removed, and effortlessly she pulled him up to his feet. The arm crutch was given to him as an aid as he stretched his injured leg and did the little exercises nurse Isla taught him. He was careful not to move recklessly; opening up his stitches was a big no. 

Shannon walked in pace with him as they moved to the balcony. An outdoor lounger was placed there along with a small table with two chairs a day after he arrived home. The changes were small but impactful to Jaejin. He appreciated Eros's foresight in having him in comfort as he recovered.
"Can you tell me about your boss?" Jaejin asked softly before they stepped onto the bamboo mat on the balcony.

"Objectively as an employee or as an onlooker?" Shannon returned.

"Both. I've never met anyone like him."

The nurse laughed heartily. That comment can be attached to any Delacourde family members, even the other major FIVE.

"My immediate boss is his sister-in-law, Dr. Amara Jackson-Delacourde. The young master requested her help to care for you. Nurse Isla and I were chosen from the family's private hospital to be of service. Eros Delacourde is affectionately known as the second prince. Born the first out of the twins, everyone watched him grow as quiet, observant, logical, and quite bright. Those were the comments I gathered when I began to work for the empire four years ago. I think he's the same as they describe but a bit more carefree. He used to question everything to understand how one thinks or feels without logic. Isla has been under the empire's employ longer than me. So she can tell you more about him. Young master Eros cares and loves his family deeply. He cherishes those who work for him and fiercely protects everyone. 
     He's the eyes and ears of the empire. He resolves issues we will take at face value."

"Like my security and the apartment building?" During those three days, Jaejin and the other tenants were notified of the new owner and changes in security. The rent was raised to a suitable number, and rental agreements were changed. The owner's name wasn't Eros Delacourde but one of the men who worked for him. Nurse Isla casually commented on the memo circling the night Jaejin returned home. To become the owner was partially seen as a promotion and the opportunity to be a landlord within the faction. Eros gave his soldiers a chance to have something other than a position in the underworld.

"Yes. Many people benefited from that solution of safety issues."

"Is he... um..." Jaejin wanted to ask a more in-depth question aside from Eros's role as boss.

"You can ask me anything. We are free to talk about the family to a certain extent." Shannon recognized the look on the man's face. She often saw it whenever the present king visited the young queen at work. Females usually wanted personal information on him and wished to know the stability of the couple's relationship. She never answered the way they wanted. All she had to show them was the look in the king's dark eyes.

"The world isn't kind."

That sentence was heavy. It had so many emotions and meaning in them, but it was evident at the same time.
"Yes, the world isn't," Shannon answered firmly.

"My part in it was surely so, was Eros's part the same?"

"I don't have a clear answer for you, but from my eyes, it's exceptional. They support him the same way we will support you, young master Jaejin." Shannon held his gaze. She could see the fear in his eyes as they shook; appreciation glimmered in them gradually when he heard her words. His body became lax. His hand still clutched the end of his t-shirt tightly, but he was okay emotionally. 

"Thank you." His words were soft, but she heard them.

"Feel free to talk to the young master. He's a great listener and someone you can put your trust in, bit by bit."

"I've already started. He already took hold of my future. I'm only living and adjusting to the path he is creating." The bright smile that accompanied those words showed the honesty in his heart. Shannon found herself unable to worry any longer for young master Jaejin. He's tough under this soft shell he portrayed.

"That he has."

The two listened to the traffic noises in the distance, mingling with the small voices of nature and the bustle around the neighborhood. The sun was at its highest, but that didn't bother them. The sunshine felt good on their bodies after being in the apartment for so long. It also helped that a shade was also installed for the balcony. Eros didn't miss any detail. His care for Jaejin was quietly shown, and the receiver of it all was genuinely appreciative. 

"Young master Jaejin."

"Yes, Shannon?"

"It's best to learn and find your way in this world. Support is great but accomplishing things on your own is a greater comfort."

Her tone was firm and impactful. Her advice was similar to Eros's whispered words. Jaejin was positioned to see the world away from his father's influence. He was scared, but he had support. He had friends who wanted him to live and be happy and someone who was quietly waiting for him to accept them. In other words, he had to build himself to accept that person's hand. 

His voice cracked when he uttered two words.
"Thank You."
Shannon smiled when she heard them. Her little advice was all she could do for the man; the rest was up to him.

The short ringing of the doorbell reached their ears outside. The nurse excused herself and reentered the apartment. Eyeing the image on the large TV screen, she recognized the person incessantly ringing the doorbell. Jaejin's annoyed tone can be heard through it all. "Send her away, please."

"Yes, sir."

On the end table beside the sofa was a device the size of an iPad with the security system on display. Shannon spoke into it by selecting the intercom option connected to the camera above the door outside. 
"Good day, Miss Macallis. Young master Jaejin is not accepting visits today. However, I shall inform him of your unannounced visit. If you wish to relay a message to him, please press the button with the 'speaker icon' on it."
The well-spoken, sultry feminine voice froze Sherida in place for a moment. It was shocking to hear a woman in Jaejin's apartment; not only that; she called him young master. Did he run back to his father? But, most importantly, who was that woman? She made it clear to everyone that Jaejin Min was hers. The surveillance reports were accurate. Those idiots weren't lying. She hated one thing- when people did not know their place. 

"Message. Why would I leave a message? I am here to see him. Where is he, and who the fuck are you? I know you've been here before." Sherida said into the intercom. Being condescending was a natural ability for the ashy blonde. She looked around the hall and noticed the camera; she even noted the doorbell/intercom device. These were new addition compared to her last visit. Jaejin can never afford this tech on that crummy allowance from his mother. His father joked about it at the man's previous meeting with her father. She thought about his hospitalization and now the new gadgets. The only answer was that Jaejin succumbed to his father's will. Why didn't her father inform her of this development? A gleeful grin adorned her face. He was finally doing the right thing. Sherida was ecstatic, but that feeling plummeted with the woman in his apartment.

"Young master Jaejin is currently resting as part of his recovery. Any disruptions may affect him; so far, smooth recovery," Shannon returned politely.

"Disruptions? Give me Jaejin, now. Tell him to come to the door. I'm his fiance. You dare to keep me away from him."

Jaejin internally sighed at the mention of the word fiance. He wasn't notified of their arranged engagement, but she was - broadcasting it to the world. That tidbit was to be kept from him, but it's no longer a secret.

"I'm only following the young master's wish. Please, ma'am, reschedule your visit. I'm sure your access to this floor was given because your name is under the young master's college mate's list." 

On the screen, Shannon saw the woman fume at the mention of her position in the young master's life. She repeated the word college mate before she screamed. 
"JAEJIN! OPEN THE DOOR!"

"What a temper she has, young master." The nurse found the spoiled princess amusing. Not having her way sparks her temper. 

"It's exhausting. Threaten her with security." Jaejin didn't move a muscle when he spoke. His eyes were closed in a relaxed position. He was following Eros's plan in which he was notified beforehand of this development. His silent fury was kept under the lid when the details were laid before him. It pissed him off that Sherida had him under surveillance after pulling that stunt. Because of her stupid claim on him, he was close to losing his life. 
With the upcoming escalation which Sherida will create, it will no doubt garner his father's attention. Jaejin does not know which medium the old man will take, but he knows from experience the man will lash out. Eros said the same and assured him it would all be okay. He wasn't involved in the plan much and didn't want to be. It's easier to be clueless about it all. He was blindly trusting the young boss. "One major worry off my back. I guess it is time to focus on myself and mother," he muttered.

"Ma'am. You are causing a stir. I'm afraid I must contact security to have you removed from the premises," Shanon said into the intercom.

"Do you know who I am? Do you dare call security on me? I will shut down this entire building and have everyone evicted....."Sherida silenced herself when the woman's voice came through the speaker again. Her eyes shook in unbridled rage. Her face became red from embarrassment.
"Yes, sir. Please have this young lady removed. She's not only disturbing my young master but the other tenants. Thank you."

Backing away from the door, Sherida fished for her phone in her handbag and hastily retraced her steps to the elevator. "JAEJIN! YOU WILL REGRET THIS!" She yelled over her shoulder. 
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, revealing two men wearing tired expressions on their faces. Sherida was too busy trying to get a hold of her father to notice one of the men stepped out and made his way to her. The other gave her a quick once over and clicked his tongue in annoyance. 

"Miss Sherida Macallis, I'm here to escort you out of the premises. Your disturbance resulted in front desk complaints; please follow me."

Frustrated, Sherida threw her phone in her bag and glared at the man towering over her with the most apathetic expression on his face. She flinched in disbelief at the way he was speaking to her. Usually, a smile and a few words would settle any problems they think she made, but Sherida felt her luck wasn't much today.
"Is it wrong to visit my fiance? He was recently hospitalized," she said with a slight frown.

"Yet you were making such a ruckus that the floor below us made a complaint. If Mr. Min refuses to see you, shouldn't you respect his wishes, ma'am?" the man said.

"I was worried. He has a strange person...."

The familiar doorbell ring reached her ears; stopping whatever scenario she thought up within those few seconds, she turned her focus back to Jaejin's apartment. An unfamiliar man carrying a tote in his hand and a messenger bag slung across his chest was now ringing the doorbell. Who is he? Jaejin only had one friend.
The door opened, and a woman in nurse's scrubs revealed herself with a bright smile. The man gave her a sharp nod in response to her cheerful greeting and made his way into the apartment. Sherida didn't miss the slow look towards her. Those emotionless light brown eyes sent chills down her body. She quickly turned away from the scrutiny in that look and began to stutter some lame excuse. 
The security's attention moved toward the nurse. "I'm sorry, Miss Shanon. Would you please inform Mr. Min that the problem has been dealt with?" he said with an apologetic smile.

"I will. Thank you."

Sherida turned towards the voice and angrily made her way back to the door. "YOU! ...."

"Ma'am. Please." The security grabbed her upper arm gently but being the drama queen she was, Sherida began to scream in faux pain. 
"OW! You're hurting me," she cried out. 
The security released her abruptly, causing her to stumble in her heels and fall onto the floor. The man sighed; exasperation was apparent in that sigh. Sherida kept up her act, expecting Jaejin to hobble out and care for her, despite his injuries. She knew him to give in to her whims no matter what it was. Even though it was to appease her, he always did what she asked.
Someone did come out, and it wasn't the person she wanted. 

"Don't you think you're too old to be throwing a tantrum?"

The cold French-accented voice washed over her like a bucket of ice water. She didn't even hear him approach her. Looking up, those eyes were on her; Sherida felt like squirming but didn't dare. She could only swallow the lump that was stuck in her throat. "Who says I was throwing a tantrum? This idiot was manhandling me. Why do you think I'm on the floor?" she protested despite unease.

"I think you're being a nuisance on the floor. Please leave. You're disturbing his rest."

"I'll sue..." she began once again. The man stood above her with his hands in the pocket of his oversized cardigan. The jeans were worn, and the t-shirt was an anime novelty design. He looked like a bum, but his demeanor was different. 

"If you wish to do so, go on."

His words sounded like a threat.

"Who the fuck are you? Do you think you can talk to me that way?"

"You're a fucking annoyance. I don't give a shit who you are. If you're messing with Jaejin's peace, then you're no one for me to think of. From your looks, you're nothing but a spoiled, bratty rich girl with daddy doing whatever you want so that you won't become more of an issue for him. Leiros, escort her out. NOW!"

"Yes, young master."

Sherida jumped to her feet, furious at the man who dared to insult her. No one ever dared to say such insensitive things to her. By this time tomorrow, he will be done. She swung her right hand back, ready to deal with this ingrate on her own. The man didn't move, nor did the security. They weren't taking her threats seriously. This will make them see the truth behind it all. Sherida launched her hand forward to the arrogant man in front of her. A smug smirk was on her face when the distance between her hand and his face drew closer. "You ignorant french pig, you dare insult me," she hissed. Her hand now passed her peripheral vision. 
This will hurt him good.

A blur of black covered her eyes for a moment then the sudden pain in her wrist assaulted her senses. 
What?
Long fingers enclosed her slender wrist. Light brown eyes were focused on her; they looked predatorial behind her upheld hand. The man released it by forcefully pushing it away from his face.

"Next time will be a broken wrist."

He didn't wait for a response; he turned on his heel and left her gobsmacked with the security patiently waiting for her to move.

Back in the apartment minutes later, Jaejin couldn't help but stare at the man beside him. He heard everything that was said. How can he not? He felt the anger radiating around Eros when he first arrived. From the CEO's casual attire and the food containers in the canvas tote, it was clear to see that he wanted to have a relaxed lunch with Jaejin. Instead, Sherida's performance soured the mood significantly.

The atmosphere had a lingering tension flitting around. Shannon plated their meal before leaving for the day. The apologetic smile on her face as she left warmed his heart. The two probably had something planned. 
"Hey. The food will get cold," Jaejin muttered. Gingerly he reached forward for his plate, but a hand reached out and paused his actions. The warm hand on Jaejin's forearm was becoming hotter, or was it him getting heated due to this development. 

"I'll do it."

Jaejin sat back on the backrest and watched over Eros's smooth actions. A cloth napkin was placed on his lap, then the collapsible tray with his meal. 

"I can reheat if you wish."Eros's voice was soft and filled with the warmth one gives to one significant other. 

"It's fine. I can still feel the warmth of the food. Let's eat."  

"I was feeling for something light and flavorful. So I brought these from a restaurant I favored when I first moved here."

"Thank you, Eros." Jaejin dug into the warm tofu chunks. Its texture matched the overall appearance. There was a small container filled with a sweet sauce. He was informed it was a house specialty that pairs with most of the restaurant's dishes. The chicken and pork were tender, and the eggplant didn't taste disgusting as he thought it would. Each dish had a different taste yet was compatible with each other. He smiled as he took a mixed bite of tofu and pork, his cheeks puffed up with the large serving. Eros chuckled at that sight. He looked adorable. 

"It may be a guess, but I think you're enjoying your lunch," Eros commented. He took the liberty to wipe the leftover sauce at the side of Jaejin's mouth.

"It's great. I will love more of the tofu." The natural action flustered him. It affected him more when his body pressed against his for a moment. 

Eros wordlessly placed a portion of his serving on his plate and continued eating, ignoring Jaejin's stare. "Eat up."

His cheeks were warm. He followed the soft order from the man beside him. Sweet, that was the new word he thought to describe Eros in his dictionary.

New Mexico

Everything had a schedule and was closely monitored. Han Eun-Kyung felt like a prisoner in her home. She couldn't call it her matrimonial home since her husband placed her in this villa when he unofficially took a second woman to his bed. The son she bore for him was a failure in his eyes, and as punishment, she was cast out of the home she tried to build. 
Eun-Kyung observed her reflection in the vanity's mirror and practiced the different smiles she had to use for the day. Her glossy black hair was styled in a tight updo, giving an unobstructed view of her blemish-free face. Light makeup was worn for appearance's sake, her beauty didn't wither over the years, and that has been a tool for her husband for his stately appearance. She wanted to hate her face, but her little boy will be sad. 

Her baby. Her son loved that they were similar in appearance and went to great lengths to always have a photo of them together. She knew why Jaejin loved that fact. Jaejin was her soul and heart; he was the main reason she put up with the man she married and the duties of a daughter that hung over her head. 
Word met her ears of the plans her husband had for their son. The man saw their child as a tool to gain recognition and influence. Eun-Kyung hated it. She was relieved when the harsh training ended and the limited permission for Jaejin to go to college, but that was all.
There were conditions.

There are always conditions.

She had to maintain the outward appearance of the Min family. If she dares to go against him, Jaejin will be in danger. Her family, the Hans, were another reason for her to stay put. She was sold to Hanjool to save the family's riches and standing in society. At nineteen, she became a bride, and at twenty-one, she was made a mother in a new country with English as a second language. 
Though she resented her husband and family for their actions, she exuded the meaning of her name to have a safe living for her child.

With grace and honor, she played the role of Min Hanjool's loving wife. The people working for the family knew the truth about that title. 

"For my Jin. I hope all is well."

The news of his assault broke her outward demeanor. Eun-Kyung went on her hands and knees, begging her husband for permission to care for their son. She begged for funds to pay for his medical bills when she was denied the first. Hanjool asked with venom in his words, 'What has he done to deserve my benevolence?'
How can he.... his firstborn was nearly killed, and that was his response.
Her hatred grew for that man. She transferred most of her allowance to pay for his treatment, but it was rejected with the notice already being paid. An email was sent to her through her trusted bodyguard with the details surrounding her son. 

Someone was on their side. 

As his mother, she wept that night, thanking the person for saving and caring for her Jaejin. That was all she could do. Thank a stranger.

"Madam."

The bodyguard, Ji -hun has been at her side since they were kids. He came from a family dedicated to serving the Hans back in Korea. He became her guard after grueling tests that didn't seem fit for young teens. When she was ten, Ji-hun succeeded in being her shadow at fourteen. 

"Yes."

Her short answer was permitted to enter the room. On silent steps, he entered, closing the door behind him before approaching her. 

"The car is ready. I've confirmed with the restaurant that your reservation has been secured. After the luncheon, the boutiques you wish to visit have been alerted." He said all this while handing her a folded sheet of paper. They had to be wary of their surroundings, even in her private bedroom.

"Thank you. I will be right out."

The two held each other's gazes, speaking silently with their eyes. Eun-Kyun had a teary smile after seeing the spark of life in Ji-hun's face. Then, boldly, he reached forth, cupped her cheek in his hand, and then left her side. The heat of his hand was still on her cheek; it was enough to understand his action.
Opening the paper, she read the few lines that were printed. 
                     He is resting comfortably at home. Two nurses are by his side to help with his recovery. Food that he loves is being cooked with your advice. He's safe under my watch. You will hear from him soon.

A low laugh sounded in the room; if she didn't, the tears would be accompanied by loud cries. Their benefactor chose her bodyguard as a medium to keep a connection with her. Her phone and her emails, and even regular mail were monitored. Her calls to Jaejin were kept short in fear of saying something that would anger Hanjool or put him in danger. Thankfully, this person was keen on their predicament.
It calmed her heart that Jaejin was doing well. She may not know this man and his motives, but she had to trust and depend on his words. 

 Rising to her feet, she walked to the fireplace and threw the letter in flames. The fire was kept due to the area her villa was located. She was isolated from most things, but surveillance was heavy. Eun-Kyung made sure every inch was now ash before leaving her room. 
There were few things she was allowed to do, all dedicated to her image as a wealthy man's wife. The women she was about to have lunch with were the wives of three major clients of Hanjool's company. The lunch date's annoyance was gone, thanks to the letter. She will hear from her son soon.
Walking through the villa she was greeted by the staff, a few were new while the others came under the Min family employ when she arrived in the US. Out of the many only three she trusted and Ji-hun was separated from that bunch. The three she befriended were those who had her life in their hands. A vetran chauffeur, the chef and the head maid. They were also her eyes and ears with in the villa and at the main house when 'evaluation' time comes around.

"Have a good day, Madam." The send off came from the new butler. He replaced the previous one after Jaejin's incident. 
Eun-Kyung sent a smile his way and thanked him. The monitoring is becoming bolder. 
Ji-hun was patiently waiting for her on the door step; he led her to the waiting car with the chauffeur they both trusted. A white SUV sat idle in front of the car, three guards nodded her way before entering the vehicle. A bitter laugh was heard. For his mistresses and his other children, envoys are created and many guards are placed on them and three guards that are rotated were placed under her. It was clear how the 'boss' valued her. 
She had reason to be bitter and to cause a fuss but she didn't. Her silence made Hanjool wary, that's why he was gradually changing her staff. 
She didn't care. Jaejin was under the protection of someone who has shown their level of influence. 

 The drive to the city was quiet. The two men in the car didn't have to say much, they knew she was content at the moment. It was a time where they are also relaxed because of her mood. Arriving at the restaurant, the three guards made a show of how precious Eun-Kyung was to the boss by being utterly professional. The opening of doors, pointedly eyeing the surroundings and taking care of minor details at the restaurant. Their actions made tongues wag. Word of her appearance will circulate amongst high society putting Min Hanjool's name in their house. The elegant wife had to do her part of appearing happy and faithful. 
The host escorted her to the reserved table with her three guests waiting for her. They were talking amongst themselves with such intense expressions on their faces. She wondered if there were new talk of the mistresses or ....

"Eun!" One of the ladies called out when she neared the table.

"Erica, Hi. Is something wrong?" Her English was carefully enunciated which added to her Asian beauty and charm.

"Your son. Jaejin. We heard about his incident. How is he? What happened?" The woman was genuinely concerned. The other two women had the same expressions, this made Eun-Kyung's polish facade broke. Her shoulders slumped as she listened to the barrage of questions. They were all for her and Jaejin. She didn't mention her son's incident since it was resolved and in California; she didn't expect news to reach her inner circle. 
Erica had her arm around Eun and gently sat her in the vacant seat. 
"Thank you for your words. I didn't say anything because the person who saved him assured me that he will be take care of. I was anxious since I couldn't fly out...."

"Couldn't? Why didn't you?" one of the ladies asked with a frown.

The comical light bulb flickered in Eun's head. For years she kept this image; Jaejin was protected; she had nothing to lose; wasn't it time to rebel?

"You know how it is as a chairman's wife." The sigh and sad smile on her beautiful face were enough for the three ladies to understand. 

"But he was stabbed. Social events, be damned," one huffed in anger.

"I'm so grateful for that person. I tried to do my part by paying the medical bills..."

"Why should you pay it?" Erica hissed, interrupting Eun once again.

"Don't you pay for your necessities from your allowance?" The question was asked with a confused frown on her face. The three ladies looked at Eun with pity in their eyes. One reached for the dainty hand of the woman who was possibly clueless about marriage norms and benefits within the country. The trio began to fuss over Jaejin, asking her about his health, then switched to her welfare.

During one of the ladies named Ginny's minute of advice, a female server approached them with menus. Eun was given hers last, and she quickly noticed the server's placement of her hand, giving her the subtle warning to open it carefully. Her bag was on her lap and partially open. She sat upright with the menu placed strategically over the handbag. Carefully she opened the leather booklet and slid down a cream-colored envelope with bold printed Korean characters.
Eun-Kyung's hand trembled, and a soft gasp escaped her when she read the characters. Her eyes burned as tears rose; she didn't expect it so soon. The envelope was thick; how much did her baby write to his powerless mother? 

Her Jaejin. 

She read the characters once more.

나의 아름다운 어머니에게.

                                                                     To my beautiful mother.

What can he possibly write?