"Mother, Father, how rude of you to interrupt a guest while he or she's talking" their daughter came to her fiancé's defense.

"But Lili, how come you never told us you've been through such an encounter"

"My dear daughter, is this story of this fiancé of yours true? It sounds fabricated."

"Mother, Father please, one at a time, it's never like you to get worked up on such trivial matters."

*calls Sebastian*

"Sebastian, kindly give my parents their favorite drink please? They're somehow out of it for some reason" she lets out a chuckle.

"Of course Ms. Lili" and off he goes…

"Now where were we? Oh yes, to answer both your questions, I believe it's time to tell my side of the story."

"As long as we know what really transcended, that should be fine with me and your father…"

"Lee, is it OK if I continue the story on how we met on your behalf?" *placing her hand on his shoulder*

"Why of course, after all it is your special day…and that I'm you're the apple of my eye" both lovers giggled…with Lee giving her a kiss on the left cheek.

Their small display of public affection made her parents cringe a bit.

"Now to continue where you left off… "

~CONTINUATION~

"Both of you sweating, how revolting!"

In a last ditch effort to escape from their grasp, she kicked the leader on the groin, making him moan in pain.

"Oh, not to worry cutie, my friends and I will make sure your hot body will drizzle in sweat too!"

The leader, having other things in his mind, commands his goons to restrain her as he's about to strip her clothes off

"UNHAND ME THIS INSTANT!" she demanded, struggling to break free "LET ME GO OR YOU'LL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!"

"She's threatening us, that's cute!" one of the goons remarked, much to her chagrin.

"You actually find it amusing? Unbelievable! What kind of men would find threats beautiful than-"

"Just shut up already, we're about to make you ours!"

The Monegasque native is now a damsel in distress; with her arms restrained and knees on the ground; completely helpless, Lili's a sitting duck.

"She's got nowhere to go now, boss!"

"I completely agree" all 4 laughed menacingly

"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!" she screamed her lungs out, in desperate attempt to flee.

"Shit! Someone might hear us! SHUT HER UP FOR F***'S SAKE!"

One of them covered her mouth with his right hand, silencing her though she continues to struggle to scream

"There that'll do the job!"

"Good work dude, now off to somewhere where no one can find us- OW!"

"What is it? What happened?"

"Something hit my eye, dammit!" *checks the pavement to see what it was*

"The hell?! A rose?" clinching his eye, he wonders where it came from when…

"Come on!" a voice came out of nowhere

"Who in the hell are you?- OOF!" he received a kick in the face, something straight out of Shawn Michaels' book.

"Boss!"

"Who the hell are you?!" the other 3 goons holding Lili hostage were shocked on who attacked their leader

"Someone who doesn't view the opposite sex as mere playthings" sporting a vest, black pants, a pair of gloves and classy shoes, he slowly revealed himself, not before taking his shades off to get a clear picture of what he has put himself to.

The assailants just looked at him

"Don't just stand there! GET HIM!"

Thanks to his heroic interference, one of the goons restraining Lili just tossed her on the pavement, seemingly knocking her unconscious.

"I must rescue her…" the dapping chairman knows what he has to do.

"Oh now you've done it!"

"Bring it on…scum!" he taunted them, waving his finger in a provocative manner

"Treating a poor defenseless girl like she's some kind of toy…and out here in a place like this…you people are one of the reasons why I've been having trust issues lately" The CEO of Violet Systems muttered, readying his stance.

"RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" they charged at him

The white haired playboy smirked under his breath ready to come to the aid of the only child of the Rochefort family.

"Pfft, amateurs…"

At the last second, he dodged their mini onslaught… but he managed to make one of them lose their balance.

"Oops, made you lose your balance" he mocked the one he just tripped, enraging him.

"I'll mess that pretty face of yours!"

"I'd like to see all of you try!" he fixes his hair just to show off.

"Me against the three of you, this is gonna be fun!"

"Wrong pretty boy, make that four!" Lee turned around to see that, as he would call it, the ringleader staggering on his feet.

Surrounded, Lee readies himself preparing for the worst

"You're surrounded now, pretty boy!"

"No escape now!" they charged at him

Amidst the scuffle, Lili, somehow witnessed the brawl in front of her before faintly felling into unconsciousness again.

~SCREEN FADES TO BLACK~

*Several minutes passed*

The sidewalk scattered with litter and debris, not to mention minor collateral damage, it's obvious who won.

Glorious over his victory, he looked back at them "Some people never learn do they…thick headed morons."

"Oh wonderful, one of my new suits just got filthy" he shrugged off the dust on his get up.

He rushes in to the Monegasque girl's aid

"Hope they didn't hurt her badly…" he's about to check on her when he heard her groan faintly…

"Are you OK?" he offered to help her get up…

Now on her feet, she recalls what she's been through, surveying her surroundings before turning her attention to her savior.

"I arrived just in time, how are you feeling?"

Speechless at first she blushed "Th-Th-Thank you…" she muttered, staring down at the pavement

"Glad you're not hurt,I don't know what would've happened had I not been around" he proceeds to caress her hair in an attempt to ease her discomfort

Everything's going fine…until

*slaps his hand away* the sudden act shocked him, but Lee kept his cool

The two glanced one another for a brief moment

"Just because you saved me from a group of perverts doesn't mean you can go thinking you're some knight in shining armor or something…" letting it all out, she pouted looking at her right, as if she's in a state of denial

"Oh then you have this romantic fantasy of you riding me off into your castle like I'm the princess you saved from an evil dragon...that isnt going to happen" she later added, crossing her arms.

The latter statement made him chuckle under his breath…

"Hmm, that does sound interesting… but such a scenario never crossed my mind" he assured her

"Hmph! Likely story…" knowing her, she ain't buying it. "Anyways since you're into this entire damsel in distress thing why not do your duty of taking me home oh... "Knight in shining armor" sarcasm in the last part.

With his chivalry acknowledged, he happily obliged "Why certainly, my princess" deciding to play along, with a confident smirk on his face much to Lili's chagrin.

"Now let us hurry, time is of the essence- OW!"

"Oh what seems to be the matter?"

"It's nothing…" she tried to keep a straight face

"Please let me try to help" he insisted to be more of assistance

"I assure you it's nothing to be made a big deal of" but the agony took its toll on her. *she starts grinding her teeth*

"No? But the expression on your beautiful face speaks otherwise"

There's no use in sugarcoating it now

"Fine, you caught me. I sprained my ankle somehow when I tried to break free from those savage animals"

"You broke free or tried to fight back?"

"They tried to molest me, I had to do something to defend myself…" massaging her aching ankle

"A damsel that knows how to fend for herself, you're not in distress after all"

She blushed at his compliment though still pouting…

"it's a good thing I know how to fend for myself- WHOA!" her foot almost got caught on a large crack on the sidewalk

"I caught you" he saved her…and in the nick of time too since she almost landed on her bottom ; she managed to grab on both his shoulders while his hand on her back, almost touching her butt…with their noses almost touching each other; they glanced eye to eye for a moment.

*smirks* "That's two times you came to my rescue"

"I'm prepared for any situation"

"Indeed you are, you're indeed the peculiar kind of male" she tried to walk again, but to no avail

"My ankle, it still hurts"

"Shall I get us a taxi?" he suggested

"No, I do not trust taxis …or any other public transportation like buses but trains are just fine"

"And all this came from a certain experience similar to what just transpired earlier?"

"Thankfully no, but I've been watching news of taxi drivers robbing or doing other disturbing things to their passengers, especially the female ones and I don't want to be the next victim…and all these occurrences happen in a certain 3rd world country…"

"And you fear that you'll be the next victim?"

"Isn't it obvious? Even if I know how to fend for myself, I don't want to end up on the news…putting both my parents in either shame or worry about me"

"Looking out for oneself I see… where is your home by the way? I don't pass by here much"

"Just 5 blocks ahead of us, it's just near…and worry not, I shall guide you"

"In that case" Lee decided to accompany her…his way of course

"Hey, what are you doing?!"

"Taking you home, where else?"

"But why do you have to carry me?! And in a public area such as where we are now?"

"Because I'm your knight in shining armor" confidence in his voice

"You don't know sarcasm do you?"

"I do, but I chose to play the part"

"And I'm surprised you're playing the part very, VERY well…"

"I'm a man of many surprises that's why…" he snickered in confidence; Lili just pout her mouth again

"Absolute showoff…" those two words crossed her mind

And off they went to the Rochefort residence… in public with many people

With anxiety building up, she tried to lie her way out

Caressing her foot "I think my ankle's alright"

"Oh is it?"

"YES, now put me down"

"Likely story, my precious"

"No really I mean it…"

"I don't want you tripping down on the pavement again. Having your lovely face covered in dirt? I don't think so."

"I believe I can walk fine- OUCH!"

"See, your ankle still hasn't fully healed. You're rushing things and besides, you're not heavy as you look" Lili just groaned and stared at the sky in annoyance

The duo now entered a small intersection filled with eateries, shops and other mini businesses.

With no shame felt, Lee carried the only child of the Rochefort family with stride…in front of many people passing by.

Unsurprsingly, many assumed them to be a couple much to her chagrin

"Aww, isn't that sweet"

"He's treating her like a princess, you don't see such chivalry like that these days"

Hearing those compliments made Lee smile

"You're REALLY enjoying this aren't you?" continuing to massage her aching ankle

"Why won't I? I'm just being helpful…princess" that last word annoyed her but her face blush nonetheless

An elderly couple having tea and biscuits and spending time with their grandchild saw the two passing by

"Look at that dear, he's carrying her the same way you carried me back in the day"

"That's true honey…and how I carried our little angel sitting between us"

"Grandpa, he's carrying her like a big baby" her remark made them laugh while a few other patrons followed suit…

Needless to say, Lili doesn't take kindly to being call "a big baby"

"HOW DARE THAT BRAT CALL ME A BIG BABY! I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S THE BIG BABY!" she snarled under breath, clenching her fist when she heard her "knight in shining armor" chuckle a bit at what the grandchild said.

"You find such a remark humorous?" he only responded with a couple more giggles

"If you laugh one more time…" she threatened to hurt him

"It's true about what that child said"

"Now you're saying you agree with what that brat said?!" she couldn't believe what she's hearing

"Not in a sense, but the way you said you wanted to retaliate over a sly remark sounds quite immature, don't you agree?"

He's got a point… he cut to the chase swiftly

"Oh why waste my breath…" she let out a forced sigh, lowering her fist

"You need to learn how to play along"

"I am aware of that…but calling me childish things – like big baby – is hitting below the belt"

"Whatever you say…little one"

*Lili groans*

By this time, both are near her residence

"Looks like we're near where you live"

"Oh what a relief, we're almost at my home. I can finally just forget about this day…" noticing the small flower display, the landmark that signifies that her residence is around the corner.

She's finally home free… or so she thought.

"Oh look at that…"

"Look at what exactly?" she turned to see that the usual route to her home is blocked by a small construction going on

"Oh of all times, why do they have to do some remodeling today? I want to go home immediately!" she almost threw a tantrum

"Haste leads to waste; I will get you home…just not the way you expect it. Do you know any alternate route?"

"Well there is one way" *points to a small curve* "Though I rarely..I mean never go that path because the area looks revolting"

"How so?"

"Clogged sewers, everywhere you see nothing but vermin scavenging dumpsters… I can't stand a minute there, a second even"

"As your knight in shining armor, I shall heed to your request never to use that path"

"I'm glad you understand…now how am I suppose to be home?"

"I'll improvise, just follow my lead and everything will be fine"

"Again?" *sigh* "Lead the way…"

"Just play along and everything will go smoothly…" he added

Lee approached the small construction site with the personnel having a break

"Excuse me gentlemen"

"Can we help you?"

"Do you know any other alternate routes going there? You see, I'm this girl's guardian and she really needs to get home"

"Oh what happened to her?" another of the workers joined the conversation

"She accidentally tripped and twisted her ankle while trying to chase a stray cat"

"It still hurts until now" Lili played along "I can barely walk"

"Oh sorry to hear that" *looks at Lili* "What does your house look like?"

"Let's say it stands out among the rest" she said with a smile

"Please this is urgent, her ankle needs to heal" the tone in his voice sounded very convincing

"Oh he's really good in this, a pure natural." She lauded his performance

"Well we do know one alternate route…" he points it out

"See that back alley over there?" Lee nodded while Lili looked at where the worker is pointing

"That place? I never seen it before…I must have overlooked it" placing a finger on her lip, peculiarity in her tone

"Once you get passed it, turn to the left and you'll see what looks like a small display of flowers in the area"

"That's where my house is located" she told Lee

"Seems easy enough, thank you for the information my good man, we shall be on our way"

"Uh sure anytime pal" the worker looks on as the knight in shining armor and damsel in distress depart to their destined location

"This new route is shorter than I imagined" she thought to herself "The important thing is I am now home free"

The three workers then resumed their break after that

Worker 1: "What was that all about?"

Worker 2: "Just some guy carrying a girl to his home, nothing out of the ordinary"

Worker 3: "And she said her house stood out among the rest"

Worker 2: "She must be from a rich family…though being carried like that is, well…" *sips from his cup*

Worker 3: "I know what you mean buddy"

Worker 1: "In Lehman's term, a spoiled brat!" all three workers laughed

Not far, she overheard the remark and like her earlier outburst, she was less than pleased to be called anything related to anything childish

"SPOILED BRAT?!" her voice a wee bit louder than the aforementioned outburst

Lee shushed her to keep her composure…to which she reluctantly calmed down

"Do you want to make a scene?"

"Seeing those 3 in the hospital would definitely please me"

"Well not today you aren't, we had enough excitement for one day" he retorted "Is beating the crap out of those 4 goons who tried to have their way with you earlier not enough?"

"Just get me home please before I COMPLETELY LOSE IT"

"Really now? If someone makes another childish and sly comment towards you, will you go from sweet little girl to a complete psychopath? Is that what you're saying?"

Unable to think of what to say, she just crossed her arms and just stared blankly

"I have silenced the would-be banshee" he said under his breath

Lili heard what it but could care less

"At least he didn't call me a succubus or a siren" she counted her blessings

~BOTH ARE NOW AT HER NEIGHBORHOOD~

"Do not fret my dear, we are almost at your residence" he assures her

The peaceful surroundings out a smile to his face, admiring everything from the serene atmosphere to the relaxing view of the sunset

"Living in such a neighborhood as this? I can get used to this"

"Good luck with that" she said to herself

"Are we near yet? I just want this day to end" she whined, something quite unladylike for her

"Fret not, we are nearly there"

"Hmph, I doubt you wouldn't even know where my house is located"

"Are you saying that you doubt my ability to find your beloved home?"

"No it's not like that, it just so happens that it is the first time you've been here so I'm being realistic and all"

"That is true, but that doesn't mean I can't find your house without knowing what it looks like"

She now thinks he's bluffing "Really? What makes you say that?"

"Because we're in front of it right now"

"Oh please, how could you've-?"

Lili couldn't utter a word out of shock when she turned to see her home in front of them; a luxurious, suburban mansion

"You were saying?"

"How did you…"

"Found out where you live?" she just nodded…still a bit flabbergasted

"It is quite simple really… I just remember what you told the construction workers"

~FLASHBACK~

"Let's say it stands out among the rest"

~END OF FLASHBACK~

She can't help but admit how impressed she was.

"You're not lying when you said your house stood out among the rest, this is one beautiful place to call home"

"You do have a peculiar way of seeing things, I'll give you that"

Lee gaze in awe at the Rochefort residence

"Since we've made it this far, I believe my ankle should be fine by now"

"Hmm yes, by this time, I believe so"

"So can you stop carrying me now? I've had enough for one day"

"Of course"

With her feet touching the ground, she can finally walk normally again

"Feels good to be standing on my own two feet again" she uttered with glee "Home sweet home"

As she's about to ring the doorbell, Lee let out quite a loud cough… without even covering his mouth

"Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine" he assures her

"If you say so" *proceeds to press doorbell when he coughed again*

"Sorry" is all he muttered

Third time's the charm…or so she thought when he cleared his throat loudly; now she's had enough

"Shall I take you to the nearest clinic because you don't seem fine to me" voicing her annoyance

"That won't be necessary for I am alive and well"

"Then kindly explain why you keep coughing and clearing your throat in such an unorthodox manner?"

"I was only getting your attention"

"You already got my FULL attention ever since you rescued me from, from…"

"4 thugs who tried to-"

"Please don't go into detail, you know very well what they planned on doing…"

He let out an understanding nod

"I think I know why you pulled off that little charade of pretending to be ill"

"Really? How?"

"Allow me to explain; you saving me from being violated by 4 hoodlums is quite chivalrous I must say"

"Why, of course it is"

"And I know what's going on in your mind; you expect quite a hefty fee for your unintended services? Not a chance." *flips her hair*

"I'll have you know that is not in my repertoire"

Hearing her statement appalled him…at first then he started laughing, much to her shock

"What's so funny?" she demands to know

"You thought that I did all of that for payment? You assumed that I pulled off that knight in shining armor charade all for the sake of being paid? That is quite hilarious!" he continued to chuckle

"Oh young girls and their expectations these days"

"You mean to say that you're not interested in any pay whatsoever?"

Lee shook his head while still smiling

"Who are you anyway?" now she got curious as to who her savior is

"I never get to ask"

"I'm one of a kind…" is all he muttered

"I'm aware of that, but what I mean is your name and background"

"Very well then, I work for Violet Systems"

"Violet Systems… my father keeps talking about that company"

"I am flattered to hear that"

"Mmmhmm, but a girl's got to rest now. It's been nice meeting you my good sir"

"But-"

"No buts, ta-ta"

Not wanting to be deterred, her savior persisted in getting to know her more.

"You should be thankful I was present, who knows what would've happened to you my dear-" he parried an attempted punch from the person she just saved on the last second

"DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME DEAR, only my parents and our butler Sebastian are the only people allowed to call me that!"

"Well you might as well add me in the list of people who will call you that"

"Really? Give me one good reason why should I do that"

Lee grabs something from his pocket

"Here you go…dear" heavy emphasis on the last word, annoying her

"What is this?"

"My I.D."

He handed his I.D. card to her. Upon examining it, she was surprised to find out who her rescuer is…

One can imagine the look on her face.

Lee's face may not show it, but his probably chuckling by now.

"This cannot be! The one who rescued me is none other than the CEO of Violet Systems?"

"The one and only"

"I must be dreaming!"

"Should I pinch you?" he readies his hand

"THAT won't be necessary, thank you very much!"

She then glanced at her rescuer

"How come I never noticed this before?!" switching glances between him and his I.D.

"Maybe you were caught up in the moment?"

"Oh you wish. How come you never told me at the beginning?"

"If I did, would you believe me?"

"Well, umm, I…."

"Exactly…"

"Never in my life that I was such at a loss for words"

"There's always a first time for everything" he chuckled

"I feel like my duty as your knight in shining armor has concluded for today since you are now safe at home"

"Yes, I believe you are right"

"How true. Anyways, since you've finally introduced yourself to me, I shall return to you your I.D."

"Oh that won't be necessary…"

"What am I supposed to do with this? My father already has a calling card from your company."

"You might want to hang on to that…better yet, keep it"

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Trust me, you will need it someday."

"I doubt it"

"I don't" he retorted "Well, I must depart now, my princess. My work here is done"

"Wait!" he stopped in his tracks

The 2 glanced for a moment…

"T-T-Thank you for saving me…" Lee sensed the hesitation in her tone

"There's no shame in admitting that, count your blessings my dear"

"So you're saying fate has put us together, is that what you're saying?"

"Well of course…. and you took the words out of my mouth"

"Until next time princess"

"What am I supposed to do with your I.D. card?"

"You can keep it for the time being"

"For what purpose?"

"Think of it as a souvenir…better yet, a reminder of who saved you"

"A massive understatement if I say so myself"

"Say what you wish, you will need it someday"

"We shall see about that…" *flicking her hair*