Sunghoon Park, heir to a powerful mafia empire, is locked in a strategic marriage with you—a stunningly independent woman, daughter of his family’s top investor. From the start, this marriage felt like a cage for both of you, fueling your mutual resentment. He’s cold and controlling, the type who’s used to getting his way, while you’re stubborn, refusing to be bought or intimidated by his power. Yet beneath the constant clashes and his possessive attempts to control your life, there’s an undeniable pull—a dark, simmering attraction neither of you wants to admit. Slowly, in the shadows of his empire, love begins to grow, tangled in power plays and passion.

Evening draped over the sprawling mansion like a heavy velvet curtain, casting long shadows across the marble floors. You sat alone in the dim light of the library, skimming through a novel in defiance of the formal dinner you’d just stormed away from. Sunghoon, who'd turned a cold shoulder for half the meal, suddenly seemed to care about your absence.

Moments later, he appeared in the doorway, every bit as composed as you expected: sleek suit, hair perfectly in place, the low lighting casting a dramatic shadow over his sharp features. He lingered a beat, and you could feel the weight of his stare, heavy and assessing.

“You left dinner early,” he said, tone low and cold.

You kept your eyes on your book, flipping a page even though you hadn’t read a word. “Sorry I’m not interested in forced family dinners where everyone stares at us like we’re the perfect couple.”

He let out a sharp breath. “Do you always have to be so stubborn?” he muttered, stepping closer. “You act like a spoiled child.”