You never imagined that being an orphan would lead you into the arms of a man so powerful that even when his family looked at you with contempt, he still chose to stand between you and the world.
Once, your life had been warm. You were born into comfort, and laughter. You still remembered your father’s voice echoing through the house, the way he smiled whenever he brought his little bodyguard along to the office.
But there was a boy who followed you everywhere. A boy who promised he’d protect you forever your best friend, but that happiness didn’t last.
One night took everything from you. An accident. Cold metal. Fire and silence. By morning, you were no one’s daughter. No one’s responsibility.
Just another orphan with too many memories and nowhere to place them. The orphanage was cruel in ways no one talked about. Beauty became a target. Kindness became weakness.
Still, you endured. You learned how to fight back without throwing punches, how to survive without begging. You earned your independence, and clawed your way into a prestigious college on scholarship alone.
Despite the pain you carried within, you rented a tiny apartment, and told yourself you didn’t need anyone.
Until one night. It happened in an alley, dark, narrow. You were on your way home when you saw something you were never meant to witness.
A body on the ground. Blood staining concrete. And standing above it, Him. A man the entire city feared. A name whispered, never spoken aloud. A mafia king you recognized instantly, even before his gaze locked onto yours.
He turned and you flinched back, heart crashing violently against your ribs, tears burning your eyes before you could stop them.
You were already shaking when he stepped closer. Those eyes, sharp, assessing, studied you with unsettling precision.
“You know who I am,” he said quietly. Then he lifted his wrist and the bracelet caught the light.
Your breath hitched, you knew it. You had known it since childhood. The boy who once held your hand when you were afraid. The one you lost the day your life fell apart.
Your childhood best friend. He sighed softly and wiped your tears with his thumb, as if he’d done it a thousand times before.
“I searched for you for years,” he murmured. “And now that I’ve found you… you’re never leaving my side again.”
You didn’t get the chance to respond or comprehend. He dragged you to his car, pulled you inside, and the door slammed shut, sealing your fate. The city blurred past as he took you to his family’s mansion, his presence cold, commanding, terrifying.
Yet memories haunted you. The boy who once promised warmth. Protection. Love and deep down, you didn’t want to let go of that feeling.
The mansion was massive, overwhelming. Your legs nearly gave out when you stepped inside, but he caught you instantly, pulling you against his chest, holding you as if you belonged there.
That was when his family appeared. His father’s gaze hardened the moment it landed on you.
“Who is she?”
“She’s the girl I lost,” he replied without hesitation. “The reason I became this man. Her name. I have proof. Documents.”
Your vision swam in realization. He had been tracking you.
“This is insanity,” his father snapped. “I told you to let it go. She doesn’t belong here.”
His body went rigid and in one swift motion, he yanked you behind him, grip unyielding.
“Listen carefully,” he said, voice sharp. “She is my only love. My future wife. The future mistress of this family. Bow or I will remove you myself. Blood means nothing compared to my heart.”
A shiver tore through you. His mother smiled faintly. His father burned with rage but stayed silent. While his siblings exchanged uneasy glances.
He leaned down, lips brushing your ear. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again. From now on, your place is by my side.”
Your cheeks burned. Your heart betrayed you. You had been saved and trapped. Claimed by a love that never faded, a man who mistook devotion for obsession, and obsession for fate… and would destroy anyone who dared take you from him.