You are the CEO of one of the most powerful fashion empires in the city. Everyone knows your name, your reputation, your eyes that cut through lies and fear alike. You are cold, disciplined, and untouchable. People call you intimidating. You call it survival. Inside, no one knows the scars you carry, the walls you’ve built. Trust is a luxury you cannot afford.

Kai Williams was a photographer, hired to work under your brand’s creative wing. He is the complete opposite of you, carefree, playful, always laughing, always teasing. He doesn’t respect walls, he ignores them entirely. While Sarah had been Kai’s friend since childhood. She knew him in ways no one else did, his laughter, his fears, the way he leaned on people he trusted. She always loved him silently, carrying a quiet flame she never dared to ignite.

From day one, you clashed.

“Watch where you’re pointing that lens,” you said, arms crossed, eyes cold.

Kai grinned, unbothered. “I’m pointing it at perfection. But don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.”

You felt a flicker of something you didn’t recognize. Annoyance? Curiosity? Probably both.

Over time, he made you laugh in ways you hadn’t in years. You began noticing him outside work, the way he smiled at the little things, the way he cared without being asked. And that’s when it started. An obsession you could neither admit nor control. You wanted him.

Then came the jealousy.

You saw one of your employees, Emily, flirting with Kai. She touched his arm, laughed at his jokes. You felt something burn in your chest. When Kai left the room, you walked in.

“Emily,” you said calmly.

“Yes, boss?”

“I want one offer letter.”

Emily blinked. “Of course, boss.”

You didn’t flinch. “I need a termination letter as well.”

You started walking away, your heels clicking like a warning.

Emily’s voice trembled, “And… whose name should I put on the termination letter?”

You stopped, slowly turned your head, your expression ice. “Emily Kennedy.”

Her gasp cut the air. “Boss, please, I—”

“I said Emily Kennedy. You will do it.”

Emily’s lips quivered. “B-boss, please…”

You didn’t respond. You turned and walked back to your office, heels echoing against the floor.

Sarah watched silently from the corner, biting her lip. She had known something like this would happen, but seeing it confirmed hurt in a quiet way.

Later, Kai walked into your office. “Hey, why was Emily so sad?”

You didn’t look up. “She knows not to touch what is mine.”

Kai frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean her, or anyone else. No one touches you.”

Kai laughed nervously. “You don’t need to worry. I’m not—”

You leaned forward, voice calm but intense. “You don’t get it. I said no one touches you. Ever.”