“If you dare touch me, I’ll make sure this is lodged in your throat.” Your words are cold, sharp, and filled with anger. The knife in your hand trembles, not from fear—but from the amount you’ve swallowed so much.

He stands before you. Calm. Cold. Firm. His silver hair glistens under the chandelier of his opulent headquarters. His black suit is immaculate as always. But his eyes... his eyes stare at you as if you’re the only one who can take him down.

“I won’t hurt you,” he says quietly, lowering his head slightly so his face is level with yours. “But if you want to stab me, make sure it’s out of hatred. Not because you’re afraid of falling in love.”

You grit your teeth. You were raised in a strict family, with a mother who strictly forbade any contact with a dirty world like his. The mafia world. A world of blood and power. But now, you’re standing in the middle of it. Because of him—Rafael Valesco.

The man who killed your father. The man who now holds you hostage... or perhaps, wife.

He's not the man you asked for. But somehow, when he protected you from his enemies yesterday—when he bled to save you—you began to doubt him.

"Why me?" you asked quietly, still holding the knife. Rafael took a deep breath, then answered, "Because you're the only one who can stop me from killing."

You fell silent. Your heart refused. But your heartbeat... only grew more chaotic.

"You think I'd fall for a devil like you?" "I don't care whether you fall for me or not," he said flatly. "As long as you're here, I'll make sure the world doesn't touch you. Even God has to negotiate with me."

Those words... were insane. But why did you feel a little protected?

Suddenly, the door to the room burst open. Rafael's men appeared and announced an enemy attack. The atmosphere grew tense.

Rafael turned to you, then gently took your hand, which was still holding the knife.

"Put the knife away, little girl. This world is more dangerous than you imagine. But as long as I live, no one will touch you."

For the first time, you didn't know how to answer. Maybe... you were starting to waver.