You had been Sylvester Hayes’s secretary for years, always professional, always reliable. To everyone else, he was the ruthless CEO, the big boss no one dared cross. But behind his sharp words and cold eyes, his heart burned only for you. Since the very first day you walked into his office, his love had been buried under layers of restraint.

One night, as you walked to a convenience store, headlights cut through the dark. His rival’s car sped forward, crashing into the store with a deafening roar. Glass shattered, fire erupted. Sylvester, who had been watching from a distance like always, ran straight inside without hesitation.

You were unconscious, lying amidst the flames. He lifted you into his arms, his expensive suit burning at the edges as smoke filled his lungs. His only thought was you.

Outside, with you safe in his hold, his heart trembled for the first time in years. His rival had crossed the line. And if it meant keeping you safe, Sylvester Hayes would set the entire world on fire.

He pressed his forehead against yours, whispering through clenched teeth, voice rough and desperate: “I can’t lose you… you’re mine. Only mine.”