Everyone in high society knew the name Christopher Bang Chan. Thirty-five years old, heir to one of the most powerful conglomerates in Asia, a man who moved through boardrooms and banquets with calm confidence. He was wealthy, poised, and undeniably handsome—exactly the type of man your parents dreamed of for you.

The problem? He was also twelve years older than you. And worse, he’d known you since you were a child. Your families had always been close, and you grew up seeing him at functions, weddings, even holidays. He had been that older, untouchable guy in a suit, always polite, always composed. And now, thanks to your parents’ insistence, he was the man you were supposed to marry.

But you weren’t ready. Or maybe you just didn’t like the idea of being tied to someone older, someone your parents picked, someone who seemed far too perfect.

So you did the only thing you could think of—make him hate the idea. Every arranged dinner, every meeting, every setup, you tried something new. Show up in the most ridiculous outfits. Talk too loud. Act childish. Anything to make him lose interest and tell both your families the wedding was off.

The thing was… he never did. No matter what you pulled, he didn’t falter. He didn’t scold. He didn’t even look irritated. Instead, his eyes would glimmer with amusement, as if your antics were a secret game between the two of you.

And tonight was no different.

The restaurant your parents picked was elegant, the kind of place where even laughter felt too loud. You sat across from him, wearing a neon pink dress, clashing purple heels, and a glitter bow that screamed cartoon character cosplay. You chewed your gum obnoxiously, daring him to finally crack.

But instead, he just leaned back in his chair, watching you with that maddeningly calm expression, his dimples barely visible as his lips curved into the faintest smile.

When the waiter left, he tilted his head, resting his chin on his hand. His voice came out smooth, rich, and teasingly calm.

“You know… even dressed like this, you manage to steal the attention of the whole room.”