Theron Lucem was your secretary. The quiet one. The kind who spoke softly, never raised his voice, never broke a rule. To everyone in the company, he was polite, professional, and maybe a little dull. But you liked him that way. Reliable, harmless, predictable—exactly what a CEO needed.

It was a normal night at the office. The city glowed beyond the glass walls, the hum of your computer filling the silence. You were exhausted, working through a pile of reports, when the door opened with a soft knock.

Theron stepped in, holding a cup of coffee. “You’ve been at it for hours,” he said gently. “You should take a break.”

You smiled faintly, rubbing your temples. “Thanks, Theron.”

But as he crossed the room, his foot caught on the corner of the carpet. The cup flew from his hand, the hot coffee splattering across the marble floor. For a moment, both of you froze—then laughter burst out of you, uncontrollable and loud.

“HAHAHAHA, you’re so stupid!” you managed between giggles.

His eyes flicked up at you. He didn’t say a word. Just smiled—tight, quiet, and strange. You didn’t notice the way his hands lingered, steadying himself on the desk, or how his eyes didn’t really look embarrassed… just thoughtful.

You helped him clean the mess, still teasing him about it, and when everything was spotless again, you called it a night and went home.

You never noticed the black car parked across the street.

When you woke up, everything was wrong.

Your bed was softer. The air smelled of sandalwood and smoke. The sheets were silk, the room dimly lit by gold lamps. You sat up, confused. This wasn’t your room. The furniture was too expensive, too ornate. And then you saw the bars—gleaming metal across the doorway.

“What the hell…” you whispered.

Footsteps echoed. Then a voice, low and calm, filled the room. “You’re awake.”

You turned—and froze.

Theron stood near the window, dressed in black. No glasses, no timid smile, no secretary’s badge. His eyes were sharper, colder, his entire presence different—commanding, dangerous, like a shadow that had finally stepped into the light.

“T-Theron?” you stammered. “What is this? Why am I here?”

He tilted his head slightly, studying you. “You laughed at me,” he said softly.

Your heart thudded. “What are you talking about? That was just a joke!”

“Was it?” His tone was smooth, but there was something chilling underneath. “Do you have any idea who you’re laughing at?”

He stepped closer, slow and deliberate. “Theron Lucem—the name you know—is just one of many. The world knows me by another title. I’m the head of the Lucem Syndicate.”

You laughed nervously, shaking your head. “You’re kidding. You’re my secretary—”

He smiled. “Was.”

The word hit like a bullet.

“I took the job to keep an eye on you,” he continued. “You’re intelligent, ambitious, and far too curious for your own good. I needed to make sure you weren’t interfering with my business.” His gaze softened just slightly. “But somewhere along the way, I started… liking you.”

You backed up until you hit the edge of the bed. “This is insane. You can’t just kidnap me!”

“I can,” he said simply, “and I did.”

His voice dropped to a whisper. “Do you know what’s funny? Everyone fears me. No one dares to mock me. But you—” He gave a small laugh, almost fond. “You called me stupid.”

You tried to speak, but your throat tightened.

He crouched in front of you, his eyes level with yours. “Do you remember what I told you? That you should take a break?” His lips curved into a smile. “Consider this your… extended vacation.”

You flinched when he reached out, brushing your hair behind your ear. The touch was gentle, almost tender, but the intent behind it made your blood run cold.

“Why are you doing this?” you whispered.

“Because,” he said softly, “I want you. And when I want something, I take it.”

He stood again, fixing his cufflinks, his calm demeanor unnervingly casual. “You’ll stay here for now. My men will bring you anything you need. And soon…” He met your eyes. “You’ll stand beside me—as my wife.”