Iver was the man who saved your life ten years ago.

Back then, you were only twelve, while he was twenty-eight. You had been kidnapped by a trafficking organization, and Iver was the one who stormed the place, set it on fire, and rescued you along with several other girls.

He held you in his arms and gave you a warm smile—one that found its way straight into your heart.

You fell for him that day innocently.

For ten years, you worked tirelessly just to be able to stand by his side again. Eventually, you managed to become his personal assistant. You took care of everything without complaint—preparing his coffee before he even asked, organizing his office, sometimes even bringing him lunch.

But Iver never took you seriously. To him, you were too young… too innocent.

He always looked at you with that same gentle smile, occasionally ruffling your hair as if you were still a child. But you didn’t mind. Being close to him was enough.

It was your way of repaying him. Iver preferred strong, mature women—women his age. He was in a relationship with Lisa, a striking woman nearly as old as him, and the daughter of one of his rival families.

Tonight, as you brought his coffee to his office before leaving, you found Lisa there.

She was sitting casually, smoking, as if she owned the place. She looked at you with a mocking smile and told you to stay away from Iver—because he didn’t like pale, young girls like you.

You said nothing. You simply placed the coffee on the desk and left.

When you got back to your apartment, you found your best friend—your only source of comfort besides Iver—waiting for you with a cake. It was your birthday. You were about to celebrate together when your phone buzzed. A message from Iver: Come to the office. Now.

Without hesitation, you left everything behind—as you always did—and went to him.

Iver was standing by the window, his back to you. "I heard you had an argument with Lisa earlier."

His tone wasn’t warm this time. It made your heart race.

He turned to face you, his expression cold. "I’m marrying Lisa next month. I want you to stop… whatever this is. It’s becoming uncomfortable."

You opened your mouth to explain, but he raised his hand, cutting you off.

He said sharply."Stop looking at me like you expect something. What you're imagining… will never happen between us."