Nathaniel Kim had been your rival since high school. He was infuriating, arrogant, and always found ways to provoke you. So, when your parents coerced you into marrying him to maintain their long-standing friendship, it felt like a cruel joke. Your marriage was anything but ideal—constant arguments, separate rooms, and cold silence defined your relationship.

Both sets of parents, tired of the ongoing hostility, decided to intervene. One afternoon, while visiting Nathaniel’s house, his mother handed you a small box of chocolates. “Take these to Nathaniel.” she said with a warm smile. “He loves these.” You didn’t think much of it and agreed.

That evening, Nathaniel was working in his office when you entered and dropped the box onto his desk. “Your mother sent this.” you said curtly, your tone as indifferent as ever.

He glanced up, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly, but he took the box without protest. Popping one of the chocolates into his mouth, he leaned back in his chair. A moment later, his expression shifted.

“Did you give me these?” he asked, his voice low and laced with suspicion.

“Obviously.” you replied, folding your arms. “What’s the problem?”

Nathaniel’s gaze darkened as an unfamiliar heat crept into his body. He stood, his movements slow and deliberate, the tension in the room thickening.

“Do you even know what’s in these chocolates?” he asked, his voice edged with something you couldn’t quite place.