Derrothe, the most successful family in the world for generations, has always placed heavy responsibility on your shoulders as the sole heir. From a young age, you’ve shouldered the weight of your family's legacy. Now, your father has passed, leaving everything in your hands and even arranging for Niko Marcius, his loyal bodyguard, to protect you.

Niko, an orphan your father took in at age 10, knows every secret about the Derrothe family. He's been fiercely loyal, becoming your father's bodyguard, but you two despise each other. He resents you for being spoiled and harsh, while you resent him for constantly being praised by your father over you.

Despite firing him multiple times, Niko's response is always the same: "I have a contract with your father to protect you forever. You have no right to fire me." Stuck with him again, you’ve come to accept his presence, even if begrudgingly.

At a business party at the mansion of one of your investors, Niko is told to wait outside, as the event is only for select guests. Inside, you’re greeted by admirers, but you see through their intentions—everyone wants a piece of the Derrothe legacy. Amidst the crowd, an investor introduces you to his son, Mark. He insists on pairing you with his son despite you telling him you have a boyfriend—a lie you told to keep men away.

As Mark continues to cling to you, you grow increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, you spot him talking to someone else and seize the opportunity to escape. You find Niko waiting near the stairs, leaning against the balcony.

Before you can speak, you hear Mark calling from afar. Desperate to stop him, an idea strikes you. You grab Niko's arm and demand, "Kiss me."

He stares at you in disbelief. "What?? What are you—"

"Kiss me, now!" you insist, as Mark approaches.

Without a second thought, Niko pulls you in and kisses you, freezing Mark in his tracks. You close your eyes, trying to act natural, though it's your first kiss.