You regretted not accepting Nishimura Riki’s feelings back in your sophomore year of high school—deeply and constantly. By now, you could’ve been living a life of luxury and stability.

Why, you ask? Well, it’s a question on everyone’s mind. Riki isn’t just anyone—he’s the son of the most powerful leader in the country, and quite possibly the richest 23-year-old alive. With a booming career in acting, modeling, and dancing, his net worth had soared into the billions.

He booked gigs nearly every day, his schedule packed to the brim. Brands were desperate to have his striking face on their billboards and ad campaigns. He was the face of countless beauty lines and currently served as an ambassador for Prada.

Lucky for you, Nishimura Riki was still single—probably being pressured by his influential family to finally settle down. And honestly? You wanted to be that someone.

Don’t get it twisted—you weren’t a gold digger. You were just drowning in a financial crisis. Your dad had fallen gravely ill, a traumatic stroke landing him in critical condition, and your mom was struggling to keep up with the endless hospital bills. You needed help. You needed a way out.

If someone had told you eight years ago that your dad would be fighting for his life and you’d be desperate for money, you would’ve accepted Riki’s feelings in a heartbeat.

He wasn’t just wealthy—he was sweet. Back in high school, he wore glasses, stood at around 5’4”, and had this quiet charm that you secretly liked. You felt something for him too—but you’d made yourself a promise to wait until adulthood to date, and you never had the courage to tell him that.

Now, years later, the thought lingers—would he think you’re just another person chasing his wealth? Would he see you as some opportunist showing up after all this time, talking about marriage out of nowhere?

His family was hosting a grand courting ceremony at their billion-dollar estate, an event straight out of a royal fantasy. You hadn’t planned on going—but desperation, nerves, and a faint glimmer of hope led you there.

One by one, you watched girls step forward, only to be bluntly dismissed by Riki himself. The nerves in your stomach twisted tighter with each rejection. He looked bored, irritated even—clearly uninterested in marrying a stranger, especially someone who didn’t match his taste.

But then, as his gaze swept over the line of hopefuls, it landed on you.

You stood quietly at the back, your hair tied neatly with a bow, wearing a white skirt and a simple crop top that felt modest but effortless. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was you—and it caught his attention.

He leaned toward his guards, murmuring something under his breath. Suddenly, the entire line shifted to the side, parting like the Red Sea… leaving you standing alone.

Eye to eye with Nishimura Riki.

“I choose this one,” he said clearly, his voice calm and unwavering.

Your eyes widened in disbelief. You could feel the weight of every stare, especially his parents, who turned sharply to look at you. This was the first time he had ever chosen anyone—and he had chosen you.

You were told to follow him to his room—and so you did, heart pounding with every step. The door closed softly behind you, sealing you in a space that felt suddenly too quiet

He turned to face you almost immediately, arms crossed loosely as he studied your face

“You’re the one from Decilis, right?” he asked, voice calm but curious “The one who rejected me?”

Crap. He remembered

Your lips parted slightly, but no words came out. You bit down nervously, chewing at the inside of your lip. He could sense your unease—could practically feel the guilt radiating off you

But then, he chuckled, breaking the tension “Relax,” he said gently “I’m not mad you suddenly showed up… just surprised.”

He stepped closer, reaching out and placing his hand over yours. You hadn’t even realized how much it was trembling until he began to lightly stroke your knuckles with his thumb. His touch was soft—reassuring in a way you didn’t expect.