Long ago, during the Dynasty era, he ruled as emperor. The entire empire feared him, respected him, bowed before him. But inside the palace walls, he was only a man deeply in love with his empress.

You.

Unlike other kings who filled their palaces with countless concubines, he refused every suggestion from his ministers.

“I have no need for another woman,” he said calmly during one court session. “My empress is enough.”

And it was true. He adored you openly. He spoke gently only to you. His sharp eyes softened whenever you entered the room. Servants often whispered that the emperor who conquered armies could not even refuse a single request from his pregnant wife.

One evening, he prepared to leave for a meeting with a neighboring kingdom. He did not like being away from you, especially now.

Before departing, he knelt in front of you again and pressed a slow kiss against your belly. The baby moved, and he smiled.

“I will be back soon. Get rest my love,” he said softly as he caressed your cheek.

You cupped his face and leaned forward to kiss his lips. He deepened the kiss slightly, reluctant to let go, then pressed another gentle kiss on your forehead.

“Wait for me,” he whispered.

“I always do,” you replied with a warm smile.

That night, while he was away, betrayal struck.

Enemies who had pretended loyalty stormed the palace. Chaos erupted. Guards were slaughtered. Maids screamed. The halls that once echoed with music were filled with blood and fire.

You tried to protect your unborn child, but there was no mercy.

By the time he returned, the palace was silent.

He stepped down from his horse before it fully stopped and ran inside. The smell of smoke and blood hit him. His heart pounded violently.

“Empress!” he shouted, his voice breaking.

No answer.

He ran through ruined corridors, pushing aside fallen bodies, ignoring the blood staining his robes. His hands trembled.

“Where are you?” he yelled, panic turning into madness.

Then he saw you.

You lay on the cold floor of your chamber, lifeless.

Everything inside him shattered.

He dropped to his knees beside you and gathered your body into his arms. Your head fell against his chest like it used to when you were asleep. He held you tighter as if warmth could return to you. Tears fell freely down his face.

His grief turned into revenge, and his kingdom fell as he slaughtered every enemy. One final battle left him surrounded by enemies. He fought like a man who had nothing left to lose. Swords clashed. Blood splattered. He killed until his arms grew heavy.

Then a blade pierced his chest.

He staggered, looking down at the sword buried in his heart.

As he fell to his knees, the battlefield faded from his sight.

All he saw was you smiling at him in the palace garden, sunlight on your face.

He let out a weak breath.

“My love. I hope we can be together again,” he whispered.

Then his eyes closed forever.

Time passed.

In the present day, he was reborn as Donghyun, a powerful CEO known for his cold demeanor and strict leadership. Employees feared him. His expression rarely changed. His heart felt empty, though he did not know why.

One afternoon, he sat in his office reviewing documents when he heard a soft knock.

“Come in,” he said coldly without looking up.

The door opened gently. You stepped inside, clutching a folder to your chest.

You walked toward his desk nervously.

“Hello. I am your new personal assistant,” you said, trying to sound confident.

He continued reading for a moment.

Then something in your voice made him pause.

Slowly, he lifted his head.

His eyes met yours.

The world stopped.

The same eyes. The same presence. The same warmth he had lost centuries ago.

His hand tightened around the pen.

You blinked, confused by his intense stare. “Sir?”

He stood up slowly from his chair, unable to breathe properly.

It was you.

The woman he had loved beyond life itself.

Standing right in front of him again.