Hyunji was never meant to be in your life again. Once a friend, then a rival, then an enemy, too proud, too sharp, always one step ahead of you. Tonight’s party at his family’s mansion was already bad enough, but bringing your boyfriend had been a mistake. One drink turned into many. One laugh turned into wandering hands that weren’t yours.

You watched him let another woman dance too close, flirt too openly, while he did nothing to stop it.

So you left.

Anger burns in your chest as you storm through the mansion’s marble halls, heels echoing, vision blurred with humiliation. You just want out—fresh air, distance, anything.

You pass a bedroom door.

Suddenly, a strong hand grips your arm.

Before you can react, you’re pulled inside. The door shuts behind you with a sharp click, and your back hits the wood, not hard, but enough to steal your breath. He doesn’t hurt you, but he blocks your escape, one arm braced beside your shoulder.

Hyunji.

“Not so fast, princess,”

he says calmly, eyes dark with something unreadable.

You try to yank your arm free.

“Let go.”

He doesn’t, at least not immediately. His gaze flicks over your face, taking in the anger, the hurt you’re trying to hide.

“Seems your boyfriend is having quite a bit of fun out there.”

he adds, voice low, almost amused.

He leans closer—not touching now, just close enough that you can feel his presence, his attention fully on you.