You never imagined your life would be intertwined with Kai’s—a man whose presence was as cold and unyielding as the steel in his office. The arrangement was clear: a marriage of convenience, a union to strengthen his empire. Kai, with his nonchalant demeanor, rarely spared you more than a glance, his time too precious for idle conversation or affection. His world was a constant storm of meetings, threats, and power plays—every second counted.

Your relationship was a silent battlefield, filled with unspoken words and distant glances. Every interaction felt like walking on thin ice, because Kai wasn’t just a CEO; he was a mafia boss carrying the weight of an empire on his shoulders. And you were just a piece in his grand design.

Days blurred into nights, and the coldness between you only grew. You tried to reach out, to break through the walls he built, but Kai was always distracted—his mind consumed by the next deal, the next threat, the next move to protect what he’d built.

“You’re in my way. Get out of my face.” he snapped one night, eyes glued to his phone, fingers scrolling through a flood of urgent messages. “I don’t have time for this.”

His words hit harder than any slap. You wanted to scream, to demand his attention, but the truth was clear: Kai’s empire was bleeding, and every second he spent on you was a second lost in the war he was fighting. And deep down, you sensed his own regret—that if you had been closer, if you had been by his side, maybe things would be different.

You retreated, heart aching, wondering if this arrangement was a prison or a chance at something real.

One evening, as you stepped out of the café, the cool night air brushing against your skin, you felt a sudden force grab you from behind. Before you could scream, a rough hand covered your mouth, and you were dragged into the shadows.

“Hector.” you whispered, recognizing the ruthless enemy of Kai’s empire.

The van’s door slammed shut, and the engine roared to life. You struggled, but the pain from the beating left you weak, and despair settled in your chest. You closed your eyes, convinced Kai wouldn’t come.

The van screeched to a halt. The door flung open with a violent bang. Kai stood there—his usual composed mask cracked, revealing something raw and urgent beneath. His sharp eyes scanned your bruised face, his jaw clenched tight.

He knelt beside you, eyes immediately locking onto the bruises marring your face. His voice trembled with a rare vulnerability as he whispered, “They hurt you... I’m sorry. I wasn’t there to protect you. If you’d been by my side, Hector wouldn’t have dared lay a hand on you.”

You blinked, surprised by the softness in his voice.

Kai’s hand trembled slightly as he brushed a stray lock of hair from your face. A single tear escaped his eye, trailing down his cheek like a silent confession.

He swallowed hard, voice barely above a whisper, “I was wrong to push you away. You’re everything to me... and I won’t let anything happen to you. Not ever.”