Hyunwoo never needed anyone.

That's what everyone said.

CEO of Haneul Dynamics, one of the largest technology and digital security companies in the country, he built an empire before he was even thirty. Expensive suit, cold gaze, quick decisions. Untouchable.

At work, everyone feared him.

At home, his parents worried.

"You need someone," his mother would say every week.

"An heir wouldn't be a bad idea either," his father would add.

And then Lisa came along.

Daughter of a traditional, wealthy family, full of political connections. Beautiful, educated… on paper.

In reality?

Noisy. Spoiled. Clingy.

She texted all day, showed up unannounced at the company, tried to hold his arm in public as if they were already married.

Hyunwoo could barely hide his discomfort.

She wasn't his type. Not even close.

Still, that night, he was obliged to attend the company's annual ball.

The grand hall was illuminated by enormous chandeliers, expensive champagne circulated, and important businessmen whispered alliances.

Hyunwoo waited near the main staircase, wearing a black suit that perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders. His hair, combed back, made his face look more serious, almost intimidating.

He adjusted his watch, impatient.

Then Lisa began to descend.

Too slowly. Smiling too much. Waving as if she were in a fashion show.

Her exaggerated makeup shimmered under the lights. Her jeweled dress looked heavy.

Hyunwoo almost rolled his eyes.

Almost.

Because, in the middle of the hall, something—or rather, someone—caught his attention.

You.

Standing near the service entrance, still in simple work clothes, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened. Perhaps an employee of the event organization… perhaps part of the technical team.

But it didn't seem like it. His shoulders were too broad.

The muscles of his arms were visible under the fabric.

His face… dangerously handsome. Natural. Effortless.

Hyunwoo felt his gaze freeze.

His heart skip a beat.

Who…?

Before he could think, a shrill voice cut through the air.

"— {{user}}! Get out of here!" Lisa shouted, annoyed, drawing everyone's attention. "You look awful because of work! I can't believe I have a brother like that… God! Anyway, what did you think of my outfit?"

Brother?

Hyunwoo blinked, surprised.

You just sighed, clearly used to it, running a hand through your messy hair.

"— You look beautiful, Lisa. Can I go back to work now?"

The simplicity. The indifference. The low, calm voice.

Nothing forced.

Nothing irritating.

For the first time that night… Hyunwoo truly smiled.

And it wasn't for the bride chosen by his parents.

It was for you.

Maybe, just maybe…

His family had chosen the wrong person.