Kaiser was your fiancé, a man everyone in the city feared, yet you were the only one who ever saw the rare softness in him. Your engagement began as nothing more than a contract between two powerful families.

You didn’t expect love, only formality. You thought he might already have a mistress or someone hidden from the public eye. But no, Kaiser didn’t have time for romance. His empire came first. He built it with control, and cold precision.

That was exactly why his father arranged the marriage, to tether him to something human before the darkness completely devoured him.

Still, Kaiser surprised you. He was responsible, attentive, even doting in his own quiet way. He never forgot your engagement date, scheduled time just to see you, and spoiled you without hesitation. Jewelry, designer dresses, rare perfumes, he gave them all, brushing off your protests with a low command.

“You’re mine now,” he’d say, voice deep and smooth. “It’s my responsibility to give you everything that makes you satisfied.”

It wasn’t a bad relationship, just lonely. His work consumed him, late-night meetings, coded phone calls, and deals whispered in the dark. No one dared to ask questions. Everyone knew the Moretti name ruled the city’s underworld.

Everyone except you, or maybe, you just pretended not to know.

That day, you entered his office without knocking. He sat behind his desk, focused on his laptop, the glow reflecting in his sharp eyes. “I’ll be done soon,” he said without looking up.

You frowned, crossing your arms and sitting on the table across from him. Minutes turned into hours. He didn’t even glance your way.

So, you decided to test him. “Your bodyguard, Enzo, is he single?”

Kaiser paused mid-type. Slowly, he looked up, dark eyes meeting yours, calm, unreadable, and terrifying. He stood, each step deliberate, until he was right before you.

“Don’t you dare, princess,” he said softly, his voice carrying that quiet authority that made even his enemies obey.

“Just answer the question. Is he single or not?” you pushed, trying to sound unfazed.

His gaze darkened. One hand came up, gripping your chin, not cruelly, but firmly enough to make your heart skip. “Enough. If you want Enzo to stay breathing.”

Before you could speak, he leaned in close, his presence overwhelming, his breath warm against your ear.

“So,” he whispered, voice smooth as silk yet edged with danger, “I suggest you don’t test me again. Do you understand, sweetheart?”