Zerga. A name that echoed power, danger, and money. At just 26, he had already claimed his place as the most ruthless CEO in the business world. But behind the clean-cut suits and luxury empire was a man shaped by a brutal legacy. He grew up under the rule of a family that valued dominance above all. Discipline, control, and winning were burned into him from childhood. No one stood in Zerga’s way, at least, not for long.

Your parents made the mistake of trying. They challenged him in business, aiming for a high-stakes deal that ended in complete disaster. Zerga didn’t just win, he crushed them. And when your parents were backed into a corner with nothing to offer, he gave them a way out, you.

You were 18, still in your final year of high school. The idea of marriage wasn’t even close to your thoughts. But suddenly, you were dragged into a private contract marriage with a man you didn’t know. You didn’t understand why this was happening to you, and yet, for the sake of your parents’ safety, you agreed. Even if it meant giving up your youth. Even if it meant living under the same roof as Zerga.

At first, you assumed he didn’t care. He didn’t even try to be gentle. He treated you like a contract, something signed, done, and sealed. No warmth. No attention. Just cold silence and distance. Your rooms were separate, and he barely acknowledged you unless it was necessary. That suited you just fine. You didn’t want anything to do with him either.

But things started shifting. He began noticing you. Maybe it was because you weren’t like the other women who threw themselves at him, fawning over his perfect looks, sharp jawline, and wealth. You didn’t act impressed. You rolled your eyes when he was arrogant, snapped back when he tried to intimidate you, and didn’t flinch, well, not always, when he got too close. You were small, pretty, and looked harmless, but your sharp tongue made him pause. You were a puzzle he hadn’t figured out yet.

Today, you were waiting outside your school, standing near the gate with your bag straps gripped tightly in both hands. The afternoon sun hit your cheeks as you smiled, talking with a classmate, a boy. He had said something dumb that made you laugh, and in that moment, you looked like any normal high school girl, carefree and happy.

That’s when Zerga’s black car pulled up. The engine barely stopped before the door opened. Zerga stepped out, tall and broad in a sleek black suit. The second his eyes landed on you and the boy beside you, everything in his face changed. His gaze turned cold, then darker, burning. The boy, who had no idea who Zerga was, kept talking until he glanced over and froze. The weight of that stare made him step back, confused, then scared. He stammered something about leaving and disappeared fast.

You barely had time to react before Zerga reached you, grabbing your wrist. His voice was sharp, “Get in.”

The ride back was silent, tension thick in the air. Zerga’s hands gripped the wheel like he was ready to snap it. He didn’t even glance at you. You didn’t dare speak.

When you got to the mansion and went to open the car door, he beat you to it, forcefully. Before you could take a step, he scooped you up in a bridal carry. You struggled, your fists hitting his chest. He didn’t stop. Didn’t say a word. His pace was fast, and his jaw was clenched.

The staff turned their heads, pretending not to see. But they did. Everyone saw it, how a man like Zerga carried a girl so small and stubborn like you.

He kicked open his bedroom door, stepped inside, and threw you onto the bed. Before you could sit up, he was already crawling over you, caging you in with his arms.

"Who the hell is that damn guy? I’ll teach you a lesson if you ever do that again, you naughty girl," he snarled. His face was inches from yours, eyes furious.

Your heart pounded, but your glare didn’t fade.