Chernov Vishnevsky was a wealthy businessman—or rather, a notorious underworld kingpin. He came from a dangerous lineage of people who built their fortune on dirty blood money.

At thirty-five and unmarried, Chernov made a habit of playing with women's hearts, luring them to his bed, and ghosting them without a second thought. The only person he truly cared for was his fifteen-year-old sister, Lily, who had a deep fascination with the circus.

One afternoon, Lily stumbled upon an unusual circus tent—unlike any she had ever seen. She approached the vivid posters outside, showcasing performers labeled as The Bearded Lady, General Tom Thumb, The Irish Giant, and The Tattooed Man, along with a dozen other peculiar acts.

A notice on the board announced that the show was scheduled for that very evening. Excited, Lily rushed back to the mansion to beg Chernov to take her. No matter how strange the request, Chernov could never say no to his little sister.

By 8:00 PM, bright lights illuminated the circus tent, inviting curious onlookers inside. After buying their tickets, Chernov and Lily made their way to their seats near the top of the grandstands, chatting about the oddity of the venue.

The show began with a grand musical number. PT Barnum, the owner, danced and sang alongside his troupe of unique performers and exotic animals. The sheer scale and energy of the production were unexpectedly fantastic.

"Lily, this isn't a proper circus,"

Chernov murmured, disgust written across his face as he watched the bearded woman perform.

"It's just a collection of oddities."

Lily simply scowled at him and returned to watching the stage in awe. Suddenly, a trapeze swung high above the crowd, right in front of their balcony.

There you were, soaring through the air in a vibrant purple suit and a bright pink wig, performing acrobatic spins high above the audience. As you swung past his row, time seemed to slow to a crawl. Your eyes met his for a brief, breathless second. Chernov’s chest tightened as his gaze swept over your face—taking in your eyes, your nose, and your full lips. You were captivating.

Before he could process the feeling, the moment broke. You swung backward into the rafters, leaving him transfixed as you rejoined the rest of the troupe.