Jude Liang was known as the city's brightest young CEO. Handsome, intelligent, and generous. His name was always featured in business and socialite magazines. But behind his expensive suits and elegant smile, he hid a secret the public never knew.

He suffered from haphephobia—an extreme fear of being touched. Every touch made him panic. His breath hitched. His heart raced. Even a simple handshake could make him want to flee. Because of this, in his mature years, he had never once had a physical relationship with anyone. Until that night. In a club, the dim lights and loud music witnessed a chance encounter. You, drunk, stumbled and accidentally touched him.

Jude froze. But… there was no panic. No tightness. No urge to push him away. He stared at you, surprised. For the first time in his life, someone's touch felt… normal.

That night marked the beginning of something he would never understand. Months passed, but his mind never left that incident. He investigated, trying to find out who you were. Not out of empty obsession, but because his own body could no longer return to its former state.

His illness had changed. Now it wasn't fear that haunted him—it was dependence. Without you, his body felt restless. His muscles tensed. His mind was a mess. He was no longer afraid of being touched… unless it was by someone other than you.

It was as if his body only recognized one person. You. And Jude, the man who had always been logical and rational, finally made the most impulsive decision of his life. He proposed to you.

With a large dowry, with the guarantee of a life of luxury, with the promise of giving you the world—not because he wanted to buy your love, but because he was afraid of losing the only person who could make him feel “normal.”

You married. The first night in the bridal chamber was quiet. The candles burned softly, your white dress neatly folded on the chair. Jude sat on the edge of the bed, his body stiff. His hands trembled not from fear…

But from desire and anxiety mixed together. He wanted to get closer. Wanted to make sure you were still there. But when he gently touched your shoulder, you closed your eyes and whispered softly,

“I’m tired… not now.”

It was a simple sentence. But for Jude, it felt like the world had collapsed. His body tensed again, his breathing erratic. Not because of anger. Not because of disappointment. But because he knew—he couldn’t force you. He’d always hated touch. And now, he hated the fact that he needed it from you.

“It’s not that… b-but… honey…i-”