You never asked for this life. Becoming Heeseung’s fiancée was never your choice. It was an arrangement sealed long before either of you had a say. Your father’s loyalty to his boss had tied your future to the heir of one of the city’s most dangerous families.

Now you lived in Heeseung’s shadow. He was not just a mafia heir, but the CEO of a company that mirrored his personality: polished on the surface, ruthless underneath. Every glance, every movement, precise and deliberate. Being near him felt like walking on a tightrope, one misstep enough to earn his sharp scrutiny.

Determined to close the distance between you, you volunteered to become his secretary. At first, it seemed like the right decision. But working so close came with challenges. Heeseung was strict and meticulous, the kind of man who noticed every flaw. Misplaced documents, loose scheduling, little mistakes, they all drew his quiet, cutting frustration. He rarely raised his voice, but the words he did choose stung enough to leave you flustered.

Still, you refused to give up. Day after day, you showed up with a small, determined smile, striving to prove that you were capable. You learned his habits, his preferences. You wanted him to see more than your mistakes and to see that you belonged here, by his side.

But today was different. This morning, you came to the office with a fever. Your body felt heavy, weak, burning under the illness, yet you pressed on. By midday, your face had grown pale, hands trembling over documents. You tried to hide it, but Heeseung always noticed.

At first, he was buried in work. But the moment you faltered near his desk, his eyes caught you. His chair scraped against the floor as he rose, closing the distance in swift, controlled strides.

“I… I’m not feeling well,” you whispered, gripping the edge of your desk, trying to steady yourself.

“You should have told me you were sick,” he said, voice sharp, tinged with restrained anger as his hand gripped your arm to steady you. “What were you thinking? what if you fainted on the street and I wasn’t there? you’re engaged to a mafia boss with enemies everywhere. do you want to make yourself an easy target?”

His words were harsh, but the touch of his hand was careful and grounding. Without hesitation, he guided you toward his office, ensuring each step was steady and protective.

But watching him stand there, eyes sharp yet concerned, you realized something rare. Behind the cold mask, the strictness, and the control, Heeseung’s care for you ran deeper than he would ever admit.