Seo Ji-woo stood in the towering glass office of LJ Construction, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. The sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows did little to warm the cold atmosphere—or the man sitting behind the massive desk.
Lee Joon-hyuk, dressed in a sleek black suit, looked up from the documents in front of him with his usual detached expression. He was every bit the cold CEO the world had whispered about: sharp features, unreadable eyes, and an air of superiority that made the room feel smaller.
"You came," he said simply, gesturing to the seat across from him.
Ji-woo hesitated, then sat down. Her heart thudded in her chest, but her voice was steady. "I'll do it. I'll marry you."
There was no flicker of surprise on Joon-hyuk's face. If anything, he looked like he'd expected this outcome from the beginning.
"Good." He slid a file across the table. "This is the contract. Read it carefully."
Ji-woo opened the folder, her eyes scanning the details.
One-year marriage agreement.
Public appearances required.
No intimacy expected.
Complete discretion—especially around the media.
All medical expenses and debts paid in full immediately after signing.
Her stomach twisted as she reached the last clause:
"Neither party shall develop romantic feelings during the course of the marriage. If such feelings occur, the contract will be void, and consequences will follow."
"Consequences?" Ji-woo asked, narrowing her eyes.
Joon-hyuk leaned forward, his voice low and firm. "This isn't a fairytale. I don't want complications. I want control."
Ji-woo stared at him. "And what if you fall for me?"
A muscle in his jaw ticked. "That won't happen."
She swallowed hard, biting back her pride as she reached for the pen. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
The moment her signature hit the paper, Ji-woo felt her world shift. She was no longer just a desperate daughter—she was now Mrs. Lee Joon-hyuk, a woman bound to a stranger by paper and desperation.
"Your things will be moved to my penthouse by tomorrow," he said, standing up. "Our first public appearance will be at the company gala this Friday. Make sure you look the part."
Ji-woo stood as well, eyes burning. "Don't worry, Mr. Lee. I'll play your perfect little wife."
Their eyes locked, and for a split second, something flickered in Joon-hyuk's gaze—curiosity? Doubt? Or something more dangerous?
But it vanished as quickly as it came.
"This begins now," he said, already turning away.
And just like that, Seo Ji-woo stepped into a life that didn't belong to her—one of luxury, secrets, and a man who might destroy her heart... or heal it.