Prologue: Zaden was never usual
Zaden threw everything around the room, files scattering in every direction as his anger exploded.
The manager hesitated outside for a moment before stepping into the cabin, fear and nervousness written all over his face. "Sir… what happened?"
Zaden slowly turned his head and gave him a death stare.
"Isn't that what I should be asking?" he said coldly.
The manager immediately lowered his head, falling silent.
"Arrange some people," Zaden ordered, his voice sharp and controlled despite the rage burning beneath it. "I want a full investigation. Find out if that resume is real… or if it's someone's game to get my attention."
He paused, then added, "Search Oshmir Hills. That house. I want every detail—who lives there, who's been there, everything."
"Yes, sir," the manager replied quickly.
He stepped out and immediately called Sam, explaining everything.
Sam's eyes widened in shock. "Is he insane? Why would he go there himself? Was the resume really that perfect?"
"That's not our concern," the manager replied firmly. "Do what you're told."
"…Okay," Sam said reluctantly.
He arranged a group of men—rough, dangerous-looking, more like gangsters than investigators—and sent them to carry out the search.
Later, Sam returned to the manager, still uneasy. "What is going on? Those men look terrifying. Is this really that important?"
The manager sighed. "The boss thinks someone is trying to play with him… trying to get his attention."
Sam scoffed lightly. "Why would anyone want his attention?"
The manager looked at him seriously. "You have no idea what he's like."
Sam leaned forward eagerly. "Then tell me. I'm really curious. Please."
"That's not my place," the manager replied. "Just do your work."
But Sam didn't back off. He kept insisting until the manager finally gave in.
"Fine," he said. "I'll tell you a little. But this stays between us. Understood?"
Sam nodded quickly, eyes filled with excitement.
The manager took a deep breath. "Our ex-CEO, Mr. James—Zaden's father—was very close to me. I've visited their house many times. Met the whole family."
He paused.
"But not once… did I ever see Zaden come out of his room. Not once did I see him laugh, or enjoy anything like a normal person."
Sam frowned. "Really?"
"I asked Mr. James about him many times—where he studies, what he's like. But every time I mentioned Zaden…" the manager's voice lowered, "…his expression changed. He looked… sad."
"Why?" Sam asked.
"He once told me," The manager continued, "'Because my son is not like others.'"
Sam leaned in. "What's so unusual about him?"
The manager exhaled slowly. "Zaden is… perfect."
Sam blinked. "Perfect?"
"He was a top student in every school and college. Excelled in everything—sports, shooting, boxing. There's nothing he's average at. Not even once."
"Wow…" Sam said, stunned. "That's amazing… and kind of scary."
"Yes," the manager said quietly. "But he's never had a single friend outside. Never. The only people close to him are his four cousins—Michael, Richard, Conrad, and Simon. They're closer to him than his own parents."
Sam looked confused. "That's… strange."
"It gets worse," the manager continued. "His mother… is the saddest woman I've ever seen."
"What? Why? They have the perfect son!"
"Exactly," the manager said. "He's too perfect. And that's what makes it unnatural. He's never spoken to his parents normally. He doesn't allow affection. He doesn't share anything—no thoughts, no feelings. He lives alone… even when surrounded by family."
Sam fell silent.
"Every mother in the world expects love from her child," the manager added softly. "But Zaden's mother… has never received it. Not even once."
"…That's messed up," Sam whispered.
"They call him a human robot," the manager said. "Emotionally unavailable. Completely."
Sam swallowed hard. "What about girlfriends? I mean… no man can live without women, right?"
The manager smirked slightly. "Women? That's like an allergy to him. He's never had a friend—how would he even bother with women?"
Sam's eyes widened. "What?!"
"That's not even the worst part," the manager continued.
Sam felt a chill run down his spine.
"During his school and college years… nearly seven girls committed suicide."
Sam froze.
"They loved him," the manager said coldly. "One-sided. He rejected them harshly. His words… his actions… they couldn't handle it."
"…Oh my God," Sam whispered.
"And every time," the manager added, "Mr. James used his power to cover it up. To keep Zaden's nature hidden from the public."
Sam couldn't speak. His throat went dry.
"Among his cousins," the manager continued, "there's one more—Jeylin. The only girl among them. She's kind, loving… completely different from him. Zaden speaks to her… rarely. But more than anyone else."
Sam slowly processed everything.
"Mr. James and his wife have been planning to marry them," the manager said. "They believe she's the only one who can stay with him."
"Does she even like him?" Sam asked. "I mean… they can't force her, right?"
The manager gave a faint smile. "That's the twist. She's been in love with him since childhood."
Sam blinked in disbelief.
"The families support it," the manager continued. "And since Zaden has never shown interest in any woman… they think Jeylin is the perfect match."
Silence fell between them.
"Before all of this," the manager continued, "Mr. James wanted his son to take responsibility for the family business. That was always his priority—hoping responsibility might change him… or at least ground him."
He paused briefly.
Sam finally spoke. "I think I understand now…"
The manager straightened. "That's more than enough information. And listen carefully—don't you dare tell anyone about this. Do you understand?"
Sam nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."