Prologue: He didn't fall for her—he claimed her, in front of the world, before she could even understand what she meant to him
Lara got excited after her talk with her first love, Brian. The feeling was unfamiliar, almost overwhelming. It wasn't just happiness—it was confusion mixed with a strange warmth she had never received from him before. For years, he had barely acknowledged her emotions. He had always been distant, using her presence only when it benefited him. Yet today, something in his tone, in his attention, made her heart race in ways she couldn't control.
She walked back into the office still lost in those thoughts, replaying every word he had said, every small gesture that now felt meaningful. It was foolish, she knew that. But emotions rarely listened to logic.
From a distance, Zaden watched her.
He noticed everything—the softness in her expression, the way her lips curved into an unguarded smile, the distraction in her eyes. Something about it disturbed him. He couldn't explain it, and that made it worse.
He turned abruptly and walked back to his cabin.
Work was in front of him, files open, meetings scheduled, decisions waiting—but his mind refused to settle. He tried to focus, forcing his attention onto numbers and reports, but the image of Lara kept slipping in.
Why was she smiling like that?
Why did it bother him?
Zaden leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair, frustration building. "Why am I even bothered about whom she talks to?" he muttered under his breath. "What is wrong with me?"
The question lingered longer than he expected.
And for the first time, the answer scared him.
—
At home, the atmosphere was heavy.
What was supposed to be a joyful family gathering had turned dull. Decorations were still there, food was arranged, relatives had gathered—but the energy was gone. The reason was clear.
Zaden.
His sudden decision regarding Jeylin had shaken everyone. His behavior over the past few days had been unpredictable, impulsive—completely unlike the composed man they all knew.
His mother sat quietly, watching him.
Finally, she spoke, her voice carrying both concern and restraint. "Who is Lara? And what exactly is going on with Mr. James' family?"
Zaden didn't even hesitate. "Nothing serious is going on between us," he said calmly. "Jeylin thinks I like her. That's the problem. And I don't want to marry anyone."
His answer was firm, almost cold.
His mother sighed, disappointment evident. "Everyone builds a family one day, Zaden. Everyone finds someone. Why are you like this?"
There was no reply.
But her worry didn't fade. If anything, it deepened.
Her eyes drifted toward Michael—Zaden's cousin. A perfect contrast.
Michael was everything a mother would hope for. A successful businessman, responsible, calm, mature, and kind. He had been in a steady relationship for seven years, balancing both love and family duties with ease.
She couldn't help but feel a quiet envy toward Michael's mother.
Why couldn't her son be like that?
Why did Zaden always stand apart—from expectations, from emotions, from everything?
Back at the office, Lara had returned to her usual routine.
She moved from one department to another, discussing unfinished work, coordinating tasks, managing responsibilities. Her focus had returned, but a part of her still lingered in that earlier conversation.
Zaden noticed.
He stepped into her cabin without warning.
"Are you free this evening?" he asked.
She looked up, slightly surprised. "No, sir."
"Why?"
"I have someone important to meet today."
Important.
The word echoed sharply in his mind.
Zaden's expression hardened instantly. A flicker of irritation crossed his face, one he didn't bother to hide.
"Hold that 'important' person for another day," he said, his tone firm. "Come with me today."
It wasn't a request.
It was an order.
Lara frowned slightly. "Sir—"
"Cancel the plan," he interrupted, his voice colder now. "Be ready."
And with that, he walked out.
Lara sat there, stunned and irritated.
Who did he think he was?
She exhaled sharply and picked up her phone. Calling Brian felt like swallowing her pride, but she had no choice.
"I'm sorry," she said when he answered. "Something came up. The CEO wants me to assist him this evening. Can we meet tomorrow?"
There was a pause.
"What business?" Brian asked.
"I don't know," she admitted. "He didn't explain. Just said I need to assist him."
Another pause.
Then, casually, "Alright. Let's meet tomorrow."
The call ended.
Lara stared at her phone for a moment, frustration lingering—but she pushed it aside.
That evening, as the office emptied, Zaden approached her again.
"Go home. Change. I'll pick you up."
She blinked in confusion. "What? Why should I change?"
"Do what I say," he replied. "Wear something fancy."
And just like before, he left without explaining.
Lara stood there, completely confused.
But somehow, she still followed.
At home, she took her time.
A long shower, careful makeup, and finally—she chose a red bodycon dress. It hugged her perfectly, enhancing her elegance without trying too hard. Her makeup was soft yet striking, her hair falling naturally around her shoulders.
When she stepped out, she didn't realize how breathtaking she looked.
Zaden did.
He had arrived on time, leaning casually against his car—but the moment he saw her, everything in him stilled.
For a second, he forgot how to speak.
She walked toward him, composed, unaffected—as if she had no idea what she had just done to him.
He opened the car door silently.
She got in without a word.
The drive was quiet.
Lara didn't seem curious anymore. Zaden didn't explain.
But his eyes kept drifting toward her.
The car finally stopped in front of a grand celebration hall.
Lights, luxury, people—everything screamed power and wealth.
Lara stepped out, her confusion returning instantly.
"What is this place?" she asked.
Zaden didn't answer.
"Whatever I say, follow it," he said instead.
Before she could react, he took her hand.
The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.
Eyes turned.
Whispers began.
"Who is she?"
"She's gorgeous…"
"Why is he holding her hand?"
The attention was overwhelming.
Lara felt it instantly. Her confidence faltered, and instinctively, she moved closer—almost hiding behind Zaden.
He noticed.
His grip softened, his voice lowering slightly. "Stay with me. Don't be nervous. They're just people."
Just people.
Easy for him to say.
He led her straight toward his parents.
"Dad," he said, his voice steady. "This is Lara."
There was a pause.
"My favorite girl," he added. "The most intelligent one. Which is rare in females."
The arrogance in his tone didn't go unnoticed.
But neither did the pride.
Mr. James and his wife were momentarily stunned—not just by Lara's beauty, but by their son's introduction.
"Oh… Miss Lara," his father said, extending his hand.
His mother followed with a warm smile.
Lara responded with calm respect, her composure returning slowly.
Zaden watched her closely.
Every movement. Every expression.
He was mesmerized.
Around them, the whispers grew louder.
Questions spread.
Curiosity turned into speculation.
And then—
Jeylin arrived.
She looked stunning, confident, everything one would expect.
But the moment her eyes fell on Zaden holding Lara's hand—
Something broke.
Still, she walked forward, masking her emotions.
"Zaden," she called, her tone deliberately soft yet assertive. "Come with me."
In front of everyone.
It wasn't just a request.
It was a statement.
A claim.
The message was clear—she was the one meant to stand beside him, not a mere assistant.
The crowd watched closely.
Waiting.
Lara understood instantly.
Without creating a scene, she gently removed her hand from Zaden's grip.
She looked at him—and smiled.
It was calm. Controlled. Almost detached.
Zaden's gaze sharpened.
And then—
He took her hand again.
Firmly.
Stronger than before.
Silence fell.
"Yes," he said, his voice cutting through the air. "She is my personal assistant in my business…"
A pause.
"…and also my only life partner."
The words hit like a shockwave.
Lara froze.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, fear flickering within them.
This wasn't private.
This wasn't personal.
This was a public declaration.
In a world where every word mattered.
Around them, the crowd erupted into stunned murmurs.
Zaden—who had never acknowledged any woman—was now announcing one.
Jeylin stood still.
Her expression shattered.
Tears filled her eyes, but she didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Didn't react.
Because in that moment—
Everything had already been taken from her.
And Lara—
She stood beside Zaden, her hand still in his, her heart racing not with excitement—
But with fear of the man who had just changed her life with a single sentence.