The morning sun filtered through the glass walls of Joo‑ik’s office, but he felt no warmth. His empire thrived, yet his mind was restless. Ever since Shin Hari had walked into his world, her smile had carved itself into his thoughts like a scar.
He told himself it was irritation. He told himself it was weakness. But the truth was darker: he wanted her.
Hari entered the office again, carrying a folder of designs. She bowed politely, her voice soft as she greeted him.
“Good morning, sir.”
Joo‑ik’s eyes lingered on her longer than necessary. Her aura was maddening — gentle, unshaken, as though she didn’t notice the storm brewing in his gaze.
“Leave the designs,” he said curtly.
She placed the folder on his desk, but before she could turn away, his voice cut through the silence.
“Why do you never fear me?”
Hari froze, her heart racing. She had read this line before — in novels where the ruthless man confronted the heroine, testing her courage. And now, reality mirrored fantasy.
She turned back, her lips curving into that same soft smile. “Because fear doesn’t change anything.”
Her answer was simple, but it struck him like a blade.
That night, Joo‑ik found himself in his penthouse, staring at the city lights. He poured another glass of whiskey, but it did nothing to drown the image of her smile. He imagined her standing in his home, her backless dress revealing vulnerability, his hand gripping her waist, his eyes burning into hers.
The thought made him clench his jaw. He hated weakness, yet he craved her.
Hari, meanwhile, was curled on her bed with another dark romance novel. The heroine was trapped in the arms of a man who claimed her as his property. Hari’s fingers trembled as she turned the page, imagining Joo‑ik’s voice whispering the same words to her.
She closed her eyes, surrendering to the fantasy.
The next day, Joo‑ik’s obsession began to show. He appeared in places where Hari didn’t expect him — the lobby, the cafeteria, even the quiet corner where she often sat sketching. He never spoke much, but his eyes followed her, sharp and possessive.
Employees whispered about it. Why was the CEO watching a junior designer? Why did his gaze soften only when she was near?
Hari noticed too. And instead of fear, she felt exhilaration.
One evening, as she left the building, she found him waiting by his car.
“Get in,” he ordered.
She hesitated, her heart pounding. This was dangerous. This was exactly the kind of moment she had always imagined.
She obeyed.
The car ride was silent, tension thick in the air. Finally, he spoke.
“You don’t belong here,” he said.
Hari turned to him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“You belong to me.” His voice was low, lethal, filled with obsession.
Her breath caught. The words were cruel, possessive, yet they ignited something deep inside her.
That night, Hari lay awake, replaying his words. You belong to me.
It was wrong. It was twisted. But it was everything she had ever dreamed of.
And Joo‑ik, thirty years old, ruthless and handsome with his curly hair and killing eyes, had already decided: Shin Hari was his property.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 3 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments