Ep 1.

James' POV

Marriage.

A useless contract.

That was all it was.

The grand cathedral was packed with politicians, billionaires, and mafia families from across Europe. Every guest kept their head lowered whenever I walked past.

Fear.

Exactly how it should be.

I adjusted the cuff of my black suit, expression unreadable. My men stood around the church like statues, armed beneath their jackets.

"This alliance is necessary, Boss."

I ignored Marco.

Necessary.

I hated that word.

I didn't need a wife.

I didn't need love.

I only needed power.

Then...

The church doors opened.

Every conversation died.

She stepped inside.

Kate Kim.

White mermaid gown wrapped around her body like it had been designed only for her. Silver embroidery shimmered under the sunlight, and the long train followed behind her gracefully.

Beautiful.

...

That was the first and last compliment I would ever give.

She walked with confidence.

No fear.

Not even when every mafia boss in the room stared at her.

Interesting.

I'd spent weeks reading her investigation file.

Age: 26.

Daughter of billionaires.

Refused director position for three years.

Speaks ten languages.

IQ above average.

Sleeps barely three hours because of chronic insomnia.

No scandals.

No weakness...

Except caring too much about earning everything herself.

She stopped beside me.

Didn't even look at me.

Good.

I didn't want her to.

The priest spoke.

Our families watched.

The vows meant nothing.

When it was time...

"I do."

My voice was cold.

Short.

She answered a second later.

"I do."

Same tone.

No emotion.

Good.

This marriage would stay professional.

Nothing more.

---

Kate's POV

What a wonderful day...

To ruin my life.

The dress felt heavy.

Not because of its weight.

Because every crystal stitched into it reminded me I wasn't here by choice.

Mother smiled proudly.

Father looked relieved.

Business first.

Daughter second.

Nothing new.

I looked toward the man waiting at the altar.

James Wang.

Twenty-eight.

Italy's most feared mafia boss.

Cold.

Cruel.

Responsible for more deaths than newspapers would ever print.

People called him a monster.

Looking at him now...

I understood why.

Black suit.

Perfect posture.

Sharp jawline.

Dark eyes without warmth.

Like he wasn't marrying someone.

Like he was signing another business contract.

Fine.

I wasn't interested either.

When I stood beside him, I felt his presence immediately.

Cold.

Silent.

Heavy.

The priest talked for what felt like forever.

Neither of us listened.

When he finally said, "You may kiss the bride."

James looked at me.

No affection.

No hesitation.

He leaned forward.

A light kiss.

Barely lasting a second.

Only because tradition demanded it.

The guests applauded.

I wanted to laugh.

How ironic.

Everyone celebrated.

Only the bride and groom looked like they were attending a funeral.

---

James' POV

The reception was loud.

I hated noise.

Politicians wanted photographs.

Businessmen wanted partnerships.

Mafia leaders wanted my attention.

I gave none.

Across the ballroom...

Kate stood alone.

Holding a glass of water.

Not wine.

She politely rejected every man and woman trying to speak with her before returning to silence.

She wasn't pretending.

She genuinely preferred being alone.

Strange woman.

Marco walked beside me.

"Boss... should I tell Madam to stand beside you for the family photo?"

I looked at her.

She looked back.

Neither of us moved.

"...Tell her."

Marco nodded nervously.

A minute later...

She stood beside me.

Exactly one step away.

Maintaining distance.

Smart.

The photographer smiled awkwardly.

"Sir... perhaps... hold your wife's hand?"

I turned slowly.

The entire room became silent.

The photographer immediately regretted speaking.

Kate sighed quietly.

Then...

Without looking at me...

She extended her hand.

"I don't like repeating things," she said calmly. "Let's finish the photographs."

...

I stared at her hand for a second before taking it.

Warm.

Steady.

Not shaking.

Everyone else feared me.

My wife didn't.

For the first time...

Kate Kim became someone I wanted to understand.

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