**Chapter 1: An Unexpected Union** Underneath the glimmering city lights of Seoul, the world of the powerful and wealthy thrummed with silent tension. Kim Hyun Soo, the cold and calculating heir of one of the most notorious mafia empires, leaned against the window of his penthouse, his dark eyes scanning the bustling streets below. He had always thrived in the shadows, his heart encased in ice. But tonight, an arrangement loomed over him—one that could change everything. Across town, Do Hae Yi hurried through the crowded streets, her cheerful disposition a stark contrast to her humble life. The hardworking young woman juggled multiple jobs to support her family, dreaming of a brighter future. Little did she know, fate had a different plan for her, one that intertwined her life with that of the infamous billionaire. The announcement of their engagement sent shockwaves through both families. Hyun Soo was to marry Hae Yi, a girl from a poor background. It was a strategic move to appease rival factions and strengthen the family's grip on power. As the two met for the first time, the atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension. “Nice to meet you,” Hae Yi said, her voice a blend of nerves and determination as she extended her hand. Hyun Soo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Do you always introduce yourself with a handshake?” he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his gaze. “Most people just say ‘hello.’” Hae Yi blinked, caught off guard by his playful sarcasm. “I like to keep things formal,” she replied, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Formal, huh? We’ll see how long that lasts,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. Despite his cold demeanor, there was an undeniable spark in their conversations, an awkward yet flirty banter that made Hae Yi's heart race. As days turned into weeks, the two navigated their unconventional relationship. Hyun Soo found himself intrigued by Hae Yi’s unwavering optimism and hardworking spirit. She was everything he wasn’t—light in a world of shadows. He attempted to maintain his distance, but her laughter and warmth slowly chipped away at his icy exterior. One evening, as they prepared for a charity gala, Hae Yi stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her elegant dress. “Do I look okay?” she asked, turning to Hyun Soo, who had been watching her intently. “Stunning,” he replied, his voice low and sincere. Hae Yi’s breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. The gala was a whirlwind of glitz and glam, but all Hae Yi could focus on was Hyun Soo. As they mingled, he pulled her closer, their hands brushing against each other. The chemistry was electric, and it was becoming increasingly impossible to deny the attraction growing between them. Later that night, under the stars, their flirtations took a daring turn. “You know, this arrangement isn’t so bad,” Hae Yi said, her cheeks flushed from the wine and the proximity. “At least I have someone to talk to during these boring events.” Hyun Soo leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Boring, huh? I’ll give you something to remember,” he murmured, the promise of something more hanging in the air. With a surge of confidence, Hae Yi turned to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh? Is that a challenge?” As if answering her unspoken question, he captured her lips in a slow, passionate kiss that melted away their previous awkwardness. The world around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them, entwined in a moment that began to blur the lines between obligation and desire. Their journey had only just begun, filled with unexpected challenges and undeniable chemistry. As they navigated the complexities of their arranged marriage, they would discover that love can flourish even in the most unlikely of circumstances, transforming their lives forever. **Chapter 2: Breaking Down Walls** As the days turned into nights, Kim Hyun Soo found himself increasingly captivated by Do Hae Yi. Their initial awkwardness faded into flirtation, and each stolen glance ignited a fire within him that he never knew existed. He was a man of control, yet Hae Yi was a whirlwind that threatened to unravel him. One evening, after a particularly glamorous event, they returned to their shared penthouse. Hae Yi, feeling bold, turned to him with a playful grin. “So, Mr. Kim, what’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?” Hyun Soo raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her audacity. “You’d be surprised, but I’m not sure I’m ready to share my secrets with someone who might spill them.” “Me?

The arrangement wasn’t her choice. Nor was it his. Yet, as the two stood face to face in the cozy, candlelit living room of a lavish countryside estate, destiny had played its unexpected melody.

Sofia never thought her life would involve a marriage of convenience. A passionate dreamer, she’d built a quiet existence in a small town, running an independent bookstore where her love for stories blossomed. Her family’s unexpected plea—an arranged marriage to salvage a fading family business—felt like a plot twist she couldn’t put down.

But nothing could have prepared her for the groom: Ryan Carter, the globally beloved singer-songwriter whose songs were the soundtrack of her life.

“Hi,” Ryan said, his voice smoother than the tracks that topped every streaming chart. He stood casually, hands in his pockets, the familiar twinkle of mischief in his green eyes now laced with an undercurrent of hesitancy.

Sofia struggled to swallow her nerves, brushing an invisible wrinkle from her dress. “Hello,” she replied, her tone as neutral as she could muster.

Ryan broke the silence. “So, uh… This is awkward.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” Sofia muttered, earning the faintest smirk from him.

Truth be told, Ryan wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea. For years, he’d been suffocating under the relentless spotlight. His label loved to market his image as the charming single heartthrob, but Ryan had grown tired of the facade. The idea of settling down with someone outside his glittering world, someone like Sofia, seemed… refreshing.

Yet, Sofia’s reluctance was palpable.

As the days passed, they found themselves thrust into a whirlwind of events—a high-profile engagement party in a glamorous cityscape venue, media appearances, and endless dinners to keep up the charade. But between the forced smiles and staged photos, something unexpected began to bloom.

Ryan noticed the way Sofia’s eyes sparkled when she spoke about her favorite books, and how her wit matched his in banter. Meanwhile, Sofia found herself drawn to his genuine laughter—the kind that didn’t seem crafted for the cameras.

One night, while escaping the noise of yet another extravagant party, they found themselves on the terrace under a canopy of stars.

“This whole thing… it’s ridiculous, isn’t it?” Sofia said, wrapping her arms around herself to keep out the chilly breeze.

Ryan leaned on the railing, glancing at her. “Maybe. But it’s not all bad.”

She tilted her head. “Oh? And what’s the silver lining?”

He grinned, his boyish charm on full display. “You. I think we make a pretty good team.”

Her heart fluttered, a traitorous reaction she wasn’t ready to admit. “Is that your way of buttering me up?”

“Maybe,” he teased, then turned serious. “Or maybe I mean it. You’re the first person I’ve been able to be real with in a long time.”

Their marriage wasn’t the fairy tale the tabloids painted, but it became something better—a partnership built on trust and understanding. As Sofia helped Ryan rediscover the joy of writing songs for himself, not for his fame, he encouraged her to pursue her dream of expanding her bookstore.

Eventually, they found harmony not just in their lives but in their hearts. And as Ryan’s latest song—a heartfelt melody about finding love in the most unexpected way—hit the airwaves, Sofia realized that sometimes, the most beautiful stories were the ones you didn’t expect to live.