Prajwal_Kadlag

Ahn Jae-hyun, a powerful CEO, and Kang Ji-ah, his fearless bodyguard, are forced into a contract marriage—unbeknownst to their families, they are already in love. But their happiness is short-lived as secrets unravel, revealing Ji-ah’s hidden twin, a long-lost mother, and a shocking betrayal.

Jae-hyun’s past holds its own mystery—was he truly the heir, or had he been living someone else’s life all along? As deception, fate, and powerful enemies threaten their love, Ji-ah and Jae-hyun must fight to reclaim their destiny.

A story of love, secrets, and a bond that defies all odds—"Beyond the Contract: A Love Meant to Be."

"Beyond the Contract: A Love Meant to Be"

(POV: Kang Soo-min & Ahn Min-jae – Struggles of Rekindling Their Love & Father-Daughter Bonding)

I had loved Min-jae for years, even when I left him. But love alone didn't erase the pain, the time we had lost, or the resentment that still lingered between us.

Even now, as he stood in my kitchen making coffee like he belonged here, I felt the weight of our past pressing down on me.

"I'll pick her up from school today," he said, his tone casual—like we had done this a hundred times before.

I stiffened. "That's not a good idea."

Min-jae turned, mug in hand, eyes sharp. "Why not?"

"She barely knows you, Min-jae. You can't just walk in and—"

"I'm her father, Soo-min," he interrupted, his voice laced with frustration. "I have a right to be in her life."

I swallowed hard. He wasn't wrong. But rights didn't replace years of absence.

"I just… I need time to ease her into this," I admitted.

Min-jae sighed, rubbing his temple. "I lost five years, Soo-min. I don't want to waste another second."

For the first time, the fight drained from his face. He set his mug down and stepped closer.

"Then let me be there," he said, softer this time. "I don't care if she hates me at first. I'll earn her trust. Just give me the chance."

I searched his eyes, looking for hesitation. There was none.

With a slow nod, I finally gave in. "Okay."

Min-jae exhaled like he had been holding his breath for years.

Later That Day – The First Meeting (POV: Min-jae)

I had closed million-dollar deals, negotiated with ruthless businessmen, and faced my worst nightmares in boardrooms.

But standing outside my daughter's school, waiting to meet her for the first time, I had never been more nervous.

The bell rang, and children poured out, laughing and chatting. I scanned the crowd, my heart pounding.

She looked just like Soo-min—the same soft features, the same determined expression. But when her big brown eyes met mine, I saw myself staring back.

"Mommy!" she called, running straight to Soo-min's side.

Soo-min crouched down, smoothing her hair. "Baby, there's someone I want you to meet."

The little girl turned, her gaze landing on me.

I forced a smile, kneeling down to her level. "Hi."

"This is… your dad," Soo-min said gently.

Her tiny hands gripped Soo-min's shirt. "No, he's not," she said stubbornly.

Pain lanced through me, but I kept my voice steady. "I know this is new for you, sweetheart. But I'd really like to get to know you."

"Did you not want me?" she asked, her voice small but firm.

I reached out slowly, not touching her yet. "I wanted you more than anything," I said, my voice thick. "I didn't know about you, sweetheart. If I had, I would have been here from the very beginning."

Her frown deepened, as if she was deciding whether to believe me.

Soo-min placed a hand on her back. "Give him a chance, baby. Just one."

After a long pause, she finally nodded.

And I would do whatever it took to win my daughter's heart.

Chapter 17: A Love Hidden in Shadows (Part 4)