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: Ahn Min-jae – Building the Father-Daughter Bond & Unseen Challenges Ahead)

The next morning, I arrived outside Soo-min's apartment earlier than planned. The door opened before I could knock, and there she stood—my little girl, her tiny arms crossed over her chest, looking at me with cautious eyes.

I checked my watch. I was five minutes early.

"I didn't want to wake you up too soon," I replied with a small smile.

She huffed, stepping aside. "Mommy made pancakes. If you're my dad, you should be able to make them too."

I glanced at Soo-min, who was watching silently from the kitchen, trying to hide her amusement.

"Alright," I said, rolling up my sleeves. "Let's see if I pass."

I moved to the stove, mimicking what I had seen chefs do in my favorite restaurants. A flip of the wrist, a confident flick—

And the pancake landed straight on my face.

I peeled the pancake off and turned to see my daughter hiding her smile behind her hands.

Over the next few days, I spent every moment I could with her.

We went to the park. She insisted on sitting on my shoulders as we walked.

We built pillow forts in her room. She declared herself queen, and I was her royal assistant.

She made me braid her dolls' hair. I was terrible at it, but she laughed every time I messed up.

With every laugh, every moment, I could feel the gap between us closing.

One night, I tucked her into bed, smoothing her blanket over her tiny frame.

"Are you staying forever?" she asked, her voice soft.

The question hit me harder than I expected.

I bent down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

She hesitated, then whispered, "Good."

I left her room with my heart feeling lighter than it had in years.

But just as I stepped into the hallway, Soo-min was waiting.

"We need to talk," she said, her expression serious.

She hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Someone found out about you being here."

A cold feeling spread through my chest. "Who?"

Chapter 17: A Love Hidden in Shadows (Part 5)