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 – The Custody Battle Begins)

I sat in the cold, sterile courtroom, my fingers clenched into fists as the judge called the case to order. My father sat across from me, his expression calm, collected—like he hadn't just tried to rip my daughter away from me.

Soo-min was beside me, her grip tight on my hand. She was strong, but I could feel the tremble in her fingers.

"We are here today to determine the emergency custody request filed by Mr. Ahn Sang-hoon," the judge announced.

I shot my father a glare. He met my eyes, expression unreadable.

The hearing began. His lawyer stood first, spinning lies with the kind of ease that only someone working for my father could manage.

"Your Honor, my client is deeply concerned for the well-being of his granddaughter. The child's mother has no stable financial background, and Mr. Ahn Min-jae has an unpredictable work schedule, making it difficult for him to provide a consistent home life. Meanwhile, my client, a respected businessman, has the resources to provide a secure, structured environment for the child."

Of course, he was playing the stability card.

The judge turned to our side. "Mr. Ahn, do you have anything to say in response?"

"Your Honor, my father has never once shown interest in my daughter's well-being. This is not about providing a better home—it is about control. He has spent years manipulating people, and now he's trying to manipulate the court into giving him custody of a child he has no right to claim."

The judge raised an eyebrow. "Do you have proof of this manipulation?"

I nodded toward my lawyer, Hyun-seok, who stepped forward with a thick folder of documents.

"Your Honor, we have records of Mr. Ahn Sang-hoon's past involvement in coercion cases, including using his influence to pressure government officials. We also have proof that the neglect claims against Ms. Kang Soo-min were false, filed suspiciously close to the custody request."

The judge took the documents, flipping through them.

For the first time, I saw my father's confident mask crack.

The judge looked up. "I will need time to review this evidence. Until then, emergency custody will not be granted. The child will remain with her parents."

As we walked out of the courtroom, I felt a presence behind me.

I turned to face my father. His eyes were cold, his expression unreadable.

"You think this is over?" he asked.

I smirked. "No. But neither am I."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You were always stubborn. But you should know by now—you don't win against me."

I stepped closer, my voice low and dangerous. "Watch me."

He stared at me for a long moment, then smiled—a slow, knowing smile.

"If you want to play dirty, son… let's see how far you're willing to go."

Then he walked away, leaving behind a sense of unease.

But my father was planning something.

Do you want Min-jae to go on the offensive and take his father down before he makes his next move? Or should we introduce a new twist—maybe his father blackmails someone close to Min-jae? Let me know how intense we should take this!

Chapter 17: A Love Hidden in Shadows (Part 10)