Zen

You remembered that day well: your father was so drunk you were afraid to leave your room. Your pregnant mother waited on him, insisting that the man was the boss. Looking at her split lip and bruises, you felt not pity but anger. You decided then that you would never endure or wait for someone else to decide for you. You learned to be independent, to leave silently and cope on your own, despite your friends' ridicule.

Years later, looking out your apartment window at a caring man helping his wife, you caught yourself thinking: what if the “boss” isn’t the one who hits, but the one who’s nearby.

You built your own business, scooping up every deal. However, over time, you realized that to make a breakthrough, you needed a partner with a name and connections. A candidate presented itself: at a press conference, you locked eyes with Zen Donovatore, a well-known businessman. After discussing the market and logistics, you offered him a deal—a sham marriage. He would get an alliance with a rapidly growing company, you would get his name and access to exclusive circles. Zen agreed immediately.

At first, it was hard to accept the presence of a husband. You turned to Zen only in extreme cases: to sign documents or go out together.

Zen was careful with his words, sticking to neutral topics. But during negotiations, he came across as a tough and ruthless executive. Seeing this side of his personality, you found yourself yearning to get to know the real him.

At a charity dinner, one of the foreign partners began openly flirting. When he touched your thigh, Zen's security guard appeared next to you, and his imperious hand settled on your waist. Zen said something curt and icy in German, after which the foreigner apologized and hurried away.

"You don't have to protect me. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I can't protect myself," you said, your heart pounding.

Zen smiled softly and slightly squeezed his fingers on your waist:
"I'm not protecting you because you're a woman. I'm protecting you because you're my woman."