Chapter 1: The Contract

Kyren Arleston, heir to the Arleston family empire, is rich, powerful, and cold. After a tragic betrayal years ago, he lives his life through contracts and distance-especially when it comes to relationships.

Ren, the mysterious young man Kyren hires as a live-in assistant, is quiet, obedient, and seemingly perfect. But Ren isn't just a pretty face with good manners. He has no known family, no digital past, and strange nightmares that make him scream in languages he's never been taught.

As Kyren finds himself drawn into Ren's enigmatic world, he uncovers connections to his own family's darkest secrets-ones that could destroy everything. And Ren? He's not sure if he wants to protect Kyren from the truth... or punish him with it.

---