Chapter 1
Aria Bennett was the kind of girl who could find happiness in the smallest things.
A warm cup of coffee on a rainy morning, the soft colors of the sunset, or simply spending time with the people she loved—these little moments were enough to make her smile.
Her happiness was simple and genuine, the kind that made others around her feel comfortable and at peace.
Aria lived with her parents in the heart of the city. Her father owned a large company that was considered one of the top businesses in the industry. Because of that, she had grown up in a life filled with comfort and security.
But unlike many people who were born into wealth, Aria never became arrogant or selfish. She remained kind, gentle, and caring toward everyone around her.
She had recently turned twenty and had just started college. For her, life felt peaceful and predictable. Her world was small but warm—family, friends, and dreams for the future.
Everything seemed perfect.
But in the same city lived a man who was the complete opposite of her.
Sebastian Hale.
People called him a genius businessman. Others called him ruthless.
He was known for his cold personality and the way he dominated the business world without mercy. Emotions meant nothing to him. Kindness, love, and happiness were things he had long forgotten.
His company stood proudly as the number one company in the city, and everyone knew that Sebastian Hale had built that empire with absolute power.
For him, the world was simple.
Power was everything.
And mercy was a weakness.