heartache

chapter 1: Lost & Found

The military camp was nothing like she had expected. Rows of gray buildings stretched endlessly, blending into the dull sky. The air smelled of earth, sweat, and discipline—so different from the polished boardrooms and luxury hotels she was used to.

Dressed in a simple beige salwar kameez, Anaya Kapoor clutched the folder containing the contract she had come to sign. Her heels crunched against the gravel path as she walked, her butler having stayed behind at the entrance. The officer in charge was supposed to meet her here, but after a brief phone call, the signal had cut off, leaving her stranded.

She sighed, looking around. Rows of uniformed soldiers marched in perfect synchronization nearby, their commands sharp and rhythmic. She felt out of place, yet strangely at peace.

Turning a corner, she realized she had no idea where she was. She bit her lip, scanning for someone to ask.

And then—she
And then—she bumped into someone.

A firm chest met her sudden halt, and she stumbled slightly, her folder slipping from her grasp. Strong hands caught her shoulders before she could fall.

“Oh—I’m sorry!” she blurted out, steadying herself. She looked up, her deep brown eyes meeting dark, expressive ones.

The man in front of her was in uniform, his neatly cropped black hair damp with sweat. His sharp jawline, defined cheekbones, and broad shoulders made it impossible not to take a second glance. But what truly caught her attention was the way he was looking at her—like she was something rare, something unexpected.

For a moment, time seemed to pause.

Joon-Hyun, better known to the world as “Prince,” had been running errands for his superior when the soft collision brought him to a standstill. He had spent years in the spotlight, surrounded by flashing cameras and screaming fans, but no one had ever looked at him the way this woman did—calm, unassuming, as if she had no idea who he was.

She was beautiful. Not in the dramatic, stylized way of celebrities, but in a quiet, graceful manner that made his breath catch.

“I… um, I think I’m lost,” she said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, yet confident. “I was supposed to meet someone about a contract, but I can’t seem to find my way.”

Joon-Hyun blinked, snapping out of his trance. “Ah. Right. You must be… Miss Kapoor?”

Her brows lifted slightly. “Yes. And you are…?”

For the first time in years, he hesitated to introduce himself with his stage name. Instead, he gave a small smile.

“Sergeant Kang Joon-Hyun.”

She nodded, unaware of the global sensation she had just met. “Nice to meet you, Sergeant Kang. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?”

Joon-Hyun glanced at the long path ahead, then back at her. His heartbeat was strangely unsteady.

“I’ll take you there.”

And with that, they started walking—unaware that this simple meeting would change both their lives forever.