
![[ENG DUB] The Kiss Was Just the First Step](https://acfs3.goodshort.com/dist/src/assets/images/pc/common/f901131c-default-book-cover.png)
Serena Rivers spends three years in prison for a crime she didn't commit and uses every single day of it. She trains under four of the most formidable masters the underworld has ever produced and walks out as something entirely different from the woman who walked in. On her first day of freedom she corners the cold prison warden Xavier Stone against the water dungeon wall and kisses him without apology. He is her insurance policy and she knows it. Outside, the fake heiress has stolen her shares, her younger brother demands she kneel, and her former fiance has already moved on with a new bride. She tears up the rejection notice on the spot. Moments later, the Stone family motorcade arrives, the warden reveals himself as the family patriarch, and he shows up with a hundred billion in betrothal gifts and absolutely no intention of letting anyone touch her again. Together, they dismantle every person who had a hand in her three lost years.

In the Eldoria legal circle, newcomer Helen Jones was targeted by rumors spread by the opposing lawyer in a case. Sam Liam, who had just returned from Nexa, timely appeared to help. Helen had harbored a secret crush on Sam since high school, and her aspiration to become a lawyer was also inspired by his encouragement back then. So when Sam proposed marriage, she said yes at once. However, her step-sister, Hana Seth, found out about their marriage and, also having a secret crush on Sam, repeatedly targeted Helen. Although the issues were resolved without major trouble, Helen was deeply embroiled in a rumor scandal. Meanwhile, she was admitted to the law graduate program at the University of Nexa, so she decided to leave the law firm to pursue further studies. Sam became an adjunct professor and went with her. Cole Skyler, a law firm partner, traveled to Nexa on business and, upon learning that Helen was studying there, began to target her. But he was impressed by her resilience and eventually changed his attitude, choosing to bless them. Sam and Helen ultimately achieved a happy ending.

Kang Do-hyun chooses an ordinary life as a taxi driver to avoid inheriting his father’s family business. One day, he happens to rescue Cha Eun-seol, who is fleeing a chase and has accidentally taken the wrong medication. After a one-night encounter, they part ways and return to their separate lives. Four years later, a stylish CEO shows up with a child and proposes marriage to Do-hyun. After registering their marriage, Eun-seol faces pressure from her parents to abandon the child, but Do-hyun appears and protects both mother and daughter. As her company falls into crisis, Eun-seol attends a family banquet of Taegang Group—the most powerful conglomerate in Country A—to secure a 10-billion-won investment, unaware that the chairman is actually her husband’s father. At the banquet, despite pressure from her former fiancé Gu Jung-tae, Do-hyun’s father protects his granddaughter Kang Rumi and makes his presence known, yet he can only approach her as a “grandfather” without revealing his true identity. As time passes, Do-hyun and Eun-seol grow closer. However, after failing to secure investment, Eun-seol risks both her company and her board position by making a dangerous bet with her father, Cha Myung-hwan. At this critical moment, Do-hyun seeks out his father, accepts the responsibility of becoming the heir, and begins to take action himself. In the end, at a press conference, the capital and influence Do-hyun has prepared turn the situation around. Eun-seol not only saves her company but also secures full ownership, achieving both love and success.