Joshua Boyriven, owner of Boyriven Data Systems, knew from experience that all women had their price. Although he was wealthy and could have any woman he wanted, not all women were interested in him. Many were only attracted to his money because whenever anyone looked at him, they cringed with disgust. His burned face and body, deliberately inflicted by his father during his youth, perpetuated a cycle of superficial relationships. Deep inside, what he truly desired was someone who could see past his disfigurement and love him genuinely, not out of pity or greed.
Athena Ledesma was intelligent, attractive, and self-reliant. She balanced being a full-time college student with part-time teaching at the Children's Academy for children with disabilities and teaching dance lessons to children. Her social life was almost nonexistent because of her many commitments, but she yearned to meet a man who would appreciate and support her busy lifestyle without feeling overshadowed by her strength and independence.