diff --git a/src/core/parsers/markdown-parser.ts b/src/core/parsers/markdown-parser.ts
index abad78df2..770cc0518 100644
--- a/src/core/parsers/markdown-parser.ts
+++ b/src/core/parsers/markdown-parser.ts
@@ -216,10 +216,12 @@ export class MarkdownParser {
           contentBeforeChildren.push(line);
         }
         
-        // Find first non-empty line
+        // Find first non-empty requirement text line, skipping optional metadata.
         const directContent = contentBeforeChildren.join('\n').trim();
         if (directContent) {
-          const firstLine = directContent.split('\n').find(l => l.trim());
+          const firstLine = directContent
+            .split('\n')
+            .find(l => l.trim() && !this.isRequirementMetadataLine(l));
           if (firstLine) {
             text = firstLine.trim();
           }
@@ -237,6 +239,10 @@ export class MarkdownParser {
     return requirements;
   }
 
+  private isRequirementMetadataLine(line: string): boolean {
+    return /^\*\*[^*]+\*\*:/.test(line.trim());
+  }
+
   protected parseScenarios(requirementSection: Section): Scenario[] {
     const scenarios: Scenario[] = [];
     
diff --git a/test/core/parsers/markdown-parser.test.ts b/test/core/parsers/markdown-parser.test.ts
index 751ab98db..ee857cc94 100644
--- a/test/core/parsers/markdown-parser.test.ts
+++ b/test/core/parsers/markdown-parser.test.ts
@@ -77,6 +77,33 @@ Then they are authenticated
       expect(scenario.rawText).toContain('and see a maintenance warning');
     });
 
+    it('should skip requirement metadata before description text', () => {
+      const content = `# File Serving Spec
+
+## Purpose
+This specification defines file serving requirements.
+
+## Requirements
+
+### Requirement: File Serving
+**ID**: REQ-FILE-001
+**Priority**: P1
+
+The system MUST serve static files from the root directory.
+
+#### Scenario: Static file request
+- **WHEN** a client requests a static file
+- **THEN** the file is returned`;
+
+      const parser = new MarkdownParser(content);
+      const spec = parser.parseSpec('file-serving');
+
+      expect(spec.requirements).toHaveLength(1);
+      expect(spec.requirements[0].text).toBe(
+        'The system MUST serve static files from the root directory.'
+      );
+    });
+
     it('should throw error for missing overview', () => {
       const content = `# Test Spec