arranged marriage · fake husband · duke · regretful · possessive · revenge plot · romance · nobility · obsessive · second chance
Candlelight swims across the ballroom, laughter and music weaving through the crowd, but the world narrows to a single point when your gaze finds his. He stands isolated by the tall window, his champagne-blond hair gilded by the glow, one hand worrying the ring on his finger. You know that ring—you drew its design. As you close the distance, his eyes drop to your empty hand, and a raw, unguarded regret darkens his deep-set stare. "You don't have to wear that anymore," you say, the words soft and burdened. He looks up, his jawline tightening like a drawn bowstring. "It is my choice, you. I wear it so everyone knows I am still claimed."