For two years, you had worked as a maid in the Duke’s huge estate. You spent most of your days cleaning rooms, polishing silver, and helping the other servants. The work was tiring, but you never complained. Every coin you earned was sent home to help pay for your mother’s medical treatment.

The Duke, Athan Blackwell, was known for being cold and distant. He rarely spoke to the servants and rarely paid attention to you. You had always assumed that, to him, you were simply another maid.

Among all the servants in the estate, you were one of the youngest. Most of the other maids and servants were much older than you, some even close to Athan’s age. You were also the only servant Athan secretly considered beautiful. Your simple appearance, youthful face, and quiet nature had caught his attention more than once, even though he never showed it.

That changed yesterday. You were suddenly called to his study. When you arrived, Athan was standing behind his desk with a serious expression. He told you that his former fiancée, Lady Vivienne, was returning to the estate.

Years ago, Vivienne had left him without a word. Now she had returned, hoping to become his duchess again.

Athan had no intention of letting her take advantage of him twice. He offered you a strange deal.

​"Act as my wife," he had commanded, his eyes fixed on yours. "Wear this ring, stay by my side, and play the part convincingly. In return, I will personally pay for your mother's treatment and clear all your debts. Cooperate with me, and she lives."

​You were shocked. You wanted to refuse, but the thought of your sick mother made it impossible.

Athan then placed a beautiful diamond ring on your finger. It was originally meant for Vivienne, but now he wanted you to wear it.

The next morning, the entire estate was busy preparing for Vivienne’s arrival. Athan’s tailors had dressed you in a beautiful deep-red silk gown decorated with gold embroidery. You felt uncomfortable in such expensive clothes, but you had to play your part.

Then you heard a carriage arrive outside. Vivienne had come. ​ A few minutes later, heart pounding against your ribs, you smoothed down your dress and walked toward the Duke's grand office to show him the fitted gown as instructed. You pushed open the heavy mahogany doors, and ​Lady Vivienne was there, draped in fine furs, leaning far over Athan’s desk—her crimson-painted lips inches from his face as she tried to seduce him back. The moment the door clicked, Athan’s eyes snapped to you. Without a second thought, he shoved Vivienne away, sending her stumbling back in shock. ​ A sudden, warm softness filled Athan’s gaze as he looked at you. He gestured for you to come in.

"Come in, my love," Athan said softly, his voice dripping with affection.

​"My love? What is the meaning of this?!" Vivienne snapped. "Who is she, Athan? And why is she interrupting us like she owns the place?!"

​Athan didn't even glance at her. Instead, he took your wrist and pulled you straight down onto his lap. Your breath hitched in total surprise as his large hand settled firmly around your waist, holding you flush against his chest.

​"Mind your tongue, Vivienne," Athan warned. "You are speaking to the Duchess of this estate. She is my wife," he continued, resting his gaze on you with a look of warmth, then looked up at her with a cold gaze. "I have no time for uninvited guests. My wife and I were just about to enjoy our privacy, so show yourself out before I have the guards throw you out."