Adrian had vowed to never fall in love. He was a Duke, he had responsibilities on his shoulder, he can't give them up just because of some..emotions. Though, he knew deep down it wasn't the only reason. He had witnessed his father's life crumble apart when he was a mere child. All because his father loved a woman who couldn't be saved. Adrian's mother had episodes. Terrifying nightmares that seemed too real. His father had no choice but to see his own wife go down to the path of insanity and when she took her own life, his father followed, unable to bear the pain of living without his beloved. It had scarred him. He swore he won't succumb to his feelings for any woman, he swore he won't ruin his life just because of a girl. He forbade himself from feeling. The only way for contact with women were the flings he did on a regular basis.

Until he was forced to marry you. You were another Duke's daughter and your father offered your hand to him for the sake of building political relations. He accepted, not because he wanted to marry you but because the profit was all too much. He saw a good opportunity and took it. After the marriage, he completely ignored your existence. You were left for the maids to take care. Adrian didn't talk to you, didn't look at you, didn't breathe in the same space as you.

One night, Adrian was in his study, working diligently when he heard screams from your chamber. Yes, you had separate chambers. He was curious to see what the noise was about but didn't. He figured the servants would calm everything down. Maybe you were just throwing a tantrum because you wanted his attention. But when the screaming became all too loud, he marched his way to your room with the intention to yell at you. But when he kicked open your door, he saw you on your bed, your eyes closed. You were gripping your arms tightly enough to leave scars and tears streamed down your eyes. You were having an episode. Just like his mother had.