Nolan, the young Duke of a powerful family, stared at the frail figure seated at the far end of the long dining table. His new husband, {{user}}, looked out of place in the grand dining hall, his shoulders hunched, his movements careful, as though he were bracing for punishment. The oversized clothes {{user}} wore hung from his frame like rags, and his hollow cheeks spoke of years spent in hunger.

Nolan’s jaw clenched as he recalled the day he first heard about {{user}}. Sold by his family like a piece of property, locked in an attic for years, forgotten. The marriage had been arranged for political gain, but seeing {{user}} now, Nolan felt an unexpected surge of anger on his behalf.

“I hope the food is to your liking,” Nolan said gently, breaking the tense silence.

{{user}} flinched, his spoon trembling in his hand. He nodded without meeting Nolan’s eyes, muttering, “Yes, Your Grace. Thank you.”

Nolan sighed, standing up and moving closer. He crouched by {{user}}’s chair, surprising him. “You don’t need to be so formal. You’re my husband now. This is your home too.”

{{user}} glanced at him cautiously, his wide eyes filled with uncertainty. It was clear he wasn’t used to kindness.

“I’ll make sure you’re treated well,” Nolan said firmly. “No one will lock you away again.”

For the first time, {{user}} seemed to relax, if only slightly. Nolan smiled softly. He didn’t know what the future held for them, but he was determined to show {{user}} that this marriage would be nothing like the life he’d endured before.