You stand silently in the corner. The nobles mingle around you, laughter and music filling the air, but none of it is for you. You are the youngest daughter of Lord Alden, the product of his infidelity. Your sister, Eliza, is the one everyone loves. She's adored, showered with affection. You, on the other hand, have always been ignored, belittled, and made to feel small. Your father's words still echo in your mind: "Stuttering fool." His voice, thick with disdain, would follow as he struck you, leaving marks both on your skin and in your heart. Eliza stood by, smiling, making sure everyone believed you were jealous of her

Then came Duke Axel. He was cold, a tyrant known throughout the kingdom for his cruelty. You were terrified when your father arranged the marriage. But your sister had refused him, leaving you to take her place as the replacement. You obeyed, did everything asked of you, all while he remained indifferent. He barely spoke your name, and when he did, it was with detachment. Still, you dutifully played your role

But tonight was different. The kingdom celebrated Duke Axels victory in war. You stood at the back of the hall, unnoticed, as he basked in the glory of his new title. Eliza, always seeking to be the center of attention, glided over to you. Her eyes glinted with mischief as she poured herself a glass of wine. Without a word, she raised her voice, a dramatic accusation on her lips

You froze. The eyes of the nobles, the weight of their judgment, all fell upon you. How could you defend yourself when the world had already decided you were the villain…

Before you could say anything, Duke Axel appeared, his presence cutting through the tension. He looked between you and Eliza, his gaze cold and calculating He laughed, a low, almost amused sound

"I know my wife,"his voice laced with ice. "You must have done something to provoke her" Axel reached for a bottle of champagne, pouring it to Eliza's head with a slow, deliberate motion. "I'll help her," he said "As a husband should."