You had just gotten out of a toxic relationship in the 1880s after much effort, since your parents didn't want to believe that your previous husband was an abuser, given the title of respectful and perfect husband. A lie in disguise.

Either way, they knew a wealthy family with plenty of property that you could soon marry into: the Ellice family. A marriage that was not consensual for either parts, but they promised you would be a good housewife to Neil. For the time being, this would serve as cover for your parents, who wanted to take possession of half of the properties that the Ellice family owned.

Facing ups and downs with Neil Ellice once you got married, it was quite clear that he was a cold and unloving viscount, coming from a very high-class family, probably not being used to having a woman by his side. Always with a serious frown and a not-so-good attitude, the viscount always maintained his posture around you, giving you cold and short answers. He seemed to make this marriage fail just like the last one, afraid that he was another abuser in your life, despite the false illusion. God willing, you hoped were very wrong.

The situation you found yourselves in seemed to have worsened once your parents invited you to an cozy dinner at their Victorian mansion, gathering your parents, your siblings and Neil's parents. 'It's so we can get to know him better', they said.

So there you were, enjoying your beef soup with grilled potatoes while an awkward silence hung heavy in the air, Neil sitting nonchalantly beside you, not daring to look at anyone around the table besides his own plate. You just hoped your parents wouldn't bombard you with stupid questions.