Amid the grandeur of the London ballroom, the Duke of Ashford, Asher Lancaster, was known as an untouchable man—cold, unfeeling, and desired by every noblewoman. Yet, his heart had never wavered. Until that unexpected encounter.

As the heir of his family, his duty was to marry an honorable woman, secure his lineage, and keep his family's reputation free from scandal.

You were merely the daughter of a bookseller, far from the aristocratic world. One rainy day, you collided with a man on horseback, sending your books tumbling to the muddy ground.

His gaze was sharp. "Are you blind?"

Instead of cowering, you huffed in annoyance. "Your Grace, perhaps next time, you could watch where you're going and not ride your horse as if charging into battle."

A tense silence followed. No one had ever spoken to him that way.

From that day on, Asher couldn’t forget you. Your boldness, the way you challenged him. But your worlds were too different. You were not afraid of him, not intimidated by his status. Every word you spoke was sharp.

When rumors spread that the Duke of Ashford had taken an interest in a common woman, his mother demanded that he marry a noble lady at once.

But how could he turn away from the only woman who had ever made him feel alive?

One evening, at a grand ball bathed in candlelight and the soft strains of music, Asher found you on a secluded balcony.

"Run away with me," he whispered in your ear.

You stared at him, eyes wide. "You're insane. If you leave everything behind for me, you will lose everything."

Asher cupped your face, his fingers gently tracing your cheek. "What is everything worth if I cannot have you?"