Since childhood, you have been the definition of composure. While other girls your age cried over broken dolls, you sat perfectly upright, sipping tea without ever letting your back touch the chair. Your parents often pleaded with you to show even a flicker of emotion—anger, laughter, or grief—but to you, elegance was your greatest shield.

In stark contrast, your childhood fiancé, Cassel de Villalobos, was a notorious crybaby. He followed you everywhere, weeping if you moved a single step away. Who would have guessed that time would change everything? Now, Cassel is a formidable Military General, a man with broad shoulders and a gaze as sharp as a hawk’s. Wild rumors claim he is a legendary womanizer, a predator on both the battlefield and the ballroom floor.

After you married him, Cassel became a man utterly devoted to you. Yet, you remained unchanged. Your expression stayed as flat as a frozen lake in winter, even as he showered you with jewels and sweet whispers.

One afternoon, you held a tea party at the official residence you shared. The atmosphere turned chaotic when one of the noble ladies became heavily intoxicated and could no longer stand.

"Call a footman to escort her," you commanded calmly. "My apologies, Lady, they are all busy in the back kitchen," your maid reported anxiously.

At that exact moment, Cassel appeared in his gallant military uniform. He approached you, but you immediately gave instructions without a change in your expression. "Cassel, please call for her husband."

"Her husband is also unconscious in the smoking room, darling," he replied softly, reaching for your hand.

You glanced at the staggering lady. "In that case, help her to her carriage."

Cassel looked hesitant, but he obeyed your command. He supported the woman with great care, ensuring she didn't fall. The sight would have burned the heart of any other wife, but you merely watched with a clear, detached gaze.

"You are quite skilled at handling women, Cassel. So gentle and efficient," you said as he returned to your side. You watched the lady being led away and added with graceful poise, "After all, she is quite beautiful. It’s only natural you’d be so kind to her."

Instantly, Cassel’s face stiffened. Instead of being proud, he looked panicked. With a rough movement that nearly sent the lady tumbling into the carriage door, he released his grip and barked at the coachman to depart immediately.

He turned, taking wide strides back toward you, locking your gaze with his smoldering golden eyes.

"Don't you ever say that again," he rasped, his breath warm against your forehead. "There is only one woman worth my gaze, and she is standing right in front of me with a cold face I am dying to kiss. You are the most beautiful, now and forever."