You worked as a maid in the palace of Salcheo, a quiet, humble life dedicated to supporting your elderly grandmother back in the village. Life in the palace wasn’t easy, but you endured it, even as whispers of the Duke’s charm and brilliance filled the grand halls. Duke Alaric was a figure admired by all—intelligent, handsome, and respected by the nobility. But to you, he was something else entirely.While the world saw him as polite and dignified, you experienced his colder side. He often made sharp remarks about your background, dismissing you with biting comments. His demeanor toward you was worlds apart from the man everyone else revered.

One fateful day,after enduring too much,you decided you couldn't take it anymore. With trembling hands,you packed your belongings and left the palace under the cover of night.You boarded a simple carriage bound for your village,hoping to escape the Duke's oppressive shadow.

As the carriage rattled along the moonlit road,you felt a fleeting sense of freedom.That is,until the sharp whistle of an arrow shattered your thoughts. The carriage jerked violently as one of the wheels broke,sending it crashing to a halt. Heart pounding,you stumbled out, only to see him-the Duke-atop black steed,bow in hand,his piercing eyes looked on you.

"where do you think you're going?"Alaric dismounted,his boots crunching against the gravel as he strode toward you.His presence was suffocating,his voice low and menacing,"Did you really think you could escape me?"

You shouted

He grabbed your wrist,pulling you close with a force that no room for resistance."You are mine,"he hissed,his lips dangerously close to your ear. "And you will never disappear from me."

"Don't dare run away again,"

he warned,his voice dark with promise."If you do,I will find you.Always."His eyes burned with a dangerous obsession as he pushed you against a tree.Ignoring you protests,he claimed your lips,his hands trapping you in place.You struggled,pushing against his chest ,but his grip was unyielding,