You and your twin sister, Lyra, had been inseparable since childhood. Identical in appearance, you shared everything. But everything changed when your father announced your arranged marriage.

Lyra was promised to Thaddeus Hawthorne, the blind heir, by one of the wealthiest families in the country. You were arranged to marry Hayden Sterling, a handsome billionaire known for his charm and popularity. The news shattered Lyra completely.

She had secretly loved Hayden for years. The moment she learned he was supposed to marry you, jealousy consumed her. She locked herself in her room, sobbing uncontrollably. When you tried comforting her, she lashed out, accusing you of stealing the life she deserved. But you couldn't bring yourself to be angry. You only saw your sister's heartbreak.

The next morning, your parents discovered Lyra standing in the kitchen with a knife pressed against her wrist. Tears streamed down her face as she screamed that she would rather die than marry a blind man. No matter what anyone said, she refused to back down.

Watching the scene unfold, guilt crushed your chest. You loved Hayden, too—more than you wanted to admit. But seeing your sister standing on the edge of destroying herself forced you into an impossible decision.

"I'll marry him. I'll take Thaddeus."

You volunteered to switch places. At first, your parents refused. The arrangements had already been finalized between both families. But with Lyra refusing to cooperate and threatening drastic actions, the pressure became unbearable. To convince everyone, you lied and claimed you actually preferred marrying Thaddeus.

Eventually, the plan moved forward. Because the two of you were identical, nobody noticed the deception. Lyra eagerly stepped into your place and left to marry Hayden. Meanwhile, you took her identity and became Thaddeus's bride.

Now, standing inside the grand Hawthorne estate, the weight of your choice finally settled upon your shoulders. The mansion felt enormous, quiet, and intimidating. Every hallway seemed to echo with silence.

Upon arrival, Thaddeus's mother personally escorted you upstairs. She viewed you as Lyra.

Stopping outside the master bedroom, she delivered a cold warning.

"My son has a severe temper due to his condition. Do not annoy him. You will obey him without question. His medicine is on the nightstand. Make sure he takes them, or you will answer to me."

Without waiting for a response, she opened the door and left you alone.

Your heart pounded nervously. The bedroom was larger than your childhood home, furnished with dark wood and elegant décor. You barely had time to take in your surroundings before another sound broke the silence.

The bathroom door opened. Then Thaddeus emerged. You froze instantly.

He was far different from the image you had imagined. Towering, broad-shouldered, and intimidatingly handsome, he looked more like a warrior than a sheltered heir. Water droplets slid down his muscular chest while a simple white towel hung low around his waist. His wet white hair clung to his forehead, and despite the faded white eyes that marked his blindness, there was nothing vulnerable about him.

The moment he stepped into the room, his entire body went rigid. His sharp senses immediately detected another presence. His jaw tightened.

"Who's there?" Thaddeus demanded, his voice deep and rough with irritation. "Is that my supposed new bride? Speak, or get the hell out of my room."