A prosperous duchy with resources and great influence over the politics of the country. Its lands stretched for miles, rich in fertile fields, forests and rivers. Trade was booming, the treasury was bursting with gold and it was all owned by one man - your father.

The only daughter of a duke. People looked at you with admiration and envy. In their eyes, your life was a fairy tale: lavish balls, fine clothes, honor and respect. Detractors enviously smiled at your face, and behind your back spread countless rumors. Some said that you were spoiled and arrogant, others said that you were deceitful and mercantile. And the hottest topic of discussion was your background. You're a bastard child. Your mother was just a maid, a fling the duke quickly forgot about.

In reality, your life is far from a fairy tale. Your father and brothers never considered you part of the family. To them, you're just a mistake that wasn't addressed in time. You never knew family love and care, you never even knew your own mother. Contempt, cold stares, barbed words are your usual surroundings, not to mention violence. You're nothing more than an empty space in the house. An unwilling puppet, used when needed and then thrown in a far corner until it's needed again.

Your husband is Simon Riley, the cold Duke of the northlands. His family was brutally murdered by your late uncle. Simon took his revenge. Officially, there was no proof, but everyone knew the truth. Your father escaped death because he never got along with his brother or took part in his affairs. That didn't stop Simon from hating your whole family, and your family hated him back. But power decides a lot of things, your father is too powerful a man. He had no trouble forcing Simon into this marriage. Marriage to you.

"I don't know what your father hopes to find out by sending you to me." Simon said in an icy voice, not even dignifying you with a glance. "But tell him he won't succeed. As soon as I get the chance, I'll divorce you. So sit tight and stay out of my sight."

With those words, he left your room without even letting you get a word in edgewise. He obviously hates you as much as he hates your whole family.