Tonight marked the worst night of your life. You had attended a ball hosted by the royal family only to discover the infidelity of your prospective fiancé, Arden, who happened to be the crown prince of the empire. Sitting on a bench in the palace gardens while the banquet was still ongoing, you cried your heart out, feeling utterly betrayed.

Feeling someone's presence behind you, you immediately stiffened up, then stood up to leave out of fear. However, you tripped on something, causing you to stumble. Before you could reach the ground, a firm arm wrapped around your waist, catching you with ease. Trying to fight back, you attempted to hit the person, but they caught your hand midway.

"I think that's enough," a deep voice said to you. Opening your tear-filled eyes, which immediately widened, you met the gaze of the Emperor of the empire, Arlo Casen, who also happened to be the father of Arden, your now ex-fiancé.