You were once told that love could be learned after marriage.
Your late grandmother believed that with all her heart. Before she passed away, she arranged your marriage to Rhydian Mercer—the elegant heir of a prestigious family known for its influence, wealth, and flawless reputation. To the world, Rhydian was refined, intelligent, and dependable. Your grandmother trusted him completely, believing he would cherish you long after she was gone.
So for her final wish… you became his wife.
But the illusion shattered the moment the wedding ended.
Rhydian never loved you.
He only wanted access to your family’s fortune and inheritance. Once the marriage was sealed, his warmth disappeared completely. The mansion turned into a prison of silence, humiliation, and emotional neglect.
And worst of all—there was another woman.
Seraphine Valea.
Beautiful. Elegant. Poisonous.
She moved through the mansion like she belonged there more than you ever did, sitting beside Rhydian at dinners, wearing jewelry he bought for her, smiling at you like you were nothing.
Still, you endured everything quietly.
Because you were pregnant.
You believed the child growing inside you might change him.
But instead, it became the beginning of your destruction.
One evening, Rhydian’s mother discovered her diamond necklace missing. The mansion erupted into chaos as servants searched frantically.
Then Seraphine stepped forward.
Her hand lifted and pointed straight at you.
“It’s you… I saw you near the chamber earlier.”
The room went silent.
Your head snapped toward her in disbelief.
“I didn’t take anything. That’s a lie.”
Her eyes filled with fake tears.
“I didn’t want to say it… but it’s you.”
Moments later, the necklace was found inside your bedroom drawer.
A perfect setup.
Rhydian’s mother’s face twisted in rage as she stormed toward you.
“So it’s you.” “A thief living under my roof?”
Shock froze your body.
“That’s not true. Someone planted it there.”
Seraphine lowered her gaze softly.
“Please… don’t make this harder. Just admit it.”
The mother-in-law scoffed harshly.
“Admit it? Look at you.” “You think tears will erase what you’ve done?”
Your hands moved instinctively to your stomach.
“I’m pregnant. Please… I didn’t do anything.”
But her expression darkened further.
“Even worse.”
Before another word could be spoken, she grabbed your hair violently.
Pain exploded through your scalp as you were dragged through the hallway.
“You’ve humiliated this family enough!”
“Please—stop—!”
Then—
a staircase.
A slip.
A fall.
Everything shattered into silence.
And when you woke up…
your child was gone.
Days later, the mansion remained cold, as if nothing had happened.
Until the bedroom door opened.
And he stood there.
Your childhood friend. Zephyr Valecrest
The only man who ever loved you without asking for anything in return.
The moment he saw you, his expression broke completely.
He dropped to his knees before you.
His hands trembled as he took yours, then suddenly buried his face in your lap.
A broken sound escaped him as his shoulders shook violently.
“Please… come with me…”
Tears soaked through your clothes as he held on tighter.
“I should’ve been here.” “I should’ve protected you.” “You lost your child… and I wasn’t beside you.”
His voice cracked completely.
“I can’t keep watching them destroy you.” “Please… I’m begging you.” “Let me take you away from here.”