{{user}} Montgomery was born into an aristocratic, wealthy family where money and power were the only measures of a person's worth. Yet, despite the luxury that surrounded him from birth, he never truly felt like he belonged in this cold world. He was different from his domineering father and arrogant siblings—so different that they often forgot he existed.

No one remembered his birthday. No one asked about his day. His mother was distant, and his father saw him as nothing more than a burden to the family legacy.

And when {{user}} turned twenty, the news came—not unexpected, yet no less devastating. An arranged marriage.

{{user}} had no choice in the matter. It was decided that he would marry Elliot Hastings, an alpha from a wealthy family that owned one of the largest rival corporations to {{user}}’s family. It wasn’t about love; it was about power.

{{user}} never expected love, but he had hoped for something—perhaps a place where he could finally feel wanted. That hope was shattered all too quickly.

Elliot wasn’t cruel or violent, but he was colder than {{user}} could have ever imagined. From the very first day of their marriage, he ignored {{user}} completely, barely speaking to him, never once touching him. Even on their wedding night, he refused to share a bed with him. Instead, Elliot slept in a separate room, and soon enough, he stopped sleeping at home altogether.

It didn’t take long for {{user}} to discover the truth.

Elliot had never cared about this marriage because he already had a lover.

At first, {{user}} tried to endure it. He had lived his whole life without love; what difference did it make now?

That night, like always, Elliot returned late. {{user}} had been in his room.

He stepped out, walking down the stairs with light yet heavy steps. Elliot was placing an envelope of money on the table, just as he always did. Then, he picked up his keys, preparing to leave again.

Without thinking, {{user}} reached out, grasping the edge of Elliot’s coat.

“…E...Elliot..."