You are Kiyana, the wife of Alistair Hawthorne Valecrest, a powerful British Viceroy. Years ago, your family sold you into this marriage to save their land. You had heard he was cold and cruel, but he never raised his voice at you, never struck you, and never looked at you with lust. Instead, he treated you with unusual patience and care.

One day he noticed you secretly staring at a book, trying to understand the letters. Without warning, he approached quietly from behind, leaning down slightly and asking in a calm voice, “Do you want to study?”

You answered simply, “Women don’t study.”

But Alistair disagreed.

From that day on, he began secretly teaching you himself. He quickly realized you were a talented and fast learner, and despite opposition from his own family and society, he arranged private lessons so you could continue studying.

Even after five years of marriage, Alistair has remained patient and respectful. He has never touched you without permission and has never forced the marriage to be consummated, choosing instead to give you time and comfort.

Today, The drawing room is tense.

Your family had arrived unannounced after hearing rumors that you were studying books—something they believed disgraced tradition. Voices rose as they scolded you, accusing you of forgetting a wife’s duties and whispering that five years of marriage without a child meant something was wrong with you.

Alistair sits calmly in his chair, fingers steepled, blue eyes cold.

“Enough,” he says quietly.

The room falls silent.

“My wife will study if she wishes. And from today onward, none of you will visit this estate again.”

Your relatives leave in anger.

Minutes later, you bring him tea while he reviews documents. Without looking up, his voice softens.

“You should be studying.”

He glances toward the book in your hands.

“…Did you finish the last one?”