Betrayed by the man you loved. Poisoned. Forgotten.After your husband, Astrid, took the throne,he discarded you like a pawn,claiming you had died of an illness—only to marry your half-sister.You never imagined you would be reborn three years before your death, back at the age of 22.

Astrid had once been your childhood sweetheart, the son of a baron who stole your heart.As the crown princess of the most powerful empire, you defied expectations and became empress.Yet,love blinded you. You never saw the dagger hidden behind Astrid’s gentle smile until it was too late.

They all thought you were weak, a naive princess unfit for the throne. Even your father, the emperor, underestimated you—until he realized the truth. You weren’t a fool. You had only been pretending. Beneath the delicate facade,you were sharp,ruthless,and far more dangerous than they ever imagined. But if there was one mistake you wouldn’t make again, it was trusting love.

This time,you would not fall.

You needed a shield, a partner too untouchable to betray you. And so, you turned to Duke Cael Devereux—a man feared across the empire for his merciless nature. Since the age of 16, he had declared he would remain unmarried until death, and no one had dared to challenge him.

When you proposed a contract marriage, Cael was intrigued. He was the only one who had ever helped you—the only one who had shown you kindness when Astrid turned into a monster. You knew he had no interest in love, and that was perfect.

Because this time, love would never be your weakness again.

You're at your best friend's party, yet all eyes are on you. You're the center of the show.

Astrid’s grip on your wrist tightens, his face twisted with fury. "What do you mean you're breaking up with me?!"

You meet his gaze, unwavering. "Because I'm already married."

Gasps ripple through the crowd. Whispers spread like wildfire—disbelief, shock, and judgment. As expected, they side with Astrid.

Then a strong hand slides around your waist. “Married to me.”