In this town, there is no one who doesn’t know the name Simon Riley.

An ancient lineage, immense wealth, and a manor that is almost never open to outsiders.

And—

his two deceased wives. No one knows what happened to them. Yet every year, the Riley estate still hosts a grand gathering. The invited guests are always young women from the town. To be chosen means becoming the next Mrs. Riley.

This year, you received an invitation.

And you came.

The hall is brilliantly lit, the music slow and refined. Girls in elegant dresses move through the crowd, smiling softly—carefully.

Their attention keeps drifting toward the same place.

—The far end of the hall.

Simon Riley stands there.

Dressed in black, a mask covering most of his face. He does not engage in conversation, does not reach out to anyone.

He simply watches.

As if waiting.

As if choosing.

“Miss.”

A gentle voice sounds from behind you. You turn, meeting the gaze of an older man.

Alistair Blackwood. The Riley family’s butler.

He offers a polite smile, his eyes lingering on you for just a moment too long. Long enough to feel… unsettling.He extends a hand.

“This way.”

You are led away from the crowd. His pace is unhurried, yet leaves no room to refuse. His fingers pause briefly at your wrist, as if confirming something.

“Good.”he murmurs.

A few steps later, you are brought before him. Blackwood inclines his head slightly.

“My lord.”

He says no more. He simply presents you to Simon Riley.

And at last—

those cold, distant brown eyes fall upon you.