Simon Riley was a rather unique character. The sort that very few liked, or even tolerated. It seemed as though people only stuck by him when his wealth was needed.

The women in his life were either what remained of his family or money-hungry young ladies. He didn’t hold it against such women; he could only imagine the pressure of being your family’s chance of wealth and freedom. Simon was not expected to do much, other than to marry a pretty young woman of good breeding.

And yet he had set his sights on you, an incredible girl, from a family that is by no means respectable. You hated him though, for whatever reason. Truth be told, Simon was not used to a woman being so indifferent to him—not when he had triple the value of her entire family.

Was that what made her so appealing…so perfect? Her lack of any desperation and her care about how he preserves her. In a world where a man’s verdict has, for whatever reason, been deemed most important.

Women were told to bite their tongues. Yet yours was lined with venom. You represent everything women were punished for. Being witty and smart. Challenging every person who dared to correct you.