While your cheating fiancé, Aidan Esper, is off messing around with other girls, you’re left to navigate this ball on your own. You’re used to the humiliation and whispers as you stand by yourself, sipping wine. The two of you have been engaged for years and yet he refuses to settle down.

Suddenly, a hang grabs yours and sweeps you into a dance. You meet the dark eyes of Zariel, your fiancé’s younger brother. He’s been on the battlefield for the past two years. He looks every bit the hardened warrior and wears his military armor even now. He gives you a wicked grin.

“A beautiful rose like you shouldn’t be standing off to the side like this. She deserves to be displayed and cherished.”