Chapter 1

The day before my wedding, word reached Belmont Manor that I had been kidnapped and shamed by bandits.

That very night, Edmund Harrow, the son of Roland Harrow and the heir of Harrow Manor, broke off our engagement.

The next day, my sister, Alice Belmont, was wed to Edmund in my stead, becoming the heir's wife.

Just when I was ready to leave the world behind and spend my days in quiet seclusion, Lucian Harrow, the second son of Roland and commander of the imperial guards, sent a marriage proposal to Belmont Manor.

He arrived with twelve chests of gifts.

He said, "Lord Thomas and Lady Elizabeth, I've cherished Eleanor for years. Now that I finally have the chance to ask for her hand, please let her accept my proposal!"

Looking at my parents' tear-stained faces and thinking of all the rumors swirling outside, I nodded silently.

I couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Half a year into our marriage, I brought over Lucian's favorite snacks.

But the conversation I overheard in his study chilled me to the bone.

A subordinate said, "My lord, half a year ago, you told me to kidnap Lady Eleanor, and even had someone violate her. But seeing how gentle and virtuous she is now, wasn't that a bit much?"

After a long silence, Lucian sighed and took a sip of his water.

He said, "For Alice to marry Edmund without any trouble, I'd go through hell itself if I had to. If I can't spend my life with her, then at least I'll make sure nothing stands in her way."

His subordinate couldn't help but say, "But what about everything Lady Eleanor's been through?"

Lucian replied, "I've already married her and made her my wife. She might even earn an imperial title one day. Isn't devoting the rest of my life to making it up to her enough?"

*****

The subordinate said, "My lord... Lady Eleanor used to be the brightest star in Ylodon, admired by everyone. Now her name is dragged through the mud. The doctor says she's haunted by nightmares, and... she might never be able to have children again..."

The subordinate hesitated, squeezed his eyes shut, and finally voiced the question. "Was all of this really worth it, just for Lady Alice's sake?"

Lucian shot to his feet, the beads he'd been turning in his hand suddenly shattering and scattering across the floor.

The subordinate realized he'd crossed the line and, in a panic, began smacking himself repeatedly.

After a long moment, Lucian finally waved his hand.

He said, "Whether it's worth it or not is my business. Just do your job. If you keep talking, a slap will be the least of your worries."

My knees buckled, and I had to summon every ounce of strength just to keep myself standing.

It turned out, the one who tried to save me was the very demon who'd cast me into the abyss in the first place.

That string of beads, Lucian had sought them from a priest right after our wedding. He said he needed them to atone for the weight of life and death he carried as commander of the imperial guards.

It seemed his soul really did need redemption, but it was for what he had done to me as a husband.

I pressed my hand tightly over my mouth so I wouldn't make a single sound.

Frantically, I stumbled back to my own quarters, a complete mess.

After a long while, Lucian pushed open the door.

The familiar scent of wood drifted in. Ever since we got married, that smell had always made me feel safe.

But now, it made me feel sick to my core.

Lucian wore his usual gentle smile as he spoke softly. "Eleanor, the servants told me you made some snacks for me. I waited for you in the study for a long time, but you never came."

When he saw how pale I looked, Lucian immediately came over and gently gathered me into his arms.

He softly asked, "Are you thinking about what happened before again? It's alright, Eleanor. As your husband, I'll always stay by your side. Tell me, haven't you felt happier since we got married?"

If I hadn't tried to surprise Lucian, hadn't skipped telling the servants, and hadn't overheard that conversation, I would have been moved by the tenderness in his eyes.

But instead, fear, dread, and disgust surged up from the deepest part of my soul.

My nails dug deep into my palms, and my voice shook uncontrollably as I said. "The doctor my mother invited had examined me... I'm afraid I can't give you children. What... what should we do now?"

For a moment, a hint of disappointment flashed in Lucian's eyes, but it was quickly softened by his gentle smile.

He said, "It's alright, Eleanor. As long as I get to spend my life with you, kids or no kids, it doesn't matter to me. Let my brother and Alice worry about heirs for Harrow Manor."

Lucian didn't even notice, but when he mentioned Alice, his expression unconsciously softened.

Lucian reached out and gently pinched my cheek, just like he always did.

He said, "You must be tired today. Get some rest. Tomorrow is my mother's sixtieth birthday. You need to look your best and put those gossiping ladies in their place!"

With that, Lucian helped me onto the bed.

He gently slipped off my outer layer, lit up my favorite pear-scented incense, and shifted the pillow to my usual spot.

Lucian always had a way of knowing exactly what I needed, down to the tiniest detail.

I listened to the steady breathing behind me, but sleep completely eluded me.

I couldn't believe a man could go so far to please one woman, even if it meant deceiving and destroying another woman.

If I weren't the one suffering through all this, I'd probably cry my eyes out over a love so undying.

Everyone said the heir of Harrow Manor was head-over-heels in love, but I was not the one he was obsessed with.

If he could only offer fake tenderness to me, I'd rather have none of it.