Violet_167

Isabella Beaumont figured she was making a smart, if desperate, trade: her freedom in exchange for marrying the dreaded Duke Alaric Thorne. 
Sure, the guy had a reputation darker than a moonless night, whispered about in every corner of the kingdom, but it was just a contract, right? A way to escape a brutal past that had literally left its mark on her face. 
She wasn’t expecting warmth, and definitely not passion. But then Alaric, this formidable, feared man, starts acting… protective. His unexpected kindness will make her want to throw away her protective mask and actually fall for the man who was supposed to be just her ticket to freedom. 
Just as Isabella starts believing she might actually deserve happiness, everything begins falling apart around them.
With the villains on the loose, old wounds being ripped open, and everyone’s true colors showing, is this sudden, fierce love strong enough to survive the storm? Or will the darkness from their pasts and the deadly games shatter everything they’re starting to build?

The Masked Duchess

"Lady Rowena is quite the prominent socialite," Alistair continued, his tone carefully measured. "She has an extensive network of informants who keep her updated on every whisper in Lockwood society."


I traced my fingers along the edge of an exquisite silk shawl, absorbing this new information. "So she likely already knows about the marriage."


"Indeed, Your Grace. I would be surprised if she hasn't heard by now." Alistair's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed concern. "And I must warn you—she will not be pleased."


"Because I'm not Lady Helena Pembroke?" I asked, attempting to keep my voice light despite the knot forming in my stomach.


"Because you're not someone she selected." Alistair sighed. "Lady Rowena has always believed she knows what's best for the Duke. Any bride not of her choosing would face her... disapproval."


The weight of his words settled over me. Another person who would look at me and find me wanting. Another battle to fight.


Chapter 54 - Gifts and Growing Anxieties