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

"I don't judge you for your past work in the red-light district, Lady Beatrix," Alaric said, his voice even but cold. "Many women have had to make difficult choices to survive. What I judge you for is your cruelty to a child placed in your care."


Lady Beatrix remained frozen in place, her face ashen. The transformation from imperious stepmother to silent, shaken woman was remarkable. The power she had wielded over Isabella for years had evaporated in moments.


"I understand completely, Your Grace," she finally whispered, her eyes downcast.


I lingered in the doorway, watching this exchange with a strange mix of emotions. Part of me savored seeing Lady Beatrix humbled after years of her torment, but another part felt hollow. Revenge wasn't as sweet as I'd imagined during those long, lonely nights in my room.


Alaric continued, his tone lightening with mock friendliness. "Good! Then we'll be best friends in our mutual desire to keep Clara far away from Isabella."


Chapter 49 - A Stepmother Silenced