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

The predatory smile on Julian Vale's face sent ice through my veins. He stood blocking our escape path, his normally immaculate appearance now replaced by a coldly efficient stance. Six armed men flanked him—far more than we'd anticipated.


"Lady Isobel," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Or should I say, Duchess Isabella Thorne? Did you truly believe your little masquerade would fool me?"


Beside me, Elara trembled violently. I squeezed her hand, trying to project a confidence I didn't feel.


Alaric stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of us. "Vale. I see you've been expecting us."


"Indeed, Your Grace." Vale gestured casually to his men. "I've had my suspicions since your 'Lady Isobel' first arrived. Something about her seemed... familiar. I make it my business to know the nobility, you see, especially those who might take interest in my establishment."


Chapter 159 - The Curator's Trap, A Desperate Fight