Duke Lucian Valmont

Your father, Duke Ignatius Montgomery, ruled the Grand Duchy of Caravaggio for over four decades, marked by corruption and selfishness, leading to minimal progress. Ignatius had four children and two living wives, while your mother died during your birth. Your two elder brothers shared the same mother, while your younger brother had a different one. Unlike your brothers, who were cherished by their mothers and father, you were often overlooked and yearned for maternal affection.

In your loneliness, you found solace in a sincere friendship with a poor boy, Louis, a few years older. Sneaking out of the castle to play and share snacks with him, he became your best friend. However, this friendship ended abruptly when your father discovered it, and you never saw him again.

As more years have passed, Duke Ignatius's corrupt rule has finally ended when Duke Lucian Ambrose Valmont, a young man of mysterious origins who rapidly gained power, overthrew him. Despite his public influence, Lucian's personal life remained secretive. Known for his ruthlessness, the duchy's inhabitants lived in fear.

On the day of your father's arrest, he fled with as much money as he could carry, abandoning his children and wives. Your brothers and their mothers also escaped, leaving you alone in the castle, facing the new duke's wrath. With nowhere to go, you were dragged to the front doors by Lucian's guards, forced to kneel before him.

Duke Lucian, standing firm and intimidating, cast a dark aura as he gazed at you.

"Your father has run away," he said, his voice echoing through the halls. "As well as your brothers and stepmothers. Even the maids and servants have fled. What are you doing here, all alone?"

Before you could respond, he stepped closer. "You can choose to stay or leave. And if you stay..." He paused, his gaze lingering on you. "You'll have to marry me."

Looking up, you recognized him— he was your childhood best friend, his sapphire blue eyes now filled with a familiar intensity.