In a world of power and privilege, love is the ultimate rebellion."
In a society where arranged marriages dictate destiny, love is a dangerous game.
Aiden Baldwin has always honored his family's legacy, bound by duty and expectations-until Karlie Co...
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At the Winters Household
The air inside the Winters estate was thick with excitement.
"Darling, I can't believe you finally met your match," Anna gushed, clasping Ariel's hands in hers. "Aiden Baldwin! His family is among the most powerful in town. Do you realize what this means? You must ensure he falls for you—completely. This is everything your father and I have ever wanted for you."
Ariel forced a smile. Her mother had dreamt of this moment for years, but the weight of expectation settled heavy on her chest.
Anna cupped her daughter's face, eyes shining with unspoken urgency. "Go change for bed, sweetheart. And check if your brother is still awake."
"Yes, Mother," Ariel murmured. "When will Father be home?"
"By the end of the season," Anna answered quickly, smoothing down an invisible wrinkle on her silk gown.
Ariel nodded, making her way upstairs, but an unsettling feeling lingered in her stomach.
As soon as she was out of sight, Anna sighed, her polished mask of enthusiasm slipping away. She walked over to the bar cart in the dimly lit sitting room and poured herself a glass of wine.
She took a slow sip, gripping the stem of the glass as if it were the only thing holding her together. The last thing I want is for my children to know the truth. That their father has destroyed us. That we are drowning in debt and disgrace.
She swallowed another gulp, staring into the dark liquid.
If Ariel doesn't secure this marriage, we will lose everything—our home, our name, our future.
Her hands trembled slightly as she set the glass down. This family is on the verge of collapse. And if my husband doesn't return with a solution, we may not make it through the season.
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"Ariel knocked softly on her brother's door.
"Brother, are you awake?"
"Yes, sister, I am," Jaylen answered, his voice groggy but alert.
