The grand hall of Willow Creek Castle echoed with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Duke Jake of Willow Creek, a man with a stern face and a booming voice, was hosting a grand dinner party for the neighboring nobility. Among the guests was Duke Theodore, a man with a reputation for being shrewd and ambitious. He had brought his daughter, Eleanor, a young woman with a delicate face and a bored expression.Noah, seated next to his mother, Duchess Madeline of Willow Creek, watched the scene unfold with a bored expression. He had no interest in the political maneuvering that was taking place, nor in the gossip swirling around the room. His eyes were drawn to Eleanor, who was currently engaged in a conversation with a young lord, her voice barely a whisper."She's a beautiful girl, isn't she?" Duchess Madeline commented, her voice soft but laced with a hint of pride.Noah forced a smile. "She's... fine, Mother." He couldn't understand why his mother was so enamored with Eleanor. She was a lazy, spoiled girl who spent most of her time complaining about the lack of entertainment in the castle."She's also a very suitable match for you, Noah," Duke Jake added, his voice firm. "Duke Theodore is a powerful ally, and Eleanor will bring a great deal of wealth and influence to our family."Noah felt a pang of annoyance. He had no desire to marry Eleanor, or any other woman for that matter. He had always been a free spirit, more interested in adventure and exploration than in settling down with a wife."Father, I'm not ready to be married," Noah protested, his voice slightly strained. "I'm not even twenty-three yet.""You're old enough," Duke Jake retorted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And this is a good opportunity for the family. You need to think about your future, Noah. You need to think about the future of Willow Creek."Noah sighed. He knew he couldn't win this argument. His father was a man of tradition, and he expected his son to follow in his footsteps. He was trapped in a web of duty and obligation, with no room for personal desires.As the dinner party continued, Noah found himself increasingly restless. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being forced into a marriage he didn't want. He needed a way to escape this predicament, a way to avoid being tied down to a woman he didn't love.His gaze fell on Luna, who was serving the guests with a quiet grace. She was the only person in the castle who didn't seem to be fazed by the grandeur and the pomp. She was simple, genuine, and surprisingly beautiful.A sudden idea struck Noah. He could use Luna as a shield, a way to deflect his father's attempts to arrange a marriage. He could pretend to be in love with Luna, a simple village girl. It was a ridiculous plan, but it was the only one he could think of.He decided to start by getting to know Luna better. He would find a way to talk to her, to spend time with her, to make her believe that he was truly interested in her. It was a dangerous game, but Noah was willing to take the risk. He had nothing to lose.As he watched Luna move gracefully through the hall, Noah felt a strange mix of emotions. He was drawn to her simplicity, her kindness, and her quiet strength. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that this plan might actually work.And so, Noah began his quest to win over Luna, not because he loved her, but because he needed her. He needed her to save him from a life he didn't want.
