In order to save her dying mother, Harper is forced to marry a family bodyguard by her father and vicious stepmother. She eventually agrees and manages to save her mother. Harper and the bodyguard slowly begin to develop feelings for each other but she soon learns that her husband is hiding a deep secret. What could it be?

Sabrina Reed is Nathan Alden's wife, but not by his choice... EXCERPT****** "I found her like this, sir," the guard announced. Sabrina stirred at the voice, blinking groggily and rubbing her eyes to chase away the blur clouding her vision. A towering figure stepped into focus. "What are you doing out here, Sabrina?" Nathan's voice was sharp, cutting through the fog of sleep. His jaw was tight, words pressed between clenched teeth. She blinked again, brushing hair from her face as she sat up. "What are you doing out here?" he repeated-louder this time, more demanding. He stood before her in a jet-black suit and white button-up shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to expose forearms clenched across his chest. His eyebrows were drawn tight, his eyes narrowed. "I came back late last night and... the guard was gone, so... I just fell asleep," she said softly, eyes lowering under the weight of his glare. He dismissed the guard with a silent nod, then stepped closer. "Where were you last night?" he asked, voice taut with suspicion. She yawned, trying to blink herself fully awake. "I've been volunteering at the animal shelter." "Get up," he ordered, tone clipped and harsh. "You expect me to believe that? Don't animal shelters close at a decent time?" She remained seated, her legs too stiff to move. "Yes, but-" "Get up!" he barked.

Andrea Harper has always lived in the shadows of her two brothers, ignored and unloved in a royal family that deems her not pretty enough to represent their kingdom. As the middle child, she endures the pain of being overlooked, clinging to the hope that one day, she will find love and acceptance. Her heart belongs to her best friend, a loyal confidant who she believes might see her true worth. But on the day she bravely confesses her feelings, she has no idea her entire life is about to change. Later on, her parents give her a shocking news, she is to be engaged to Adonis Salvio, the crown prince of a neighboring, wealthier kingdom. Caught in a whirlwind of tears, feelings, and heartbreak, Andrea and Adonis must confront their own prejudices and the pressures of their royal duties. Will Andrea find the love and acceptance she's always longed for, or will she remain the unwanted princess in a kingdom where appearances are everything?