TheForbiddenPages
Alora Bennett has spent her life locked inside her father's manor, hidden away as the shameful result of his affair and the tragedy that followed. Quiet, shy, and gentle, she survives by staying unnoticed.
Her father turns his attention toward preparing the wedding of his favored daughter, Layla, to Apollo Cross. Apollo is a powerful young businessman with a cold reputation and no real interest in the marriage. For him, it is only a strategic move to strengthen his empire.
Trying to escape his own engagement party, Apollo wanders the manor and finds a girl he has never seen before. Alora is small, soft-spoken, and afraid of him. Her long curls frame her face, and her brown eyes hold a loneliness that stops him in his tracks.
He should walk away. He does not.
Apollo begins visiting her in secret. He brings her books, food, soft clothes, anything that makes her smile. Each visit pulls him closer until she becomes the only part of his life that feels true.
Alora starts to trust him. Apollo starts to need her.
And soon he knows he will not let anyone hurt her again, even if protecting her destroys every plan he has built.