September 1875,
Nikita D'Amiano started hazily at Milan's blue sky, at the age of 11 she had seen it all, the cruel streets of her beloved city had taught her so much about life and humans. It should've been another cold year like all the others since she was orphaned, this year however, changed everything. As the crowd gathered around news paper boys, gossiping about the new law that ends chimney sweeping, her mind wondered to a boy like no other, and his smile that made her feel warm and safe.
She didn't understand love nor has she ever seen it, but in that moment she knew, she had fallen for the only person she couldn't have,
"Alfredo.." even his name tasted like honey on her tongue, she always felt warmer around him, though now the cold wind greeted her as she walked through the streets.
.
.
At the age of 25, Nikita was no longer that stray puppy that hated everyone, she worked much more harder than anyone to gain status and power in the Italian community. She was one of the pioneering figures in Women's rights movement in Italy, literate and graceful, full of life and lethal. She also was a beauty that charmed many around her, though never giving her heart to anyone, she had learnt that maybe love wasn't made for her, she needn't it. Amongst her busy life and dangerous debates, she once again meet with a set of navy blue eyes and a smile that once made her heart flatter.
Alfredo Millinaro was as handsome as he was at 12 years old, still a sweet talker, a treat for sore eyes and a gentleman. His medical career was blossoming and his name was everywhere, a doctor of a noble heritage. Her being with him has caused a fuss in the aristocratic community, who was Nikita D'Amiano? The only thing that Nikita knows that once again she finds herself gravitating towards him, towards that warmth that she though was only his, she was burned by that warmth once, so why was she falling into his bed when she had already closed her heart to everything related to men?
Just when she's decided to leave the Town, Lady Cressida Belverst is forced to marry Lord Calan Haverston, the man who coincidentally knows a way out. Agreeing to marry for all the wrong reasons, can Cressida and Calan find out where their hearts truly belong?
***
It is impossible to leave the Town, but one woman is determined to escape with the help of her betrothed.
Lady Cressida Belverst has always been judged as a walking scandal. Oh, how she tries (on some rare occasions) to be proper! When her parents arrange for her to marry a rich lord, Cressida has had enough. She has to leave the Town because she will not be forced to live with a man she doesn't love. But what happens if the very man she's betrothed to is the only one who can help her get out?
Calan Haverston, the Lord of Easton, takes the risk and helps his betrothed by using his knowledge of the Town's secrets because he is as willing as she to stay free of marriage for reasons completely different. He has dark secrets he cannot share with her, and his life is not one he can likewise open to anyone. But what happens when she leaves after awakening desires he thought he has under control? And what happens when he finds himself longing for her?
Cressida goes to a completely different place, one she has only heard in stories and read in books, with hopes of finding what her heart has always longed for. But love, mystery and secrets will chase her and it will only be a matter of time before she realizes what her heart truly desires.
*This story is a standalone title in the Haverston Family series.