In a world where business alliances shape destinies, the prestigious Monteverde and Belmonte families have long upheld a pact: their true firstborns must marry to ensure the continuity of their empires. Aurelia Monteverde, raised as the heiress apparent, reluctantly agrees to marry Fabrizzio Belmonte, fulfilling her family's obligation despite her personal misgivings. However, a revelation shakes the foundation of their arrangement: Aurelia, believed to be the eldest Monteverde, is actually adopted.
The true elder sibling, Demian Monteverde, returns unexpectedly. A carefree soul who has wandered the world, Demian now confronts his destiny as the rightful heir and must marry Fabrizzio Belmonte, a traditionalist who initially intended to wed Aurelia. Fabrizzio, deeply rooted in conservative values, harbors homophobia, complicating his acceptance of Demian into the family fold.
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]