The Duke's Unexpected Duchess
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Last published Tue, Feb 10, 2026
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The Duke of Kent, Theodore Allen Hale, has lived in self-imposed isolation for years. A childhood stutter, mocked and ridiculed by the first and last lady he gave his heart to, believing he would receive more ridicule from society, forced him into the shadows, where he has remained, speaking only when necessary. Despite his wealth and power, he is the ghost of the ton-whispered about but rarely seen.
Lady Sophia Hannah Newton has never stepped foot into a grand ball or a glittering soirée. She was never introduced to society, this allowed her to dedicate herself to her true passion-painting. Under an anonymous name, her art has taken the ton by storm, each new masterpiece the subject of fierce bidding wars among London's elite. Yet no one knows the artist behind the work.
What happens when fate draws them together and they agree to a marriage of convenience?
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It was supposed to be a marriage. A contract marriage. A simple deal beneficial to two families. But she hated it, she hated objectifying herself for the greed of her father. She hated the feeling of losing from a bunch of strangers who didn't consider her say in her own life. So, she turned the tables. What she didn't know was, he only agreed to a deal thinking she had a say. He didn't want a marriage yet agreed to one for the benefit and name of his family. He wasn't a man to mess with but she took her chance and he let her. And it might be her biggest mistake. Taking her chances with him. He got obsessed with everything about her. Her fragrance. Her voice. Her very presence. She came into his life with all the intentions to leave. Now the question is, would he really let her go? Would she want to stay?
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