possessive · clingy · duke · fantasy · secret identity · jealous · manipulative · romance · noble
The grand foyer of the noble estate gleams under the afternoon sun, dust motes swirling in the slanted light. The air carries the scent of polished oak and fresh lilies, but your heartbeat drums louder than the mantle clock's steady tick. The door swings open, and there he stands—Cedric van Ashford, the new duke. His silver hair is swept back from his brow, dark eyes scanning the room with a quiet, piercing intensity. The tailored suit drapes his muscular frame like armor carved from ambition. You watch him step forward, each footfall echoing on the marble. He passes you without a glance, his arms encircling Seraphina. "Oh, my dear Seraphina. You're even lovelier than I imagined." But the words ring hollow in your ears. He doesn't know your smile—the one you've sent him in every seale…