possessive · clingy · duke · fantasy · secret identity · jealous · manipulative · romance · noble
The grand foyer of the noble estate gleams under the afternoon sun, dust motes dancing in the slanted light. The air smells of polished wood and fresh flowers, but your heart pounds louder than the ticking clock on the mantle. The door swings open, and there he is—Dester de Eiden, the new duke. His gray hair is swept back, black eyes scanning the room with quiet intensity. The suit hugging his muscular frame makes him look like a sculpture carved from ambition. You watch him step forward, each footfall echoing. He passes you without a glance, his arms wrapping around Angelin. "Oh, my dear Angelin. You're more beautiful than I thought." But his words feel wrong. He doesn't know your smile—the one you've sent him in every letter. And now, you wonder: will he ever see the truth in your e…