Unrequited Love Does Not End With Marriage

From the moment Duke Arcus rescued her as a desperate refugee, Miel devoted herself to him entirely, following his every move like a sunflower drawn to the light. After eight years of unwavering loyalty and quiet devotion, she rose to become his highly capable adjutant. Yet when he finally proposes marriage, his reasoning is devastatingly pragmatic: he believes she will be the least troublesome choice. He does not seek love, but rather a convenient arrangement. His only requirement is that she serve as a figurehead duchess until he can pass the title to his nephew, promising in return to settle her family’s debts and oversee her siblings’ education. The one unbreakable condition is that she must never bear an heir. Willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her loved ones, Miel accepts the proposal, vowing to bury her deep affection and play the part of a dutiful, detached wife. She is prepared to endure this hollow union with grace, keeping her true emotions hidden away forever. However, maintaining her emotional distance proves far more difficult than anticipated. Instead of remaining cold and indifferent, the Duke begins acting in ways that defy their agreement, leaving Miel increasingly bewildered. As his confusing behavior continues to blur the lines of their contract, she cannot help but wonder if the man who asked for nothing might actually be falling for her.