To mock her as his father’s mistress, and now try to make her his own.
The duke she met again after five years hadn’t changed at all.
Arrogant beyond measure, and utterly selfish.
* * *
After her parents’ death, Claire accepted the former Duke’s patronage.
She dreamed of a new life as a painter. But her peace shattered the moment she met the patron’s son.
“I don’t care whether you were my father’s mistress or not.”
His words, laced with cheerful mockery…
“So be smart about it. Mind your place.”
And a warning even more cutting than the insult.
In the end, Claire fled the estate as though running for her life.
Five years later, she reunites with the same cruel and breathtakingly beautiful man.
She never imagined the duke would lose his mind upon recognizing her.
Nor that this noble man, as poised as ever, would make an outrageous demand.
“Be smart, Claire. You only live once… don’t you want to live comfortably?”
“You’re going to marry someone else.”
“Does that matter?”
Why is it that you’re only ever cruel to me?
“Do you hate being by my side that much, Claire?”
So Claire made a vow.
That one day, she would make this impossibly beautiful man taste defeat.
And when the duke was at his most unguarded. Claire clenched her teeth and ran.
