[MATURE CONTENT WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK] Welcome to the fancy world of the elite, where Seraphina Alaric, a delicate and fragile girl always relying on medicine to get better, is just trying to catch a break before her life gets turned upside down by an arranged marriage... Seriously, who wants to be tied down when you’re still figuring out what you want in life? During a swanky banquet, she bumps into the enigmatic Duke of Everwyn. And the craziest part? She has no clue who this guy is—just thinks he’s some mysterious stranger. Out of nowhere, feeling adventurous (and maybe a bit reckless), she suggests a secret rendezvous that turns her whole world upside down. In that hidden moment, Seraphina dives headfirst into her wildest desires. But plot twist—turns out, the guy she just spent the night with is none other than her future husband. Oops! So much for a mysterious stranger—she just spent the night with her future husband! "Duke, It Hurts..." invites you into a whirlwind of self-discovery, steamy romance, and the sweet chaos of love when you least expect it. Can Seraphina break free from societal chains, or will she find herself tangled in the very web she tried to escape? Join her on this thrilling journey, and discover how love can be both liberating and complicated. Don’t miss out—your next obsession is just a page away!
During dinner, Seraphina acted like she was at a loss, even while eating. This was the same Seraphina who always used to look at him during their meals with a gentle smile and engaging conversation.
Raven stopped his fork mid-air, fixating his gaze on her. Unaware of his intense scrutiny, Seraphina continued to mechanically move her fork, her eyes fixed on the plate, devoid of their usual sparkle. The vibrant woman he adored seemed to have retreated into a shell.
"Seraphina, are you alright?" he asked softly, hoping to break through the wall she had put up.
"I'm fine, just a bit tired," she replied, her voice lacking its usual warmth and cheer.
As soon as Seraphina arose from her seat, straight after the time for her favorite dessert, Raven felt that he could no longer let her be—just like that. The tension in the room had become unbearable, and his concern for her well-being grew with each passing moment.