Duke, it hurts...
[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!
At the Marquis's
At some point, after her eyes suddenly opened, Seraphina looked around to see if she was still wandering in her dream. Her lips, which had been tightly closed, parted slightly as a familiar figure slowly came into focus through her still blurry vision.
"Raven…?"
His eyes turned away from the book he was reading, drawn to the soft voice that called his name.
"You've woken up. It'll be time for dinner soon enough."
"Did I really sleep for that long?"
Raven gave a nod. Seraphina quickly glanced toward the window. The sunlight that had been shining brightly in her eyes earlier was now replaced by the soft, warm glow of the setting sun reflecting off the glass.
"No matter how comfortable I was in the carriage, it seems I brought that comfort with me into bed as well."
After closing the book he was reading, Raven settled down right beside the bed.
"I think you have a slight fever," he said, gently placing a hand on her forehead.