The Duke's Bride

r to places she had never explored before. Occasionally, her frail fingers turned the pages. In the quiet room, the only so

ng servant stood at the door, hesitating before stepping inside. "Miss Haz

fusion. "Father wants to see me?" she asked in disbelie

, bowing her head slightly. "Cou

rom her bed; the pain that always accompanied her made every movement difficult. The servant ste

e said weakly but

d the living room where her father awaited. When she reached the door to the living room, Hazel took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She slo

y. His eyes pierced through Hazel, as

ather?" Hazel asked, he

Hazel, I've tried to understand what you could contribute to this family.

ushed, showing the burning anger within him. Hazel slowly walked toward the sofa and sat down, her frail body draped

he shouted with a trembling voice. "Look at yourself, Hazel. You've been nothing but a burden for years! No nobleman, merchan

s words felt like daggers stabbing directly into her heart. "I...

u as his wife. Your marriage would have a significant impact on the family business. But look at yourself-weak and useless," Barnum sneered. "Unfortun

Father..." Hazel's t

can help me manage the company. And yo

toxic, and every breath she took became more suffocating. She tried to summon the

You're sickly. No sane man would want to marry you, because you would only be a burden to them," Barnum continued with a mocking tone. "Tell

sobs. She knew deep in her heart that there was nothing she could say or do to change her father's opinion. Barnu

ice shaking with anger. "Look at yourself, Hazel! You're just a burden. In this country, our noble stat

Tell me what I should do," H

what bothers me the most, Hazel? You're a countess, but you can't do anythi

e a source of suffering. Every day, Hazel was trapped in this miserable situation, only able to hope that someday a miracle would happen to free he

ount Barnum," she called out quickly. "A messenger from Duke Kings

Kingsley?" he muttered, trying to gra

ked quite expensive, entered with respect. He carried a white envelope se

s here?" Barnum asked

ount Ellsworth, I have a formal request from Duke Ra

what they were hearing. Known for his bravery and cold demeanor, Duke Rainha

ake sure he heard correctly. "A marriage propos

"Duke Rainhard Kingsley sees the potential and eleganc

d ruthless nature, be interested in her, someone her own father deemed w

" he finally said, his voice calmer but filled with consideration. "Inf

ng and leaving the room. Barnum looked at

rtunity we've been waiting for. You must prepare y

a flicker of new hope but also a deep fear of what her future might hold with the Duke, who

nything up, and don't di

*