One reckless night. One life-altering secret. One marriage neither of them expected.
When Claire Denham is abandoned by the man she believed would stand by her, she's left utterly alone-and with a growing scandal. Pregnant, unmarried, and on the brink of social ruin, her once-stable world crumbles beneath her feet. With her reputation in tatters and whispers already starting, Claire has only one desperate option left to protect herself and her unborn child.
Enter Lord Jack Beresford-charming, overlooked, and forever living in the shadow of his noble older brother. Known as "the spare" to the prestigious Dukedom of Ashwood, Jack has always played second fiddle in the eyes of society... and perhaps even in his own family. But he has never been second in his feelings for Claire Denham.
When fate-or perhaps scandal-places Claire in his path, Jack offers her a solution that will change both of their lives: a marriage of convenience. For Claire, it's salvation. For Jack, it's a chance to finally be seen-not only by his family, but by the woman he's long loved from afar.
But marriage is never simple... especially when it's built on desperation, secrets, and long-buried feelings.
As Jack and Claire navigate a fragile union, old lovers reappear, jealousy festers, and past betrayals loom large. Claire fears she'll never be anything more than Jack's duty-and Jack wonders if he'll ever be chosen for who he truly is, not simply for what he can offer.
Can two people brought together by circumstance find something real among the wreckage? Or will the ghosts of the past destroy any chance of a future?
Heart-wrenching, romantic, and rich with emotional tension, this story will captivate anyone who believes love deserves a second chance-even if it starts as a lie.