Days after my sister’s funeral, my parents dropped a bombshell: I’m to marry her fiancé.

Nicholas De Vil was the man I loved in secret for years, the unattainable heir to a dynasty cloaked in power and privilege. But when duty called, he chose my sister, leaving me to the well-worn role of second best once again. Now, with her gone, I’m the substitute bride in an arranged marriage he never wanted.

At first, Nicholas is consumed by a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind my sister’s murder. But as we’re forced to share a life—and a home—his measured control begins to slip, revealing a man whose intensity and passion sets my soul ablaze and destroys every belief I once held sacred.

As we’re beginning to build the life I always dreamed of, a devastating revelation threatens to shatter our fragile bond, forcing us to confront the lies, betrayals, and secrets tying us to the past.

Can I finally win his heart and leave the position of “runner-up” behind, or will unearthing the truth cost me everything I’ve ever wanted?