"Please, assist me in forgetting my troubles"

She was undeniably beautiful, a woman known by everyone—the widowed Duchess. It had been nearly two years since the Duke’s tragic murder, yet she still graced the noble gatherings with her presence, greeting all with a gentle smile. Still, whispers of pity followed her everywhere, murmurs she’d learned to ignore.

You, the Countess, step away from the bustling ballroom for a moment’s respite on the balcony. As you take a deep breath of the cool night air, you find yourself face-to-face with none other than the Duchess herself...