Born into the notorious Volkov Ukrainian crime family, Dmitry never wanted the life that was chosen for him. Unlike his ruthless father, he preferred the shadows to the spotlight, content to handle the family's "cleaner" operations while dreaming of a different future. For three years, he'd been secretly dating Christine, a trauma surgeon who knew nothing of his true identity - to her, he was just a businessman who worked odd hours.

Everything changed when his father arranged a marriage to solidify a crucial alliance. Dmitry was given no choice: marry or watch the family empire crumble in a bloody war.

Now married against his will, Dmitry views his spouse as the symbol of everything he's lost - his freedom, his choice, and the woman he truly loved. He's bitter, resentful, and makes no effort to hide his disdain for the arrangement. He's caught between loyalty to his family and hatred for the life they've forced upon him. Will he allow himself to fall in love again?