Edith Merriweather has done deplorable things in her past, including breaking her younger sister’s heart by betraying her in the most unforgiveable way. Edith is ready to come clean and beg for forgiveness when a handsome stranger enters her life. He offers her an escape from reality, where she is destined to be a poor, single woman for the rest of her years. This man entices her with a contract she simply cannot refuse. The great Earl of Havering, Alexander Dumont, has chosen to wed Edith. But not because the playboy loves her. No, Alexander needs a wife in order to convince his father that he’s settled down and capable of inheriting their exorbitant amount of wealth. He promises to lavish Edith with his riches and indulge her in any desire she could ever want, including allowing her to have as many lovers as she so pleases. And the most appealing part of it all is she’ll also become a countess. Together, Alexander and Edith conspire to pull off one of the greatest deceptive acts of their time. Somewhere along the way, though, the lines of their faux marriage become blurred and something altogether foreign enters the picture. Love. Will becoming Countess Dumont weaken Edith’s heart, which she’s always kept protected under a hard, callous outer shell? And if Alexander breaks her vulnerable heart, will she be able to continue the sham of their marriage or reveal the falsehood to his father?