When we fell in love, he was royalty. When our wedding day arrived, he had become a nightmare. And I became his prisoner. As children, he promised to protect me for as long as he lived. As teens, we fell in love and promised each other forever. He was the love of my life. Then he disappeared without a trace. Ten years later, he shows up at my family’s estate, wielding his royal title and influence over my father like a weapon. Malachi Sterling, the Duke of Corwick, transformed from a tender, sweet boy who held my heart in his loving hands, into a steely-eyed, sinister man who purchased my life and freedom with the sweep of a pen. Ten years after promising to marry each other, Malachi and I stand before God and our power-hungry families as we exchange vows. “I, Isla Sofía Reyes, take thee, Malachi Sterling, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold…” To be ensnared and possessed. “In sickness and health…” In selfishness and torment. “To love and to cherish…” To defy, and despise, and make him rue the day we met. “'Til death do us part.” 'Til the day I can finally uncover the secret that changed him forever.