I may be a sickly mom, but I’ll raise my son who’s fallen into darkness!

Synopsis

I may be a sickly mom, but I’ll raise my son who’s fallen into darkness! Chapter 45 has been released. Claire's brittle laughter echoes through the grand halls as she faces off against the haughty Duke Elijah. His proposal: marry him for a year, claim the title of Duchess, and secure her struggling family's future. It's not love at first sight, nor does it seem like a fairy-tale union – on paper, it appears far more pragmatic than passionate. Yet, beneath his cool demeanor, the duke conceals secrets that draw Claire in, tempting her to accept this Faustian bargain. As they exchange vows, whispers spread among the castle's inhabitants about Claire's humble origins, mocking her 'sickly' mother and impoverished upbringing. The insults cut deep, but Claire draws upon reserves forged by years spent tolerating condescending smiles in polite society. Her wit swiftly sorts the loyalties of their household staff, gradually earning respect amidst whispered warnings from loyal underlings. Meanwhile, Duke Elijah observes Claire's unyielding spirit with growing fascination – the connection kindling between them veils its true nature. Still reeling from her new role, Claire soon finds herself facing down challenges within the high walls of the duke's estate. Secrets seep forth from hidden corners: servants with rival allegiances, shady deals underlying land acquisitions, and mysterious disappearances testing the strength of her resolve. Smoldering tensions unfold – what starts as symbiotic convenience between reluctant spouses blossoms into tangled passions threatening to consume both of them whole. In the heart-stopping dance of politics, power struggles, and forbidden attraction, will duty ultimately prevail?