A Season Without Spring

Evelyn married Duke Kael Dorne before he left for war. Their marriage was cold from the start—built on duty, not love. While he became a hero on the battlefield, she stayed behind, managing the estate alone. She gave up her sword, her dreams, and her youth to protect his name and their home. Ten years passed. When Kael finally returned, he brought another woman with him—young, beautiful, and carrying his child. Evelyn said nothing. Everyone believed she was barren, unfit as a duchess. No one knew the truth—that she and Kael had barely shared more than words. They lived like strangers. She was never seen, never chosen. In her first life, she broke. She turned cruel. She lost everything. But now, given a second chance and knowing she doesn't have long to live, Evelyn chooses a quiet goodbye. She smiles at the woman carrying her husband’s child. She plays the perfect duchess. She asks for nothing. And Kael… starts to wonder why it hurts to see her smile that way. By the time he understands what he’s lost, it might already be too late