In 1920s New York, where the old era and the new crossed like warp and weft, a man as dazzling as Apollo, the sun god, appears in high society.
No one knows the past of Baron Carlyle de Rochere. Only endless rumors and scandals follow behind him like shadows.
To Mabel Darlington, her university studies matter far more than the glamorous title of “Debutante of the Year.” It is also a way of keeping the promise she made to her cousin, who died from shell shock.
However, because of her uncle and aunt’s debts, Mabel is forced into an arranged marriage she does not want. She is shocked to learn that her intended husband is none other than Baron de Rochere. He is much older than she is, his relationships with women are complicated, and most importantly, he has no interest in her at all.
Convinced that the baron intends to use her reputation as “Debutante of the Year” as a shield to cover up the negative rumors surrounding him, Mabel appears before Carlyle dressed as a brazen flapper.
“The new look suits you.”
Mabel’s shoulders flinched. Had she heard him wrong?
“W-what did you just say?”
Carlyle looked her over once more.
“Did you think appearing like this would help you avoid the engagement?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Watching her reaction, Carlyle let out a low laugh.
“I thought you had grown up, but it seems you still have a long way to go.”
He took out a white pocket square and lifted her chin in his hand.
Her eyes widened.
“Mademoiselle Darlington, it seems you have underestimated yourself.”
Their eyes met.
As Carlyle wiped the lipstick from her lips, Mabel could not even breathe.
His firm fingers, wrapped in cool silk, brushed gently over her lower lip. The ticklish sensation sent a faint numbness to her fingertips.
After placing the red-stained pocket square back against his chest, he took something from the inner pocket of his jacket.
“Pardon me.”
With an attitude that held not the slightest trace of romance, Carlyle lifted Mabel’s left hand and slipped a ring onto her finger.
“If we marry without love, won’t both you and I be unhappy for the rest of our lives?”
He gave a light snort.
“Love is something you may wish to demand from your next husband, not from me.”
Mabel steps into the world of a man who feels like a shadow without substance.
Will she lose her way in the darkness, or will she find the light hidden beyond the shadows?
