Alina vowed never to marry a rich man after witnessing her mother endure a life of torment and abuse at the hands of her wealthy father. To her, the wealthy are heartless monsters who view people as disposable. Determined to lead a simple, independent life, Alina’s plans are shattered when her family forces her into a marriage to save her sister from a deal gone wrong. Her husband-to-be is none other than Kai Volkov—a ruthless billionaire with a reputation as cold as his piercing eyes. Known for his playboy ways and merciless business tactics, Kai despises the idea of marriage, especially to a woman who doesn’t fit his usual standards. Angry and resentful, he views the union as nothing more than a chain tying him down. But as their worlds collide, neither of them is prepared for the pull they feel toward each other. Beneath Alina’s quiet strength and defiance, Kai sees something that awakens emotions he’s buried for years. And despite his arrogant and cruel exterior, Alina starts to uncover cracks in Kai’s armor that make her question everything she thought she knew about him—and herself. Trapped in a marriage neither wanted, they must navigate their hatred, their attraction, and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will Alina and Kai destroy each other—or will their forced union uncover a love neither of them ever believed in?