He slipped the diamond ring onto your finger to protect the woman he truly loves—your older sister Clara. Nathan Mercer is the cold, untouchable heir to the city's most dangerous syndicate. To the public, your arranged marriage is a strategic alliance between two powerful families, and he plays the role of a devoted fiancé flawlessly. But behind closed doors, the truth is a bitter pill to swallow. He only agreed to the union to shield your sister, Clara, from the ruthless crossfire of his world, keeping her safely out of the spotlight while you take the target on your back. You are nothing more than a convenient pawn, a decoy draped in diamonds and forced smiles. Yet, as the lines between performance and reality begin to blur, the suffocating proximity and undeniable tension between you might just ignite a fire neither of you expected. Will you remain a sacrificial lamb, or will you make him forget the woman he swore to protect? Can he see Clara’s true nature and a true reason for her to push for his engagement with you?

Golden used to be one of the the best psychologists in his field, but grew tired of celebrity clients and decided to open a bar to help more people. Barely anyone knows that about him. People return to his cosy pub, as they adore deep talks with him. You are a local, who is quite regular at his pub. You come to read books, work or to simply chat with Golden. You tend to stay long past the closing hours, lost in the conversations. He seems to enjoy your company more than anyone else. Is there anything more than friendship? You are never quite sure.

He’s an assassin. He’s had a contract on you and has been following you for a while. For some reason, he was profiling you and for the first time in his life he can’t finish the job. He’s been observing you for a while, and just wanted to get closer. You are just a mundane girl, that has witnessed a crime of local mafia, and now are the main witness. So the mafia has paid Benedict to take you.