Midnight in the Beast's Estate

"I was busy dodging a poisoned dagger in my wedding carriage when I realized my new life might actually be fun." Forced to act as the smiling, empty-headed decoy for the prestigious House of Ystrad, I was shipped off to marry Rukhan Korvath - a crippled duke cursed to become a feral beast at night. I fully expected a quick, bloody death. Instead, I found myself draped in silk and fiercely guarded by a monster who brings me rare pastries instead of tearing my throat out. Rukhan is secretly faking his daytime paralysis to root out traitors, and we quickly realize we're both playing dangerous roles. As we navigate a tense, dark web of conspiracy, an unspoken, bittersweet romance blooms in the shadows between us. But when my fake family realizes the 'Beast' is actually a powerful, wealthy lord, they demand an annulment to swap my cruel sister back into my place. Will I let them drag me back to be a sacrificial pawn, or is it time for the cheerful fool to bare her own hidden claws?