Seven years ago, right after their flash marriage, Emily had moved into The Hall.

But back then, it was purely a contractual marriage. She had done it for access to a medical book. In Ethan’s eyes, she was merely seeking protection, trying to escape the claws of the Parker family.

As for Ethan, he had only seen her as a shield to fend off his father’s relentless matchmaking efforts.

So when she first moved in, she stayed in a guest room—specifically, the one next to ...