The exclusive enclave that is Marbella, playground for the rich and the well connected, holds many secrets and it’d hard to know what real sometimes. Damien Cartright grew up in this rarefied atmosphere, with every delight at his fingertips. But being part of the right crowd doesn’t necessarily assure real success when temptation and entitlement lingers.

Victorian London is a cruel place for a divorcee, but with the death of Sophie Duthie’s beloved second husband, she is now a widow, and independent for the first time in her life. She might not have much in terms of means, but with the help of her music shop, she can support herself and her son, Alfie. Even though her second marriage was happy, Sophie is done with husbands. Her first marriage taught her well that fairy tales are nothing more than illusions. To Lord Aberley, his former wife is nothing but a scheming pariah, and unfortunately, his subsequent engagement wasn’t successful—not that he’s ever had much delusions about marriage. It is something he now wishes to avoid at all costs, but he needs an heir. It is the one duty he cannot overlook, so learning that his former wife’s son is six years old, creates serious doubt his true parentage. Seeing the child only confirms it. Alfie Duthie is his child.   

Spartan do what they please when it comes to Helot girls and Chara curses the day that Nicias—effectively an enemy of her people—lays eyes on her and decides that he wants her for himself. His attention places her and her family in an awkward position, exasperated by her brother’s increasing where Chara needs to take decisive action to save her family.