The Duke's Secret Mistress

The Story

A grave injury leaves the young lord of Everfrost City unconscious, forcing his wife Aixi into a desperate corner. Ambitious Oliver pressures her relentlessly, coveting the territory. To survive and protect any chance of succession, Aixi strikes a secret bargain with Freeman, the city’s ruler. Their mutual arrangement slowly transforms into deep affection through repeated crises. Oliver continuously plots to frame the pair, driving them into greater danger. Just as their bond solidifies, the injured young lord wakes up. The secret they buried threatens exposure, tormenting Aixi with guilt and love. Ultimately, the young lord dies of illness. Unable to bear the past, a pregnant Aixi flees to a remote border town. Freeman does not force her return. Instead, he silently protects her and their child from the shadows for a full year. When a sudden riot breaks out at the border, the two reunite. They release their emotional barriers and past pain, choosing to face their feelings for each other.