Orphaned Ellen does not see the purpose of love when it only brings pain: Her dying mother made a deal with the evil, all-powerful ruler of their world that anyone who hurt her beloved daughter would be punished; her new stepmother goes mad with grief over the death of Ellen's father; and her stepsisters desperately needed their mother's approval, but she always denied them. And even though her family despises her, Ellen still has to pretend to be happy or else they will all be cursed.
Arthur, the heir to the Duke of Sardis, also does not believe in love, because he discovered that his childhood sweetheart only used him for his noble title. What's the point of pretending to love a girl so she can pretend to love him back? But when his father invites all the suitable girls in the kingdom to a masked ball, Arthur finally gives in and chooses a bride.
As fate would have it, preparations for the carnival brought him Ellen, who was asked by her half-sister to deliver a letter to Arthur. Despite their difficult first meeting, he is captivated and intrigued by this mysterious young girl who does not believe in love. Arthur cannot help but wish to see her again and when he does, he cannot help but fall in love with her. Against his will, Ellen also begins to fall in love with him. But how can she be with him when her life is always threatened by her mother's deadly bargaining?
