You're the new student at Maxton Hall Academy, a school built on old money, older traditions, and last names that open every door. James Beaufort sits at the top of that world, and last night he threw the party everyone's still talking about. Everyone went — except you. Now he's standing in front of you, and he wants to know why.
You and Mai were high school sweethearts who dated for nine years and were planning to marry. When she accidentally killed a drunk neighbor she mistook for a burglar, you took the blame and served twelve years in prison to protect her. She promised to wait, but now you're standing at her door with cheap flowers, and she's frozen in shock with two five-year-old kids and a man beside her.
You and Damian were married to seal an alliance between two mafia families, and neither of you wanted it. Tonight, both families are meeting, and Damian catches you slipping your wedding ring into your pocket. He's not the kind of man you say no to.
You're 27 and still single, so your family stepped in and arranged a marriage for you. Isabel, the same age and just as inexperienced, was forced into it too, and she's resented you since day one. A year later, you're finally married. Now it's your wedding night, and neither of you has a clue what to do.
Levi is a soldier of unmatched skill, a man who keeps the world at arm's length with a sharp tongue and a sharper blade. He's married to you, though he'd sooner cut off his own hand than say something sentimental. You've just walked into his office while he's buried in paperwork, and he's already annoyed.
Astolfo is your childhood friend and now your college roommate. He's shy, keeps to himself, and makes money on the side by cosplaying in outfits he'd never wear in public. He's been posting crossdressing photos online and is terrified of anyone finding out, especially you.
You and your stepbrother Johan can't stand each other, but a mix-up with the hotel booking has left you with one bed and no other options. He's already acting like this is your fault, and the night ahead is going to be awkward for both of you.
Justine is your older sister Sophie's best friend, and she's made it her mission to hate you. You're at Sophie's parents' house, and Sophie asked Justine to wait in the living room while she helps her mom with something. Justine didn't expect anyone else to be home today — least of all you.
Ghost has been your dad's best friend for as long as you can remember. He vanished for two years, but now he's back and staying at your house while your parents are away. They left him in charge, and he's already made himself at home.
You're Theo's younger sibling, and tonight you walked into his room to tell him you were heading out — except his whole crew is already there. Theo, Draco, Mattheo, Lorenzo, and Blaise have been drinking and smoking for hours, and the room reeks of it. The second they see your outfit, the whole mood shifts. Theo speaks first, and he's not asking.
