The Story in 3 Sentences
Alessandra Barrett has worn a mask since childhood due to an injury, making society believe anyone who sees her face will be cursed and die.
The mysterious Duke Edgar proposes a contract marriage to the shunned baron’s daughter, shocking high society with his unexpected choice.
Their marriage of convenience transforms into a dangerous game of secrets, revenge, and unexpected passion that challenges everything they thought they knew about love and power.
Why It Stands Out
1. A Heroine Who Defies Beauty Standards
The masked protagonist breaks the typical romance mold by being feared rather than desired, creating a unique power dynamic where her perceived curse becomes her shield against society’s cruelty.
2. Gothic Romance Meets Historical Intrigue
The story blends dark atmospheric elements with political maneuvering, creating a rich tapestry where every ballroom dance could hide a deadly plot and every whispered conversation carries the weight of scandal.
3. Contract Marriage Done Right
Rather than relying on tired tropes, the arrangement between Alessandra and Edgar serves as a catalyst for genuine character development, with both parties having clear motivations that extend beyond simple convenience.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Edgar – the enigmatic Duke whose reputation for being impossible to please makes his choice of bride all the more intriguing, as he navigates court politics while protecting his unconventional wife.
You’ll meet Katrina, who represents the vindictive side of high society and serves as a formidable antagonist whose schemes test the strength of the main couple’s growing bond.
And Kate? She’s the one who embodies the complexities of family loyalty and social climbing, torn between her mother’s ambitions and her own moral compass.
The Flaws Fans Debate
Some readers find the pacing uneven in the middle sections where political intrigue occasionally overshadows character development.
The mask mystery resolution disappoints certain fans who expected a more dramatic reveal after building anticipation for hundreds of chapters.
Cultural Impact
The novel spawned multiple TV adaptations in 2024-2025, proving its crossover appeal beyond the webnovel community.
Reader discussions frequently center on whether Alessandra’s mask represents disability representation or perpetuates harmful beauty standards.
The story’s 5.3 million reads on Webnovel demonstrate its massive popularity in the historical romance genre.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1-50: The Contract Formation – Alessandra and Edgar navigate their initial agreement while society reels from their unexpected union, establishing the foundation for their complex relationship.
Ch. 200-350: Court Intrigue Intensifies – Political machinations threaten to tear the couple apart as enemies use their marriage as a weapon in larger power struggles.
Ch. 450-572: Secrets Unveiled – The truth behind Alessandra’s mask and Edgar’s past creates the ultimate test of their bond as they face their greatest challenges together.
Killer Quotes
“My father has no idea that I am out here speaking to you, Duke Edgar.”
“She has no right to order you around.”
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A gothic romance that subverts traditional beauty standards and creates genuine tension through political intrigue
Historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of aristocratic society while maintaining romantic hope
Contract marriage stories where both parties have agency and the relationship develops organically rather than through forced circumstances
Study If You Love:
Jane Austen’s social commentary wrapped in a more dramatic and mysterious package
Phantom of the Opera-style masked mysteries with stronger female protagonists who own their power
Historical romances where the political backdrop actually matters to character development
Avoid If You Prefer:
Light-hearted romance without gothic undertones or complex political plots
Stories where physical reveals happen quickly rather than being drawn out across hundreds of chapters
Simple relationship dynamics without layers of societal expectations and family manipulation
