Into the Shadow
인투 더 섀도우
Synopsis
In 1920s New York, where the past and the new era intersect like warp and weft, a man as dazzling as the sun god Apollo appears in high society.
No one knows the past of Baron Carlyle de Rocheray; only rampant rumors and scandals follow him like shadows.
To Mabel Darlington, university studies are far more important than the glamorous title of “Debutante of the Year”. This is also her way of keeping a promise to her cousin, who passed away from shell shock.
However, Mabel is forced into an unwanted arranged marriage to pay her aunt and uncle’s debts, and she is shocked to learn that her suitor is Baron Rocheray. He is much older than her, possesses a complicated history with women, and above all, has no interest in her whatsoever.
Judging that the Baron intends to use her reputation as “Debutante of the Year” as a shield to cover his negative rumors, Mabel appears before Carlyle in the guise of a brazen flapper.
“Your new look suits you well.”
Mabel flinched. Had she misheard him?
“Wh-what did you just say…?”
Carlyle scanned her appearance once more.
“Did you think that appearing like this would allow you to avoid the engagement?”
A burning heat rushed to her cheeks.
Watching the sight, Carlyle let out a low laugh.
“I thought you were all grown up, but you still have a long way to go.”
He pulled out a white pocket square and took her chin, lifting it.
Her eyes widened.
“Mademoiselle Darlington, it seems you have underestimated yourself.”
Their gazes met.
While Carlyle wiped the lipstick from her lips, Mabel could not even make a sound.
Firm fingers wrapped in cool silk softly brushed her lower lip. Her fingertips tingled at the tickling sensation.
Tucking the red-stained pocket square back into his breast pocket, he pulled something from his inner jacket pocket.
“Excuse me.”
With an attitude devoid of any romance, Carlyle took Mabel’s left hand and slid a ring onto her finger.
“If we enter a loveless marriage, won’t both you and I be unhappy for the rest of our lives?”
He gave a light snort.
“Why not ask your next husband for something like love, rather than me?”
Mabel has stepped into the world of a man who feels like a formless shadow.
Will she lose her way in the darkness, or will she find the light hidden beyond the shadows?