

Three years ago, Zoey, the sole heiress of the wealthy Spence family, faked her death to leave behind Ian, the man she loved, believing it was the best choice for his future. Now Ian returns as the newly crowned top scholar, just as Zoey is forced to marry in order to secure her family's inheritance. She chooses her future husband by throwing a ball, and the ball lands right in Ian's hands. Using an investigation as his excuse to move into the Spence estate, Ian relentlessly pursues Zoey, risking his life for her, and even volunteering to marry into her family. Together, they uncover a conspiracy linking Zoey's uncle Frank to Prince Nathan. In the end, Ian gives up his career at court to become Zoey's husband, while Zoey saves her family legacy and earns royal recognition. After years apart, the two finally reunite and live happily ever after.

Sophie, a beggar girl with a dying mother, is caught stealing food, but her capture reveals a Firemark on her forehead, proof of royal blood. Guard Harvey is stunned and rushes to report it.The emperor is shocked: "She's my daughter?" But his stepdaughter Lucy is furious, publicly tormenting Sophie and her mom. Worse, Lucy's mother, Consort Winson, orders the two girls to swap faces to secure her daughter's position.Sophie, now locked away and bled as the "princess," watches the impostor call Consort Winson "Mother." Sophie's real mother breaks down: "Why is my daughter calling someone else 'Mother'?"