This story was a tough read for me, but I did find it interesting how the "poor to rich" trope was depicted. The FL (forgot her real name) is a poor shoe-shiner that overhears the wealthy noble Cesare Buonapart scheming to avoid marrying his overly obsessed fiancé. She offers herself up for the job (which requires her to play as his long lost sister) since she needs money, knowing that she's just going to be used for his benefit, however she doesn't realize how cruel high society is. I think the way that the FL is abused and harassed for other nobles amusement is depicted in a realistic way. This story doesn't shy away from showing the filth that is embedded in high society - the hypocrisy, exploitation, harassment, abuse of power, manipulation and straight up physical violence are all shown without much glamor to dull the horror. Even Cesare - the ML - doesn't lack the menace that the other nobles are shown to have. It's very unnerving to read since the story is pushing the FL & ML to fall in love. Cesare sexually harasses, neglects, abuses, and plans to kill the FL after she completes her mission but his strong sexual desire for the FL makes him hesitate to follow through. The FL doesn't like the ML, but feels inexplicably drawn to him despite his constant abuse. It's a "dark romance" for sure, but I couldn't get past my discomfort while reading this. Won't be picking this up again.