She Who Loves Too Little

[Inspired by a pair of supporting characters from Murder on the Orient Express. Can be read as an original story]

Charlotte had planned every detail of her revenge from an early age: become the finest dancer in the world, become Sutherland Fitzalan's mistress, and use his influence to help her avenge the slaughter of her uncle's entire family.

"We have all gathered here to avenge Uncle Murphy and his family. The Duke of Sutherland's influence is essential to us," her older sister told her.

Charlotte gave everything to the plan without hesitation.

Everything went smoothly.

She was stunningly beautiful, a dancer renowned throughout Europe, and had received special training. After just one meeting, she made a deep impression on the young, noble duke and became his most generous and desirable admirer.

Charlotte was pleased. She had tamed him into a dog who was utterly devoted and loyal to her.

"The only complication is that he doesn't seem to want me as his mistress. He wants to marry me properly." She was a little worried.

In the eyes of others, the Duke of Sutherland was handsome and learned, unimaginably wealthy, and of noble birth. He was the husband every woman dreamed of.

Only Charlotte gradually discovered that he had a mad affliction: he couldn't bear to be apart from her. His need to cling to her was terrifyingly intense. Just having his gaze fall on her made her feel suffocated.

She didn't want to marry a mad dog who might devour its master at any moment.

But her revenge was within reach, and Charlotte couldn't afford to make a mistake. She could only accept the lavish, stifling wedding.

Once the ocean liner had successfully set sail, her revenge was complete, and at last she could escape the nightmare that had haunted her for thirteen years.

It was time to take the fortune she'd prepared long ago and ditch the duke, gilded on the outside and rotten within.

But when the time came to act, Charlotte discovered that Sutherland was a nightmare even harder to escape than a murderer.

A heads-up: the leads' feelings for each other are completely unequal. The male lead is madly in love, but the female lead remains wary of him to the end and never returns his feelings in full. If that bothers you, proceed with caution.

Blurb written on December 6, 2025, screenshot archived.

Theme: Stay clearheaded and steadfast, and take responsibility for your own life.