Madeline Kensington and Sebastian Prescott were childhood companions bound by an arranged childhood betrothal. After Madeline's mother died, she was sent to the countryside. Mrs. Prescott visited with young Sebastian, who gave Madeline his bracelet and promised to marry her one day. Fifteen years later, Mrs. Prescott proposes to The Kensington family, and Madeline marries into The Prescott family. However, Sebastian has forgotten his promise and is infatuated with his masked savior, Onyx. Unaware that Onyx is actually his wife, he views Madeline as a gold digger after his family wealth. Having not seen him since childhood, and with Sebastian avoiding her after the wedding, Madeline has no idea he is Nighthawk. Misunderstandings mount as Sebastian pushes for a divorce. When Madeline finally realizes Sebastian is Nighthawk, she is thrilled and plans to reveal she is Onyx. But she overhears him harshly insulting her to his friends. Heartbroken and realizing he only feels disgust for the real her, she hides her identity and prepares to agree to his divorce.
