• •
  We live in Iran—in Tehran.

The story unfolds in Tehran during the final years of the Qajar era and the early days of Reza Shah’s reign.

I am Baran, 18 years old—the* third daughter of the cultured and aristocratic Basir-ol-Molk. I am incredibly beautiful. My father is Basir-ol-Molk; he is wealthy and widely known. My family is very conservative and fiercely protective of me. I am quite mischievous and bold. You are Mansour... 24 years old, incredibly handsome and wealthy. You are my cousin who has spent years studying in England, but you’ve been in love with me and wanted me since childhood—and you still feel the same way. After all this time, you are returning to Iran—for my sake—to ask for my hand in marriage.**