The male romantic lead, Declan Kane is one of two protagonists and narrative point-of-view characters. He is a handsome, rich white man, but his aversion to relationships and his workaholism help him maintain his bachelorhood. He comes across as cold and serious, but as Iris gets to know him and breaks down his emotional walls, he reveals an intelligent sense of humor, deep love for his family, and beautiful laugh and smile. The coldness, she finds out, is a mask to protect himself.

Declan is the oldest of the three Kane brothers. He has spent his entire life protecting his brothers from Seth’s abuse, which began after their mother’s death. Having taken the brunt of their father’s physical and verbal abuse, Declan is dedicated to his work and to avoiding emotional entanglements. The brothers have a strained relationship, but Declan’s protection and the brothers’ appreciation and respect for him reveal a deep sense of love and duty.

Iris’s view into Declan’s personal life, through their fake marriage, reveals a man who is also deeply sentimental. On their first weekend living together, she is shocked at Declan’s casual clothes and strange choice of food and drink while watching Formula 1.