Chapter 1

I had just finished straightening my clothes when my husband, David Young's, drunk boss cornered me in the bathroom.

Samuel Sterling pressed me hard against the wall, his hands trapping me so I couldn't move.

"Mr. Sterling, let me go." I begged.

David and the other colleagues were on the other side of the wall, having dinner, while Samuel was doing this to me.

"Emily, you smell amazing" Samuel murmured, leaning in to breathe in my scent.

"If you stay with me, next month your husband will get promoted and a raise" he whispered.

*****

"Honey, I went to the hospital for a check-up today. The doctor said it's been four months since the baby, so we can be intimate again," I said softly.

That night, I put on some perfume and slowly snuggled up to David under the covers.

But he wasn't interested at all. He shoved me away, his arm jabbing into mine so hard it started to ache.

"It's late. You're still thinking about this?

"I'm exhausted from work every day. It's been a few days without a man's touch, and you can't even handle that?"

I rubbed my arm, feeling hurt, but I still moved closer to him. "Honey, it's been so long I really want you."

But as soon as he smelled my perfume, he kicked me away, putting half a meter of distance between us on the bed.

"What is that strong, flirty perfume you're wearing? If you're that desperate, just handle it yourself. I'm tired, don't bother me."

I pulled the blanket over myself and lay there, feeling defeated.

My name is Emily Browne. Ever since I got pregnant last year, I've been staying home, putting all my energy into the family, barely seeing anyone.

Because of my big belly, David didn't touch me at all that whole year.

But I'm still a woman, and honestly, I had needs even during my pregnancy. David just told me to deal with it myself.

Worried about hurting the baby, I had no choice but to suppress my physical discomfort.

Now that I've finally recovered, after a whole year without intimacy, I've really been craving some time with David lately.

But for some reason, David keeps dodging me. In the two years we've been married, he's barely touched me.

Before, he could use the excuse that I'd just given birth, but now I've been to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said I'm fully recovered. Still, David refuses to touch me, and he doesn't even seem close to our kid.

I was feeling really down, but I knew I couldn't force him. So I had to think of other ways to make him happy.

Just as I was wondering what I did wrong tonight, David suddenly spoke up, sounding annoyed.

"Oh, by the way, Alex is getting promoted tomorrow. He's throwing a party for a few of us. Don't cook tomorrow night. Come with me.

"And make sure you dress nicely. Don't embarrass me."

Since he was still willing to take me out, I figured he must still care about me. I nodded quickly. "Okay, I got it."

The next evening, I wore the dress David had carefully picked out for me and put on some nice makeup.

I left the baby with the nanny. David makes tens of thousands of dollars a month and is a manager at his company, so he can easily support our family.

I went with David to the restaurant for the team dinner, only to realize that almost everyone there was a man, with just a couple of wives there.

During dinner, the guys were all chatting and laughing, and as a woman, I just sat there quietly.

Samuel, sitting across from us, was a top executive at the company and David's boss. I couldn't help but notice he kept shooting me these strange looks.

I used to work at this company too, but since office relationships weren't allowed, I quit for his sake after David and I got together.

Now, I barely recognize most of the people here, but Samuel used to be my boss. He was always kind of distant, but he definitely left an impression on me.

His stares were making me uncomfortable, so I moved closer to David, hoping he'd get the message that I was married.

"Honey, take care of yourself. Don't drink too much tonight," I said softly.