Chapter 1

For three years of marriage, Richard Carter and I had sex almost every day, except for my period.

In the beginning, I felt like the luckiest woman alive. Not only was Richard successful, but he was a total beast in the bedroom. He knew how to please me. But as time went on, I started to feel exhausted.

Richard said, "Honey, I'm a normal guy. It's natural for me to have needs.

"Work's been stressful lately. I need you to help me unwind.

"I'm with you every night, isn't that proof I love you? I'm giving you everything I've got."

I could say no once or twice, but for three years, I woke up exhausted every day.

My body was covered in all kinds of bruises and scratches, thanks to our habit of drinking to get in the mood. But I was a total lightweight, and one glass knocked me out, so most of the time, I only remembered bits and pieces.

Every night, lying in bed next to my husband, who was always so eager, I'd swallow the words of refusal.

He was always so enthusiastic, as if he was completely oblivious to how much I was suffering.

Today, I finally made up my mind. I slipped a little sleeping pill into his drink.

It was a small amount, nothing dangerous, but enough to knock him out in a couple of minutes.

I knew it wasn't right, but I couldn't take it anymore.

I needed a break. Every morning, the pain between my legs reminded me of how rough Richard could be.

Three years of this relentless sex life had nearly worn my body out.

"Honey, I love you. Marrying you is the best thing that ever happened to me," Richard said, his sweet words always coming right before we had sex.

Richard had that refined look and always treated me well. In a few years, his company took off, and we were living the good life.

All the promises he made before we married came true.

Honestly, aside from his crazy sex drive, he was pretty much perfect. But now, my body couldn't take it anymore. If it weren't for that, I never would've resorted to something like this.

I silently promised myself to be more devoted to him after that.

I kept my eyes on him as he finished his drink, and I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

I knew it would be a few more minutes before the sleeping pill started to work.

"Aren't you going to drink? What's up with you tonight? You look a little pale," Richard said, staring at me, clearly confused.

"I'm a bit tired," I replied, trying not to meet his eyes as I forced myself to bring the glass to my lips.

"Wait here for me. I'm going to take a shower." Richard gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before heading off to the bathroom.

Because of our conversation, I ended up leaving my drink unfinished.

As the minutes ticked by, my nerves were on edge.

Listening to the water running in the bathroom, I figured the pill should be kicking in soon.

Sure enough, I heard a heavy thud from the bathroom.

I rushed over and flung the bathroom door open. "Honey, what's wrong?"

As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Richard sprawling out on the floor, his eyes glazing over, as if he was about to pass out any second.

"You..." Richard looked at me, surprised and a bit fierce, his gaze carrying a hint of menace.

His look scared me, and I stammered, "H-honey, are you okay?"

It hit me then. Richard hadn't taken a shower. He was still fully dressed. The sound of running water was for show.