Chapter 2

Hannah staggered back to the room, almost relieved that Denise had kept Shawn occupied, giving her a moment to gather herself.

She submerged herself fully in the bathtub, desperately trying to wash away the evidence on her skin. Losing her virginity was already a reality, and she couldn’t afford the risk of getting pregnant. Her thoughts raced wildly—work, the divorce, collecting proof of his betrayal—but every time she tried to concentrate, the memory of Sebastian's deep, seductive breaths filled her mind…

Frustrated, she submerged herself underwater, using the lack of air to snap herself back to reality.

…

The soft morning light painted the city in a rosy glow, streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Shawn tiptoed back into the room, expecting Hannah to still be asleep, but instead, she was already dressed in a bodycon dress, sitting quietly at the vanity, applying her makeup.

A flicker of guilt flashed through Shawn’s deep eyes—brief and fleeting. But almost immediately, his lips curled into a playful, roguish smile as he walked over to the vanity and wrapped his arms around Hannah from behind.

Hannah watched him through the mirror. “When did you leave? You weren’t here when I woke up.”

Shawn lied effortlessly, “I went out around five for a quick run.”

His gaze lingered on the high neckline of her dress. With a wry grin, he attempted to change the subject. "Hannah, aren't you worried about the late summer heat in something so buttoned up?"

He tugged at her collar.

Hannah immediately swatted his hand away and continued applying blush. “Shawn, I want to discuss something with you.”

Shawn clung to her affectionately. No matter how intense things had been with Denise last night, in his heart, Hannah was always his favorite. All those other women he had were just passing flings.

After all, at his level, remaining entirely faithful in his social circle was nearly impossible. Everyone else indulged in their vices. If he didn't, they'd see him as a pretender, someone who might expose their secrets, and he would end up as the odd one out.

From his perspective, as long as he kept his affairs discreet and away from Hannah's eyes, as long as those other women never threatened Hannah's rightful place, he was still a good husband.

Shawn was quick to respond, “Honey, if there’s something you want, just say it. Do we really need to discuss anything?”

Hannah subtly pulled away from his touch, slipping out of his arms. She picked up her shawl and said, “I want to return to work at the company.”

The two of them co-owned a company named Luminary Capital, a business they had built together, which had also become a symbol of their love.

Two years ago, when Hannah’s mother’s condition worsened, requiring constant care, Hannah stepped back from her role at the company upon Shawn’s suggestion to focus on her mother’s health. Since then, she had been living a life of leisure.

But now, after being betrayed, Hannah understood the importance of a woman having a career and financial independence.

Not only that, she needed to understand the company's finances and revenue—assets that were part of their joint estate and could be equally divided in a divorce.

Shawn’s eyes flickered for a moment at her request, but he quickly responded with a gentle tone, “Is the monthly allowance I give you not enough? How about I give you ten thousand dollars from next month onwards?”

Hannah looked at him steadily.

He persisted, raising the stakes, his voice dropping to a near whisper, "What about fifteen thousand dollars? Hannah, I don't want you to wear yourself out. The work at the company isn't as straightforward as you might think.

“Besides, our top priority now is preparing for a baby. You should focus on your health so we can welcome our little bundle of joy sooner."

Hannah couldn’t tell if this was what Shawn really wanted or just an excuse, but she remained firm. “Shawn, I’m serious about this.”

After her refusal, a flicker of irritation crossed Shawn's face. He was growing weary of this coaxing game. "Hannah, what's so terrible about being a stay-at-home wife? Have I ever left you wanting for anything? Your life of comfort is something countless working women out there would kill for!"

Besides, he believed in traditional gender roles—men as breadwinners and women as homemakers. That had always been his vision of family life.

Emboldened by this thought, Shawn pressed on, "Hannah, look at my mom, my aunt—they're both stay-at-home wives, and they've thrived in that role."

Hannah laughed softly.

That was because they both had leverage. They might call themselves stay-at-home wives, but they had assets, stocks, properties, and funds in their hands that could last an ordinary person ten lifetimes.

A stay-at-home wife wasn’t the same as a full-time servant.

She had been too young back then, handing over full control of Luminary Capital to Shawn.

Hannah asked in a gentle tone, "Shawn, why are you so against me going back to the company? Did you do something you don’t want me to find out?"

Instantly, Shawn’s expression shifted, his eyes darting nervously.

His tone grew sharper. “You’re always overthinking things. I’m already swamped with work every day; what could I possibly do to betray you? My love for you is as clear as day! We’ve known each other for eight years and been in love for six—I’ve spent so much on you, invested so much in our relationship. How can you doubt my loyalty? That really hurts me, Hannah.”

Hannah hid the sneer deep in her eyes.

Her voice turned light and teasing. "Shawn, why are you so nervous? I was just joking."

Shawn paused, clearly caught off guard, and then turned away in frustration, rubbing his temples. He realized he might have overreacted. A flash of an unreadable emotion passed through his dark eyes.

"Fine, if you want to go back, go ahead. As it happens, the sales department is short-staffed. You can report there whenever you have the time."

The sales department was all about hustling—entertaining clients and doing whatever it took to please them.

Back when the company was just getting off the ground, the two of them had hustled sales together, drinking themselves stupid with investors. They'd end up hunched over trash cans on the curb, puking their guts out until the world whirled around them.

At that time, Shawn gripped Hannah’s hand tightly and promised, “Hannah, once the company gets on track, I swear I’ll never make you do sales again. I’ll make you the Vice President, standing shoulder to shoulder with me, as my wife.”

Hannah forced a bitter smile.

He had probably forgotten those words by now.

She nodded. “Fine, I’ll go to the sales department.”

A brief hesitation flashed in Shawn’s eyes.

But if he wanted to drive Hannah away, he’d need to take a different tack.

With that thought, he felt more at ease.

Shawn adjusted his collar. "I’ll take a quick shower. Wait for me, and then we’ll head back to the family estate to visit the elders."

Ten minutes later, the newlyweds left the hotel, just in time to catch an open elevator. Shawn quickened his pace, urging Hannah, “Hurry up.”

Hannah moved with difficulty.

Last night, Sebastian had been too rough, leaving her skin raw and sensitive. She didn’t dare buy any ointment and had no choice but to let the small cuts heal on their own.

Hannah stepped into the elevator and suddenly noticed that Sebastian was there too.

At yesterday's wedding, the crowd had been too thick for Hannah to get a proper look at him, and last night had been even more of a blur. So, this was the first time she truly saw Sebastian up close.

And the rumors hadn’t been wrong.

Shawn, already known as the “heartthrob” during their school days, was certainly handsome. But beside Sebastian, his allure dimmed, like a faint star overshadowed by a bright, icy moon.

Shawn took Hannah’s hand, interlocking their fingers possessively. “Hannah, this is my uncle. You met him yesterday.”

Hannah nodded, feeling a cold sweat break out in her palms. She lowered her head and obediently greeted him, “Uncle…”

The moment her voice sounded, Sebastian’s eyes suddenly darkened, his gaze settling on Hannah, fixated on the crown of her dark hair.

There was something hauntingly familiar about his new niece-in-law’s voice—it reminded him of that seductive woman from the night before.

He narrowed his deep eyes slightly, glancing sideways. With his height advantage, he could just make out a faint mark peeking from beneath the collar of Hannah’s dress.

Sebastian's calm gaze shifted back to Shawn, noticing a few fresh red marks on his nephew's neck, partially hidden by the collar of his white shirt.

It looked like the newlyweds had a rather intense night.

So, how could that seductive woman possibly be his nephew's wife?

Sebastian remained silent, his presence heavy and unnerving.

Hannah’s back prickled with nervous tension. Had he recognized her?

Sebastian suddenly let out a low sound, his tone cold, almost chilling, giving off an air that he was not someone to be trifled with.

The elevator doors opened.

As Shawn guided Hannah out, they heard Sebastian's assistant, Joe Wood, approaching. "Mr. Sebastian, we found the person from last night."

Hannah’s heart leapt into her throat.

She couldn’t make out the rest of the conversation, but suddenly, Sebastian turned and walked straight toward her.

She swallowed, her mouth as dry as sand.

This was it. She was done for.