CHAPTER 1

(Vivian’s POV)

“Ah… Yes!”

“Again, harder!”

“Ehm, ah! You’re so good, babe!”

My hands trembled as I grasped the doorknob to my bedroom—or rather, our bedroom. The moans of a man and a woman tangled together made my heart pound furiously, especially since I recognized those voices all too well.

Adrian and Sophia.

My husband and my best friend.

I stood there, holding the gift box I had prepared with love, something special for our wedding anniversary. Our second year of marriage—a toxic mix of poison and honey.

What was happening behind that door?

I felt like I was about to shatter the moment I opened it. But these sounds—the disgusting sounds that sent shivers down my spine—made my stomach churn.

“Oh, Adrian, this feels so good.”

Sophia’s pleasure-filled moan made my eyes widen. A surge of anger, heartbreak, and burning curiosity overwhelmed me, making me drop the gift box I had been holding.

And at that moment, I pushed the door open and entered the room.

My heart shattered along with my tears as I saw Adrian and Sophia tangled in a sweaty mess on our bed.

Like animals.

The betrayal was agonizing.

Since when? How? Why?

Questions swarmed my mind like thousands of warring bees—painful, stinging, yet invisible to the eye. But the agony was undeniable.

A surprise meant to celebrate love had turned into a living nightmare.

“Vivian!”

I bit my lip, clenching my fists tightly.

“What the hell are you two doing?” My voice came out hoarse.

“Exactly what you see,” Adrian’s voice was arrogant, utterly shameless.

He didn’t even look guilty. He seemed indifferent, his naked body still wrapped around Sophia, who was hastily pulling the blanket over herself.

I let out a bitter laugh. My heart lay in pieces. Adrian gazed at me as if I were nothing. Two years of marriage, discarded like worthless trash.

“Why?” My voice trembled.

"You're seriously asking why?" Adrian scoffed. "Because you are the most boring wife ever!"

I was speechless.

I had given my all to this marriage. I had been a devoted, obedient wife. I had provided everything—financial support, love, sincerity, and even my utmost respect as a spouse.

I had received nothing in return. I had even covered Adrian's flaws in front of his mother because I respected him as my husband. Because I loved him.

A love so pure—only to be treated like it was worthless.

A love so deep—seen as insignificant in his eyes.

Everything had been for nothing.

“Let us be together, Vivian. It’s the best for us,” Sophia said. Her words felt like a blade slicing through my heart.

How dare she say that with such an innocent face, after spreading her legs for my husband in my bed? After wagging her tail at her best friend’s husband?

“Us?” I laughed bitterly. “You only think about yourself, Sophia. You’re selfish. And you still dare to ask me to let you be, after betraying me?!” My emotions erupted along with my overwhelming disappointment.

“We love each other,” Sophia said.

“You were my best friend! How could you do this to me?!” I screamed. 

“Don’t yell at her, Vivian. I won’t allow it,” Adrian growled, glaring at me.

I clenched my fists tighter. “You two are disgusting,” I spat.

“What did you say?!” Adrian roared.

He stood up, nearly slapping me, but he stopped himself. His eyes blazed like a wolf’s—full of hatred and fury.

“Fuck! You useless bitch,” he hissed. “You should realize how flawed you are. Don’t blame me for looking for a better woman.”

“I gave you everything, and this is what I get in return? And today is our anniversary, Adrian,” my voice trembled. I fought back my tears, refusing to let them fall.

I didn’t want to let him see me break, even though I already had.

“I don’t care,” he snapped coldly. “Get out of my life. I’m done with you.”

With tears brimming in my eyes, I grabbed my bag and left the apartment. I had no idea where to go. I just got into a taxi and cried the entire way.

I was too devastated to think straight, and the only place that came to mind was a bar near our apartment. I grabbed every drink I could, drowning myself in alcohol.

And then, in a moment of reckless madness, I made a decision—I called for a gigolo, a male escort, or whatever they were called.

The memory of Adrian screwing Sophia in our bed kept flashing in my mind, fueling my rage. Jealousy, betrayal, and unbearable pain clawed at me.

And as I spiraled into insanity, I wanted to get even. If he could do it with another woman, then I could do it with another man.

At that moment, I noticed a man sitting beside me. And for the first time, I thought to myself—Damn, he’s handsome.

“Is it you?” I whispered.

I reached for him, and he pulled me into his arms, his touch unfamiliar yet thrilling. It sent a strange shiver through me—something I had never felt before.

“You’re very handsome,” I giggled, my fingers tracing his face, his jaw, trailing down to his chest. “Wow! Even your chest… Do you work out?”

Were all gigolos this attractive? So stunning, with such a perfectly sculpted body?

But I didn’t care.

I just wanted to free myself from this pain, from this disappointment. To forget everything. To get my revenge—bitter and sweet, though I knew it would ultimately poison me.

I no longer cared.

Fueled by liquid courage, I pulled the man closer and whispered, “Make me forget everything. I’ll pay you handsomely.”

He looked at me, his arms tightening around my waist.

I felt his warm, heavy breath against my skin, brushing over my lips. My entire body trembled violently.

Then, he smirked.

"I don’t take money from another man’s wife," he murmured. "But you do seem… interesting."