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Chapter 1
In the stillness of the night, Loraine Bryant walked with hesitant steps toward the room, her palms slick with sweat as she adjusted the silk nightgown she wore.
It was the first time she had ever worn something so revealing, and she wasn’t even wearing underwear. The soft breeze against her skin sent a shiver down her spine.
She urged herself on. There was nothing to be afraid of.
The man in the room was her husband, Marco Bryant, with whom she had shared three years of marriage. A nightgown like this was made for moments like this.
She patted her face, taking deep, steadying breaths before knocking on the door.
A moment later, the door opened, and Marco appeared. He was tall, his frame strong and imposing. His eyes, cold and distant, made her feel as if she were staring at a stranger. His lips were pressed into a thin line.
“It’s late. What do you want?” he asked, his voice icy.
Loraine felt her resolve falter. The courage she had mustered seemed to slip away.
“Marco,” she began, her voice trembling, “Do you remember what day it is?”
Marco frowned, his gaze sharpening. “Get to the point.”
Loraine’s heart sank, disappointment flickering in her eyes. She forced a smile, trying to sound light. “It’s our third wedding anniversary. You’ve been so busy lately, but it’s okay. I have a surprise for you.”
Before she could say more, a woman appeared from behind Marco. She stepped forward, standing casually by his side, and greeted Loraine with a smile.
“Hello, Loraine. I’ve heard so much about you from Marco. I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced, have we?”
The woman was beautiful, with a soft, melodious voice and lively eyes that seemed to invite affection. Her presence was warm, and she had an air of innocence about her that made one instinctively want to protect her.
But Loraine could barely process the sight of her. Her mind raced, and the warmth seemed to drain from her limbs. She froze.
“Keely?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Why are you here?”
Though Loraine and Keely Haywood had never met before, Keely’s presence had always hung over Loraine’s marriage like a dark cloud.
Every corner of the house seemed to bear traces of Keely’s influence. The Bryant family had often made it clear that Marco had chosen Keely, and Loraine had simply been the woman he married by name.
Keely’s gaze flicked to Loraine’s nightgown, and she lowered her eyes, a flush of embarrassment creeping over her.
