Chapter 1
Evelyn's POV
When I found out my husband was cheating on me with 8 women, I decided to get even.
The breeze off Lake Como felt amazing. Maddie and I were stretched out on lounge chairs at Lido Villa Olmo, sunbathing while analyzing the profiles of Sebastian’s eight mistresses on my iPad.
“Jesus Christ!” Maddie slammed her coffee cup down on the saucer so hard it clattered like a tiny drum solo. The couple making out at the next table actually stopped kissing to stare at us.
“A secretary, a tennis coach, a nurse, a flight attendant, a college girl… This asshole’s cheating résumé is basically a job fair. What, did Sebastian grow his dick where his brain’s supposed to be?”
“You wanna know how long I’ve known?” I asked.
“How long?”
“Three months.” I stared at the sunlight dancing across the pool and clenched my teeth.
“And how long has he been cheating?”
“No idea. Three months? A year? Two?” I gave a dry laugh. “Honestly, he might’ve been doing it before we even got married. And I still went ahead and married him like an idiot.”
“I told you!” Maddie wrapped me in a hug and patted my back. “He’s not good enough for you. I knew it. That’s why I was against this wedding from day one.”
She squeezed me tighter.
“You must be heartbroken, baby. God. You’re literally the best woman on the planet and he still cheats on you. I truly do not understand men.”
I hugged her back. The best woman in the world… was I?
If that were true, why was something this ridiculous happening to me?
“Thanks, Maddie.” My eyes stung with tears.
“You know,” I said quietly, “when I first found out Sebastian cheated, I was devastated. I thought maybe it was a stupid mistake.”
“When I found out there were two women, I blamed myself. I thought maybe I wasn’t good enough.”
“But when it became three… four… five…” I shook my head. “Then I was just angry. I wanted a divorce.”
I flipped the iPad toward her.
“Now there are eight.”
I let out a humorless laugh.
“At this point it’s not even tragic. It’s ridiculous. Divorce doesn’t feel like enough anymore. I want revenge. Why does he get to turn me into the pathetic wife everyone pities?”
“Then take revenge!” Maddie said instantly. She raised her coffee cup like she was proposing a toast. “Eight women, right? For fairness, you sleep with eight men.”
My jaw dropped. “Eight?!”
“Relax,” she said. “No one said you have to fall in love with them. Just cheat. Use them. Obviously pick hot guys without wives. But trust me, men are all the same. They’re great at sex and sweet talk, but the second you ask for commitment or money, poof. Gone.”
She pointed her sunglasses at me.
“And honey, you look like that. If you crooked one finger, half the men on earth would volunteer to sleep with you.”
I laughed. “What about the other half?”
She shrugged. “No idea. Maybe they’re gay.”
Good women get a reputation.
Bad women get everything.
If people were going to pity me, I’d rather just become the villain.
“You’re right,” I said finally. “I’m doing it. I’m making him feel exactly what I felt.”
I scanned the beach lazily.
“Step one is finding a decent-looking man.”
Honestly, that wasn’t hard. This was Lake Como. Romantic encounters practically grew on trees here.
My gaze drifted toward the lifeguard station in the distance. Most of the guys there didn’t really do it for me. Nothing compared to Sebastian.
Then I saw him.
A brown-haired guy with bronze skin and a body that looked sculpted by a very enthusiastic god. Every muscle was perfectly placed. He was wearing tight neon-red swim trunks that hugged his thighs, his butt, and… well, everything else.
He noticed me staring.
He turned and our eyes met.
So I gave him a friendly smile.
His whole face lit up instantly, bright and sweet like an Italian orange. My heart actually fluttered.
His coworkers followed his gaze, spotted me, and immediately threw their arms around him laughing like idiots. The poor guy turned bright red.
I looked away, satisfied.
Yep.
That one.
“Well,” Maddie said, raising her cup toward me, “looks like you’ve found number one out of eight. Go get him, baby. In the water. Wait for him to come rescue you. Then press those gorgeous boobs against his chest and wrap your legs around his waist.”
I was wearing a bright yellow bikini that showed off exactly the right amount of cleavage and butt.
My plan was simple.
Fake drowning.
Hot lifeguard saves me.
Romantic gratitude follows.
It was only ten in the morning, so the beach was still quiet. Hardly any kids around. I checked the area carefully to make sure my little stunt wouldn’t distract anyone from a real emergency.
Then I slipped into the water.
I floated on my back like a giant lemon in the middle of Lake Como.
And then I drowned.
Exactly as planned.
Underwater, I endured the burning sting of lake water up my nose while staring at the spinning sky above me. The physical discomfort oddly dulled the ache in my chest.
Then I felt strong arms grab me and pull me up.
My chest pressed against his. Even through the water I could feel his nipples against my skin. Unfortunately, he didn’t give me the chance to wrap my legs around his waist. Dragging a drowning woman to shore apparently required better logistics.
Once we reached land, he laid me down and lightly patted my cheek.
“Are you okay?”
His voice sounded urgent.
Wait.
That wasn’t an Italian accent.
I coughed up a mouthful of water and slowly opened my eyes.
The lifeguard was not the man above me.
Instead, I was staring at the most ridiculously handsome face I had ever seen.
From Renaissance paintings to modern Hollywood, I had seen plenty of beautiful men. But this guy? This guy was unfair.
His face looked carved out of marble like a Greek god. Deep blue eyes. Wet lashes clinging together like little galaxies pulling me into orbit. Water droplets slid from his forehead down across perfectly defined abs.
Dear God.
And he was huge.
I immediately forgot about the lifeguard.
I wanted this man.
Quick glance at his left hand.
No ring.
Excellent.
Seeing me awake, he exhaled in relief. I coughed and slowly sat up. He instinctively rubbed my back, and I leaned into his chest like it was the most natural thing in the world.
His body stiffened.
Then I felt his heartbeat start to pick up.
“Do you have a friend nearby?” he asked. “I can walk you over.”
I glanced toward Maddie in the distance. She wisely stayed exactly where she was.
“I’m alone,” I said.
“Then if you feel unwell, I should take you to the rescue station. Or a hospital. Near-drowning is serious.”
I tilted my head up and looked into his eyes.
“Why can’t we go to your room instead?” I said softly. “If you want to make sure I’m feeling okay.”
He definitely swallowed. I saw his Adam’s apple move.
“Do you realize what you’re saying?” he asked.
“You saved my life,” I said, tracing a finger across his chest muscle. My voice came out softer than usual. Flirtier. I wasn’t used to sounding like that. “I’d like to thank you.”
He gave a crooked smile.
“I don’t do easy.”
Then he stood up, let go of me, and walked away without looking back.
What?
Chapter 2
Evelyn's POV
DONT DO EASY!
Yeah. That hit my ego right where it hurts.
I took a slow breath, flicked my damp hair back from my cheek, and shot a sharp little eye-roll at his back as he walked away. Then I stepped over the slick tiles and made my way to Maddie.
“That was fast,” Maddie said, setting her drink aside and leaning in. “What, going to switch into a new battle outfit? Come here, let me help—I saw him. He’s like ten times hotter than Sebastian. Absolute stallion. No—stallion of stallions.”
“That stallion turned me down.”
“…You’re kidding.” Her eyes blew wide like she’d just been mildly electrocuted. “A man looked at that face and said no? What is he missing, basic male functionality?”
I barely had time to respond before she kept going.
“Although—” she dragged it out, eyes gleaming now, “I mean… he does have the right to be that arrogant. You two standing together? I honestly didn’t know where to look.”
“Please. I’ve suffered enough humiliation for one day. Drop it.” I shot her a warning look.
She got it instantly, swallowed whatever else she was about to say, and plopped down next to me like a therapist who charges by the hour. “Alright, babe. Plenty of fish in the sea. We’ll call this a warm-up round.”
I let out a small scoff. I was still annoyed—but fine, I could admit it.
That man was elite.
Top-tier. Dangerous.
And completely out of reach.
Which, frankly, made it worse.
Where the hell was I supposed to find a replacement for that?
Just as I was about to continue mentally dragging him, a wave of screams suddenly erupted from the other side of the pool.
“Oh my GOD, it’s him—!”
“Why is he here?!”
“No way—he’s even taller in real life!”
Maddie and I locked eyes, then bolted to the edge of the pool in perfect sync, leaning over to look down at the private golf lawn below.
A lean figure stepped out of a supercar.
Luis Moretti.
Golden Boot winner this year. Thirteen straight goals in the playoffs. The man they call the “Killer Whale” on the field.
Basically, if you had internet access, you knew who he was.
The women around him instantly lost it and flooded toward the lawn.
He was hot.
No question.
But I’d just been in that man’s arms five minutes ago, and right now? Even Moretti wasn’t exactly doing it for me.
Maddie grabbed my arm and let out a strangled little scream. “Do NOT let this Killer Whale swim away, okay?!”
I arched a brow. “He’s way too high-profile. His fans would trample me into a fossil.”
She immediately hooked an arm around my shoulders. “Relax. This place is fully private. No media, no cameras. You could sleep with him and ghost, and it still wouldn’t make headlines.” Then she gave me a slow once-over. “But first—you need a new look. This wet swimsuit? It’s giving ‘heartbroken heroine.’ Not ‘I hook international-level men for fun.’ Come on. Your strategist is taking over.”
That afternoon, Maddie went full makeover mode.
I wasn’t even in the mood, but she kept insisting—new energy, new target, plenty of hot men in the world.
I changed into a fitted silver slip dress. It shimmered just enough without looking cheap, clinging to my curves like it knew exactly what it was doing. The hem brushed my thighs, swaying just enough to be distracting.
My hair fell into soft, effortless waves. A hint of rose on my lips.
Strappy heels that could absolutely ruin a man’s life if applied correctly.
Maddie let out a low whistle. “Jesus. You look like sin in human form. If he doesn’t fall for you, he’s beyond saving.”
I turned halfway in front of the mirror, very pleased with myself.
Honestly… I almost wanted to thank the asshole who turned me down yesterday.
Rejecting me?
Yeah. That’s his loss.
“Oh—right!” Maddie suddenly lit up. “Luis is at the private club here. Aurum Lounge.”
I narrowed my eyes. “And you know that how?”
She tipped her chin up, smug as hell. “My dad’s friends with the owner, remember? His schedule’s locked down to the public—but I got a tip this morning.”
I patted her shoulder. “You’re basically the CIA.”
I made my way alone toward the inner side of the mansion.
Behind a seamless golden door—
Aurum Lounge.
The lighting was low and warm, dipped in gold. The air carried that expensive woody scent you only ever smelled in places where people didn’t check prices. Dark velvet couches framed semi-private corners, and the music pulsed low and slow—like it was dragging your heartbeat down with it.
I spotted Luis immediately.
Good. His fans hadn’t found this place yet.
He was talking to a man in a charcoal suit—sharp, controlled, the kind of presence that screamed money without saying a word. When the man left, it opened up the perfect window.
I walked past Luis.
Tilted my champagne glass—
clink.
My bracelet slipped off my wrist and hit the floor.
“Wait—you dropped something.”
His voice was low, smooth… like a storm that had just decided to behave.
I turned.
Our eyes met—his darker under the dim lights. His gaze paused. Just for a beat or two.
Good sign.
I smiled lightly. “Oh… thank you.” Then, like I’d just realized—“Wait… you’re Luis Moretti?”
His lips curved. “I thought you did that on purpose.”
“I did.” I let out a soft, easy laugh. “I mean, on the field, you move so fast it’s hard to even see your swing.”
That got a real laugh out of him.
He stepped closer, taking my hand to fasten the bracelet back onto my wrist. Too close. The air shifted—warmer now.
“I’ve got another club,” he murmured, voice dropping just a little, “not fast at all. Slow enough for you to really take it in. Want to try?”
He angled his body slightly, just enough to show off.
…That’s it?
I almost scoffed.
See? This is how men usually are. Easy.
My charm wasn’t the problem.
That asshole earlier? His problem.
Sebastian? Didn’t know what he had.
I was just about to fire back with something bolder—
When suddenly—
A shadow fell over my shoulder.
And then—
A voice. Low. Cold. Dangerous. Right against my ear.
“You seem pretty interested in his club.”
I froze.
Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.
Him.
The same bastard who rejected me at the pool.
Luis frowned. “You two know each other?”
The stallion didn’t even look at him. His eyes stayed on me, calm—almost amused.
“Of course we do,” he said lazily. “Yesterday, by the lake—she was lying in my arms. Funny… you didn’t mention you liked clubs back then.”
Is he trying to ruin me?
I shot him a glare, lowering my voice. “Can you not just make things up?!”
For a split second, I seriously considered cutting him off completely. We had no relationship. None.
But after how I’d gone after him yesterday… if he said anything more—
Luis might walk.
Luis frowned deeper. “So… you two are…?”
“Nothing!” I cut in quickly, grabbing Luis’s hand. “We’re nothing. Let’s just—”
“I turned her down,” the stallion added calmly.
Me: —?!
Luis’s expression stiffened.
Oh my God. I could practically see my success rate dropping in real time.
This lunatic clearly didn’t care if I lived or died.
“So now,” he continued, tone casual, almost thoughtful, “she’s here because I rejected her.”
“No—I’m not—!”
Luis’s jaw tightened. “So what, you’re together or not?”
“We are not together!” I insisted, gripping his hand tighter.
“We’re not ‘nothing,’ either,” the stallion said lightly.
“You—!”
“Let go of me.” Luis pulled his hand free, his expression turning cold. “I’m not interested in being anyone’s backup.”
And just like that, he turned and walked out.
I spun back to glare at the man. “That was sabotage!”
His lips pressed together slightly—then he smiled.
That kind of smile.
The I did it on purpose, what are you gonna do about it kind.
“What exactly do you want?” I snapped. “You reject me, and then you come here and ruin my shot?”
He slipped his hands into his pockets, completely unbothered.
“You need a man?” he said.
Not even a question. A statement.
I almost threw my glass at him. “...What are you trying to say?”
He stepped closer.
His voice dropped.
“Pick me.”
I froze.
He moved in just a little more, eyes locking onto mine like there was nowhere else I could go.
“If you’re choosing a man tonight—” he said quietly, “choose me.”
The way he said it—
Half command. Half promise.
My heart slammed, hard, against my ribs.
No.
I steadied my breathing immediately.
That face? Dangerous.
I was not embarrassing myself twice over the same man.
So what the hell is he doing?
He rejected me—
and now he’s standing here like he’s offering something… reckless.
I pressed down the flicker of excitement rising in my chest, lifted my chin, and stepped closer to him instead.
“I only give a man one chance.”
I smiled.
Sharp. Slow.
Like a cat right before it bites.
“You already wasted yours.”
Chapter 3
Evelyn's POV
I’m pretty sure his brain took a swim in Lake Como. Otherwise why on earth would he suddenly want to sleep with me again?
I still remember that ridiculous line of his—— “I don’t do easy.”
Well, if you don’t want me, I don’t want you either. Same rule I’ve got for Sebastian—I’m not turning back for any man. Ever.
He clearly didn’t expect such a clean rejection. One eyebrow lifted, like someone had just dumped a bucket of cold water over his head.
“If I remember right,” he said slowly, “you wanted to sleep with me yesterday.”
“Tomorrow is another day, you know.” I shrugged. “People change their minds. Besides, I did give you a chance. You just… didn’t deliver.”
I let out a little snort.
He looked briefly choked, then laughed anyway. “You’re the first woman who’s ever rejected me.”
“Everyone has a first time,” I said, batting my lashes. “Don’t tell me you’re only learning that today.”
I turned and started to walk away.
Two steps. That’s all I got before his hand caught my wrist.
“If it’s because of my attitude yesterday,” he said, “I can take it back.”
“Take it back?” I raised a brow, tried to shake him off—no luck. So I switched to my oh you’re about to get roasted smile.
“I apologize,” he said, staring straight at me. “I wasn’t trying to reject you.”
He took another step closer.
I took one back without thinking.
This man was seriously strange. Who apologizes for refusing a one-night stand?
And worse—why did his apology sound so… tempting?
He backed me up against the wall. Didn’t touch me… but close enough to make the air stick. Damn it, his face that close was suddenly making my cheeks heat up. His breath got closer—was he trying to kiss me here? Please, I haven’t even given him a proper lesson yet. I tilted my head, dodging his lips.
He murmured, a little unsure, like he wasn’t used to this, “Still mad?”
“Do I look like I’m smiling?” Honestly, seeing him like this was kinda… nice. But I was not about to admit my anger was fading.
“You look like you wanna kiss me,” he said, dead serious, totally nonsense.
I rolled my eyes, and he pressed on, “So… what about a reward?” His voice—damn—sexy as hell, practically taunting me.
“Reward?”
“I saved you. No reward?”
Man, the guy must’ve taken a literature class or something. “Reward” hit differently than “thanks.” His eyes were misty, voice dripping like a devil whispering, inviting me straight into his trap.
I didn’t say a word… and of course, he pushed it, “I’m delivering myself to you for free. Don’t say no.”
I swear, some demon took over my brain, because all I heard was a little “mmh” escaping my lips.
Next thing I knew… he kissed me.
By the time I could breathe again, I was pressed against the door of his room. I had no idea whether my neck hurt more from his sucking or my ass from his grip. We were tangled like two vines. My hands tangled in his hair, his hands cupped my ass to keep me from sliding… yeah, not super comfortable.
“Enough. Bed.”
“Just how I like it.”
One hand on my waist, he lifted me off the ground. I gasped, legs instinctively wrapping around him.
He smirked, clearly proud, “Later, you can spread your legs a bit more, baby.”
Oh, you better not get cocky. Or I swear, I’m gonna crush you.
Next thing I knew… I was pushed onto the bed. The mattress was so springy I bounced a little, and my chest rubbed against his throat.
Funny thing—he suddenly slowed down. He knelt over me, looking down like he owned the place. Really? Just a second ago you were all fire, now Mr. Slow-Mo?
“Come on, hurry up,” I muttered.
“Hurry? We’re not animals. Enjoy the foreplay a bit. I’m actually pretty good at it.”
“Good at it? Who said that?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Everyone says it,” he said, all cocky. Somehow, it didn’t annoy me—made him even hotter.
“Let’s see how good you are, then.”
“You’re brutal with your words. Totally different from yesterday,” he whispered, sliding one hand under my skirt while the other pressed against my neck.
Before I could react, his fingers traced me slowly through my panties. I shivered.
“Feeling that?”
“That’s nothing. I’m strict,” I teased, running my hand over his face. Through his eyes, I caught my own wicked grin.
“Take off my shirt,” he murmured.
I took my time undoing his buttons, letting my nails graze his skin. By the time I reached his chest… let’s just say I didn’t hold back on his nipples.
“You really know how to tease me, babe,” he said, pinching me back in retaliation.
Our breaths got short. The pace shifted. He smirked, kissed down my collarbone… but didn’t rush to take off my clothes. His tongue circled my nipples, leaving my skirt damp. I swear my ovaries were screaming.
Finally, he tugged at my blouse, my chest hit a cool air shock… and then his teeth sunk into one nipple while the other breast was gripped firmly in his hand.
My breath was getting faster. And I could feel him pressing closer…
The moment I tossed his shirt off the bed, my panties followed.
When he slid in, I couldn’t help a muffled moan. Too big… but so good.
“Clothes off one by one is way more fun. If we’d gone all the way yesterday, peeling off a bikini wouldn’t be this exciting,” he grinned, giving a little thrust.
“You’re way too particular,” I teased back.
By now, we were completely naked.
Hot. Hard. Amazing. That’s basically my mood right now. Never felt my pussy flow like a tropical waterfall before.
“So… little strict one, think you’re ‘good at this’?”
“I’ll give you a B.”
“B? My life’s full of A+’s.” And with that, he slammed into me hard. I screamed.
“That scream? Definitely A+ to me. Best sound ever.”
Ugh.
“Say it again. I love it,” he said, smug.
Love it? Sebastian never said anything like that. He always acted like I was some stiff mannequin. Yeah… with him, I’d never been this wet.
“Don’t get distracted,” he bit my chest possessively. “Only look at me.”
I stared at him, a little dazed. Closed my eyes, let him kiss every inch of me. The sounds—skin on skin, moans, our breaths—yeah, I was cheating. I’d done it. And for once, I didn’t care. I was just gonna be a bad girl… and it felt amazing.
Chapter 4
Evelyn's POV
When I woke up, it was already 8:30. Crap! Totally broke my 7 a.m. morning run streak. And of course… all thanks to this man. God knows how we ended up going all the way until 5 a.m. last night. Honestly, I think I passed out from exhaustion in the end.
I only planned to do it once… after all, it’s cheating.
His hand was still on my chest. I shoved it away and tried to get up. But my legs were like jelly. Didn’t make it—plopped right back onto the bed. That little bounce woke him up.
Groggy, he sat up behind me and wrapped himself around me like some sleepy koala. My shoulders must’ve looked like leaves to him, ‘cause this koala started nibbling my neck and shoulder.
I shoved him off. He lazily propped himself up, watching me get dressed.
“Already leaving?” His voice was rough from sleep… ridiculously sexy.
“Oh, are we supposed to have breakfast together too?” I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t mind me. Maybe we could… try something else,” he said, eyes sliding down shamelessly.
It was hard to connect this with the cold, dismissive guy who rejected me before.
“I wouldn’t mind giving you a taste of my slap,” I teased, wiggling my hand at him.
He paused mid-smile. “I wanted to ask… you wearing a ring while cheating?”
“That’s the fun part, isn’t it?” I shrugged. Sleeping with a married me somehow makes it less complicated for him.
“Fun? Is your marriage that boring?” he asked.
That question? Totally unnecessary. I didn’t owe him an answer.
I got dressed and glanced down at his underwear on the floor. God, just yesterday that tiny little thing wrapping him up… wow. My mind immediately cooked up a crazy idea.
“Hey… what brand are these?” I asked, picking them up.
He smirked. “Oh? You still care? Planning to buy a pair for your husband?”
“Bingo,” I winked.
“You’re serious?” His pupils went wide.
Absolutely serious. Revenge time.
My husband used to shower me with expensive bags after he cheated—gifts for his guilt. I could basically count his affairs by the bags in my closet. Pathetic, right? I know. I was pathetic.
So now, every time I cheat, I buy a pair of underwear in the same brand as my mistress. And the day I divorce him? Oh, I’m gonna tell him. Gonna make him puke.
I checked the waistband: Zimmerli. Perfect. Dropped it back on the floor.
“Thanks,” I said, walking away without looking back.
At this point, I still didn’t know his name. And he hadn’t asked mine. Fine by me.
Back in my room, Maddie showed up. Today’s our last holiday day. Afternoon, we pack up and head home.
“How was it?” Her eyes were sparkling.
“Honestly? No morals… feels amazing.”
“Ha! Who asked about that, you bad girl! I meant the guy—big? Skilled?”
“Well… my hole’s still having aftershocks. Tomorrow? Forget my morning run.”
Yep. His skills… damn. Even thinking about it now, I’m wet.
“Enjoy being a little bitch! You were way too vanilla before,” Maddie blew me a kiss.
“Sebastian said the same. Maybe that’s why he cheated,” I muttered, half-joking.
“Nothing justifies cheating. Don’t blame yourself.”
“But I’ve got a revenge plan,” I grinned.
“Oh? Do tell.”
“Well… I’m gonna get Sebastian the same underwear as Stallion.”
“Pfft—” Maddie sprayed her wine, coughing. “You’re such a clever little devil!”
“Hey, he cheated and gave me a bag every time. Just looking at my closet now feels like an insult.”
“That jerk! Listen, just giving him underwear isn’t enough. Post it on Instagram! Caption: 1/8! And when you divorce him, spill it all—let him know men aren’t the only ones who can cheat!”
“Crazy—but I love it!” I grinned.
So I uploaded a photo of Lake Como with: 1/8 ✅
Twenty minutes later… Sebastian liked it.
Maddie couldn’t stop laughing, and she even commented below: “To be continued…”
The thrill of revenge was buzzing through me. Never felt so… alive.
While we were chatting, I opened my laptop and searched for Zimmerli—
“Wow… this brand, huh? This guy’s got taste,” Maddie leaned over to peek. She’s a luxury brand heiress, knows this stuff inside out.
“Crap! One pair costs over a hundred bucks… seriously, should I spend this much on Sebastian?”
Sure, Sebastian’s family is rich, but I’m not. Even married to him, I still can’t get used to fancy people prices.
“Buy it! Only something pricey will make him realize—there are tons of guys richer and hotter than him. Cheap stuff would just slap you in the face!”
So, I bit the bullet and ordered it. Next day delivery.
Then we got giddy, plotting who 2/8 in my revenge list should be.
“Better be a doctor. He got himself a nurse, after all. Wonder if it’d feel different on an exam table,” I giggled.
After the plane landed, Sebastian was at the airport to pick me up. We kissed—me like the perfect wife, him like the perfect husband.
On the way home, I was still basking in my little revenge glow… until he said:
“Babe, I’ve got a party tonight. Won’t be able to have dinner with you. Oh, and I got you a new bag—LV, the latest. You’ll love it.”
And just like that, my smug little victory went up in smoke.
That means he’s off to cheat again.
Chapter 5
Evelyn's POV
When I got home, I tossed Sebastian’s latest “cheating compensation”—a brand-new Louis Vuitton Capucines BB—straight into my bag cabinet.
The moment I let go—
I froze.
What used to be one neat row… had somehow turned into an entire wall. A full-blown luxury forest. Every color. Every style. Perfectly arranged. Like a silent confession.
Evelyn, I cheated.
Evelyn, I did it again.
And again.
Any other woman might’ve laughed like she’d hit the jackpot. I just felt… suffocated. These weren’t romantic. They were evidence. The most expensive, most excessive, most frequent apologies of my marriage.
My lips twitched, something bitter rising in my chest.
I always thought I was open-minded. Emotionally strong. Not the jealous type.
But when your husband’s “sorry” fills an entire wall?
Even God would probably take one look and go—okay, that’s a bit much.
Alright.
You can be sad.
Just not for long.
I’m going to live like myself again— beautiful, radiant… and just a little vengeful.
I took a deep breath, handed my luggage off to the house staff, and headed upstairs for some sleep. Last night had been… intense. My back and legs were still protesting.
God. That man.
I’d never been that satisfied before. Maybe I should’ve paid him? …Nah. Not like I’ll ever see him again.
The moment I stepped into the bedroom, Sebastian appeared behind me like a ghost and wrapped his arms around me.
“Babe…” His voice was low, sticky-smooth against my ear. “Thanks for the gift.”
…Gift?
Oh. The underwear.
The one I’d bought on purpose—my version of “returning the favor.”
I almost laughed.
But then I remembered the first time he gave me a bag—how he’d looked just like this.
Soft. Grateful. Convincing.
And suddenly, it wasn’t funny anymore.
He kissed my ear, my neck—slow, deliberate, like he knew exactly where to light the fire.
“You were out having fun… and still thought of me,” he murmured, resting his chin against my shoulder. “I’m touched. So touched that I kind of want to—”
He paused.
His voice dropped, heated.
“Pin you down and say thank you properly.”
“…Right.”
Was this really how he used to have me completely wrapped around his finger?
His hand slid down my waist.
I dodged him like I’d just smelled smoke.
“Not tonight. I’m tired. Early flight.”
More importantly—
There were still marks on me.
From him.
Faint and dark, uneven, almost like signatures.
If Sebastian saw them now, my entire revenge plan would go up in flames—and I’d probably end up being blamed instead.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes, softening his tone. “Tired? You’ve been gone for days. Didn’t miss me at all?”
“Why don’t you take me to that dinner tonight?” I cut in.
If he was going to cling to me like this, I might as well make things difficult for him.
No way he gets to comfortably juggle his little lineup of women.
“A dinner?” His expression flickered—hesitation, almost resistance. “You don’t like those events. I already told my secretary to come with me.”
Secretary.
One of the eight.
I let out a silent laugh.
Then I turned, slipped my arms around him, and tilted my head just slightly—soft, sweet, calculated.
“Then tell her not to come.” I looked up at him. “Or what… is your secretary more important than your wife?”
His shoulders tensed.
Just for a second.
Then he smiled, taking my hand. “Of course you’re more important.”
Right.
A guilty man is the easiest man to control.
That night, I attended a gala with Sebastian for the first time in a while.
I wore a backless black satin dress, fitted just right, the slit rising to that perfect, dangerous point along my thigh. Sebastian was in a deep navy suit, platinum cufflinks understated but expensive—cleaner, more polished than he ever looked at home.
The lighting was soft, golden, almost intoxicating. I looped my arm through his as we moved through the crowd—smiling, greeting, exchanging polite conversation with the city’s finest.
Then suddenly—
He froze.
I followed his gaze.
At the end of it stood a woman in a green slip dress. Her figure was… unreal. And her face—
I’d seen it before.
On one of the Instagram accounts Sebastian followed.
His second out of eight.
Sebastian’s throat shifted. “I need to take a call,” he said, like nothing was wrong.
“Of course,” I smiled sweetly, letting go of his arm.
He thought I wouldn’t follow.
Three minutes later, I set my champagne down—
and did exactly that.
Corner. Corridor. Empty stretch.
He’d picked the location like a professional.
Even though I was prepared—
The moment still hit like a fist to the chest.
Sebastian.
My husband.
Pinned against the wall with his 2/8—
kissing her like he’d forgotten the rest of the world existed.
Desperate. Familiar. Practiced.
Honestly, they looked so in sync I almost wanted to gift them a marriage certificate.
Something inside my chest tore open—sour, sharp, furious.
Thoughts flooded in, one after another—
No woman survives her husband’s phone.
My husband is cheating.
And somehow, seeing it in person is worse than any message, any picture. My breathing faltered. I took a step back without thinking. Did I want to cry?
Of course.
Even if he’d betrayed me—again and again. Even if I was already planning revenge. Even if my own body had already crossed that line—
…I had loved him.
Something salty touched my lips.
Tears.
Why was I crying? Why was my first instinct… to run?
Pathetic.
I turned to leave—
And ran straight into a solid, warm wall of a body. My bare back met heat. Firm. Steady. For a second, it almost felt like being… held.
Then a strong hand slid around my waist.
I turned sharply—
Him.
The stallion.
My 1/8.
Black shirt. Collar undone. Standing too close—radiating that dangerous, effortless heat.
What the hell was he doing here?
But he didn’t look surprised to see me.
Actually—he never did.
Every time he showed up, it was like gravity shifted. Like he could just pull me into his space without trying.
Focus.
My husband was right there.
And my affair was holding me like this.
My heart had to be pushing 280 beats per minute.
This wasn’t attraction. It’s a full-blown crisis. A disaster.
I pushed against him, trying to get out of his arms. He didn’t move. Instead, he tightened his hold, casually trapping me there. His chin brushed lightly behind my shoulder—close enough to feel, not enough to escape.
Deliberate.
Teasing.
“Why are you crying?” he murmured. “That happy to see me?”
His thumb brushed away the tear on my cheek. Then his gaze lifted— past me. Toward Sebastian.
My entire body went rigid.
He, on the other hand, looked… calm. Almost entertained.
Did he know?
I hadn’t told him anything. But I would bet anything— he was enjoying this. Enjoying me standing here, on the edge of losing control, pretending I wasn’t.
Then he lowered his head.
His lips brushed near my ear, warm, slow, and my spine went weak in an instant. He let out a soft, amused breath. And then, gently—
he said something completely insane.
“Why not go say hello?”
