1. May

May woke up startled with a sweaty forehead.

Every day for the past few days, the same disturbing dream invaded her sleep. In her dream, she lay on a bed, naked. Her hands and feet were bound. Then, a snake would appear. Always the same snake. With cold, smooth, scaly skin, the large black snake slithered over her body. Starting from her feet, it crawled up, slipping into her with its cold body.

Strangely, despite the terrifying nature of the snake's touch, it felt gentle and careful, almost lulling her before the snake would open its jaws, revealing its long fangs, and bite.

May often wondered about the meaning of her dreams. A large black snake certainly wasn't a good omen. Even for someone who didn't believe in mystical things, May couldn't help but shiver. Especially when the dream kept repeating with the same scene.

The sound of someone's breathing next to her made May turn to the side.

Her husband was still peacefully asleep in bed, completely unaffected by May's experience. She sighed and carefully, so as not to wake him, stood up and walked towards the bathroom. Washing her face, brushing her teeth, changing her nightwear to leggings and a T-shirt, May then slipped out of the bedroom without a sound.

The crisp, cold air outside felt remarkably fresh. After grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, May headed to the fitness room. Morning exercise was a habit she enjoyed, especially running. Sweating and moving helped dispel her tension and made her feel more relaxed.

While spending time on the treadmill, May ponderred about her domestic life. Her marriage to Sean has just begun, only one year.

People said they were still in the honeymoon phase, but somehow, May didn't feel that way. Sure in the beginning of their marriage everything seemed fime. They were inseparable and spent almost everynight making love. In the bedroom, in the car, in the garden, in hotels. Sean even recorded their lovemaking a few times, as a reminder when he was away on business, he said.

But in the last few months, Sean seemed to be pulling away. He worked late into the night, and when he came home, all he did was sleep. May initially tried to understand. It was reasonable; Sean's role as a bussinessman demanded a lot of attention, especially when the company faced challenges due to recent economic fluctuations. Sean, of course, had even less time for his wife.

However, as it continued and May's efforts to mend their relationship were met with indifference, she finally gave up.

Her encounter with Sean wasn't something special either. Her manager, Jackie, introduced her to Sean. According to Jackie, dating a playboy businessman would be good for publicity and help her career as an actress. Who would have thought she would end up falling in love and marrying the man?

May turned off the treadmill and stepped into the bathroom to freshen up. It was pointless. Even after an hour on the treadmill, the uneasy feeling still lingered low.

May was preparing breakfast with the housekeeper when Sean entered the dining room. He went straight to the alcohol storage cabinet and poured whiskey into a glass, which he gulped in one go.

"You were tossing and turning in your sleep again," Sean commented without turning around. "I woke up because of your noise."

May looked at her husband. He poured a bit more whiskey into the glass and gulped it down in one go.

"Sorry," May replied.

Sean didn't respond. He just placed the empty glass on the counter before turning and walking towards May.

"My schedule is tight today, so I might not be able to accompany you to the party tonight," Sean said while adjusting his suit.

May, who was pouring a cup of tea, immediately stopped.

"But everyone will wonder if you're not there, Sean. Jackie has been organizing this event for a long time. Besides, it's my birthday party, can't you make an exception?"

Sean grabbed the tea cup prepared by May and drank it with the same intensity as when he drank whiskey.

"You know very well that the company is currently in a busy period, May. Please understand my situation. This big house and luxurious life are not funded by your acting, but by my work. Even the extravagant party you're planning for tonight comes out of my pocket. So, have a bit of understanding and stop nagging me to comply with your desires."

The tone in Sean's voice was dismissive, as usual. A wealthy family, a luxurious life - May felt like an outsider. Sean’s mother even didn't attend their wedding party, and his father has always treated her like a cheap woman.

"The car is ready, Mr. Kettler," one of their housekeepers announced, bowing.

Sean nodded.

May reached out her hand to help her husband button his jacket, but he turned around without saying anything. He walked out of the house without a word.

***

***

Sean observed the man sitting across from him without saying a word. Bruce was his cousin, from his father side. Both bearing the Kettler last name and both known in the field of real estate, one could say that Bruce was currently more successful than Sean.

Sean never liked Bruce though. In his eyes, Bruce was an arrogant man who never wanted to lose and always jealous of him. When Sean bought a car, Bruce would immediately buy a more expensive one. When Sean bought a Rolex, Bruce would buy two. Their rivalry had been going on since childhood, and although Sean couldn't stand Bruce's behavior, he had no choice today. He needed money from Bruce.

Although his debt to Stone Black could be considered paid off. He still have other installments waiting. The repayment of his car loan was due today, and he needed to find a way to pay it off; otherwise, the bank would seize his sport car.

Sean knew Bruce wouldn't just give him money, so he needed to offer something that Bruce wanted. And Sean know his cousin has been wanting May for a while.

"Hey, Bruce," Sean forced his voice out, placing his glass back on the table. "By the way, are you still interested in fucking my wife?"

The man sitting in front of Sean immediately stopped eating and looked up.

"What did you say?" Bruce repeated as if afraid he misheard.

"You once offered me a hundred thousand dollars for a night with May, didn't you? Are you still interested?"

Bruce put down the fork he was holding and reached for the napkin on the table. Still eyeing Sean, Bruce wiped his oily mouth before tossing the napkin back onto the table and leaning back.

"Fuck, Sean. Are you serious?" Bruce asked, sounding surprised.

"Of course, I'm serious. Are you still interested or not?"

"Hell yeah, of course I'm still interested," Bruce replied with a grin. "My dad said you need money. I just didn't know you needed it so badly that you'd be willing to rent out your wife like that. But hey... good for me. So, a hundred thousand dollars for one night?"

Sean shook his head. "I want more, two hundred."

"For two hundred grand, you better let me do anything to your wife. You know I'm quite... um... let's just say passionate when it comes to lovemaking."

Of course, Sean knew what Bruce meant. Everyone in their family knew what Bruce meant. How much money Bruce had to pay to silence the women because of his rough treatment of them.

After swallowing his saliva with difficulty, Sean nodded. "Okay. Agreed. As long as you use protection and I don't want you to harm May's face. I don't want May to look battered in public."

"Deal." Bruce's grin widened. "Can you arrange it for tonight? I happen to be...uhh... in need of some relief."

Sean pondered his response. Tonight was May's birthday party. Renting out his wife on her birthday sounded despicable. But on the other hand... Sean dared not think about what his parents would say if the bank seized his property.