4. The Ex-Wife

The suite we stayed in is reportedly the largest. It's located in the main building, housing three suites: VIP, deluxe, and super deluxe; all three are occupied by academic shareholders. Beyond them, S.X. doesn't offer slots for other academics to purchase shares.

That was Arthur's brief explanation as he ran the shower, while I nearly fell asleep in the bathtub. However, I felt awkward even closing my eyes. Even though we'd been touching each other more than this, it didn't feel right to let him act like he was serving me. I don't know, hopefully I'll get used to it soon. No, no. I mean, I have to keep learning to get used to it. Nina, gain your confidence.

Warm steam filled the bathroom. Arthur rolled his sleeves up to his elbows while I leaned back in the bathtub. When he looked down at me, his gaze softened—steady, full of quiet confidence.

“Relax your body,” Arthur murmured, almost like a whisper.

I nodded slowly. “S-sorry…”

Arthur gave a faint smile, the kind that made my chest tighten a little because of how sincere it felt. He pressed the showerhead, and warm water cascaded gently over my shoulder. His touch was careful, as if making sure every movement wouldn’t startle me.

“Is the water too hot?” he asked.

“No, it’s perfect. Thank you, Sir.”

He let out a small laugh that eased something inside me.

“I just want you to feel comfortable.”

When his hand spread soapy bubbles along my arm, his movements were slow and attentive. His eyes met mine from time to time, and each time it happened, I felt a tiny shiver of nervous excitement.

“Nina, I hope we can start removing the boundaries between us. It’ll matter a lot for what comes next.”

I lowered my gaze slightly as warm water streamed down my back. “Yes, Sir. I’ll do my best.”

He paused for a moment, his fingers still resting on my shoulder. “I’ll do my best too.”

I chuckled softly. “But you’re already very good at this.”

“Don’t flatter me,” he protested gently while patting my neck dry with a small towel, his voice sounding almost playful. “Sometimes I’m not even sure where to start.”

“You already started,” I replied.

Arthur looked at me for a long moment. Not an intense stare, expecting something; a silent confession that this closeness meant something to him. When he began rinsing me again, his movements felt even more natural, as if this kind of caring had always been second nature to him.

"I don't really understand Euphorotica, sir. Why are people so excited about it?" I finally dared to ask directly.

Arthur massaged my head. The scent of rose oil wafted through the air.

"That's an annual event my late father created. A good angler for anyone who loses," Arthur replied, revealing a riddle.

"Lose? Wouldn't you lose if you had money?"

"Oh, Miss, money can't buy self-respect."

"Wow... that's the first time I've heard that cool quote. If it hadn't come from you, people would have mocked you for being naive."

The shower turned back on, pouring warm water that gently massaged my scalp. "You can tease me, too. It won't do anything." Arthur turned off the shower, grabbed a towel, and pressed it against each side of my hair.

"It's the same as Mrs. Carol's behavior earlier. She may have a large media holding, but her reckless actions often backfire. You just need to focus on walking the straight path you're on," Arthur explained.

"That's right. You silenced them very well! Wow, it makes sense that they'd be fighting over the biggest stock prize. Who could resist the golden opportunity to be at the top of the billionaire love-controlling pyramid?"

"You're wrong to wrap it in love alone." Arthur gently pushed my shoulder. My head was now completely wrapped. "The elite risk their pride and their pursuit of a higher rank, while for some Ladies, this opportunity is life and death," he said, extending his hand.

I obeyed, getting up without a single piece of clothing because Arthur was in complete control. He grabbed the thick kimono towel, almost hugging it, then draping it around my body, and then busily wrapping it around the rope.

"Life and death?"

"When their contracts with their partners expire, not everyone is fortunate enough to continue their love lives. Euphorotica allows each individual to receive an equal share of their personal prize. This way, they can venture out into the world without relying on us," he explained.

"You mean, the largest shares belong to two people?" I gaped, lost in a wild fantasy. That meant I would have my own shares, too. Shares in S.X Group? A company that controlled the lives of the elite in various fields. Oh my.

"Yes. If the couple decides to stay together, their shares can be combined and become even stronger," Arthur concluded, buttoning his sleeves.

I cupped my mouth. A small jump of reflex accompanied by uncontrollable enthusiasm. "Sir, how do I win?!"

I couldn't believe it for the first time, Arthur's smile forming a perfect crescent. He pressed closer, my movement blocked by the wall and two outstretched arms. I could have ducked and escaped through the gap, but there was no way I could waste the initial lesson of passion.

"Listen to me carefully, My Grand-Lady," Arthur said, exhaling a whiff of his breath. "Our every move is recorded. We'll wear heart rate monitors. For each test, our heart rates must be consistently high."

My gasp echoed as Arthur's two fingers moved up and down my vagina. "If either of us is considered low—" Arthur's other hand guided me in while twisting my penis. It was his turn to gasp for breath. We stretched each other in satisfaction, holding our trembling legs against the incredible tearing.

"I doubt," I interrupted, "that… ngh… will… happen."

***

"With this, the series of trials leading up to the Year-End Sex Party' Euphorotica' begins!"

The voice of a female operator rang the bells in front of hundreds of academic couples. Arthur stepped forward, stood proudly, and cut the red ribbon. Applause and cheers erupted. The couple hugged each other tightly and passionately.

Arthur stepped back, immediately embracing me in a tight embrace. I was so afraid my white Victorian-era dress would slip off, its collar so open. But Arthur noticed my hand trying to lift it. My heart soared, and he lifted me up. He placed his chin between my breasts. The heartbeat monitor beeped, and it was honestly a bit embarrassing. How could I have melted so easily? Arthur chuckled faintly.

"Looks like you'll have to try harder, My Lady," he quipped.

My lips pursed. "Don't underestimate me, sir! You might be surprised by my game later!"

“What games can you play, cheap girl?”