Love's Double-Cross

How did I find out? Oh, it wasn't hard.

Rummaging through his travel bag, I stumbled upon the evidence: a pack of half-used strawberry-flavored sheaths and, tucked between his shirts, a pair of lace panties.

He, my once-devoted husband, who claimed to love me above all else, was sneaking around with another woman. The moment the truth hit me, it felt like the sky caved in.

But I didn't let it show. I carried on as if nothing had happened.

I even went to see her.

She was every bit the temptress: seductive eyes that promised sin, a lithe figure that seemed to dance even when she stood still, and curves designed to ensnare men.

Wearing black silk stockings, she could sway to the beat in a bar and leave every man in the room spellbound. Those with even the slightest lapse in self-control might lose themselves completely.

So, this was what my cold, prim, and proper husband secretly craved?

I always knew women out there wanted him. He was handsome, fit, and a rising star in Oakhaven City's business scene. But I never thought one would actually succeed in luring him into her bed.

Oh, how I hated Trevor for his betrayal. For tossing aside more than a decade of love like it was nothing.

As for the hostess, Cassidy Sharp, she had the audacity to flaunt her triumph, boldly declaring that one day Trevor would leave me for her.

Really? Where did she get that confidence?

And Trevor? The man who shattered my heart, discarded our years together as if they were meaningless? I would make him regret it.

I knew I wasn't perfect. I'd heard the complaints—how I was stiff and lifeless in bed, like a dead fish.

So, I gritted my teeth and stepped into that nightclub to learn. To master the kind of shameless, tantalizing moves that would snare him.

He would fall for me again. I'd make sure of it. And when he did, I'd dump him and destroy him.

As for that hostess? She wouldn't escape unscathed either.

I smiled into the mirror as I admired my curves in the reflection. "Trevor, do you like what I've become? Everything I'm doing is tailor-made for you. Enjoy it while you can."

Today was his birthday.

No matter how busy he was with work, I made sure one phone call from me brought him home. After all, I'd promised him a surprise.

After dinner, Trevor headed to the bathroom for a shower.

The moment the water started running, I sprang into action, swapping my plain cotton underwear for the lacy slip dress I'd bought just for this occasion. I threw on a coat over it for good measure.

It was my first time trying to seduce him, and I felt so awkward that my hands trembled with excitement and nerves.

Trevor, tonight you're going to fall willingly into the trap I've set for you.

Before long, he emerged, wrapped only in a white towel, his hair still damp.

Trevor might look lean at first glance, but being alone with him reminded me just how impressive his physique was. Broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and a taut, muscular frame radiating effortless strength. His eight-pack abs rose and fell with each breath, a sight I knew intimately from countless nights when he had worked me into an almost delirious state.

But I had always kept my composure.

As the heiress of the Vane family, grace and poise were my second nature. My every action represented our family's reputation, especially after I became Mrs. Trevor. I wasn't like that hostess he'd been sneaking around with.

Yet the thought of her lying in our bed, wrapped in his arms, drove me to the edge of madness. Had she also been reduced to helpless gasps under his touch?

Swallowing my bitterness, I played the part of the dutiful wife, handing him a glass of water with a gentle smile. "You must be tired from a long day, darling. Have some water."

He drank it down in one gulp.

I curled my lips ever so slightly and reached for the hairdryer, gesturing for him to lie down. "Let me dry your hair for you, honey."

Once his hair was dry, I began massaging his temples, my fingers moving deftly across his scalp.

It was clear he enjoyed it.

But when my hands brushed against his earlobe, he suddenly caught my wrist. His eyes remained closed, but his low, husky voice betrayed him. "Mia, where did you learn this?"

By now, I'd slipped off my coat, leaving me clad in the sheer slip that hugged my curves. My pale, smooth skin gleamed under the soft light, every contour accentuated just enough to tantalize.

I straightened up, pretending to accidentally brush his face before quickly pulling back. "From a masseuse, honey," I whispered. "Did I use too much pressure? You're always so busy, and your headaches worry me. I just wanted to help you relax."

When he finally opened his eyes, they darkened as they took in my shy expression. "The pressure's perfect," he murmured. "Mia, is this the surprise you mentioned?"

Blushing furiously, I avoided his smoldering gaze. "I…I…"

Before I could stammer out a reply, he pinned me to the bed, his lips capturing mine as his hands roamed freely, setting fire to every inch of my skin through the delicate fabric.

My breathing grew shallow, and just as I thought we were about to take the next step, his phone rang.

It was Cassidy, the hostess.

His desire ebbed as he glanced at the screen, then silenced the call. "Sorry, Mia. I have something to take care of," he said.

Without hesitation, he left for his study, leaving me behind.

Again.

I clenched my fists but managed a calm, supportive tone. "Don't stay up too late, darling. I'll worry."

The door clicked shut behind him, and a cold smile crept across my lips.

Tonight had gone better than I'd expected. I had been alluring enough to hold his attention, unlike before when my conservative attire didn't even warrant a glance.

All those hours spent learning seductive techniques from the hostesses weren't wasted.

After all, I still had the figure that had once driven him wild with desire. His initial obsession with me had been insatiable, but my stiffness in bed had gradually cooled his interest, pushing him toward Cassidy's playful charms.

But now? I would rekindle his hunger, bit by bit, until I stole him back from her.

Seduction wasn't hard. Anyone could do it.

And to ensure my plan's success, I'd installed a hidden camera in his study, concealed within the plush bear figurine he'd bought for me.

The bear, so out of place among his neatly arranged desk items, had been a gift. He'd once told me he kept it there to remind him of me. "When I'm tired," he'd said, "looking at it makes me feel better."

I had been touched back then.

Now, that same bear had become my secret weapon to monitor his every move.