Chapter 3

I had secretly adored Julian since high school. He was a big shot at our school. Handsome, a star basketball player, and even got a full scholarship to an Ivy League university.

Yet, he was a natural playboy, with girlfriends changing constantly. Still, countless girls secretly admired him, myself included.

I once thought I was his 'the one,' and even my friends believed he had turned over a new leaf for me, that he'd only love me forever.

To my dismay, the pretense didn't last past the third month of our marriage. Taking advantage of my business trip, he directly brought a woman home to stay overnight.

I had returned early, filled with joy, hoping to surprise him, as it was the anniversary of when we first became official.

All that greeted me was a chaotic scene of infidelity.

I was hysterical then, crying and screaming, utterly heartbroken, smashing everything in the house I could lay my hands on.

Julian showed no remorse for being caught. Instead, he told me, “Eleanor, it’s impossible for a person to stick with just one person their whole life; trying new things is always good.”

Memories flooded back, and my gaze fell upon the wine glass in front of me. I actually didn’t drink, but Julian and I owned a company, and someone always needed to negotiate partnerships, drinking with clients until they were happy, which often sealed the deals. I forced myself to learn how to drink.

A cool, clear voice broke through my thoughts: “Sister, drinking this much alone isn’t good for your health.”

The person spoke to me, dressed in a hotel waiter’s uniform. He was young, no older than twenty, with exquisite, handsome features.

His clean, pristine aura clashed with the noisy bar environment.

With the alcohol getting to my head, my thoughts were sluggish. I slurred slightly, “It’s fine. I can handle my liquor.”

As I reached for the glass to take another sip, Ly Thorne, with quick, agile hands, snatched it from my grasp. He sat beside me, his bright eyes fixed on mine. “Sister, you’re not allowed to drink anymore.”

I was somewhat annoyed that my drink had been taken. I stood up to retrieve it, but my balance was off, and I tumbled right into Ly Thorne’s embrace. He smelled wonderfully clean, unlike Julian, whose scent was often tinged with women’s perfume. Ly smelled faintly of cedarwood.

Feeling drowsy, Ly Thorne gently helped me sit up, leaning closer to my face. His voice, a tempting whisper, asked, “Sister, are you tired? Will you come with me?”

A handsome face, magnified, filled my vision. His tone was full of genuine concern. As if possessed, I nodded.

I don't know how much time passed. I managed to pry open my eyes, only to see Ly Thorne's gaze brimming with affection, as if I were the only person in his world. He whispered into my ear, "Sister, are you alright?"

His warm breath tickled my skin. I still clung to a sliver of lucidity, but Julian's words from before echoed in my mind: *trying new things is always good.* I decided to indulge, to live for myself, just this once.