Chapter 1

My wealthy wife would 'gift' me an investment property every time she spent the night at her male assistant's place.

Two years into our marriage, I held titles to 96 properties scattered across the city.

Each one a stark reminder of the 96 times she'd wounded me.

When the 97th property deed landed in my hands, her male assistant immediately sent me a taunting video.

"So what if Celeste gives you money? I have her heart, her very being. What good is being an international supermodel if you still can't even get your own wife into bed?"

I didn't stoop to his level. Instead, I thoughtfully mailed him a new, high-fashion outfit straight from the latest runway.

When my wife found out about my generous gift, she rewarded me by inviting me to an exclusive high-society party with her.

During a party game, her male assistant lost three times in a row and was dared to lick the cream off Cassie Vane's thigh.

He shattered a wine bottle, pressing the jagged edge to his throat, vowing not to comply. "Celeste, I refuse to let anyone humiliate me!"

My usually aloof wife instantly panicked. She pleaded with me to take the punishment for him.

"It's just licking some cream. I promise that after this, I'll go home and spend some quality time with you."

Everyone waited for me to make a fool of myself, but I quietly accepted without a fuss.

She didn't know this was the 97th time she'd hurt me.

And I no longer wanted to be her plaything. I was simply waiting to repay her kindness for saving me. Once that was done, we'd have nothing left between us.