Chapter 3

To be honest, for the first 25 years of my life, I truly lived like a princess.

My parents ran a manufacturing business, raking in nearly eight figures in revenue annually.

I was an only child, and all their love was poured onto me.

My grades were always mediocre, but I was pretty and lucky.

I barely scraped my way into an Ivy League university, where I met Alexander, who was dirt poor.

Just like in all those novels, I fell in love with Alexander.

I pestered my parents to fund his education and even give him startup capital for his business.

After graduating, Alexander, to repay me, married me.

And then came two years of a seemingly perfect but emotionally distant marriage.

Alexander was a good man, but even good men can't control their desires.

He only felt gratitude for me, so even in bed, he never lost control.

He was busy with work, dedicating a fixed hour every Saturday for intimacy.

Any other time, I had to book an appointment with his assistant just to give him a kiss.

In that lifeless routine, my 'sensitive soul' couldn't take it anymore, and I started actively sabotaging myself.

Thinking back now, I can't blame Alexander for finding me boring.

I became a housewife right after college, spending my days watching TV and playing games.

Alexander and I didn't just lack common interests; sometimes, even casual conversations fell flat.

He accused me of being brainwashed by TikTok, and I thought he wasn't as attentive or charming as other women's husbands.

That's how our relationship slowly spiraled into a dead end.

Lying in bed, I sighed deeply.

*Cassidy Hayes, fate has been kind to you.*

*A useless person with no real skills like me, and yet the heavens gave me a second chance? My ancestors must have been saints.*

Since I had this opportunity, I resolved to live well.

Forget about reversing the family's decline or leading them to prosperity; at the very least, I needed to be a reliable safety net for my family.

Just then, Alexander walked in, toweling his hair dry.

He noticed I hadn't changed, and a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes.

Right, it was Saturday, my designated 'wifely duties' day.

Unlike my usual cold demeanor, I immediately rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into the special lingerie I'd kept at the bottom of my drawer.

I'd bought it when we were newlyweds, hoping to spice things up, but Alexander had left for a business trip before I ever got to wear it.

No time like the present. Anyway, we'd both be enjoying it, so I might as well get what I want.

The moment I walked out, Alexander's breath hitched.

He seemed a little shocked, and there was some other emotion too.

He spoke, his voice low:

"Cassidy, you…"

I silenced him with a kiss.

"Shhh, time is precious. Don't talk…"