In the dark room, my husband's friend, Jason Laurier, keeps hugging me tightly. He completely ignores my acts of resistance as he keeps touching and kissing me.

Only when I gasp out in pleasure does he murmur into my ear, "Let me help you…"

I was named Lorelei Ellwood. I was 30 years old and a full-time housewife.

My husband, Caspian Birch, was not only dashing but also incredibly gentle. He doted on me constantly and refused to let me suffer even the slightest bit of grievance.

He indulged my every whim, no matter how unreasonable, and went above and beyond to satisfy my material needs. His devotion made everyone around me green with envy.

However, I carried a secret I couldn't tell anyone. None of them knew that Caspian was impotent.

Every time I tried to initiate anything, he would come up with all sorts of excuses to turn me down. To add insult to injury, he even went so far as to buy me a bunch of toys and told me to take care of them on my own.

On the day of our wedding anniversary, I wore a sultry black lace number. Looking in the mirror, my fair skin glowed against the dark fabric. My curves were on full display, and with every glance and smile, I exuded the charm of a mature woman.

I even wore perfume in an effort to save my marriage. Leaning against his chest, I did my best to be alluring. With a flirtatious pout and a heart-racing pose, I breathed, "Darling, can we do it to—"

To my dismay, the moment the words left my mouth, he doused the flame I'd just kindled. "Lorelei, I'm wiped out from work every day. If you're sexually frustrated, go play with yourself in the bathroom and stop bothering me while I'm trying to sleep."

Unwilling to give up, I deliberately leaned closer, tears shimmering in my eyes. "B-But I'm a woman… I have those needs as well!"

As soon as my words fell, Caspian abruptly got out of bed. Hugging his blanket, he spat out, "I'll be sleeping in the guest room tonight."

The emotions I had suppressed for such a long time completely erupted at that moment. I gently bit my lip as tears cascaded down my cheeks.

I'd lived like a nun for a year now. Was this what the rest of my life looked like?

I couldn't accept that. If things didn't change, I'd lose my mind.

With that thought in mind, I ignored the bewildered look on his face and marched into the bathroom. As if no one else was in the vicinity, I reached into the drawer and pulled out one of the toys inside.

In no time, my moans filled the air… I couldn't care less about Caspian's reaction, as all that mattered was my own release.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed, but I eventually walked out with a newfound glow. I stood at the entrance barefoot and caught him peering at me from the guest bedroom.

The realization sent a tingling sensation from the soles of my feet straight to the top of my head. It was a thrill even more intense than the one I had just experienced.

So I deliberately lay face down on the couch, making sure my rear was perfectly framed by the doorway. I idly swung my legs, enjoying the cool breeze against my skin.

At 2:00 am, I heard the sound of rustling footsteps in the living room. My heart leaped with joy. Could it be that my plan had actually worked?

To my disappointment, Caspian only had a blanket in his hands. He draped it over me before turning around and leaving without another word.

I was so incensed that I stayed awake all night.

…

The following day, the moment he left for work, I received a message from my best friend, Sophia Linden. "So, how was your date night? Did everything go as planned?"

I still remembered how, in the second year after graduation, Sophia had struggled to find a suitable job. I had personally referred her to Caspian's company, where she started as a junior staff member.

It had killed two birds with one stone—it solved her job search woes, and it gave me a set of eyes at the office. After all, successful men were always surrounded by women who threw themselves at them.

So, I felt reassured knowing that someone I trusted was by Caspian's side.

After reading her message, I instinctively glanced at our bedroom and replied sourly, "Don't even get me started. It was a total letdown!"

Sophia sent me a snickering emoji, followed by several voice messages. "Honestly, what is wrong with Mr. Birch? He has such a gorgeous wife at home, yet he's leaving you hanging.

"Why don't I hook you up with some guys I know from the clubs? I guarantee they'll give you exactly what you've been itching for and make sure you can't even get out of bed tomorrow!"

I snorted at her suggestion, yet my mind was already racing with unspeakable images.

My heart began to race as a feverish warmth took over my body. I squeezed my thighs together as if those men were standing right there in front of me, surrounding me, taunting me with their words, and dragged me deeper into a trance I couldn't escape.

It lasted for a dozen seconds before I hurriedly pushed those unrealistic thoughts aside and pretended to be curious. "Are they really that good? Sounds like you're speaking from personal experience."

Sure enough, she gave me an affirmative answer.

"Mhm. So long as you're willing to shell out the cash, you can have your pick of the litter. They're all young studs with rock-hard muscles and washboard abs, and they know exactly how to please a woman!"

I had always known Sophia lived a wild life in private, but I hadn't expected her to be quite this bold.

"But he's so good to you. He just has a little performance issue. Why don't you just put up with it?"

I rolled my eyes and retorted, "That's easy for you to say. You're not the one suffering over here!"

Sophia let out a dry chuckle before continuing, "Well, talk about perfect timing! Mr. Birch has a business dinner tonight and will most likely be home late. Why don't I take you out to broaden your horizons a bit?"

Her words piqued my interest, and I snapped up the offer without a moment of hesitation.

…

That evening, I stood before the mirror, trying on one outfit after another.

Ultimately, I settled on a lace-knit maxi dress. Looking in the mirror, I knew I would be a showstopper. I could already feel the collective stare of passersby as they found themselves completely mesmerized.

Even though I was desperate for a release, I was still a conservative woman at heart. I paired the dress with a set of light-colored lingerie, creating a look that was sexy yet innocent. It was the perfect blend of ethereal and sultry.

And just like that, I followed the location Sophia had sent and found my way to that secluded nightclub.

As soon as I stepped inside, the thunderous bass began to vibrate in my chest. I looked up and noticed the dance floor was a sea of bodies, barely dressed and acting with reckless abandon. The scene set my blood on fire, and I found myself longing to be one of those women up there.

Gorgeous men and women were lost in each other in the corners of the club. I caught a glimpse of a woman's long legs coiled around a man's waist, and I didn't have the nerve to pry further. I bolted for the restroom.

After shutting the door behind me, I felt completely drained. Leaning against it, I gasped for air and crossed my legs tightly. I clamped my hand over my mouth, not daring to make a sound.

The very next second, someone started banging on the door. My heart leaped into my throat, and I was paralyzed with fear that someone would see the state I was in.

"Is anyone in there? Can you hurry up?"

Seconds ticked by, but I didn't dare move a muscle. Clearly, the person outside was growing impatient and knocked even harder. "Hey, is someone in there or not? If you don't open up soon, I'm coming in. I can't hold on any longer!"

With a creak, I hurriedly pushed the door open, but just as I was about to make a run for it, a man got in my way. He seized my wrist and eyed me with suspicion.

"Lorelei?"

Before I could answer, the man rushed into the bathroom and turned his back to me to relieve himself.

"Long time no see," he said casually. "I'm surprised to find a goody-two-shoes like you in a place like this. Is Caspian here? No? I haven't seen him in a hot minute; I kind of miss him!"

Realization dawned on me—he was my husband's friend, Jason Laurier. I had only met him once, on the day of our wedding, when he had served as the best man.

"Oh, he had something to do tonight, so he couldn't come. I came here with a friend."

Before I knew it, he had closed in on me. His hand brushed against my rear, and despite myself, a soft cry escaped me. In an instant, silence settled in the cramped space.

He watched me with keen interest, and I found myself stealing glances at him as well. He was tanned and ripped. His form-fitting shirt constantly accentuated his solid pectorals, and his thick, muscular arms looked incredibly strong.

I couldn't help but fantasize. I imagined that he must be formidable in bed.

A few seconds later, Jason looked at me with concern. "Lorelei, are you okay? Your face is so red."

He closed the distance between us and pressed his hand on my forehead to check my temperature. "You're quite warm. You aren't coming down with something, are you?"

When I heard that, I tilted my head back, only to realize his height gave him an unobstructed view of my chest every time he looked down.

Right as my mind was racing, he abruptly seized my waist and hoisted me up, carrying me back into the restroom. He leaned in, inhaling deeply. "You smell incredible, Lorelei. I wonder, does Caspian know how little you're wearing right now?"

Part of me was terrified, yet another part was secretly hoping that something would actually happen between us.

I shook my head repeatedly. "S-Stay back! If Caspian finds out, he'll never forgive you!"

Instead of getting mad, Jason chuckled. He reached out and tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. "I wonder if your body is as stubborn as your mouth is, Lorelei."

"Stop it!" I yelled.

At that moment, Sophia's voice drifted in from outside. "Lori? Lori, are you in there?"

Without a second thought, I called out, "I'm in here!"

Right after saying that, I gave Jason a meaningful look. He calmly released his grip, a faint smile curling at his lips as he said lowly in a voice that only the two of us could hear. "Don't worry, we'll be seeing each other again!"

When I emerged from the restroom, I lied to Sophia, claiming I had an upset stomach, and I ran home like a woman possessed.

When I passed through an alleyway, I ran into a group of hoodlums who whistled at my retreating figure.

"Hey, beautiful, are you looking for some company? Hold on a second. I'm sure at least one of us is your type!"

Those crude remarks made me tremble with fear, yet it felt as though the repressed little demon inside me was being stirred into life, slowly beginning to grow. At that very moment, I made up my mind; I had to have a proper talk with Caspian.

The moment I pushed open the front door, I realized he was already home, wearing an apron and simmering soup in the kitchen. He looked at me, surprised, before taking a few glances at the clock on the wall.

He sat across from me, his eyes filled with affection as he smiled. "Honey, I apologize for how I acted last night. I hope you won't hold it against me. Here, take this card and buy yourself something nice. Think of it as my way of making amends."

Furious, I shot to my feet and raised my voice. "Why on earth can't you just listen to me and go get yourself checked, Caspian Birch?"