"Second round?" The man's voice was deep and captivating. It was rough, laced with unspent desire, carrying a magnetic pull that drew you in.

Athena Kincaid glanced around, taking in the scattered suit, lace lingerie, the torn dress, and the high heels that had rolled beneath the sofa.

Everything around her silently spoke of the passion and madness that had just unfolded.

"No, I'm too tired," Athena replied softly.

The man's stamina was becoming astonishing. She had nearly cried out, begging him to stop earlier.

Yet, despite her words, her small hand couldn't resist boldly caressing his firm abs.

He grabbed her mischievous hand, his voice tinged with frustration but still oozing charm. "Don't tease me. I can't promise I'll be able to control myself."

Athena laughed.

Her beauty was captivating, her eyes gleaming like stars, lips red as cinnabar. Her long, dark curls spilled over her white back, accentuating her jade-like skin. The corner of her lips curled slightly, pulling at the tiny teardrop mole near her eye.

Her smile was stunning and irresistible.

The man gazed at her, a lazy look in his eyes as she rested in his arms like a cat basking in warmth. His desire flared, as if he wished to devour her completely.

"Don't be so stingy," she teased, "If I can't touch you anymore, I'll miss it terribly."

Her smile remained gentle and amused.

But suddenly, the man's expression stiffened, his face darkening with a chilling intensity. "What do you mean by that?"

Athena lifted the thin blanket and quickly got up, dressing herself. She then took a check from her bag and walked over to him. "Darling, here's $750,000 as compensation, and of course, this villa is yours too."

She placed the check in his hand.

At that moment, the man showed no sign of joy over the generous gift.

"Athena, are you trying to get rid of me?" His voice was dark, laced with a threatening edge, clearly trying to suppress his anger.

Athena's smile remained warm, like spring. She gently caressed his cheek and whispered softly, "My husband is back. I need to tone it down a little. Let's end things here."

The man's face instantly darkened, his eyes filled with reluctance.

Athena kissed his lips lightly, offering him a comforting smile. "Don't look like that. If you ever get into trouble, you can always call me."

With that, she gracefully stood, grabbed her bag, and left the room.

Just a few steps outside, a loud crash of breaking objects echoed behind her.

Athena didn't look back, her lips curling into a helpless smile.

Three years of warmth, though lacking true love, had still cultivated some attachment. Severing everything so abruptly was hard for anyone to accept.

She left the villa and headed straight for the airport.

Her husband, Paul Svarton, who had been indulging in an affair for three years, was finally returning—unable to withstand the pressure from his family.

She recalled the words he had spoken on their wedding night, as if they were still ringing in her ears:

"Athena, we grew up together and dated for two years, but I really don't feel anything for you."

"My heart belongs to Stella. If it weren't for my grandfather, I would never have married you."

"I won't touch you—that's my promise to Stella."

"What I can offer you is just the title of Mrs. Svarton. If you're lonely, you can find a boyfriend. I won't mind."

"Of course, don't interfere with me and Stella."

Three years had passed, yet every word was still etched clearly in Athena's heart.

The Kincaid and Svarton families had always been close, their relationship spanning three generations.

For Athena's generation, the Kincaid family had a daughter, the Svarton family had a son, and the two families quickly arranged a marriage for them.

To foster affection, the two children had always been inseparable, spending holidays visiting each other's homes.

Their relationship was very close, and once they went to university, it naturally developed into a romance.

Sadly, their bliss didn't last long. Stella McDotty's appearance disrupted everything.

Looking back, it was Athena who had pushed Paul toward Stella.

Stella was their high school classmate. She came from a poor family, was introverted, but was academically gifted—the only student at their prestigious school to receive a scholarship.

She was like a naive little rabbit that wandered into a lion's den, constantly bullied by the arrogant scions of wealthy families.

Every time, Athena would stand up for her, even fighting if necessary. Their friendship in high school was strong, and they later attended the same university.

As Athena's "best friend," Stella naturally grew close to Paul. But at that time, no one saw any signs of attraction between them.

During the summer of their second year in university, Athena and Paul signed up for a summer camp organized by the school. Just before departure, Athena sprained her ankle and had to give her spot to Stella.

Paul had shown little interest in the activity, but Athena insisted he go with Stella to look after her.

What she hadn't anticipated was that their care for each other sparked something more.

That summer, Athena faced the greatest blow of her life—Nicole Kincaid's sudden appearance.

At her lowest point, Paul suddenly asked for a breakup, saying he wanted to be with Stella.

Overcome by the shock, Athena impulsively tried to take her life by cutting her wrists. Though she didn't succeed, her attempt turned the situation around.

Paul's parents, deeply pained by the idea of losing her—after all, they had seen her as a daughter-in-law since childhood—pressured him to marry her.

Even Paul's grandfather used the family shares as leverage, forcing Paul to marry Athena.

However, less than two months after the wedding, Paul applied for an exchange program to Valor. Naturally, Stella went along too.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye...

Athena's thoughts were pulled back to reality by the sound of the car coming to a stop. Today, it was Paul's grandfather who had sent her to pick up Paul.

She glanced at her watch—it was just the right time.

Looking up, she saw Paul walking out of the airport terminal, pushing a suitcase. The well-dressed man stood there, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, exuding the elegance of a well-bred gentleman with every movement.

His originally gentle face darkened the moment he saw Athena.

Athena's lips curled into a smile as she gracefully stepped out of the car and walked toward him.

"Hubby, it's been so long. How have you been?" Her voice was sweet and melodious, carrying a hint of playful coquettishness that caught the attention of everyone nearby.

Passersby couldn't help but admire her beauty and whisper about her "hubby."

Paul stared at the radiant woman before him, his brow furrowing deeper.

Athena had clearly put effort into her appearance today—she was a far cry from the plain woman she had been three years ago

Her once bare face was now beautifully made up, her large, wavy hair cascading down, and she wore designer clothes that exuded an air of lazy luxury.

"Don't call me that," Paul said coldly, turning his attention to the woman standing beside him in a white dress.

Athena had already noticed Stella. She wore a loose, plain cotton dress and still looked fresh and lovely without makeup. One arm was looped around Paul's, the other casually resting on her slightly rounded belly—an unmistakable gesture.

Athena smiled sweetly and asked, "Oh, Stella, are you expecting?"