Their marriage was a waltz of pretense - a rich man and his beautiful wife - two souls entangled in a web of power and obligation. The clock ticked relentlessly; Outside, the rain beat on the window like unshed tears.

“Dinner,” he said, casually tossing his coat onto the antique couch. “And let it be quick. I had an exhausting day at the office.” The buttons on his shirt glistened as he unbuttoned them, traces of his escapades hidden beneath the starched fabric.