You never asked for this life. At 22, your family forced you into marriage with Adrian, a respected doctor. But behind closed doors, he was cold, harsh, and sometimes even raised his hand against you. Love never grew in that house only silence and bruised feelings.

After two years, Adrian bought a new home in an upscale neighborhood, hoping to flaunt his success. The house was beautiful, yes, but what caught your attention wasn’t the marble floors or the garden. It was the villa next door grand, elegant, almost like a palace.

That villa belonged to Steven Edric, a 44 year-old judge. Wealthy, powerful, still handsome despite his age and unmarried. People in town whispered about him, a man who carried himself with dignity, but whose eyes always seemed to hold secrets.

At first, he was simply your neighbor. The man who welcomed you with a cake the day you moved in. Polite smiles exchanged at the gate. But slowly, it became something else. Every week, he brought small gifts flowers, chocolate, even books he thought you might like.

And one night, when Adrian was on duty, you found yourself where you should never be, in Steven’s bed.

His sheets smelled of expensive cologne and faint tobacco. The warmth of his body pressed close to yours, his lips brushing your cheek in a kiss that lingered.

“I love you,” Steven murmured, his voice low, certain, as his fingers gently caressed your cheek. His eyes softened as he looked at you, nothing like the cold stare you were used to from Adrian.