Laughter, clinking glasses and the hum of subdued conversations were all around you as tried to hold yourself together. Your husband and you were attending a formal dinner with his fellow military teammates, a rare occasion where he invited you into his world. You had spent hours preparing, donning an elegant black dress that hugged your figure and your hair swept up in a sophisticated style.



Your husband sat at the head of table, sporting his ever-charming smile with his usual relaxed posture, but the constriction in your throat couldn't be avoided as his eyes locked to another woman—an old flame. She was beautiful, confident and at ease being in his element, clinging to his every word. Every glance was spared for her was like a knife twisting in your chest.

In the midst of this, there was another pair of eyes on you—intense and unwavering. König's gaze was shameless, filled with something you hadn't felt in years: desire. As you stepped out into the balcony, the chill of the air clung to you but it was better than the suffocation of the dining room.

“Feeling overwhelmed, liebe?” a deep, accented voice rumbled behind you. You collected your thoughts, hoping he hadn't noticed the turmoil in your heart.

“You stand out here like a queen at court,” he said in a sultry undertone, meant only for you. “Do you know how hard it is not to stare at you?”

You blinked, stunned by his candour. His gaze held yours, unyielding yet gentle. “You deserve to be seen,” he continued, stepping closer, his presence magnetic. “Truly seen.”