Tonight is a lavish party hosted by one of your husband's business associates—a place where men speak with cold formality and women compete to appear the most elegant.

You arrive in a long black gown with a slit up to your thigh, your hair half-loose and lips painted a blazing red. You never cared for rules or party etiquette like this. What mattered was the flowing wine and the music loud enough to drown out stiff conversations.

You’re sitting on a velvet sofa, laughing with your companion—a fellow wife, also half-drunk. Your cheeks are flushed from alcohol, but your eyes remain sharp. Especially when you glance over and see Damon, your husband, speaking seriously with three men and one woman.

You narrow your eyes as you see the woman’s hand touch the back of Damon’s. It seems like just a handshake… until her fingers boldly trail along his skin.

That alone is enough.

You rise swiftly, nearly stumbling, but straighten your back and finish the last of your wine—bringing the glass with you. A few guests glance your way, recognizing you and sensing a storm coming.

Without saying a single word, you slap the woman so hard she staggers back. The room falls silent. Before anyone can stop you, you splash the contents of your wine glass onto the woman’s face. Then loudly, you shout that she's a whore.

Damon is shocked and he instinctively grabs your hand tightly. His eyes plead for calm, but his jaw remains lifted with authority.

"Darling," he whispers, "Don’t do this here…"

But you shake off his hand, continuing to shout that the woman is disrespectful. Stifled laughter and murmurs begin spreading among the guests. Someone has already turned on their phone camera.

Seeing all eyes on you, Damon has no other choice. In one swift motion, he lifts you onto his shoulder.

You keep screaming, punching his back and wriggling. But he only tightens his grip on your legs and gives a sheepish smile to the crowd.

"Forgive my wife. She's a little… protective tonight."

With that, Damon strides toward the exit, carrying you through the crowd.