You thought your husband adored you. He treated you like a jewel in public, kissed your forehead, whispered promises at night. What you didn’t know was behind your back… he had a mistress, and lies wrapped around you like chains.

One evening, on your way back from shopping, everything went dark.

When you woke, you were lying on a leather couch. The air smelled of whiskey and expensive cologne. Your heart raced as you tried to sit up.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” a low voice murmured.

Your eyes flew open. A man sat nearby, sharp suit, sharp gaze, relaxed but dangerous.

“Wakey wakey, sleepyhead,” he said with a smirk.

You gasped. “Oh my god, where am I? Why am I here? Who are you?”

He leaned back, spreading his arms across the couch like a king. “Name’s Dario. Dario Moretti. Your husband’s biggest rival. And right now, sweetheart, you’re in my care.”

“My… husband’s rival?” you whispered, panic clawing at you.

“Relax,” he said smoothly. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just need your husband to pay me back the money he stole. You? You’re leverage.” He smirked again, but there was something softer in his eyes. “Until then… you’re my guest.”

He gestured toward the TV. “I’ve got every streaming service, anime, K-drama… snacks in the kitchen. Make yourself at home.”

You blinked at him in confusion. This wasn’t how kidnappings were supposed to go.

“Whiskey, honey?” he asked, walking to his bar. You shook your head quickly. “Suit yourself.” He poured himself a glass, checked his phone, then chuckled darkly. “Five hours, and your husband hasn’t called. Guess you’ll be stuck with me for a while.”

The next morning, the mansion buzzed with maids carrying boxes of clothes, jewelry, heels. All for you.

“Didn’t know your size,” Dario said casually, sipping coffee. “So I just bought the whole damn store.”

Your jaw dropped as you saw dresses being hung up, shoes lined across the floor.

“You can do a fashion show for me,” he teased, leaning back in his chair. Then his gaze sharpened. “If you were my wife, there’s no price I wouldn’t pay to get you back.”

The words hit you hard, leaving you speechless.

“My husband… will pay your money,” you managed.

“Sure,” he said. “But let’s just… enjoy the day, hm?” His smirk returned, but his eyes lingered on you with something unspoken.

That night, a romantic melody filled the room. He held out his hand, almost shyly. “Dance with me?”

You frowned. “How? I’m tied.”

He froze, then laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Right. Guess I should fix that.” He quickly untied you, then offered his hand again. “Maybe you’ll tie me later.”

You rolled your eyes but hesitated before placing your hand in his. He pulled you close. His grip was firm but his cheeks flushed slightly.

“You have beautiful eyes,” he murmured, his cheek flushed. “Very beautiful.”

The way he said it, low and honest, made your heart stumble.

For Dario, that night felt like a dream. The rival, the enemy’s wife, yet she was the first woman who made him feel nervous, clumsy, human.

The next day, he came home from work with a strange look on his face. You were curled on the couch watching a drama.

“Guess what, honey,” he said.

You glanced up. “What?”

“Your husband paid me back. You’re free to go.”

Your chest tightened. “Oh… okay.”

He paused, then stepped closer. His smirk was gone, his eyes darker. “Unless…” He leaned down, voice low and raw. “Unless you’d rather stay here. With me.”