Chapter 1 Chapter One

• Ava was excited to accompany her husband to the anniversary party at the company where he worked as the CEO's escort. They entered from the parking lot at the back of the hall where the event was to take place. As they entered the party hall, several people were surprised to see Dante arrive hand in hand with a woman; the women felt envious, wishing they were the ones arriving with the elegant man.
• "Have you seen how people are looking at us?" Ava spoke near her husband's ear. "Look at those women devouring you with their eyes. If they only knew that with your tough guy look, you only like men."
• "They're just envious because you're the most beautiful woman here," he replied as they walked towards one of the tables near the stage.
• "Sometimes I wish you were a man, you're my platonic love," she sighed, resigning herself, observing the place and the people filled with glamour.
• "Dante, are you sure they assigned us this table?" she glanced around, noticing it was secluded from the others and more luxurious.
• "Yes! You know about rich stuff. It was the people who organized this event who offered me this table. Stop being curious and just enjoy the moment," he said confidently to reassure her.
• "Alright, I'll take advantage and have a glass of wine," she said, smiling.
• Dante discreetly raised his hand so she wouldn't see, and a waiter served them wine. Ava happily received the glass and flirtatiously whispered, "Let's toast to being happy with the right people when we part."
• "I'm happy just like this with you," he said, his voice sensual, his gray eyes piercing.
• Ava felt every hair on her skin stand on end. She sighed disappointedly. When she was about to respond, a man approached her husband, spoke in his ear, then left.
• "What did that man say to you?"
• "Just stay seated here. Don't move," Ava only nodded.
• Dante stood up, adjusted his suit elegantly, took a few steps, and climbed a small set of stairs to the stage. He raised his hands proudly and greeted the audience, casting a glance at his wife, who looked astonished. He smiled at her, then spoke with a masculine and authoritative voice.
• "Good evening! I want to thank everyone for sharing this night with us and celebrating the growth of Musk Systems."
• The audience applauded cheerfully.
• "I want to thank my grandmother Greta for introducing me to my lovely wife Ava. We've been married for a year now," he announced, looking at his wife, who was frozen.
• Ava widened her beautiful emerald eyes, blushing as she felt the gazes of the people on her. She wanted to run away from the place. She didn't understand why her husband had lied to her like that.
• "Dear wife, come here so they can meet you!"
• Ava was immobilized. Grandmother Greta approached her and took her hands.
• "Come on, my dear, come up on stage so everyone can meet the CEO's wife."
• "What? CEO?" She was terrified, it was the only thing she managed to say.
• "Come, my love," the old lady said again with a smile.
• Grandmother Greta dragged Ava up the stairs. She felt her legs like jelly. Before climbing the last step, she sighed several times to gather strength. She looked up and saw hands reaching out to her. She delicately offered hers, and he guided her to the front of the stage.
• Dante took the opportunity to kiss her tenderly. Ava was breathless, her heart racing. She didn't know if it was because of the nerves or because of that kiss. When they separated, she whispered softly.
• "You lied to me!"
• "Smile, my love, the envious ones are watching you, and the journalists are taking pictures of us."
• Ava forced a smile and let herself be hugged by her husband.
• "Enjoy the party; it was made especially for you." He took his wife's hand and helped her down from the stage.
• At that moment, the music started, and Dante pulled his wife onto the dance floor. He was happy; she calmed his entire aura.
• Ava didn't say anything. She was furious and wanted to kill Dante right there. A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered that kiss. With a thin voice, she said, her heart racing in her chest.
• "Dante, aren't you gay?"
• "No!" he replied maliciously, his gray eyes filled with lust.
• Ava, frightened, swallowed hard. Her mouth felt dry. She moved away from him and walked to the table; she needed a glass of wine.
• The journalists didn't stop taking pictures of them. The media spread the news that the most sought-after bachelor by society's women was married and denied rumors of being gay.
• "Why did you lie to me?" she asked Grandmother Greta, taking another sip of wine.
• "You asked me for help with a husband, and I gave you my grandson," the old lady sat beside her and continued, "My boy was your best option, and pretending to be poor was his idea." She looked in Dante's direction, who was talking to some partners. "Don't judge him; he just wanted to make sure you weren't a scammer trying to take advantage of this old lady."
• "I'm not that kind of person; I would never take advantage of someone like you to get to a powerful man," she sighed sadly, "now I'm really in trouble."
• "I knew you were a good girl the day I found you crying in the park, but my grandson is distrustful, and he's not very good at romantic relationships," she said with a smile of appreciation. "Can I tell you the truth? You also helped me because I found the right wife for that stubborn boy."
• "Not for long, because as soon as I divorce, I'll be Ava Hayek," she grumbled angrily as she watched him walk towards them.
• "Grandma, the driver is waiting to take you home," Dante exclaimed, glancing at his wife.
• "I want to go home too!" Ava proclaimed arrogantly.
• Dante gave her a dark look and warned her with a whisper. "Okay, Ava, whatever you say. Try to smile; the journalists are watching us."
• They left the venue, he held her arm. The chauffeur was waiting at the entrance. They got into the car.
• "Nestor, please take me to my mansion," Dante ordered his chauffeur.
• With sharp eyes, Ava shouted, "Take me home, and I want a DIVORCE," emphasizing the last word.
• "No, bunny, we're going to my house, and I'm going to show you how vigorous I can be," he said with a thick voice and a lustful look.
• Ava watched as he devoured her with his gaze. "You're a pervert. What the hell are you saying? Stop the car; I want to get out," she managed to articulate with a thin voice, her heart pounding in her chest, her pulses accelerating within seconds.
• "You heard me, my love. You and many people think I'm gay. Do you have any idea what it means to say that to a man like me?" his eyes turned dark.
• Ava felt a shiver run down her spine, and her legs began to tremble. With a lump in her throat, she said, "Well, you're a liar, and I want a divorce."
• "Before you divorce me, you're going to pay a debt you owe me, and that will be tonight," he leaned a little closer to her and kissed her gently. When they separated, she felt a hand slap her cheek, a burning sensation appeared. She brought a hand to her face, rubbing her cheek, and uttered, "You can hit me, but tonight you'll be mine."