Chapter 2

After the two of them left, I sat on the sofa staring blankly at that box of pearls.

The already cheap pearls had lost their original luster after years of sitting there, becoming dull and yellowed.

Just like Andre's spoiled sincerity.

Before leaving, Andre said, "Don't bully young, pretty girls just because you're old now."

Thinking about it carefully, there had been signs of Andre's change of heart for a long time.

We hadn't been intimate in ages.

I was thirty-two, right at an age when I had needs.

But every time I saw Andre's somewhat resistant expression, I just assumed he was tired from work and didn't push him.

Turns out he was using all his energy on someone else.

That girl was indeed young and pretty.

I looked at myself in the mirror. At thirty-something, I was still radiant, looking as young as someone in their twenties.

The aura and beauty money had built around me could rival any TV actress.

Andre really had no taste.

Tossling my wavy hair, I called a friend. "That young celebrity you mentioned last time—let me meet him."

My friend's laughter came through the phone. "I really thought you were going to stay faithful to that kept man for life."

"Everyone in our circle keeps two or three on the side. Only you were willing to stay clean for him."

I used to think loyalty was the most basic principle for a partner, so in all the years I'd been married to Andre, no matter what people said, I'd never been with anyone else.

"How did you suddenly wise up?"

"Just realized he's pretty boring. Don't want to waste more time."

"One won't be enough. Tonight, the usual place. I'll find you several to choose from."

"Okay."

After hanging up, I had my personal stylist come give me a look that was perfect down to my toenails before heading out.

In the private room at Skyline Hotel, eight young, handsome men stood waiting.

My friend sat beside me, giving them looks. "Hurry up and attend to her. If Leicester takes a liking to you, you'll be set for life."

Several young men immediately gathered around me, asking after my well-being.

Honestly, it felt pretty good.

After a few rounds of drinks, I went to the restroom.

Passing by the next private room, the door wasn't closed. I heard Andre's voice from inside.

His buddy asked him, "Your wife's a rich woman no matter what. You're never home—aren't you afraid she'll dump you?"

"I don't want to go home and smell her old lady scent. If you like it, you go smell it."

"No thanks. Who'd be attracted to an old woman?"

"But still, you're relying on her to..."

"Watch your words. Andre's got that old woman completely under control. Look, has she found anyone else all these years?"

Andre was playing with a discolored pearl in his hand. "Don't worry. She's most afraid of me leaving her."

"She used to have plenty of people around her, but after I pulled that countdown literature stunt with this box of pearls, she sent all those men away."

"Andre's the man! A ten-dollar box of broken pearls, and the rich lady's completely devoted."

He pulled Mary close. "She's over thirty now, past her prime. If she keeps making trouble, I'll just disappear. Let's see if she regrets it then."