Chapter 2

"The Allure Academy" occupied the top floor of a high-rise office building.

The interior decor was excessively opulent.

The receptionist, with a professionally perfect smile, led Liam and me into a consultation room.

A woman in a tailored suit, who introduced herself as Ms. Evelyn Blackwood, greeted us.

She looked meticulously polished from head to toe, her eyes appraising everyone with a calculated gaze.

"Mr. Chen, we completely understand your concerns."

Ms. Blackwood's voice was sickeningly sweet, yet her gaze swept over me like a surgeon's scalpel.

"Modern marriages require couples to grow together, especially women. They must constantly maintain their allure and... that is the core philosophy of our courses."

Liam reclined on the sofa, looking relaxed, as if he'd found a kindred spirit:

"I just feel like she can't keep up with me. She's so dreary all the time, and in bed especially... huff..."

He paused, glancing at me with disgust, "Absolutely no passion."

He seemed intent on wounding me with his words.

Ms. Blackwood nodded knowingly, then smiled at me, a smile devoid of warmth:

"Mrs. Chen, please understand that your husband is your world, your north star. Fulfilling your husband's every need and maintaining marital harmony is a woman's greatest value and purpose. Here, we help you rediscover that value."

I lowered my head, staring at the worn-out tips of my faded canvas sneakers, my nails digging deep into my palms.

"We'll conduct a comprehensive initial assessment for Mrs. Chen,"

Ms. Blackwood pressed a call button on the table, "including physical form, demeanor, and... a partial obedience assessment. Rest assured, we follow the most scientific procedures."

The door opened, and two women, also in tailored suits with stern expressions, entered. They looked like trained attendants.

"Take Mrs. Chen to the assessment room."

Ms. Blackwood instructed.

Liam waved his hand, dismissing me like an unnecessary object:

"Go on, cooperate with the instructors."

I was pinned to the spot by the casual indifference in his words.

Not until the two women took my arms, one on each side, half-forcing me away from the consultation room.

Their fingers were strong, digging into my flesh.

The assessment room was more spacious than I imagined, with mirrors on all four walls reflecting countless images of my pale, bewildered self.

In the center of the room was something resembling an examination table.

"Take it off."

The female assistant coach ordered, her face expressionless.

My body stiffened, and I instinctively hugged my arms around myself.

A flash of memory: Liam shielding me, his cold eyes on anyone who dared disrespect me.

But now, the one pushing me here was him.

"The initial assessment requires precise body measurements. Anything you're wearing will interfere with the results."

The other woman added, her eyes devoid of emotion, as if stating the most ordinary fact.

Humiliation flooded over me, my cheeks burning.

"No... I can't..."

I whispered my protest, tears welling up instantly, fully playing the part of a terrified, weak woman.

"You have no choice!"

The two assistant coaches stepped forward, roughly tearing at my clothes.

Buttons popped, the sound of fabric ripping was jarring.

"Let me go! Please! Liam... Liam will be angry if he knows..."

I struggled, cried out, revealing my fear of and dependence on my husband, which only made their actions more audacious.

"Mr. Chen paid good money for us to make you better and obedient!"