Chapter 1

I woke up in a stranger's bed after drowning my sorrows at a bar, having discovered my boyfriend's infidelity.

To my shock, I found myself entangled with Andrew Wallace, my boyfriend's closest friend.

Our bodies were intimately close, my fair-skinned leg draped over his midsection.

"Andrew? What's going on? Why am I here?" I asked in confusion. "Oh no, please tell me we didn't... do anything last night?"

Andrew chuckled darkly, grasping my chin. "I should be the one asking that. Do you recall what you did to me, Bennett?"

The day before was supposed to be a romantic surprise for Jasper Douglas, my boyfriend. I'd arranged an impromptu flight to see him during a family visit. I even packed his favorite strawberry snack, knowing he'd be craving it after a week apart.

But when I arrived, I was greeted by a heartbreaking scene. Jasper was on the couch, passionately embracing another woman.

Caught in the act, Jasper fumbled for excuses. "I was intoxicated," he muttered, claiming he'd mistaken his secretary - who had allegedly brought him home - for me.

His tone was childishly whiny.

"You've been away for a week, Charlotte. I felt lonely and suffocated. You need to take responsibility for that."

Then, as if nothing had happened, he reached for me, attempting to undress me.

I pushed him away, exasperated. "I'm exhausted, Jasper. Do whatever you want."

That evening, I drank myself into oblivion at a bar. When I regained consciousness, Andrew was looking down at me, both irritated and amused.

"Andrew," I mumbled, my voice unsteady, "why am I here? We didn't... do anything last night, did we?"

He smirked, lifting my chin. "That's what I should be asking you."

"Do you remember what you did to me, Bennett?" he inquired, his voice gruff.

I massaged my aching head, struggling to recall the events of the previous night. But my mind was blank.

"You've got some nerve," Andrew said with a wry smile. "Going out alone to drink like that. If I hadn't run into you, those guys might have taken advantage of you," he added, shaking his head.

His words sent a chill down my spine.

"This is what you did," Andrew said, removing his robe in one swift motion.

"You attacked me like a wild animal. What did you think you were doing?" he continued, revealing his body. His chest, arms, and neck were covered in dark bruises. My bite marks.

I stared in horror as the truth dawned on me. I must have been so drunk I mistook him for Jasper, that cheating scoundrel.

Without another word, Andrew went to prepare some soup. I sat there, consumed by shame and anger.

When the soup arrived, I couldn't bring myself to eat. I just stirred it listlessly, my frustration building until tears began to fall.

Andrew shook his head. "You look ridiculous and quite pitiful, to be honest," he said mockingly.

He wasn't wrong. I was pitiful and ridiculous.

I'd been with Jasper since I was 19, dedicating eight years of my life to him. I was always the one surprising him with seasonal treats and thoughtful gestures.

After graduation, Jasper insisted I stay home instead of pursuing a career. "I'll provide for you," he'd said, wanting me to be the ideal homemaker.

While my peers advanced in their careers, becoming successful professionals, I became little more than a glorified maid. I cooked, cleaned, and even learned Thai massage to ease Jasper's neck pain.

His friends joked that I was spoiling him. "You're turning him into a pampered child," they'd laugh. But I was too blinded by love to see the warning signs.

And now? He couldn't even stay faithful for a week without me.

Andrew offered me a tissue, interrupting my thoughts. "You've almost filled the bowl with tears. Or is that how you prefer your soup - tear-flavored?"

He pushed the bowl closer. "Eat up. I'll call Jasper to come get you when you're done."

I slammed the spoon down and stood up abruptly. "Mind your own business, Wallace! Who asked for your help anyway?"

Grabbing my bag, I stormed out of his apartment, leaving the untouched soup behind.