He requested that i sleep with his wife

From the floor to ceiling window of his penthouse suite, Ray Maxwell was observing the sun setting over the cityscape and casting golden hues across the horizon. Despite the beautiful surroundings, he could not get rid of the nagging thought that he would never be able to fulfill his wife Ann's biggest wish—becoming a parent. Inside him, his frustration was building like a dormant volcano about to erupt. With a simple flick of his wrist, he could control the entire planet to do anything he desired. But in this one area, his riches were worthless and his influence negligible. He took on a determined expression as he turned to face the window. He kept looking into Ann's eyes until all of his disappointment faded. At all costs, he needed to find a way out. Ann was sitting on the side of the bed with her eyes downcast and a hint of agony trickling down her cheeks as Ray entered their opulent bedroom. Seeing her like this and knowing he was the reason behind her suffering broke his heart. "Ann," he muttered under his breath as he knelt in front of her and took her hands. The sight of your misery hurts so much. Despite our best efforts, nothing seems to be working. I apologize for not being able to provide you the one thing you truly desire in the entire world." Ann looked up into his face, her thoughts shifting to him. "I know, Ray," she choked out, and said nothing more. I don't hold it against you, though, because I love you. You are not accountable." Ray shook his head, growing angrier still. "No, Ann, I'm to blame. And until I figure out the solution, I'm not giving up. That's my promise to you. As he spoke those words, a deadly idea motivated by love grew in his head. He realized that they could have to say their ultimate goodbyes to one another. However, he was prepared to give up everything for Ann, and he would go to any lengths to get her acceptance. "Ann," he said with a sincere and poignant tone. "I want to ask you a question. Something that distinguishes it from the others." With hesitation visible on her features, Ann shot him a sidelong glance. Ray, could you please identify it for me? You are aware that it is entirely up to you to inform me. Ray inhaled deeply, bracing himself for her response. He cried out, difficult to say, "I want you to sleep with someone else." Ann's hands went to her lips in fear as her eyes grew wide. Ray, could you please elaborate on this? I was never able to." However, Ray interrupted her, his voice quivering with passion. "Ann, I know this is ridiculous, but I just can't take any more of your suffering. I would offer you to someone else if it meant going above and beyond to make sure you were satisfied." As his remarks remained between them, the room became silent. Taking a deep breath, Ray waited, believing Ann would not realize he was begging for help. Ann hardly said anything at all. "All right, Ray, I'll see to it. For you. Ray was filled with comfort and remorse upon hearing such remarks. At that moment, bringing Ann out of her suffering was all that mattered to him, regardless of the cost, even though he knew what he was asking of her was foolish and self-centred. The room quieted as Ray spoke, and Ann was having trouble grasping the scope of her husband's most recent request. Though she was unable to place it precisely, she felt something. She was staring at him, appearing both surprised and puzzled. Emotions clashing inside her mind were racing. "Ray, I'm not sure if I can handle this," she said, shaking her head. It's simply too much. Ray reached out, kissed her on the cheek, and begged her to turn around. "Ann, I realize this is a lot to ask, but I simply cannot bear to watch you go through this. If this is the only way to make you happy, all I want is for you to be happy." As their lips met, he trailed off, looking for some indication that she understood. However, Ann was thinking too quickly and overlooked the gravity of Ray's offer. Finally, she said to him in a whisper, "I need time," and got up from the bed. "I need time to think." Ray watched her go with a tremendous lot of remorse and dread. He was aware that he had forced her to make a decision that no woman should ever have to make and had placed her in a challenging circumstance. But at that moment, he only wanted to control her misery, no matter the cost. Ann was pacing back and forth in the dark bedroom as a flurry of contradictory ideas and feelings passed through her head. She would stop at nothing to ensure Ray's happiness because she loved him so deeply. Was she really going to make it through this? Could she give in to her husband's pleading demands and let go of everything she held dear? Ann's determination started to falter as the minutes passed. She was tired of Ray's never-ending battles and could not bear to think of him taking the blame for events that were out of his control. Maybe, just maybe, she could find it in herself if helping him feel better meant having s*x with another man. Ann decided what to do and apologized profusely. She intended to assist Ray. She would do anything to ensure his happiness, even if it meant putting her own happiness in danger. She didn't know, though, that the choice she made would start a series of events that would upend their universe and permanently alter their lives.