Addicted To Love

Chapter 1 The Price

"Oh... darling, I can't take it anymore..."

"Hmm? Baby, I'm just getting started!"

The man and woman on the screen were lost in a mire of desire, about to launch into another round of passion...

Renee Welch forced down the urge to vomit and turned off the surveillance equipment. She picked up a pair of scissors and started to trim the branches to calm herself.

The man on the screen was Renee's husband, Chase Hastings. Despite never touching her after their marriage, he showed boundless enthusiasm for other women.

Renee didn't understand. Was she not attractive enough? After all, she was a renowned beauty in Chicago.

When her father's company faced financial trouble, Renee hurriedly married Chase, whose family's financial support saved the company. She had always been grateful to Chase for this.

She grew up amid her parents' constant arguments. During those turbulent years, she resolved to take control of her own marriage and have a happy family! This goal became her lifelong obsession, and she was willing to sacrifice everything for it.

After getting married, she cut back on work, diligently maintained her appearance and figure, and stifled her personality. She prepared elaborate dinners every day, waiting for Chase to come home to her.

She believed that if she gave her everything to their little family, Chase's heart would eventually soften, indirectly healing her childhood wounds.

Clearly, she was wrong.

Chase had always accused her of causing the death of his first love, claiming he married her for revenge. His plan was to let her wither away in emptiness and loneliness. But Renee had no idea what had really happened and she vowed to find out the truth someday!

Burdened with this unfounded accusation, her career sidelined, she had no choice but to endure her husband's repeated infidelities, trapped in a loveless, respectless marriage for three long years. She had had enough of this miserable life!

"Ugh..." Deep in thought, Renee accidentally pricked her finger with the scissors, but she didn't feel the pain.

As she stared at the bright red blood, a long-buried sense of rebellion suddenly surged within her.

The night was enveloped in a deep, impenetrable darkness.

Renee staggered along the road, her vision blurry, cheeks flushed, and hair tousled by the wind. The alcohol made her head swim, distorting her sense of direction. With a mix of drunken vulnerability and recklessness, she wandered into a poor neighborhood.

She stumbled forward, Chase's scornful words echoing in her mind.

Chase said, "Just looking at you makes me sick. Even the street thugs wouldn't want someone as lowly as you!"

Every time Renee heard such words, she would tremble with anger, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

Her alcohol-fueled brain swirled with negative emotions. How could Chase control her for three years through marriage, refusing to love her or grant a divorce? The thought made Renee agitated as she brushed her long hair back in frustration.

Fueled by alcohol, her pent-up repression roared to the surface. She wanted Chase to know she wasn't a puppet to be manipulated but a woman with thoughts and feelings!

Under the dim streetlight, she spotted a man lying in the corner, his clothes tattered and stained with blood. He looked like a thug, and yet his face was strikingly handsome, exuding an air of defiance and arrogance even with his eyes closed. Renee's heart began to race. She knew she was drawn to this man. She couldn't help but approach him, feeling like she was stepping into an unknown adventure.

Renee gathered her courage and leaned closer to the man's face. She extended a finger, lightly tracing from his forehead to his chin, and whispered, "How about we make a deal? You're hurt, I'll save you, and you repay me?"

She continued murmuring, "I'll take that as a yes!" With that, she started unbuttoning his shirt. One button, two buttons. She could feel her heart pounding fiercely.

The man's solid chest was soon exposed, and the coolness of his skin against her fingertips fascinated Renee, as did the powerful contours of his muscles.

Just as she reached the last button, a faint reprimand startled her. "What are you doing?"

Renee froze as the man opened his eyes, glaring at her with hawk-like sharpness. Their gazes met in the darkness, like two electric currents colliding, sparking layers of tension. Feeling the danger in his eyes, she instantly wanted to run away.

But Renee quickly regained her composure. With her delicate, smooth hands, she boldly unfastened the final button, slowly moving her hand across his chest in a circular motion. Her brazen actions served as her answer to his question.

The man tensed all over as Renee's hands moved, her amber eyes locking onto his as if trying to peer into the depths of his soul. He furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly displeased by Renee's direct gaze. His deep blue eyes gradually sharpened, hinting at an impending storm, yet Renee remained unfazed, meeting his gaze with a confident smile playing at her lips.

The tension between them intensified, Renee feeling herself caught in an exhilarating standoff. She took a deep breath and made her move, starting to undress him.

The man was surprised by Renee's boldness and found himself intrigued by the woman before him. Renee's presence cast ripples in the calm waters of his mind, stirring up a silent turmoil. Little did he know that these small ripples were about to transform into a tidal wave.

Nevertheless, Renee didn't halt her advances and kept going. After stripping him bare, she calmly removed her own dress, discreetly monitoring the man's reaction. Seeing his little guy standing tall like a sentinel only fueled her satisfaction.

Suppressing her shame, Renee heard herself say, "Tonight, you'll be mine."

Her voice trembled slightly at the end, signaling her not indomitable spirit. But as the words left her lips, Renee felt a surge of liberation coursing through her veins.

Her bold declaration didn't offend the man but excited him with the challenge. She was bathed in moonlight, her ethereal yet seductive form seemed to merge angelic purity with demonic allure, descending upon him. He stared at Renee intently, ready to devour her soul in the next moment.

Renee pressed herself against him, her feminine scent and softness like enchanting tendrils, ensnaring every fiber of his being.

Sensing Renee's attempt to take control, the man realized that if he didn't act now, this audacious woman would truly overpower him! Prideful by nature, he turned the tables, rising to his feet. "Woman, this is the price you pay for provoking me!"

With that, he reached out, pulling Renee tightly into his embrace. Renee found herself enveloped in the man's powerful arms as if rediscovering a long-lost source of comfort. His hands caressed her sensitive spots while his aggressive kisses claimed her delicate neck, leaving deep imprints behind.