Chapter 1

My husband came back from his business trip. While I was helping him unpack his suitcase, I found a pair of pink, sexy lace thongs.

I checked the size. It wasn't mine.

It had clearly been worn. There was no way this was a gift for me.

Holding the thong, I walked over to him.

"Pretty sexy. It even has a little pearl strand."

His face flushed as red as the lace. He snatched it from my hand and hid it behind his back.

"It was a prank! The guys at the office snuck it into my bag. I swear I had no idea!"

I let out a cold laugh but didn't push him further.

He was a U.S. Congressman. People in his line of work didn't play childish pranks like that.

Instead of calling him out on his lie, I secretly pulled out my phone and sent an anonymous email to his chief political rival.

"I am reporting Representative Ethan Vance for abusing his congressional office to sleep with a female subordinate."

You wanted to play dirty, Ethan? Let's see if you can afford the price.

My phone screen lit up with the notification: "Report email delivered successfully."

I clicked the screen off and placed the phone on the nightstand. Beside me, Ethan was fast asleep.

Just half an hour ago, he was clutching that red lace thong, desperately trying to convince me it was just "locker-room dares and stupid bets."

Ethan wasn't just a Congressman; he was the party's top fundraiser. In his custom-tailored suits, he looked as solid and honorable as a statue on Capitol Hill.

He used to say that any man who liked lace was a freak.

Now, that very thong was stuffed right under his pillow.

I got out of bed and walked barefoot over to his pile of dry-cleaned suits.

I picked up his congressional blazer.

On the collar, there was a single strand of chestnut hair. Long and wavy.

My hair was jet-black and bone-straight.

I reached into his trouser pockets and pulled out a crumpled receipt from a convenience store.

The timestamp was 8:30 PM tonight.

Items purchased: a pack of strawberry gum, and a box of ultra-thin condoms.

At 8:30 PM, Ethan had texted me saying he was working late at his district office and had to put his phone on silent.

Working late at a convenience store? Celebrating a passed bill with a box of condoms?

I walked back to the bed.

Ethan rolled over, murmuring in his sleep. "Stop it... be good..."

His tone was incredibly tender, almost pampering.

Looking at his sharp, handsome face, my stomach churned with disgust. I didn't sleep a wink that night.

Just as dawn broke, Ethan woke up.

"Chloe, why are you up so early?"

He leaned in to kiss me.

I turned my head to avoid him and got up to grab some clothes from the closet.

"What's wrong? Still mad about the thong last night? I told you, it was just a stupid game. I lost a bet."

I changed with my back turned to him, keeping my voice flat.

"I'm not mad. I'm going to drop by your office later to bring some pastries for your staff."

Ethan paused in the middle of adjusting his tie.

"Don't bother. The office is a mess right now, and it smells like stale coffee."

"I used to go all the time. Why? Is there something in your office you don't want me to see now?"

I turned around to look at him.

Ethan's eyes flickered with anxiety before he frowned.

"I just don't want you to tire yourself out. Fine, go if you want."

He buttoned his suit, grabbed his car keys, and headed for the door.

"I'm heading out. I have an early committee hearing to prep for."

The door slammed shut.

I walked to the window and watched his SUV pull out of the driveway.

He wasn't heading toward Capitol Hill. He was driving west, toward the university district.

I pulled out my phone and shot a text to my cousin, Zoe.

"Help me look into someone. They probably rent an apartment on the west side, likely a recent college grad who has connections with Ethan."

Zoe replied instantly: "Whoa, Chloe. What made you decide to investigate your perfect husband?"

I didn't reply. I put my phone down.