My Husband Changed Locks & Evicted Me From House When Caught Me Cheating. Revenge Sad Audio Story

[Music] Nick Tracy, the son of a disciplined military father and a gentle Vietnamese homemaker, grew up in a modest neighborhood where life was anything but easy. As a boy, he was small and often the target of bullies, but his father's decision to enroll him in a local martial arts dojo changed his trajectory. Under the guidance of Jojo Nolan, Nick discovered a passion for disciplined combat, excelling in both physical prowess and academic achievements. By the time Nick reached adulthood, his resilience and intelligence had become defining traits. A top graduate with a degree in mathematics, computers,

and business, he built a stable life, eventually meeting his future wife, Annie, in college. Their shared curiosity and drive made them an extraordinary pair; together, they carved out a life that balanced her meteoric rise in the financial world and his flexible career in programming. Yet, beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic partnership lurked unspoken doubts and secrets, both of which would be tested in ways neither anticipated. Nick Tracy, feeling out of place but unwilling to leave his wife, Annie, unaccompanied, joined her at a lavish gathering hosted by Mike White, a former football star turned investment

mogul. Though Nick had misgivings about attending and even about Annie's enthusiasm for the event, she was adamant. Mike, a celebrated retired midfielder who led his team to championship glory the previous year, had parlayed his fame into financial success within investments that, at one point, were managed by Annie's firm and later overseen by Annie herself. Annie, 30, is a financial expert at Brag Inc., a firm working with athletes and celebrities. A stunning blonde, she married Nick eight years ago while they were in college. They have a seven-year-old son, Travis, who resembles Nick. Nick, nearly 6 feet

tall with a medium build, appears good-natured but has a more complex past. As a child, he was small, poor, and often bullied. His father, Greg, was a career Army sergeant, and his mother, Nora, a second-generation Vietnamese housewife. Nora cared deeply for Nick but couldn't shield him from neighborhood bullies. At 7, after losing a race and coming home beaten, Nick's father introduced him to Jojo Nolan's dojo. Jojo focused on teaching Nick how to fight, not merely self-defense. With Jojo's guidance, Nick channeled his deep-seated anger and resentment into disciplined combat skills. Though small, Nick was fast, strong,

and exceptionally smart, excelling academically and never earning less than an A. The dojo became Nick's sanctuary; he trained rigorously, mastering techniques that prioritized precision over emotional outbursts. By nine, he confidently defended himself against older bullies, earning respect and ending the maltreatment. Over time, he grew taller and stronger, and Jojo adapted his training to maintain his agility. At 18, Nick graduated high school as a skilled fighter. His academic excellence secured him a scholarship to a local university where he majored in mathematics, computers, and business. Nick met Annie during their junior and senior year business classes, and

their mutual intelligence and shared interests quickly drew them together. Their connection grew into an intimate relationship with undeniable compatibility in every sense. Both adventurous and curious, they sought excitement in life but kept their focus solely on each other. Occasionally, fantasies crept in; Nick imagined Annie as Jamie Lee Curtis in Blue Steel, and Annie indulged her own whims, but they kept these strictly as fantasies, formalizing their commitment in a handwritten signed promise when they decided to marry. After graduating, Annie quickly excelled in her career at Brag Inc., earning substantial income while Nick worked as a computer

programmer from home. When Travis was born, Nick became the primary caregiver after two months, balancing parenting with his programming work. Observing Annie's business acumen, he invested a bonus in one of her recommended startups, Magnetism, which aimed to connect singles and like-minded people. The venture succeeded, and Nick earned a significant profit when it went public, retiring shortly after, sensing competitors would soon saturate the market. He advised Annie to pull her clients out, which hastened the startup's decline. Quietly, Nick made a controversial short sale, increasing his wealth, though he kept it secret from Annie. Five years into

their marriage, Nick noticed Annie spending less time at home, and he withheld his business ventures from her, establishing his own programming firm. He took on classified government contracts requiring security clearance. Through this process, he accessed revealing information about Annie; she was earning far more than Nick had assumed, with investments in her company's accounts that were publicly recorded but never discussed at home. Despite her financial expertise, Annie showed little interest in technology, leaving her digital life open for Nick to explore. They maintained separate tax filings and contributions, but Nick realized her silence about her full financial

dealings mirrored his own secrecy. Nick refrained from digging too deeply into Annie's professional life, but after discovering her investment account, he searched her laptop and phone. He found work-related plans but nothing to suggest infidelity. Annie appeared focused on her job and the high-profile clients she represented. Together, they attended parties hosted by actors, athletes, musicians, and wealthy elites about five or six times a year. Nick usually enjoyed these events, even though Annie often became preoccupied once they arrived. She always went home with him and never behaved suspiciously. Their bed life remained strong, though occasionally, Nick felt

she was distracted. Perhaps once a month, these moments fueled his decision to monitor her more closely, but he ultimately concluded her absences were strictly work-related. Life carried on until Annie took on Mike White as a client. Mike, married to actress Jill Slayton, had two daughters aged six and eight. Annie replaced Jake Blake, a notorious flirt who had caused tension by attempting to seduce Jill, leading to his reassignment. Mike specifically requested a female adviser; though Annie didn't know he had asked for her in particular, after taking on Mike, Annie spent even more. "Time at work occasionally

joining him and Jill for lunch. Jill, aware of Mike's attraction to Annie, attended these lunches to assess the situation. She knew Mike's interest was more than professional but surprisingly didn't mind if he pursued Annie. Jill herself wanted an affair with her upcoming co-star and rationalized that if Mike slept with Annie, he couldn't criticize her own actions so long as the matter stayed discreet. At lunch, Jill observed Mike's obvious interest in Annie and wondered if Annie might eventually give in. She knew Annie was married with a child, but she doubted Nick— a seemingly average stay-at-home dad—would

be much of a deterrent to Jill. Annie's choices were her own, and any fallout would be Annie's responsibility. Jill and Mike had been married for nearly ten years. In their early years, both had been unfaithful while traveling, but six years ago they discovered each other's affairs and vowed to rebuild their marriage. They succeeded, but now Mike was attracted to Annie, his financial adviser. Jill, accustomed to being pursued by attractive men, recently felt tempted by Durk, her co-star. She reasoned that a small fling wouldn't destroy their marriage. "We both love our children," she thought. "We can

forgive each other, maybe even reach a new understanding." Mike remained one of the best lovers Jill had ever known, and she valued their chemistry, but she also believed a little variety could spice things up. On the drive home after dinner, she teased him, "Do you want that woman? Don't bother denying it; I saw everything." Mike sighed. "I'm sorry. We made a promise, and I'll keep it." "Really?" Jill smirked. "What if I let you go? Will you let me go, you know, for Durk?" Mike bristled. "Because of him?" "I don't believe the rumors about his so-called

manhood." Jill shrugged coyly. "No firsthand experience yet, but we'll be working together for two months. If he turns out to be a disappointment, it might just be a one-time thing." Mike frowned. "I don't agree. We have a family, and we'll protect it. I'll always love you the most; nothing else will change that." "Sure," Jill replied. "But I know you're going to try for Annie. She's married with a child, and don't forget about me." Mike gave her a sharp look. "Are you suggesting some sort of trade?" "Something like that," Jill quipped. "You keep it discreet, no

scandals, no news; that's my condition. If Durk breaks it, I'll tell him you're a jealous husband with armed friends." Mike nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. But what if Annie doesn't give in?" "No trades needed, just a refusal." "You doubt me?" Jill grinned. "Men are so simple. Watch and see." Annie quickly became the focus of Mike White's attention after lunch. She returned to her office, fully aware of what had transpired. Though she maintained a calm exterior, she could tell Mike was visibly excited during their meal—a detail Jill likely noticed too. Annie wondered if it was her or Jill

causing his reaction but concluded it was her, not his wife of ten years. No matter how stunning Jill was, Annie faced a decision: keeping Mike's account would boost her career, but she didn't truly need it. She admitted to herself that Mike's confidence, strength, and his obvious interest intrigued her. Nick, her husband, was also strong but lacked Mike's boldness. She even noticed Mike's physical attributes during lunch, which piqued her curiosity further. Still, she had a loving family and knew an affair would destroy her marriage and devastate Nick. Despite the temptation, Annie decided to reject Mike. Mike,

however, was relentless. As Jill's filming date neared, his pursuit of Annie intensified. At first, subtle; then more overt. His advances left her conflicted. Annie was drawn to him but continually turned him down. One day, after a business meeting, she let him kiss her. The kiss was passionate, but she broke away, retreating behind her desk, breathless. "No, Mike," Annie said firmly, holding back tears. "I promised Nick, and I won't break it." Disappointed, Mike accepted her refusal and left. Frustrated, he channeled his emotions into his relationship with Jill, who welcomed his intensity. That night, their passion reignited,

leaving them both drained and satisfied. Lying in bed afterward, Jill remarked with a smirk, "Your financial adviser is really keeping you on edge—and to my benefit. I'm rooting for her, not you. But if she pushes you any further, I might have to escape the storm myself." Jill was teasing, and Mike knew it. "Why not leave her alone?" Jill said. "She's clearly devoted to her husband, which is admirable. If you succeed, she'll end up looking foolish, and not just because of you." Mike frowned. "I can't let this go while you're off with some stallion." Jill smirked.

"I doubt he's anything special, but even if he is, you won't stop chasing Annie, will you?" "I told you, if Durk isn't great, it'll only happen once," Jill replied, provoking Mike further. "Maybe I should eliminate him," Mike muttered darkly. "I get so worked up about Annie." Jill laughed. "Wait until filming's over! A mysterious end right before release would boost ticket sales." They both chuckled at the absurdity. Mike remained fixated on Annie, convinced she felt the same attraction he did. Their kiss lingered in his mind; her reaction confirmed it, but he wouldn't force her. With Jill

preparing to start filming, Mike came up with a plan and approached Annie. "Annie," he began, "I respect your commitment to your marriage, but I know you feel the same pull I do. Hear me out." Annie grew wary. "What is it?" "I want to throw a party at Black Rock with some fun guests. Remember Nick's fantasy about Jamie Lee Curtis? Well, the actress playing Jill's temptress in her new movie looks just like her. She might come to the party," Mike explained, showing Annie a picture. Annie raised an eyebrow. "What's your angle?" Mike continued. "Samantha Jordan, 24

and adventurous, could flirt with Nick while dressed the part. Meanwhile, Jill will be busy with Durk, her co-star. After the party, Samantha could take Nick upstairs while Jill and Dirk do the same. Then you and I could stay behind." Annie’s voice dripped with sarcasm. "So you want me to cheat on my husband while he’s seduced by a starlet? Very creative, Mike." Mike shrugged. "It’d be discreet. A cozy weekend setup; everyone gets what they want." "An orgy?" Annie scoffed. "Nick won't go for it, and he'll figure out I set him up. He's not the forgiving type."

"Would he hurt you?" Mike asked, half concerned, half curious. Annie shook her head. "Not physically. But don't worry; he's smaller than you and practices at some dojo. I always have security at these events anyway. Let’s just say Nick angry isn’t someone you want to deal with." Mike smiled as he leaned closer to Annie in their dimly lit booth. He kissed her, and as she turned, her hand brushed against his arousal. She didn't pull away but kissed him back. For a moment, he thought he could have her right there, but it was too risky. Annie gently

pushed him away, whispering, "Oh my God, Mike." Damn. She pressed the button for the waiter, who arrived quickly, noticed the tension, but said nothing. Mike paid the bill, and they left. Driving back, Annie thought about the upcoming Black Rock party on Friday, an event filled with musicians, actors, athletes, and possibly their spouses. She worried about convincing Nick to attend, knowing he wasn't open to sharing or experimental situations. Their signed promise ensured that, and she knew he’d immediately sense something if she explained too much beforehand. That evening, over Nick's signature roast chicken dinner, Annie brought up

the party. "Nick, Mike and Jill are hosting a party before Jill leaves for filming. Lots of celebrities will be there. We're invited; it's Friday." Nick looked at her, already suspicious. He knew about Mike's advances and had even considered confronting him, but chose to trust Annie instead. However, his sources confirmed Mike had been persistent and that Annie had rejected him multiple times, though not without hesitation. "Annie," Nick said bluntly, "Mike's after you from what I hear. Close to crossing the line—that would be a disaster for us." "I haven't done anything with him," Annie replied firmly. "He

approaches, and I say no." "Maybe," Nick countered, "but not a strong no. And you never told me about it." "Nick, I want to go to this party, and I want you with me. I'm not changing my mind," Annie insisted. "I think you should drop him as a client," Nick suggested. "This is going in the wrong direction. Maybe he needs a male advisor instead. Your company has options." "I won't drop him," Annie admitted. "Yes, he's tempting, but I'm not giving in. I want to go to the party, and nothing will happen." Nick frowned. "I don't trust

him. He'll try something, and it could get ugly." "Nick, he's a grown man. There will be security. I can handle myself." "No offense," Annie said, trying to reassure him. Annie knew Nick attended a dojo but didn't realize how skilled or how much rage he carried inside. She also underestimated how volatile the party might become. Nick, fully aware of the risks, agreed to go only to confront Mike and end the tension once and for all. On Friday, Nick dropped Travis off at his parents' house for the weekend. Black Rock, Mike and Jill’s sprawling estate, featured a

lake, mansion, ballroom, and other luxurious amenities. The party was set for 7:00 p.m. Casual attire. Annie descended the stairs in a navy blue dress that was both understated and strikingly seductive. Nick, dressed in slacks and a silk shirt, eyed her wearily. "This dress screams we should stay home and have sex," he said. Annie blushed. "Do you think I look good?" "You know you do," he replied. "I'm just wondering who you dressed up for." "For you, baby. Only you," she said, smiling. Nick wasn't convinced but played along. He turned on Phil Collins' "Live Tonight," a song

he used during dojo training. The rhythm fueled him as he pulled Annie into an impromptu dance before leading her outside. Once at the door, Nick kicked a high branch from a tulip poplar, brimming with energy. On the drive to Black Rock, the song played in his mind. At the estate, he insisted on parking himself, choosing a spot for a quick exit and tipping the valet for extra caution. Annie noticed his heightened awareness. "Why the song and that kick? You're acting like you're preparing for war," she said. Nick simply replied, "That’s all." At the entrance, Mike

and Jill greeted them. Jill embraced Nick warmly while Mike hugged Annie, complimenting her appearance. Mike then turned to Nick, extending his hand for a handshake, attempting to assert dominance with a strong grip. Nick matched him, forcing Mike to let go without injury. "Nice to meet you, Mike," Nick said with a smile. "From that grip, maybe I haven't heard enough about you from Annie." The tension hung briefly before Jill led them inside to mingle. The party was filled with actors, athletes, and a few wives. Among the glamorous crowd, Nick observed while Annie, in her professional element,

chatted with a boxer, avoiding booze. Nick grabbed a Seltzer and kept watch, biding his time. Nick watched as Mike approached Annie, taking her by the elbow. She turned to him with a seductive smile, but her words made Mike tense. Glancing back, Mike spotted Jill, who waved and disappeared momentarily, returning with an incredibly attractive woman. She resembled Jamie Lee Curtis so closely that it stunned Nick. "Jill introduced her. Nick, this is Samantha Jordan, my co-star. She's a real talent." Nick, momentarily speechless, finally said, "Hello." "You're amazing," Samantha used. To admiration, I was surprised by Nick's genuine

reaction. She smiled, instantly drawn to him. Jill had downplayed Nick as ordinary, but Samantha disagreed; he exuded strength and confidence. Jill noticed Samantha's fascination, realizing it wasn't an act. Samantha took Nick's elbow and led him to the pool for privacy. Despite her role in the evening's plan, Samantha found herself genuinely interested in Nick. They talked about their lives, exchanging questions and lingering gazes. The more they spoke, the more Samantha felt an undeniable attraction, which she made no effort to hide. Meanwhile, Annie danced with Mike. She noticed Nick talking to Samantha and grew curious. After two

dances, she and Mike moved to the bar, where Jill and Dirk joined them. Annie asked Jill, "How did Nick react to Samantha?" Jill hesitated before replying, "I think they fell for each other. I've never seen anything like it." Alarmed, Annie asked, "Where are they?" "By the pool," Jill answered. Annie went to find them and saw the unmistakable chemistry between Nick and Samantha. She turned to Jill. "Is she acting, or is this real?" Jill replied, "It's real; she's smitten. Your plan to distract Nick might have worked better than expected. Mike's all yours now!" "Damn it," Annie

muttered. Samantha, realizing her feelings, decided to tell Nick the truth. "Nick, I can't do this. I have strong feelings for you, and I want this to be honest. If you feel the same, call me, and maybe we can figure things out." Nick responded, "I'll call you, Sam. You're the woman of my dreams." Samantha kissed him quickly before leaving, while Nick watched her walk away, captivated. The rhythm of her steps matched the beat of his fight song now playing in his mind. Determined, he got up to find Annie, vowing to stop any plans she might have

with Mike. Nick entered the dance floor and saw Annie slow dancing with Mike. The space had cleared, leaving only Annie and Mike along with Jill and Dirk swaying to the music. Jill and Dirk kissed openly, while Mike was less subtle, pulling Annie closer. Annie felt conflicted, torn between her loyalty to Nick and the temptation Mike stirred. As Mike kissed her, his movements grew more suggestive. Annie, overwhelmed, began to lose herself to the moment. Nick appeared, moving to the rhythm of his song. Two guards approached, but he ignored them, confident they were all size and no

skill. He patted Mike on the shoulder. "I'm cutting in," Nick said calmly. Mike sneered, "Go find Sam. Tonight, Annie is mine." "Sam's gone; I sent her away. Annie's my wife, and she's free, so back off," Nick replied firmly. Mike stepped away and signaled his guards. Nick turned to Annie. "You set me up," he said coldly. "If you stay here, we're done. No turning back. I won't let you destroy our family for one night, and if I have to end this by force, I will." The room froze. Mike, sensing Nick's seriousness, struggled to see how he

could back up the threat. Annie, shaken, felt her earlier desire vanish. She stammered, "I don't understand. Why couldn't you go along with this? You liked Samantha; you could have enjoyed yourself." Nick's voice was sharp. "We made promises; I keep mine, and you will keep yours. If you want something else, we'll divorce, but not this." Jill intervened. "Mike, let it go." "I'm not sleeping with Dirk!" "Leave it!" Mike growled. "No, this guy's full of it." He turned to Annie. "Do you want to leave with him?" Annie, trembling, said, "I have to. If I don't, something terrible

will happen." Furious, Mike ordered the guards, "Throw them out! Now!" The guards grabbed Nick by the arms. Annie stood frozen, watching. In less than 10 seconds, Nick took them down. He stomped on one’s foot, turned to punch the other in the throat, and then struck the first guard in the throat as well. Both crumpled like felled trees. Nick’s song roared in his head, the drums fueling his movements. He turned to Mike, who now burned with fear. For the first time, Mike realized he couldn't defend himself. Desperately, he swung at Nick, who dodged effortlessly, laughing and

swaying to the rhythm. Nick struck Mike hard in the lap, then delivered a precise blow under the ear. Mike collapsed, completely defeated. Everything unfolded rapidly; none of the women had time to react. They were stunned by how quickly the security guards were taken out and barely managed to move before Nick landed a second blow, knocking Big Mike down. Nick moved to the rhythm in his head, executing each action with precision. He raised his leg above Mike but Annie realized Nick intended to eliminate him and screamed, "No, Nick! No! He's not worth it!" She shouted. Nick

heard her—not the words, but the primal fear in her voice—and hesitated. Mike, though knocked down, wasn't unconscious. As a professional athlete of elite caliber, he quickly staggered to his feet and fled to the pool. In his panic, he ran straight to the deep end, hitting his head on the diving board. He didn't know how to swim. It didn't matter; he was already unconscious. Jill followed, screaming when she saw Mike submerged underwater. He couldn't swim at all. Nick and Annie rushed to the scene, seeing Mike drowning. Nick removed his boots, dove into the water, and pulled

him to the surface. He dragged Mike to the pool's edge and pushed him onto the concrete at the women’s feet. Nick climbed out swiftly, turning Mike onto his side and pressing on his chest to expel water from his lungs. Mike coughed, water spilling out. Nick turned to Jill. "Call emergency!" Jill ran inside. Mike panted, coughing weakly. Nick examined him, ensuring he was out of immediate danger before stepping away. Annie stared at Nick, numb with emotion. Nick checked on the two security guards; they were alive, but... Needed medical attention, soaking wet, Nick sat on the steps

by the entrance and waited for the police and ambulance to arrive. Soon, two police cars and ambulances pulled up. Amid the commotion, Nick observed the guards walking on their own but still being placed in an ambulance. Mike, conscious and out of danger, was carried out and taken away as well. Jill approached Nick. "Let me get you some dry clothes. Come with me." He followed her upstairs to the master bedroom. She pulled out an oversized t-shirt and sweater from the closet. Nick moved toward the bathroom to change, but Jill stopped him. "Change here. I want to

see." What she gave up. Nick stripped down, leaving his shoes behind at the pool. He peeled off his socks, then dropped his trousers. Standing in damp boxers, his eyes met Jill's, who smiled faintly. Hesitant, he removed the boxers, his arousal betraying him despite the awkwardness of the moment. Jill's gaze lingered, studying him intently before she tossed him a pair of sweatpants. Nick caught them and turned deliberately, giving Jill a full view before slipping into the t-shirt and sweater she had handed him. "You're in perfect shape," Jill observed, her tone appreciative. "Almost too good to be

true. What's Annie's problem with you?" Nick shrugged. "How would I know? Maybe she's holding out for someone bigger, a famous athlete or something. Honestly, I think she just got worn down by him." Jill tilted her head thoughtfully. "He is attractive though, isn't he?" "Yeah, he is," Nick admitted, then added with a glance at her, "You know, Jill, if you ever need someone to talk to, you can call me." Jill's lips curved slightly. "I might take you up on that. Though Samantha... she's the wild card. She's naughty, unpredictable. Mark my words, she'll be a star. She's

got something special." Jill laughed. "Maybe Annie overestimated herself, but you have a kid." "I stayed with Mike for the kids, and he's good-looking still on set. I planned to hook up with Dirk. Where is he anyway? Haven't seen him since this started." Nick snorted. "Big action hero. He bolted the second the guards went down. He was gone. I doubt you want him now. Mike probably doesn't want Annie anymore either. But maybe you're into Samantha." "Could be," Jill quipped. "What goes around comes around." Nick smiled. "If you need me for anything, I'll help. Always." She laughed.

"Let's see what happens with Annie and Sam." They headed downstairs as Annie emerged from where the police were gathered. She eyed them suspiciously. "What are you two up to? You look guilty." Jill retorted, "Look who's talking! I gave Nick a change of clothes and watched him change." "You're an idiot, Annie," Jill walked off. A detective approached Nick. He was an older white man, weary like a cornered dog, accompanied by a sharply dressed, attractive young woman. Their badges read Stevens and Bright. Stevens took charge. "Are you some kind of magician?" "No, but I'm good at what

I do. I was small as a kid, so I had to learn," Nick replied. "Tell us what happened," Stevens requested. Nick recounted the events exactly as he remembered them. Though two hours had passed since the rescue, his memory was sharp. At the end of his account, Bright asked, "Were you planning to eliminate Mr. White?" "It's hard to say. My wife screamed, and it broke my rhythm. After that, I couldn't go through with it," Nick replied. "So you saved his life?" Wright continued. "I couldn't just watch him drown. By that point, I wasn't in a liquidating

mode anymore. Besides, if he were dead now, I'd have a lot bigger problems. You know he threw the first punch... or tried to," Nick explained. "That's what everyone says," Stevens interjected. "But he only did that after you took out the security guys." "Yes, that's true. I've told you everything as it happened. Are you going to arrest me?" Nick asked bluntly. "No, not now. That decision rests with the prosecutor," Stevens replied. "But this case will attract a lot of attention. The new prosecutor is a liberal, so it's hard to predict what she'll decide." "So I can

go home?" Nick asked. "Yes. Just so you know, this house is full of surveillance cameras. We're downloading the footage now. We'll contact you if we need anything else," Stevens said. Nick nodded. "Don't hold Mike White's attempted punch against him. He's useless," Bright chuckled, but Stevens remained serious. Nick wasn't joking. He walked to the main landing where Annie sat on the stairs with Jill. Looking at Annie, he said, "I'm leaving. You can come with me or not," and stood, turning to Jill. "Jill, thanks for an interesting evening." Jill smiled. "I hope the next part is a

little more low-key, and I hope you two make up." She looked Annie in the eye. "I meant what I said—he's incredible. You were foolish in your own way. Samantha wouldn't be so foolish if she got her chance." Annie and Nick got into the car and he drove off. They arrived home at 2:30 a.m. Annie took a shower first, then Nick. By the time he came out, she was already asleep. He followed suit minutes later. That Saturday, they both overslept. Nick got up around 10:00 a.m., hungry, and prepared breakfast. At the party, he'd only had a

small salad. Annie appeared as he ate cereal, wearing an old sleeveless pink dress, knowing full well how much Nick liked it. He glanced at her and returned to his bowl. After a moment, he said, "I'm not that easy, and even if I were, it would just be sex." Annie smiled. "That would be a good start. Just say the word. I owe you, and I'm ready to pay and pay and pay." Nick was captivated by her, but his mind wandered to Samantha. Meanwhile, Annie chewed her food. "Seral, thoughtfully, I'm sorry for conspiring against you," she said.

"It was wrong, and I hope you'll forgive me someday. Until then, you can ask for anything from me." Annie gave Nick a quick once-over. Nick shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "In the last 24 hours, two movie stars and my incredibly sexy wife have thrown themselves at me. Somehow, I've managed to resist. Can't say you'd have done the same if I'd left you alone with Mike." "Mike?" Annie scoffed. "He's all brute strength." Nick chuckled. "Yeah, that's what I thought too. But you... you strike him like a drum. I mean, I knew you

could handle him in the dojo, but still—damn, Annie! I'm good at a lot of things." "Annie?" Nick said. "Maybe I just don't talk about it much. Remember what I told you about my hobby?" "I do," she said. "Can I come to the dojo with you?" "For what?" Nick asked, raising an eyebrow. She flushed. "Because it's sexy. You knock up people!" "I can't help it, just imagining you taking down those guys and Mike. I nearly climaxed. I'm like putty in your hands." She stood, letting her dress slip to the floor, revealing her vulnerability and confidence. Nick

took a moment to take in her presence, sensing the passion and connection between them. Rising from his seat, he approached her with a steady gaze. She responded intuitively, meeting him halfway in an embrace that reignited the energy between them. Gently, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the sofa, their movements filled with anticipation. They shared a moment of profound closeness, their connection deepening as they explored the intensity of their bond. Together, they reached a crescendo of shared emotion, leaving them both breathless and fulfilled. Nick knew her newfound passion for him wasn't feigned.

She'd never been cold, but their closeness had grown stale. Now, something had reignited in her and in him. As Nick thought about it, his mind wandered to the movie stars. Samantha, especially, was hard to shake from his thoughts. She was intoxicating and dangerous to his marriage. Jill was a temptation too; the way she'd looked at him earlier told him she could be his if he wanted. Nick realized he could have any woman he wanted, but at what cost? Punching up their partners? No, that wasn't sustainable, at least not often. He needed to think carefully. Not

all women would want their partner knocking around and then seduced. That much was clear; that kind of behavior wouldn't exactly be considered civilized. Annie grinned mischievously as she caressed Nick and said, "Oh, we're going to have so much fun!" Saturday was a haze of unrelenting passion. They explored every possibility together, leaving Nick utterly drained by 10 p.m. "I won the Zex marathon!" Annie cheered triumphantly. "You were a good competitor, but a woman always has the advantage." She thought privately, "Let's plan the next one!" Giggling to herself, she drifted off to sleep. Had Nick known her

thoughts, he wouldn't have been so at ease. Sunday began quietly. Annie made pancakes, and they enjoyed them together with real maple syrup. Playfully, she held up the last pancake with a mischievous smile and said, "Looks like my eyes were hungrier than my stomach. Want to finish it for me?" Nick chuckled and accepted, savoring the sweetness. Annie leaned closer, brushing syrup playfully on his cheek and laughed at his startled expression. She straddled him on the carpet, turning their moment of playful teasing into an affectionate embrace. They shared a tender and intimate connection, their laughter and closeness

drawing them even closer. Moments later, they lay together, content and smiling, their bond reaffirmed through shared joy and affection. "Real Vermont maple—nothing better!" she joked. Sunday passed quietly, the mood more subdued. Tired, they took a walk in the park and shared a simple picnic. No pancakes this time. Back at home, the silence lingered until Annie finally broke it. "Are we okay about Friday?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "No," Nick replied bluntly, his tone unwavering. Annie stared at him, stunned. "Why? We love each other!" Nick's expression hardened. "You plotted for us to

break our vows. I'm still trying to make sense of it all. And you know I have other options, like Sam." Annie sighed deeply, guilt flickering in her eyes. "I knew. Damn it! Yes, yes." Nick's voice sharpened. "You used what you know about me to manipulate me just so Mike could sleep with you! Was it only about lust?" Annie hesitated, then admitted, "He was persistent, and yes, he's attractive." Nick's gaze bore into her. "But don't you think that if your plan had worked, we'd have ended up breaking up anyway?" "No," she said firmly, meeting his eyes.

"Why not?" Nick pressed, his voice edged with disbelief. "Because of trust. Because of respect." "Respect?" Nick said, his tone unwavering. Annie lowered her gaze. "I never really thought about it like that." "When Mike went after me, you stepped toward him. I assumed you were willing to let them throw me out." Nick continued, anger seeping into his voice. "Nick, I—" she stammered. "They were big guys," she said weakly. "Yeah, and once they threw me out, you would have slept with Mike! That would have been the end of our marriage! Lust or not, it would have been

over, and that humiliates me. I won't let myself be in that position again," Nick said firmly. "I thought we loved each other, but when you saw Mike as a way to eliminate me, you stepped toward him! That's what hurts." Annie burst into tears and ran upstairs. Nick didn't follow; they both knew he was right. Left alone, Nick had a couple of beers and watched baseball. He often retreated into himself when faced with tough decisions. For now, the game was a welcome distraction. It was only after the game ended that he let his mind wander. What

were his options? He could stay with Annie, he could pursue Samantha and see what unfolded, or he could sleep with Jill and enjoy playing the field for a while. Or maybe, he mused, he could try all three. But no, fantasies like that led to disaster; he'd learned that much already. Nick went upstairs to bed, kissed Annie's forehead, and fell asleep next to her. When they woke, he kissed her again but said nothing. They dressed, and Annie left for work. On Monday, Nick picked up the phone and called Samantha. "I've decided to try staying with Annie

for now," he told her, "but call me when you're back from filming." Samantha's voice was warm. "Annie's a lucky woman, but if things ever go too far, don't hesitate to call me." "I will," Nick promised. After hanging up, Nick dialed Jill. "How's Mike doing?" he asked. Jill sighed. "He's being discharged today, but, well, his reproductive organs are still swollen." Nick chuckled. "I'm not surprised. I'd like to talk to him; could you ask him to call me when he's ready? I'm not looking for a fight." "I'll ask him; I'm picking him up now," Jill replied. Later

that day, Nick visited Mike and Jill's apartment. Mike was on the couch. "What do you want?" "Sorry, I can't stand up," Mike said. "I've decided to try to save my marriage," Nick began. "I'm not thrilled about how much effort you put into ruining it, but I get it: big star, big ego." Mike sighed. "Yeah, I'm sorry I was an a-hole to you and to Annie, but I'm not always like this." "Why now?" Nick asked. "Because Annie is gorgeous, smart, and... XYZ," Mike admitted. "If she's still working as your consultant, maybe you should get rid of

her." "I will; it's bad for both of us if I don't, especially for me," Nick said pointedly. "Agreed," Mike replied. "I'll behave." "Good. Keep your word," Nick said before leaving. Jill, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, "Don't worry; I'll make sure Mike is taken care of. I'll take him with me to the shoot and keep him busy so you don't have to deal with his excessive enthusiasm." Nick smirked. "He's lucky, and he knows it, isn't that right, Mike?" "I know," Mike replied. "I just lost sight of it for a while. By the way, Nick, thanks for

pulling me out of the pool. But why did you do it?" Nick explained, "I couldn't watch you drown, but if you look at the footage, you'll notice I hesitated before diving in." Mike nodded. "I don't know what to make of you. My groin hurts like hell, but at least I'm alive." "It wasn't an easy situation. Look, I have no issue with you as long as you leave Annie alone," Nick said honestly. "I'm not sure if I'll stay with her. If I don't, you'll have your chance, but ask first." Mike looked confused. "Why would you leave

her? I don't get it." Nick responded, "The recent stunt where she plotted for you to sleep with her is a big reason. If I weren't as capable as I am, your guards would have kicked me out, and then where would Annie have spent the night?" Mike admitted, "I don't have an answer to that." Jill interjected, "I bet she would have gone home with you." "Annie doesn't want to leave the marriage," Nick said. "I wanted my stud to sleep with her here while you got to be with Sam—a dream scenario—but once Sam left, the plan fell

apart." Still, Annie stepped toward Mike. "I saw it on video; you should watch it too." Nick nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe she would have come with me, but maybe not. I honestly don't know what to believe." Jill said, "When it comes to lust and XYZ, women are just as susceptible as men." Mike spent so much effort trying to seduce Annie; she wanted him but fought it hard. She never went to a motel or let him have her the way he wanted. "You’ve got to give her credit," Mike added. "Yeah, she resisted, but I'm not invisible," Nick sighed.

"Okay, I'll give her credit. Maybe I'm overthinking it. We were fine for so long, but things got so messed up." Jill changed the subject. "By the way, Sam asked about you." Nick raised an eyebrow. "Oh, she's still into you?" "I told her what happened; she practically climaxed over the phone when she heard the details," Jill teased. "What's with women? Is this some caveman instinct: beat the husband, claim the wife?" Nick shrugged. "I think it's in the genes. When a woman realizes you control the outcome, she wants you. That includes Annie and me too," Jill admitted,

her gaze lingering on Nick. Mike growled in protest but couldn't do much; still in pain, Nick stood up. "I think I better leave. Jill, you're one of the options I'm considering, but I need to talk to Annie first." Nick left feeling both excited and unsettled. When Annie got home, Nick took her upstairs immediately while their son, Travis, watched TV. Nick tossed Annie onto the bed and took her passionately. He wasn't trying to please her, but she still reached a strong climax. As she caught her breath, he stood and asked casually, "So how was your day?"

Annie laughed playfully. "What's for dinner?" "Pizza," Nick replied casually. Annie grinned mischievously. "Then screw me again," she teased. This time, they took their time, savoring the moment and making it more enjoyable for both. Later, after dinner, Travis retreated to his room to study. Annie, looking thoughtful, turned to Nick. "Are we okay? I can't help how I react to you being such an alpha male; I guess Jill feels the same way." Nick smirked, a hint of pride in his expression. "Yeah." And now you've outdone her husband, the former alpha male. Annie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How

is he, by the way?" "He'll recover," Nick said, "but his groin's still swollen. Jill's taking him along to the SHO." Annie chuckled. "Cute. She's babying him, and now he gets to avoid dealing with Dirk." Despite Annie's submissiveness, Nick felt strangely tired of always having his way; it made him feel conflicted. Six weeks later, Jill and Mike invited Nick and Annie to another party at Black Rock, this time with the cast and crew of the film. Both felt hesitant but decided to go. Unlike last time, the guest list was mostly film professionals, with Mike being the

only athlete present. They parked the car and handed the keys to the valet. Jill greeted them at the door, Samantha trailing behind with a handsome dark-haired man with brown eyes. Jill introduced him. "Welcome, Sam. You know Annie and Nick. Guys, this is Vince Cap; he's in the film too." "Unless I get cut during editing," Vince joked. "They won't cut you, big boy," Sam assured him. "The ladies need something to look at too." Inside, Nick found himself unexpectedly jealous of Vince and Sam. Mike greeted them at the buffet, shaking hands with Nick and giving Annie a

friendly, chaste hug. There was no competitive tension between the men this time. The crowd was buzzing—mostly the film's crew, including director Hector Salis and financier Blake Davis, who were engrossed in conversation. Nick had no interest in approaching them, but Hector soon turned his attention to Annie. "You should audition for the next film," Hector said. "You've got the look for it." Annie laughed off Hector's advances. Though he hugged her, she quickly pushed him away. He was large, with big hands and an impudent demeanor topped with a rather unappealing big nose. Nick wasn't concerned; he knew Annie

could handle herself. The party carried on. Nick enjoyed beer and kebabs while Annie chatted with Vince by the pool, drawing attention from all directions. Samantha and Jill approached Nick, who was watching Annie. "Sam asked, 'Are you worried?'" "No, we've come to a new understanding," Nick replied. Jill added, "How's it going with Vince?" "He’s a charmer," Sam said, and Annie was standing there alone. Nick glanced at Sam, who nodded. "That's about right. He's a rake and knows it." "He's already trying to charm Annie," Nick responded. "She's independent. If she messes up, that's on her, and we're

done. But I trust her." Sam sighed. "Not exactly what I wanted to hear." "Me neither," Jill agreed. Nick chuckled. "Two stunning movie stars, and they're both annoyed with me. What a life." They separated, and Nick strolled over to Annie, who was still talking with Vince. Vince seemed to be edging into her space, so Nick took her hand and asked, "So, Vince, what's it like making a movie?" Vince grinned. "I was just telling Annie it's hard work; not romantic at all, except for Sam, of course," he smiled mischievously. Nick gently led Annie away toward Mike, who

was standing off by himself. Mike didn't mingle much with that movie crowd except for two stuntmen. Annie asked, "How was it on set? You were there, right?" "Yeah, for two weeks," Mike said. "But it wasn't much fun—mostly just hanging out with Jill. I left after they wrapped the scenes with her stallion. Thankfully, I didn't have to eliminate him." Nick laughed. "That's good; things could have gotten ugly." The three of them chuckled, and Nick noticed Dirk across the pool, chatting up a young woman who seemed enthralled. Mike commented, "That's one of the extras they brought in

late. She probably hasn't had to deal with him before. Looks like he's making progress." Annie teased, "I heard an anonymous source say he's very gifted." Mike raised an eyebrow, and Annie quickly added, "No, it wasn't Jill, but I do have a few other clients who might have mentioned it." Nick asked, "Gifted? What kind of gift are we talking about?" Annie smirked. "I didn't ask for specifics." Nick shrugged. "Fair enough." As the evening wore on, some guests started swimming in the pool. Mike opted to stay on a lounge chair, watching Jill as she floated through the

crowd in an emerald green dress that sparkled under the lights. Nick's attention shifted when Samantha emerged in a bikini, diving into the pool. Her entrance turned heads, especially among the men standing beside Nick. Jill muttered, "Show off." Nick smirked. "You could take a swim too, but I’d have to keep an eye on the guys." Jill glanced at him and grinned. "I will if you do." Annie, overhearing, chimed in, "Just remember, no prolonged physical contact." Nick and Jill headed upstairs to find swimwear. Jill tossed him a black strip, which he immediately rejected, choosing a pair of

classic blue trunks instead. "Compromise," Gill teased. Jill changed into a bikini while Nick watched, appreciating her beauty. She noticed his gaze and nodded toward his trunks. Nick began undressing but hesitated, suddenly self-conscious. Jill teased, "Need help?" "No," he replied quickly. "Please don't. I've got enough going on already." Once ready, they returned downstairs. Jill gracefully dived into the pool near Sam, while Nick impressed the crowd with a perfect somersault from the diving board. The applause, including from Annie, reminded him how desired he was, even by the movie stars in the pool. But for now, he was

hers. Vince approached Annie, complimenting her. "You're as stunning as those two," he said, gesturing to Jill and Sam. Annie smiled politely. "Thank you, but you won't succeed in your mission. You wouldn't like how it ends." Feigning disappointment, Vince flashed his charming actor's smile. Meanwhile, Jill, Sam, and Nick emerged from the pool. Jill announced, "There are swimsuits upstairs if anyone else wants to swim, and the DJ is setting up on the tennis court for dancing." Nick joined Annie. And Vince, as Vince openly admired the women, then surprised Annie by also casting a lingering look at Nick.

"What does that mean?" Annie whispered to Sam. Sam laughed. "Vince swings both ways. Interesting guy; you might want to keep an eye on Nick." Annie giggled. "If Nick leaves with Vince, I'll go for Mike. Maybe even you two!" Jill and Sam, still wet from the pool, moved closer to Annie, playfully hugging her from either side as if acting on an unspoken cue. Annie laughed, pulling away. "Just kidding, girls! Just kidding!" Both women looked at each other with such exaggerated disappointment that they burst into laughter. Nick stood watching, and his swim trunks betrayed his reaction. The

women noticed immediately. Jill grinned mischievously. "Oh Nick, what's this?" Nick replied, "You know exactly what it is. You've seen it before." Sam chimed in, "Well, I haven't. It's my turn now!" She grabbed Nick's hand and led him inside and up the stairs. Annie followed closely behind, still dressed but damp from Jill's earlier hug. She felt the need to protect Nick from Sam's carnivorous energy, though a part of her wasn't entirely against what might happen. Things felt dangerously out of control. Jill trailed after them, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. The four ended up in the master

bedroom, the same place where Nick had previously changed. "We need to get out of these wet clothes," Annie said matter-of-factly. Jill laughed exuberantly as she slipped out of her top. Sam, moving with confidence, was already ready before Jill could finish changing. Annie, still in her dress, took a little longer but soon joined them. Nick stood to the side, momentarily stunned by the scene unfolding before him. The charged atmosphere stirred conflicting emotions, drawing him into the moment even as he wrestled with his sense of boundaries. Jill stepped closer to Nick, lightly brushing her hand along his

arm as she stood. Meanwhile, Sam turned to Annie with an affectionate smile, leaning in for a playful kiss. Annie responded briefly before Jill intervened, breaking the moment with a warm but decisive presence. "No more chaos," Jill declared with a smile. "This party isn't just for you three. I'm the hostess, and I'm not letting anyone have fun without me." She handed poolside dresses to Sam and Annie, slipping one on herself. Nick, still without clothes, stood in front of the women as they admired him. "How should we dress him?" Annie asked, half-serious. "Why bother?" Jill quipped. Sam

added, "Because we want him to ourselves! If it comes to that, we'll need to cut off Vince and the other girls." Annie, with a sharp toss, handed Nick his regular swim trunks and a t-shirt. "No agreements were made," she said firmly, cutting off further discussion. Jill and Sam groaned dramatically as the group headed back downstairs to the tennis court, where dancing had begun. Mike walked up to Nick, grinning slyly. "So, have you slept with all three yet?" "No," Nick replied with a laugh, "though we did change clothes up there. Sorry about that, but it was

nothing serious." Jill interjected playfully, "Mike, I couldn't help myself. I'm weak." Mike chuckled. "I'm willing to trade places with you for tonight." Nick shook his head. "No tempting, but no. Jill's incredible, but I just can't. Damn, my mother raised me better than this!" Mike laughed harder. "Well, at least I'll dance with her and maybe Sam too." He took Annie by the hand and led her onto the dance floor for a lively Jitterbug. Annie glanced back at Nick, who waved her on encouragingly. As the evening wore on, the crowd began to thin. Jill was dancing with

Vince, and Samantha approached Nick silently, taking his hand and leading him onto the dance floor. The DJ transitioned to a slow song, and Nick pulled Sam close as they swayed to the music. Sam leaned in, her voice low in his ear. "It's time for us, Nick. Mike has Annie, and he'll get her fired up. Jill might stick with Vince. Everything's falling into place." Nick felt his resolve weakening. Sam's touch, her words, and the charged atmosphere tested his self-control. He’d resisted earlier, but this time he wasn't so sure. The whole evening felt like an adult version

of spin the bottle, where boundaries blurred and temptations loomed large. When the slow song ended, Sam danced fluidly, her movements hypnotic and provocative. Nick found himself matching her energy, their connection growing palpable across the floor. Mike's charm began working on Annie, though he initially held back, likely mindful of past mistakes. Annie's excitement grew, and Nick gave her a small wave of reassurance, a silent acknowledgment of their complicated understanding. Jill, however, seemed less interested in Vince than expected. Her attention kept drifting toward Nick and Sam and occasionally toward Mike and Annie. The entire dynamic felt like

a morally twisted game, and Jill struggled to find her place in it. She imagined various scenarios: if Nick left with Sam, Annie might go upstairs with Mike; and where would that leave her? Would she join Mike and Annie or follow Nick and Sam? Vince, she realized, might end up alone, but she didn't particularly care at that moment. The DJ announced a break. "Back in 10," he said, heading off for a beer. Left on the dance floor were only Nick, Annie, Sam, Mike, Jill, and Vince. The atmosphere grew heavier, laden with unspoken tension as they gathered

around a table near the pool. Jill broke the silence. "I was just wondering who I'd join first," she said with a sly grin. Annie, holding Mike's hand, froze and glanced at Nick. She saw Sam lounging on a loveseat, her legs draped over Nick's lap. A sinking realization struck Annie: if Sam wanted Nick, she could have him. In that instant, Annie knew. Nick was the only man she wanted; she wasn't willing to share him—not with Sam, Jill, or anyone else. Letting go of Mike's hand, Annie stood abruptly and strode toward Nick. Without hesitation, she leaned down

and kissed him deeply. Nick responded immediately, their kiss full of passion. Sam, still on the love seat, sighed and stood reluctantly, giving Annie space. Annie whispered to Nick, "It's time to go home; we've had enough excitement for one night." Nick groaned softly, caught in the moment, but allowed Annie to pull him close, her arm wrapped protectively around his waist. She turned to the group and declared, "I'm taking him home where he belongs." Nick retrieved the car keys, but she stopped him. "I'll drive," she said firmly. Nick handed them over without protest, still dazed. The drive

home was quiet, the air charged with a shared understanding rather than tension. When they arrived, Annie led Nick to their bedroom, gently undressing him and covering him with her body. Their love-making was slow, tender, and deliberate—a reaffirmation of their bond. In that moment, Nick thought of no one else. Annie was all he needed. Sometimes, weakness shows itself, but it's in those moments that the people we love remind us what truly matters. For Nick, it was clear how lucky he was to have Annie keeping him grounded. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]