Irresistible Seduction: Married For Deception, Loved For Real

Hannah Scott bitterly learned that her husband, Vincent Jones, hooked up with his first love-the two of them checked into a hotel together. She watched it all unfold, unable to look away. His first love bore an uncanny resemblance to her.

From about ten meters away, Hannah pulled out her phone and called Vincent. "Didn't your grandmother suggest we take the health examination since we're trying for a baby? Are you free right now?"

"I'm busy with a business dinner. Not tonight-maybe next time," Vincent answered.

"Alright," Hannah replied, keeping her voice even before she hung up. Unbelievable. There he was, about to entertain another woman in a hotel room, and he still had the nerve to mention "next time."

Hannah trailed behind them and stopped at their hotel room door. Laughter and flirtatious voices spilled out once they were inside. For a moment, she considered barging in and confronting them on the spot. But she held back. Her fury faded quickly, replaced by a deep and lasting disappointment. That was when she knew it was time to let go.

Hannah wasted no time contacting a lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. Barely after she signed her name, Danica Jones, Vincent's mother, asked to meet.

The two women met at a small café and settled in across from each other.

"You probably haven't heard, but Brinley is back," Danica said condescendingly.

Brinley Gilbert. She was Vincent's first love, and Danica had always adored her.

Danica leaned in, her tone casual, almost delighted. "Name your price. How much does it take for you to walk away from Vincent?"

Danica had never approved of Hannah, largely due to her unremarkable background. She sought to pair her son with a wealthy socialite who could help expand the Jones Group.

Hannah kept her voice steady. "Transfer every property under your name to me, and I'll give your beloved son his freedom."

Danica had a special love for luxury real estate. She owned several high-end properties with a total worth exceeding billions.

"You're serious?" Danica looked genuinely surprised by how quickly Hannah agreed. For five whole years, Hannah had lived as Vincent's secret wife, giving up her own career, never seeking attention, and taking on the role of the perfect housewife behind closed doors. Most people assumed she was desperately in love with Vincent.

"Yeah. I've had enough. I'm finished here. I just want out," Hannah remarked. As Brinley's face flashed through her thoughts, a deep coldness settled over her. She realized Vincent had never loved her. He married her only because she looked like his first love.

It all made sense now. No wonder he would never say "I love you" no matter how many times she asked. Though her chest tightened, she refused to shed a single tear. He was just a man, nothing special. Like garbage-meant to be tossed aside.

Danica's lips curled into a satisfied smile. In her eyes, Hannah was never good enough for her son-her background too ordinary and her manners frivolous. "You've finally become somewhat sensible. But there's one more condition. You can't breathe a word about this secret marriage, and Vincent must never find out about our deal."

"Agreed." Hannah's smile turned cold. "Once the divorce goes through, all ten of your properties are mine."

"Five properties. We're still family now. You could at least offer me that," Danica suggested.

"Absolutely not," Hannah said as she rose from her seat. "Unless you'd rather I stay on as Vincent's wife-and we both know that role is worth far more than ten properties."

Danica's face tightened. Her answer came through gritted teeth. "Fine."

After leaving the café, Hannah stopped in front of a fountain and lingered for several minutes, her mind in turmoil. Then, finally, she made up her mind. She slid her wedding ring off her finger, tossed it into the fountain, and walked away without glancing back.

For the first time, she stepped into a private club, ordered a round of drinks, and hired a few male escorts to keep her company-every one of them charming, well-built, and perfectly put together. She could touch whoever caught her eye. Any one of these smooth-talking and good-looking escorts was far better than the cold, distant husband she was leaving behind.

Her presence didn't go unnoticed. Bobby Howard, a longtime friend of Vincent's, caught sight of her across the crowded club. He remembered her always trailing after Vincent, never once claiming even the title of girlfriend.

Watching her laughing and flirting with those dashing male escorts, Bobby pulled out his phone and called Vincent.

"You need anything?" Vincent's tone was as cold as ever.

"You and your little tagalong have a fight?"

Vincent didn't respond.

"I just saw her at the club," Bobby added. "She went into a private room with a handful of male escorts."

Vincent's tone was clipped. "Text me the address. And the room number."

Hannah lounged in the private room, drinking one colorful cocktail after another. Every glass tasted sweet and packed a punch, and soon a pink flush colored her cheeks, her eyes hazy with drink.

She glanced at the male escorts around her, each one young, striking, and sculpted to perfection. Yet, even in the middle of all that attention, a dull sadness weighed her down. She felt the urge to cry because no matter how much she drank, her thoughts kept drifting back to that bastard husband of hers.

Hannah lifted her wrist and flashed the diamond bracelet. "Whoever can make me the happiest tonight gets this," she remarked, her voice smooth and low. "It's worth a hundred grand."

It had been a gift from Vincent-something she used to treasure. But not anymore. She wanted neither the bracelet nor the man who gave it to her.

The escorts wasted no time. One started grinding up behind her, moving in rhythm with the music. Another leaned close, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. A third flexed his abs and chest as if showing off at a fitness competition.

Then, one of them, a little bolder than the rest, bent in close and murmured, "My tongue game's next-level. Wanna try?"

Hannah let out a languid smile. "Why not?" This guy was cute-puppy-eyed, gentle. Nothing like Vincent, whose sharp features and cold gaze always made him seem unapproachable. She'd been with Vincent long enough. Maybe it was time for a change of taste.

Unclasping the bracelet, Hannah handed it over without hesitation. "Take it. It's yours now."

As the guy leaned in for a kiss, Hannah matched his move with a grin. But before their lips could touch, a strong arm shot out, dragging her back against a familiar chest.

The scent hit her instantly. Clean, cool, unmistakably him. She didn't even need to look up. She knew who it was. "Let go of me," she murmured, her voice thick with liquor and stubborn pride. "I haven't even had the chance to kiss him yet."

Vincent held her tighter, not letting go. "Enough."

All around, the escorts froze in confusion and annoyance.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them questioned. "You can't just take our client away."

Vincent's expression clouded over. "Leave," he instructed.

The weight of his voice left no room for argument. Every escort hurried to collect their things and scrambled to the door without another word.

Still holding Hannah close, Vincent caught sight of the bracelet-now in the hand of one of the retreating escorts.

"Wait," Vincent snapped. "Hand over the bracelet."

The guy stopped, glancing down at the jewelry. "But she gave it to me."

Vincent stared him down, completely unconvinced. He remembered that bracelet. Hannah cherished it like it was priceless. There was no chance she'd give it away if she were sober. This guy must have coaxed it out of her, taking advantage of her drunkenness.

"Give it back," Vincent said, his voice low and threatening.

Without further protest, the guy surrendered the bracelet.

Still tipsy, Hannah reached for the guy. "Don't leave yet," she called out, her voice dreamy. "Didn't you say your tongue was amazing? I haven't tested it yet..."

Hannah squirmed in Vincent's hold, pouting and whining, until he kissed her firmly. The fight left her in an instant.

Later, once back home, Vincent pressed her gently against the door. Her hair tumbled in every direction, her gaze unfocused, and a bright flush colored her cheeks from the alcohol.

Vincent quietly slipped the bracelet back onto her wrist. "Wear it. I'll be around more often from now on."

A little laugh escaped her. So that was what he thought? That she was throwing a tantrum because he hadn't been home enough?

She tried to wriggle away, but he pulled her close again. She bristled in his arms, tense and ready to snap.

Vincent moved in slowly, his lips almost touching hers. That was when she caught the scent clinging to him. Another woman's perfume. Fury flashed through her as she shoved him back and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Don't touch me."

A wave of revulsion swept through her, and she darted into the bathroom.

Vincent was right behind her, barely a step away. He held her hair back as she bent over the sink, his palm resting gently on her back. "Is it really that bad?"

She didn't answer.

Just then, his phone vibrated. She managed to see the name on the screen-Brinley.

He stepped away to take the call. A moment passed before he returned, reached for his jacket, and said, "Work called. I have to head out."

Work? Hannah walked out of the bathroom, her eyes flickering toward the clock. The display read three a.m. Who would be calling about business in the middle of the night? It could only mean one thing. He must be leaving to meet his first love.

Hannah sobered up instantly. "Hold on. Your mother needs your signature on these papers." She rummaged through a drawer, pulled out a few documents, and passed them to him.

Vincent barely glanced at the pages as he scribbled his name. He then walked out the door without looking back. Had he paid more attention, he would have realized the last document was a divorce agreement.

Brinley had called about a supposed sudden pain in her stomach, and Vincent had wasted no time driving her to the hospital, where he stayed until the morning.

When Vincent finally returned home, Hannah was still fast asleep, curled up in last night's clothes. He changed her into her pajamas, prepared a glass of lemon water, and placed it on the dining table before leaving quietly for work.

Hours passed, and Hannah woke up with a throbbing headache, feeling completely drained. She noted a text from Vincent on her phone. "Are you feeling any better?"

She decided not to reply. Walking out of her room, she spotted a glass of lemon water waiting for her on the dining table. "Thank you, Aubrey," she said to the housekeeper.

Aubrey Palmer, the housekeeper, returned her gratitude with a smile. "Mrs. Jones, I think it was Mr. Jones who prepared this."

Hannah lowered her eyes. Thoughtfulness had always come naturally to Vincent, both when they were just dating and after they got married. Yet now, that kindness felt empty. He was gentle with her, not out of love, but because her face bore a resemblance to Brinley's. Brinley was the one he truly loved.

Hannah took a few careful sips. "Please take this away," she said to Aubrey.

She then reached for the divorce agreement and made a call to Danica. "You can get started on transferring the properties."

A spark of excitement came through in Danica's voice. "So he signed it?"

"Yes, he did." Hannah paused for a moment. "Let's hold off for a month before we tell everyone else in the family about the divorce. I'll move out after that."

Her reason for waiting was simple. Sharon Jones, Vincent's grandmother, was about to turn seventy. Touched by Sharon's consistent kindness toward her, she couldn't bring herself to soil Sharon's mood by breaking out the divorce news.

When the call ended, "Nova Tech Rumored to Be Facing Bankruptcy" appeared on her phone news feed.

Nova Tech was the company Hannah had founded back in college. It had made a name for itself nationwide, specializing in women's safety products. But after getting married, she'd left behind her business, her dreams, and her entire future. She had lost herself completely in love, and Vincent had taken over her whole world.

Hannah's stomach dropped as she read the headline. Pondering for a while, she eventually got dressed to meet her old business partner, Felix Wade.

Felix looked up as soon as Hannah stepped inside his office, and his words came out sharp with sarcasm. "The full-time housewife decided to show up and watch us fall apart? Sorry, I have work to do. Don't have time to entertain you."

Felix had a good reason to nurture displeasure toward Hannah. Back when the company had been a huge success with orders coming in faster than they could deal with, Hannah had walked away without even glancing back, and nobody had been able to make her stay. And in the five years since, she hadn't contacted anyone from the company-not even once. So seeing her now, he didn't bother to mince his words or mask his true feelings.

"I'm sorry for my past absence," Hannah said, voice soft as she lowered her gaze. "I only came hoping to find out if there's anything I can do to help."

A cold, bitter laugh escaped Felix. "Oh, are you done playing the perfect housewife behind closed doors? Thought you'd swing by and save us now?"

He tossed a folder onto the floor, the sound sharp in the quiet room. The glare in his eyes said it all. "It's too late. We don't need your help. The company's finished. You happy now?"

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Hannah answered in an even tone, "Felix, I understand that you're upset. But we should focus on solving the company crisis right now."

Anger filled his voice. "We're on the brink of bankruptcy. What the hell can a full-time housewife like you do to change anything?" He didn't bother to wait for a reply, already gathering his things like he was leaving for good.

Her jaw clenched. Emotion flickered in her eyes. After a moment, she spoke. "I'm getting divorced."

Felix stood frozen, disbelief written across his face. "What did you just say?"

"If things unfold the way I expect, I'll walk away with a solid payout," she said, drawing out each word. "So..." Reaching out her hand, she finished her thought. "So, what do you think? Want to bring our business back to life?"

...

Hannah made her way out of the company with a stack of documents, all provided by Felix, for her to grasp the company's crisis.

However, once home, as she nudged her room door open, she froze. Right there, on her bed, lay Brinley, tucked into Vincent's arms.

A chill swept through Hannah, leaving her numb. Suddenly, a laugh escaped her lips-not from amusement, but from her shattered heart and simmering fury. Vincent really couldn't help himself, could he? He was cheating in their house now? Or perhaps he just liked the thrill of being caught.

"Seriously, Vincent, you're bringing the other woman to our house now?" Hannah demanded.

Vincent carefully helped Brinley sit up and then walked toward Hannah. "Why didn't you tell me before you left?"

Hannah sneered, "Why should I bother? It's not like my schedule has ever stopped you from inviting your latest fling over."

Vincent's voice dropped. "Brinley and I have known each other since we were kids. She's practically family. That's all. There's nothing between us."

Hannah couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. "Really? So, you're going to sleep with your 'family' now?"

Tension tightened Vincent's face. He opened his mouth to reply, but Brinley beat him to it.

Brinley offered her hand. "Hi, I'm Brinley. It's good to finally meet you. People always told me we look a lot alike." She then glanced at Vincent. "Please don't misunderstand. Vincent was only helping me earlier..."

Hannah kept her arms at her sides and let her annoyance show. She had no intention of returning Brinley's gesture. A sharp edge crept into her words. "Misunderstand what? That you threw yourself at my husband?"

Brinley's lips pressed together as she turned a wounded gaze on Vincent.

A cold, hard note filled Vincent's voice. "Hannah, I've already explained the situation to you. Stop making a fuss over nothing."

"Making a fuss over nothing? Isn't she your first love?" Mixed feelings crept into Hannah's face. Her voice dropped as she finally let out the question that had haunted her since witnessing the scene the other day. "Vincent, did you only marry me because I look like her?" She swung her arm to point straight at Brinley, eyes fixed on Vincent the whole time.

Vincent shifted his gaze away. No answer came from his lips.

That silence hurt worse than anything he could have said. Hannah felt something break inside her. Deep down, she had already known the answer, but seeing the truth come out in his silence felt like someone had cut right through her. A bitter laugh slipped out. "I get it. Let's just get a divorce. There's no point in dragging this relationship out."

Vincent's brow furrowed. "Really? Throwing a divorce threat over this minor issue? When can you be a little more mature?" His expression turned cold. "Fine. Since you don't like Brinley, I won't bring her around anymore. Satisfied?"

Hannah didn't bother to respond. She'd already tricked him into signing the divorce agreement. She was set on walking away from this torment of marriage, and arguing with him seemed pointless.

Vincent's tone made it clear the conversation was over. "This whole fuss ends right now. I don't want to hear another word about divorce."

With that, he led Brinley to the door.

Hannah wasted no time in asking the housekeeper to prepare a spare bedroom. She would not sleep on the bed tainted by his sweetheart again.

She thought about how she and Vincent had dated for three years before marriage and then spent five more as husband and wife. Her feelings for him had started with nothing more than the appeal of his looks.

At that time, he had just been fresh out of a heartbreak from the end of a relationship. Drawn in by his good looks, she'd practically glued to his side every single day to make her feelings transparent. To anyone willing to hear her out, she'd remarked with certainty, "I'm going to make Vincent Jones fall in love with me."

Her strategy had been simple-bringing him flowers every day, showing up with snacks, and asking him, again and again, "Fallen for me yet?"

Back then, she had been bold. She'd declared her love for him in front of anyone, never bothered by the eyes watching her. Most days, however, Vincent had acted like she didn't even exist.

Later on, a moment alone in the university equipment storage room had finally given her the chance she wanted. Cornering him against the wall, she'd flashed a playful grin and teased, "If you don't say yes to being my boyfriend, I'm going to kiss you right now."

That day, he hadn't said yes or no. Instead, he'd simply pulled her into his arms. Now, as she looked back, she realized she shouldn't have taken his silence as agreement.

The reason their marriage fell apart was painfully simple. Vincent's love for her had never been strong enough to hold it together. And she'd poured everything into him, loving with all her heart, yet what she received always fell short of her expectations, leaving her frustrated. Over time, disappointment weighed her down until her heart went numb. Brinley's presence simply became the last push that broke her completely.

On the way to drive Brinley back, Vincent's expression stayed stormy. Brinley reached out, her fingers brushing his arm. "Vincent, I-"

He moved away from her touch. "Brinley, make sure today's event never repeats itself."