The Invitation

The Seduction

Episode 1

Jesli adjusted the strap of her silk dress, staring at her reflection in the bedroom mirror. The emerald-green fabric clung to her curves, accentuating her toned body. It was a dress George had never seen before, one she had bought secretly—just for tonight.

Her husband, George, had become distant over the past few months, his focus entirely on work. Late nights, cold dinners, and unspoken words had become the rhythm of their marriage. She missed the fire, the stolen kisses, the way he used to look at her as if she was the only woman in the world.

Tonight, she intended to remind him.

The gala at the Hyatt was an annual event, one George never missed. It was a place of business for him, a room filled with clients, investors, and power players. For Jesli, it had always been a stage—a chance to be seen, to be desired.

She descended the stairs slowly, letting the sound of her heels echo through the grand hallway. George, dressed in his tailored black tuxedo, was checking his phone. He barely looked up as he said, “We’re already late.”

Jesli smirked. Not even a glance? She would change that.

The Temptation

The hotel ballroom shimmered with chandeliers, the hum of conversation blending with the soft melody of a live jazz band. Jesli slipped her arm through George’s, feeling the stiffness in his posture.

She made a deliberate move to brush against him as they walked, whispering, “You look devastatingly handsome tonight.”

“Hmm?” he muttered, distracted. His phone buzzed, and he turned away to read the message.

Jesli clenched her jaw, a mix of frustration and sadness knotting inside her. Fine. If you won’t see me, someone else will.

As she moved through the crowd, greeting acquaintances, a pair of dark eyes followed her. She felt their heat before she even turned.

Damon Crawford.

Tall, confident, and dangerously charming. He was an investor, one of George’s business associates, and—if rumors were true—a man who never settled for just business.

Jesli met his gaze, holding it longer than she should have.

“Jesli,” he said smoothly, his voice low. “You look absolutely breathtaking tonight.”

She tilted her head, allowing a playful smile. “Thank you, Damon. It’s nice to be noticed.”

His lips curved, as if he understood exactly what she meant. He leaned in slightly, his cologne intoxicating. “A woman like you should never go unnoticed.”

Heat pooled in her stomach. It had been so long since a man looked at her this way. She knew this was dangerous, but the thrill sent a rush through her veins.

The Game Begins

Jesli felt George’s presence before she saw him. His voice was measured but firm. “Damon.”

Damon turned slowly, his smirk unfazed. “George, good to see you.”

George’s arm slid around Jesli’s waist, possessive, almost territorial. For the first time that evening, she felt him claim her.

She leaned into it, into him. Finally, he was paying attention. But was it jealousy or just an instinct to win?

As the night continued, she found herself torn between two men—one she belonged to and one who made her feel desired.

The game had begun.

And Jesli was playing with fire.

To Be Continued…

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