Later that day."Miss Phoebe, are you okay?" one of her students asked with concern.Phoebe forced a small smile, rubbing her eyes. She was surprised to find tear stains at the corners. "I've just been staring too long..." she explained."Why are you wearing a disposable mask? Are you coming down with something?"Phoebe nodded. "Yeah, I don't want to pass it on to you all..."After reviewing her students' artwork, Phoebe headed straight to the studio's break room.She removed the disposable mask in front of the mirror, staring at the red, swollen mark on her cheek. A sense of helplessness washed over her. Her parents had never laid a hand on her, not even once.Yet he had slapped her twice today—each slap harder than the last. Gently touching the burning area on her cheek, she felt a sting in her nose as her eyes began to water.Once class ended, Phoebe didn't head straight back to the villa. Instead, she wandered aimlessly through the streets, not wanting to return. The thought of go
Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating every corner of the room.Phoebe frowned slightly, her eyes squinting against the bright light as soon as she opened them. A pleasant, masculine scent filled her senses, and when she looked up, she saw a handsome face next to hers.Remembering his gentle touch from the night before, warmth filled her heart.His embrace was comforting, his chest radiating warmth against her.It wasn't until she felt the heat of skin-on-skin contact that she realized, with a sudden shock, that she wasn't wearing anything.Her face flushed with embarrassment, a delicate blush spreading across her cheeks. She wanted to move but didn't dare, afraid to wake him—she'd only feel more awkward if he woke up. So, she let him hold her possessively, feeling the heat of his body against hers.She found herself liking the feeling of being in his arms more and more...As she gazed at his flawlessly handsome sleeping face, Phoebe couldn't hel
By the time it was over, Phoebe was completely exhausted, while the man above her remained as firm as ever.Seeing that he was about to continue, Phoebe hurriedly pressed her hands against his chest. "Don't you have work? You'll be late...""It seems I haven't satisfied you enough... Otherwise, why would you want me to 'leave'?"He deliberately emphasized the last word, making Phoebe want to crawl into a hole from sheer embarrassment. He was being impossible!"Women are all so hypocritical," Alexander's thin lips curled into a wicked smile. He continued, his tone teasing, "Especially when they're beneath a man... Saying 'no' with their mouths, but their bodies? Much more honest."His mocking words made Phoebe's body tremble slightly, her face burning with embarrassment, her ears turning a deep shade of red."I... I...""Are you trying to say... 'Give it to me' or 'I want more?'" He raised an eyebrow, enjoying the array of expressions on her face.Phoebe was mortified! How could he be
That night, Alexander didn't come home. However, he did leave her some instructions—she was to prepare nutritious meals and have them ready for pick-up.For several consecutive days, it was the same routine. Three meals a day, Phoebe would cook, and one of his subordinates would come by to collect the food."Miss. Here's the menu for tomorrow," the subordinate said with a smile, handing her the list while holding the freshly prepared meal."It's ok," Phoebe replied with a light smile. Looking at the varied and elaborate dishes on the menu, she sighed softly. It seemed like she would have to make another trip to the supermarket after school.Many of the dishes were ones she had never heard of before. But to make sure she got them right, she spent hours poring over cookbooks. During the day, she had classes and no time to experiment, so she'd stay up late into the night in the kitchen, practicing how to prepare everything.One afternoon..."Phoebe, you seem so out of it lately. You look
It was the afternoon after school.Phoebe had just parted ways with Alva when she lifted her gaze and locked eyes with a man walking towards her.She instinctively wanted to turn and leave quickly, but he had already stepped up to block her path.With a gentle smile that seemed to radiate warmth, he said, "Phoebe, are you trying to avoid me again?"Phoebe stopped, feeling awkward. "Professor, I... I'm in a hurry... I really have to go..."She had hoped that if she kept avoiding him, he would eventually leave and return to France. Yet, after all this time, he remained persistent, which only made her feel more guilty.Passersby occasionally glanced their way, and Phoebe lowered her head, feeling the weight of their intrigued and curious looks.Thank goodness they had moved a good distance away from the school; otherwise, rumors would surely start flying.Curitis was far more popular at the school than she had imagined.On his first day, he had attracted a large crowd of female students
"What are you standing there for? Get in the car!" Alexander's voice was cold and commanding, his gaze sharp enough to kill.Phoebe bit her lip, the car too conspicuous, making her want to turn and run. But she had no choice; she steeled herself and opened the back door, jumping inside.She knew that if she didn't get in, it would only anger him further and attract more attention from onlookers, making her situation even more awkward."Sit in the front." Another icy command, the air thickening with tension.As soon as she settled in, his sharp shout startled her. Sensing his anger, she quickly jumped out and slid into the front seat.The atmosphere in the car was tense and strange.Phoebe cautiously glanced at him; his tightly pressed lips and furrowed brow told her he was clearly upset. His piercing black eyes radiated a chilling indifference, laced with barely concealed fury.What's wrong with him? Why is he angry?She didn't know. Was it related to her?It had to be! But how had sh
Phoebe glanced at Alexander, confused about what he was trying to achieve.She wanted to ask but didn't dare to, so she turned and followed the stylist into the dressing room.Makeup, hair, clothes, accessories... from head to toe, inside and out, the stylist meticulously handled everything.She stayed inside for a full three hours before the makeup artist finally finished.Phoebe looked in the mirror, stunned by her reflection. Even she couldn't believe how breathtaking she appeared.She recalled a similar moment three years ago when she had been amazed at her own transformation. But the emotions she felt then were completely different from now."You look perfect! You're like a goddess," the stylist praised, clearly pleased with their work. Every little detail was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.Phoebe's cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness. Would Alexander like her like this?Satisfied, the stylist pushed her out of the dressing room."Sir, she's ready. What do you think?"
On a dreamy summer night, a luxurious cruise dinner is held at Valleybrook.In the banquet hall, lights glitter and wine flows, creating an atmosphere of opulence.The entire event is a dazzling display of grandeur, filled with guests from esteemed families, business magnates, and politicians. They raise their glasses and engage in lively conversation, creating a bustling scene.Phoebe lowers her gaze, mechanically linking her arm with Alexander's as they step into the dinner hall.The crystal chandeliers reflect her slender figure. Her long gown trails behind her, requiring her to gently lift it with her fingers, which only adds to her elegance and charm.Yet with each step she takes, her heart tightens. Her palms are slick with nervous sweat, for this is a place she had visited three years ago.Entering again fills her with an unsettling dread, as memories of that night flood back.Phoebe glances at him with suspicion, her long fingers gripping his arm tightly.Why did he bring her
The next morning, Phoebe woke up early, carefully preparing herself in front of the mirror, her expression a mixture of anticipation and unease. After a simple breakfast, she hurried out the door—today, she was determined to find Laura.Phoebe's first stop was Laura's school. The campus was lively, filled with energetic students coming and going, but Phoebe's focus was solely on one goal—Laura.She found a quiet spot in a corner of the campus, her eyes glued to the entrance, watching for any signs of Laura.One hour passed, then two… Time slowly slipped away, and by midday, Laura had not appeared. Phoebe's gaze dimmed, disappointment washing over her like a wave. She reluctantly stood up, ready to leave the place that had filled her with both hope and frustration.Just then, a boy's urgent voice called out to her from behind, as if he was calling her name.Phoebe froze mid-step and slowly turned around to see Wright rushing toward her, sweat beading on his forehead, his hair messy, hi
Phoebe had been back in her home country for a full week now, spending her days peacefully at her parents' house. Every day, they would casually mention the children, their eyes filled with concern and anticipation.Phoebe always wore a gentle smile, patiently and attentively responding, "Mom, Dad, the kids are doing fine. When they're a little older, I'll bring them back." As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with the love of a mother, reflecting her deep affection for her children.Before returning home, Phoebe had taken some pictures of the kids. She sat down next to her parents, handing them her phone and softly saying, "Mom, Dad, here, these are the kids."Her parents' eyes widened in surprise, filled with joy as if they had just seen the world's most precious treasure.Her father leaned in slightly, moving closer to the screen, his lips curving into an uncontrollable smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes glowing with delight. "They're so adorable," he murmured.Her mother ge
"No… no… please…" Melissa shook her head frantically, her body jerking in fear and despair. Her hands flailed in the air, grasping at the fleeting chance for survival that had already vanished.But Alexander didn't give her any more chances for mercy. He suddenly reached out, grabbing her by the hair with irresistible force, lifting her up by the roots.Melissa let out a pained groan, the sharp pain in her scalp making her feel as though she might pass out. Then, the cold blade pressed against her cheek, as if an icy line was drawn, freezing her blood in an instant."Ah!" A sharp, blood-curdling scream followed, and a gash appeared on Melissa's face, dark red blood slowly seeping from the wound and trailing down her pale face, like a terrifying red snake.Tears of pain flowed from her eyes, mixing with the blood, and it was impossible to tell which was which.But this was just the beginning. Alexander's gaze held no mercy, only endless fury and hatred. His hand tightened on the knife
The air was heavy with an unbearable cold, as if even breathing could freeze into frost. Melissa's desperate cries for mercy echoed throughout the dead silence of the room. Alexander's expression remained dark as he slowly turned around.Seated in a wheelchair, a thin blanket draped over his legs, the dim, yellow light cast a sickly glow, highlighting his profile in a haunting manner.His face was unreadable, but a terrifying aura radiated from him, like a messenger from hell, emitting an unmistakable scent of death.His gaze, sharp as a dagger, pierced through Melissa. His voice was as cold as the ice of eternity. "What makes you think you have the right to beg for mercy?"His words were laced with boundless anger and disgust, each one landing like a hammer blow to Melissa's heart.Her body shook violently, her voice cracking from fear, her face streaked with the tangled tracks of her tears, a mixture of regret and the desperate desire to live."I know I shouldn't have done those thi
The dungeon was cloaked in near total darkness, with only a few faint rays of light struggling to seep through the cracks, casting mottled shadows on the ground.The damp air was thick with a nauseating stench, the foul smell a blend of age and sin.Rats scurried in the corners, their incessant squeaks adding to the eerie, terrifying atmosphere.Dana strode into the terrifying dungeon with several men in tow. His eyes searched the dark corners, quickly settling on Melissa, curled up in one of them."Drag her out!" Dana commanded coldly, his voice echoing through the empty dungeon.The men immediately stepped forward, roughly pulling Melissa from her corner.Upon seeing her, Dana exaggeratedly slapped his chest and feigned a look of terror. "My God, that's terrifying," he mocked, his face twisted in disdain and loathing despite his words."What do you want?" Melissa screamed in terror, her eyes wide with fear. Her face, twisted in horror from the extreme fear, looked almost monstrous.
The quiet morning at X Villa was abruptly interrupted by hurried footsteps. Dana, along with a few friends, rushed in, their expressions anxious.They had just received the news—Gavin had returned to the country, accompanied by a woman.A few months ago, Gavin had vanished without a trace. They had used all their connections, searched every possible corner, but found not a single clue. Now, however, he had returned in such a high-profile manner, it was utterly baffling.Logically, Gavin knew they had been searching for Phoebe, so he should have hidden her well, leaving no trace behind. But now, he was back, strutting around with a woman. What was his intention?Impatient and anxious, they desperately wanted to discuss a strategy with Alexander. They rushed to where he was, but Rod stopped them at the door."Rod, just open the door. Alexander won't blame you," Dana urged, visibly anxious."But…" Rod hesitated, his feet seemingly rooted to the spot, showing no sign of intending to open
France, CastleThe quiet hallway echoed softly with the sound of footsteps. A maid, dressed in a neat uniform, carefully held a delicate box in one hand and a pair of beautiful crystal slippers in the other. She arrived at a door, gently knocked, and waited for a response."Come in,"a soft voice called from inside.The maid opened the door, slightly bowing with a warm smile. "Miss, these clothes are from the young master."She carefully placed the items on a table nearby and added softly, "The young master is waiting for you downstairs."She then withdrew quietly, closing the door behind her.Phoebe sat dazedly at the edge of the bed, her hollow gaze fixed on the elegant gift box and the shimmering shoes on the table. Her fingers subconsciously tugged at the bedspread, her knuckles turning pale from the pressure.Are we really going back?The question swirled in her mind, tightening her heart like an invisible hand, causing a
The car moved slowly along the road, the scenery outside flashing by like a slideshow, but the atmosphere inside the car was suffocating, as if the air itself had thickened, making it hard to breathe.Laura sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her back straight, her hands tightly clutching the corners of her clothes, her knuckles white from the tension. Her lips were pressed together, as if glued shut by some invisible force, leaving her unable to utter a single word.Leroy's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. After several attempts to speak, he sighed in resignation, his voice thick with frustration and helplessness.But it wasn't just the silence that weighed on him—it was the faint scent of blood coming from the girl beside him. His gaze instinctively shifted to Laura. Her face had turned pale, her head slightly lowered, as if he had somehow hurt her.Laura, too, noticed the change. Her face flushed red instantly. She knew she had made
In the early morning, soft light filtered through the thin curtains and quietly bathed the room.A handsome man stood silently by the window, surrounded by the warm glow of the sunlight, as if an ethereal golden halo had been drawn around him.Suddenly, a faint sound came from the hospital bed, and he slowly turned around.He saw the girl on the bed beginning to open her eyes, still tinged with the remnants of sleep.His lips parted slightly, his voice low and magnetic. "You're awake?"Thinking back to last night, he remembered getting up to get some water. As he passed through the living room, he caught sight of a small figure curled up on the sofa, clearly in pain.As he approached, he realized it was her, suffering from menstrual cramps. The noticeable stain on the sofa immediately made his frown deepen.He was well-known for his obsessive cleanliness, holding impossibly high standards for his living environment. How could he toler