"Phoebe, pack your things and report to the CEO's office now!" the HR manager, Alvis, commanded.Phoebe, who had been carefully organizing documents at her desk, immediately stopped what she was doing and responded, "Got it, sir!""I mean NOW! Don't keep boss waiting!" Alvis urged. Phoebe didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly stood up to gather her belongings.Ten minutes later, she was on the top floor, her arms full of items.The company had been doing well, but for some reason, it was mysteriously acquired by an unknown corporation last week, and with that, a new boss had taken over.The news had shocked the entire staff, including Phoebe. But what puzzled her even more was how she had inexplicably become the new CEO's secretary.Was she lucky or unlucky?On one hand, her salary had doubled, but on the other, she had suddenly become the target of envy and hostility from the female employees.As she stepped out of the elevator and arrived at the CEO's office door, she knocke
Five years ago...Outside a dimly lit, intoxicating bar at night, Phoebe stood with her head lowered, nervously watching the men and women who continuously went in and out of the establishment.It was her first time in a place like this, and the unfamiliar environment already made her feel uneasy. The leering gazes of some of the men nearby only heightened her anxiety, causing her to break out in a cold sweat. She was too scared to even take another step forward."Hey, are you...?" A voice suddenly appeared near her ear, making her heart skip a beat. The man didn't say so explicitly, but the leering look up and down his face said it all.Phoebe timidly raised her head, only to regret coming here the moment she saw the disgusting man standing in front of her. But there was no turning back now.A bitter taste spread in her mouth as she lowered her eyes. Did she even have a choice? She didn't.Her father was still lying in a hospital bed, her brother had accumulated a massive debt due to
On a summer night, the city was ablaze with lights, hosting a world-renowned luxurious yacht party.Phoebe stood still by the window like a beautiful statue, not moving an inch.However, her hands at her sides were clenched tightly, her knuckles pale. The sea breeze brushed her face, but all she could feel was a bone-chilling cold. The moonlit night outside was mesmerizing, yet she had no heart to appreciate it.Watching the elite guests move across the yacht's deck, each of them radiated an aura of wealth and prestige. They whispered in low voices, laughing softly, clinking their glasses in elegant toasts.She smiled bitterly. This was the stark difference between the rich and the poor.The world was never fair, and all she could do was use her body to save her family.Raising her eyes to the empty night sky, her heart filled with a deep sadness. She felt utterly lost."Follow me." A deep, magnetic voice came from behind her.Phoebe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her chest r
Without warning, darkness engulfed the room, plunging her into a pitch-black world.Power outage?Phoebe's heart clenched, fear and panic consuming her.It felt like a suffocating weight was closing in, making her body tremble uncontrollably.Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past her, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist.Her bare back pressed against a firm chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the heat emanating from him.Startled, she let out a cry, "NO..."But the man chuckled darkly, his deep, husky voice breaking the silence of the room. "Don't make a fuss..."His voice was intoxicating, but why did it carry such an overwhelming sense of dominance? The aura of this man was formidable!"You...who are you?" Phoebe mustered the courage to ask, her voice trembling.Though the room was pitch dark, the man's sharp eyes could clearly catch every emotion in her wide, clear eyes—those beautiful eyes, like black pearls, pure and flaw
Two years later.At the art gallery, the staff bustled through the exhibition halls, meticulously preparing for an upcoming grand solo art show."Phoebe! How's the progress on Curtis' exhibition?" A deep voice asked from the other end of the phone."Everything's ready, just waiting for the gallery to open." Phoebe adjusted the outdated glasses perched on her nose. Her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, giving her a fresh and elegant appearance.After hanging up, Phoebe carefully examined the paintings on the wall. This exhibition was part of Curtis' nationwide tour, and she was fortunate to have been selected as the temporary tour assistant for this world-renowned artist.During a small exhibition, one of Phoebe's own pieces caught Curtis' eye by chance. He appreciated her unique perspective on art, and that stroke of luck made her his chosen assistant.Phoebe had a natural talent for painting.For the past two years, her goal had been to apply to Valleybrook's top art school. H
Her heart clenched tightly, a wave of fear and panic rushing through her.Curtis quickly extended his arm, pulling her waist close to him, wrapping her in a firm embrace. His heart raced, and Phoebe clung to him like a frightened rabbit, seeking warmth and comfort."Phoebe, don't be scared. I'm here, everything's going to be fine," he whispered, gently stroking her soft hair in a soothing gesture.The car came to an abrupt stop after a series of jolts, skidding to a halt at a sharp corner. Only when Phoebe felt the car come to a safe stop did she slowly open her tightly shut eyes. She was still shaken, her gaze lifting toward the man holding her. A hoarse whisper escaped her lips, "Are we safe?""Yes, we're fine now," Curtis nodded, his gaze soft and reassuring. In this moment, he felt needed by her, a feeling he savored."What just happened? Did we crash?" Merle asked, steadying himself, his voice shaky.Curtis was about to ask the driver what had happened when he noticed that their
Phoebe sat in the car, anxiously waiting. She kept glancing toward the distance, silently praying that Curitis would return safely.The events of the day were terrifying, and the mysterious people they encountered filled her with fear. The suppressed memories from her past resurfaced, dragging her into a pit of darkness. The unsettling gaze of that man earlier left her deeply uneasy."Merle, do you think someone is targeting Mr. Curitis? Could they be part of a terrorist group?""It's possible...but Phoebe, don't overthink it. He'll be fine. Let's wait here for him." Merle tried to comfort Phoebe, though he, too, was still shaken by what had happened. They could do nothing but wait for Curitis to return—only then would they know what was going on.Suddenly, the sound of an approaching car broke the silence.Phoebe's heart raced as she looked outside—Curitis was back."Did they hurt you?" The group rushed forward, anxious to see if he was okay. Seeing him unharmed, they finally let out
Three days had passed, and Phoebe walked through the hospital, her body exhausted. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at her parents lying unconscious in their beds.She would find the money. Her parents would be okay!But—Where was she going to find so much money? She had already begged for help wherever she could, lowering herself, speaking softly, but the amount she managed to borrow was still a pittance.Suddenly, a face flashed in her mind. She remembered Curtis, and for a moment, a glimmer of hope sparked within her.She could ask him for a loan, and once she graduated and found a job, she'd pay him back.Nervously, she tried calling Curtis' private number. But after several attempts, the phone was still switched off.She tried calling Merle as well, but no one answered. Disappointment crashed over Phoebe once again, and the last bit of hope in her heart crumbled.She wandered aimlessly through the streets, her figure fragile and lost. The path ahead seemed uncertain, and
The night wind swept through, rustling the leaves outside the window. The cold air crept into the hospital room, making her shiver uncontrollably. Yet the chill that gripped her wasn't from the dropping temperature—it came from his icy voice.Alexander's heart ached as he watched her trembling. He knew he shouldn't have lashed out, but he couldn't help it—he was furious. He couldn't control his emotions. She had lost weight again over the past few days. Her already slender frame now looked so fragile that it pained him deeply.He took off his coat and stepped forward to wrap it around her. But she flinched away as if his kindness were a plague she had to escape. His arm froze mid-air, but then he moved closer again, determined to cover her with the coat whether she wanted it or not.This time, his familiar dominance returned. Even if she resisted, he wouldn't back down."I don't need your fake concern!" she snapped, her voice laced with frustration as she waved her arms, trying to bre
"I want to be discharged!""I'm sorry, Miss, but without Mr. Davis's permission, we can't process your discharge." The doctor's apologetic tone revealed their predicament. This young woman had already tried to leave the hospital multiple times. Her body had recovered, and she was indeed ready to go. However, without Alexander's orders, they dared not comply."What if I insist on leaving?""Miss, please don't make things difficult for us. If we let you go, all of us could lose our jobs.""Lose your jobs?" She wanted so badly to tell them selfishly that it wasn't her concern. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to say it. With a bitter smile, she realized Alexander had indeed found her weakness. He knew she would never want to jeopardize others' livelihoods.Exhausted, she returned to her hospital room and collapsed onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Did she not even have the freedom to leave the hospital? All she wanted was to go home. Did he have to take even that small freedom
A sharp, twisting pain shot through her lower abdomen! Biting her lip, Laura whimpered, her brows furrowed tightly as she clutched her stomach."It hurts," she murmured.The sound made Gavin freeze abruptly. He lowered his gaze to see Laura curled up on the bed, her face scrunched in discomfort, though he hadn't done anything to her yet.A metallic scent filled the air. Following his gaze downward, he saw crimson streaks flowing down her pale legs, soaking into the dark bedsheets."Damn it!" he roared, his voice laced with irritation as if he'd seen something repulsive.Disgust flickered across his face, his expression growing icy. His sharp eyes gleamed with rage as he kicked her naked body off the bed."Get out!" he snarled, the venom in his voice making her tremble.Laura's body slammed against the cold, hard floor, the impact jarring her. Pain lanced through her limbs as a soft groan of discomfort escaped her lips.She didn't understand what had happened. She only knew she'd been
Gavin scrubbed her body for what felt like an eternity, as though trying to rid herself of some invisible filth. Especially there. Her emotions were an unnameable tangle as his hands moved over her skin, exploring unabashedly.Shame burned through her. He didn't spare even the parts of her she'd never dared to touch herself. His fingers pressed and kneaded her skin with a rough intensity, as though trying to erase some deep impurity.She wanted to cry but didn't dare.His grip was firm, almost painful, and the heat of his palms seeped into her skin. This strange sensation—it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Her flesh stung from his coarse touch, but she bit her lip, refusing to voice her discomfort. Only the slight furrow of her brows betrayed her feelings.Before she knew it, he lifted her effortlessly, and she found herself tossed onto a massive bed.The water was gone. So were the harsh hands and the physical sting of pain. Tentatively, she opened her eyes, taking in t
LauraGavin's cold fingers continued their movements, slipping behind her to undo the last piece of fabric shielding her.As her bare skin was fully exposed to his gaze, the chill in the air made Laura's delicate arms instinctively want to wrap around her chest in modesty.However, her arms were pinned, leaving her utterly unable to move.His piercing, icy eyes locked onto her, scrutinizing her flawless, proud form.How many men would be enthralled by this perfection in the future? he wondered.The silky white of her skin stirred something dark within him, awakening the most sinister parts of his soul.Gavin's body grew unusually excited—something that was foreign to him. He had never been a man driven by physical desires. In fact, he had always found such things rather unappealing.Unless it was to fulfill a purely biological need, Gavin avoided women entirely.Even when he did engage, it was limited—hands or mouths only. He never allowed anyone to touch his body, nor did he touch th
The hospital room was unusually quiet, the only sound breaking the stillness was her steady breathing.Alexander stared at the fragile, pale face resting on the hospital bed. His chest felt unbearably heavy, as though a massive stone weighed upon it, making it hard to breathe.She still wouldn't wake up. Perhaps she didn't want to see him. This time, he had gone too far. How could Phoebe ever forgive him?"Don't… don't… my baby… no…" Her faint murmurs interrupted his turbulent thoughts.He glanced at her. She was clearly trapped in a nightmare, her brows furrowed tightly, her sleep restless. Her voice was soft and barely audible, but he heard it nonetheless. Alexander felt his heart clench painfully. He bent down and gently scooped her into his arms. Leaning closer, he noticed her tear-streaked face.She was crying again.The cold trail of her tears stirred something raw within him, making his heart ache deeply, his chest tightening with a pang he couldn't ignore.In her dream, Phoebe
Laura"Laura, someone's here to see you."Lost in thought, Laura felt a gentle nudge from a classmate. She snapped back to reality, blinking in confusion."What are you daydreaming about? Didn't you hear me?""Huh? Wh-what?""Stop spacing out! Someone's waiting for you at the classroom door!""Me?" Laura lowered her head, showing no intention of going outside."Go already! It's rude to keep them waiting. Or do you want a repeat of last time when they walked into the classroom to confess?" The girl pursed her lips, half-joking.Laura's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Reluctantly, she stood up, bracing herself to head outside. Her classmate, wearing an expression of envy, muttered under her breath, "I'm so jealous. Every day, you've got handsome guys confessing to you."Laura's face grew even redder, her steps faltering as she hesitated on what to do."Don't just stand there blushing! Don't make him wait too long
Melissa slipped quietly through the back door, intending to return to her hospital room unnoticed. Unfortunately, she crossed paths with Alexander, who was returning from outside.Panicking, she pressed herself against the corner wall, breathing heavily. She had barely avoided being seen by him!After waiting for a while and hearing the sound of a door closing, she exhaled in relief. Peeking around the corner, she noticed the guards outside Phoebe's room had left.Tiptoeing towards the door, Melissa stood on her toes and peered through the small window. The scene inside made her jealousy burn even deeper.Alexander was doting on Phoebe with tenderness, his gaze full of affection and care. The sight stung Melissa's heart.Just days ago, Melissa had suffered a miscarriage. She had thought Alexander would be more attentive to her after hearing the news, but he had only visited her in the hospital once and then disappeared. Why had he never treated her
"Let me in to see her!""No!" The guards blocked Melissa's way."I'm just checking on her! Why won't you let me in?" Melissa frowned, growing irritated."Apologies, Miss. This is the boss's order. Without his permission, you are not allowed inside!""You—fine! I'll go talk to Alex myself. Let me through.""We'll relay the message for you. Please leave.""You—!""Alex is inside! Let me in!""He isn't seeing anyone right now. Please leave!" The guard's expression remained indifferent, leaving Melissa frustrated and unable to vent her anger.Back in her hospital room, her rage erupted. She began smashing everything within reach, drawing the attention of several nurses."What are you looking at? Get out!" Melissa screamed at the young nurses, throwing a vase in their direction. It narrowly missed, causing them to flee in tears.Once they were gone, Melissa erupted into a fit of uncontrollable scream