Phoebe nervously scanned the room, but there was no sign of Alexander. A sense of unease settled in her chest. He had been gone for so long—had he really left her here alone? Would he just leave her behind?
The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became.
Just then, a familiar, magnetic voice called out from behind her. Phoebe instinctively turned around, her eyes locking onto the source of the voice.
"Phoebe."
"Gavin?" Phoebe gasped, recognizing him. It was unbelievable—they had run into each other here of all places.
"I can't believe I'm seeing you here," Gavin said, his gaze burning into her with an intensity that made it hard for her to look away.
His smile was charming, though it couldn't hide the delight he was feeling inside. From the moment he spotted her in the hall, his eyes had been fixed on her. Every small movement, every subtle expression—he noticed it all.
She looked stunning tonig
"Didn't I tell you not to wander off?"Alexander's voice carried a sharp edge of displeasure.His eyes burned with fury, his mind replaying the scene he had just witnessed—her sharing a moment of closeness with Gavin. The image gnawed at him, igniting a surge of jealousy he couldn't suppress.Even he couldn't deny it: they looked perfect together.Tonight, Gavin, dressed impeccably in his tailored suit, exuded a charm that was hard to ignore. Together, they looked like an ideal couple, radiating a sweetness that Alexander found unbearable."I…" Phoebe looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. She hadn't wandered anywhere; she had stayed in the same spot all along. How dare he accuse her? Especially after he was the one who had left her behind earlier?Alexander's domineering stance screamed both a challenge and a declaration of ownership. Gavin, unfazed, offered a casual smile, fully understanding the unspoken tension."You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," Alexander said, his gaze l
In the evening, while Alexander was in the bathroom taking a shower, his phone began to ring.The sound persisted for a long time. Phoebe called out to him several times, but the noise of the running water drowned out her voice, and Alexander didn't hear her.The phone rang multiple times, making it seem like there was something urgent. After hesitating for a while, Phoebe finally answered the call.Before she could say anything, the voice on the other end interrupted her."Alex. Why haven't you come back yet? Do you not want me anymore? Is that it?!" Melissa's heartbroken sobs filled the line.Phoebe froze. Her hand trembled so violently that she nearly dropped the phone."Alex, why won't you come see me? I miss you so much!" Melissa's crying grew more and more pitiful.When there was no response from the other end for a long time, Melissa adjusted her tone, cautiously testing the waters.She wasn't certain, but she gambled that it was Phoebe who had answered the call. However, she c
The night sky was shrouded in dark, oppressive clouds, and even the air seemed heavy with a suffocating tension.This city at night was wild and exhilarating, a kaleidoscope of indulgence and debauchery, revealing humanity's most primal and ugly instincts.For many, the night was their haven of freedom, with bars as their preferred sanctuary.Alexander drove aimlessly before stopping at a random bar.Once inside, he ordered a pile of drinks at the bar and began to drink with reckless abandon. The air was thick with the acrid stench of smoke and alcohol, a smell so pungent it was almost unbearable.The sharp burn of the liquor scorched its way down his throat to his stomach. Yet, the more he drank, the more it seemed to fuel him. Somehow, this chaos brought him a strange sense of release.Tonight, Phoebe had truly infuriated him. When had he ever been so invested in a woman? Only with Phoebe had he shown such care—he had even changed himself for her.No other woman had ever made him al
A faint scent of rain lingered in the early morning air as the man in bed stirred awake. Alexander's hand instinctively reached out to the space beside him, only to find it cold and empty.Alarmed, he bolted upright, shaking off the remnants of sleep. His sharp eyes scanned the room, but Phoebe was nowhere to be seen.His gaze landed on a note resting on the bedside table. He grabbed it, and as he read, his expression darkened to an icy grimace."Left?"Alexander clenched the note, snatched his phone, and leaped out of bed. Dialing swiftly, he simultaneously rummaged through the drawers.Her passport and ID lay untouched.His frown deepened. She didn't take anything. Where could she have gone?A gut instinct whispered one name: Gavin. If she dared to turn to him, she would learn the consequences."Pull up the hotel's surveillance footage," he barked into the phone before ending the call abruptly. His cold gaze turned toward the window, shadowed with menace.If she dares betray me, I'l
The room echoed with the man's arrogant laughter.But in the next second..."Ahhh!"A blood-curdling scream filled the air, as though a pig was being slaughtered. The man clutched his groin in agony, writhing on the floor.Phoebe froze, her body trembling in fear. She had just kicked him with all her strength. Without giving it much thought, she jumped off the bed and ran to the door.The door was locked—it wouldn't budge."You bitch! How dare you!" the man cursed angrily, his face twisted in pain. He struggled to get up, but the injury incapacitated him. The pain was excruciating—he was certain he was ruined. Revenge could wait; right now, he needed a hospital."Bitch, come here!"Phoebe pressed her back against the door, looking at him with terrified eyes. She didn't move an inch, her hands fumbling desperately at the doorknob behind her."Stop trying. You won't get out without the key," the man sneered weakly. The arrogance he had shown earlier had completely vanished."G-Give me t
Alexander glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his gaze deep and unreadable. She had turned her body away from him, presenting only her back.The sight made him uncomfortable, as though she were deliberately distancing herself, avoiding him.His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and without warning, the car accelerated, speeding forward.The sudden burst of speed made Phoebe feel sick, dizziness washing over her. She gritted her teeth and endured it, staying silent. She wasn't sure when it happened, but the car abruptly screeched to a halt.The sudden stop sent her body lurching forward, slamming against the interior of the car. Pain radiated through her, and her stomach churned violently. If she hadn't gone the entire day without eating, she might have vomited right then and there.Her face was pale, and before she could catch her breath, a cold, commanding voice cut through the air."Get out." Alexander's tone was an unfeeling order, devoid of any warmth.She looked up at
Phoebe said nothing as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face."Why are you crying? Don't like me touching you?" Alexander's voice was deceptively calm, the harbinger of a brewing storm.She bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. It wasn't that she disliked his touch—it was his coldness and cruelty that she couldn't bear."Speak!" His eyes turned blood-red, emanating an icy chill.Still silent, Phoebe let her crystalline tears fall onto Alexander's palm, making his chest tighten inexplicably.His brows furrowed. Suddenly, he cupped her face and pulled her closer.His kiss was wild and desperate, more punishment than passion. It was biting, rough, and venting frustration. Phoebe couldn't withstand the pain. The sting and metallic taste of blood spread through her mouth."Stop crying. Do you hear me?" he growled, his breath heavy and rough as he pulled away slightly.The more he shouted, the more Phoebe's tears fell. Her sorrow and grievance were etched in every droplet."Damn
The next day, Phoebe didn't wake until the sun was high in the sky.Alexander, however, had been awake for hours but remained in bed, quietly gazing at the woman in his arms. He didn't disturb her, occasionally tucking stray strands of her hair behind her ear with a tender touch.When she finally opened her eyes, his deep, magnetic voice greeted her."Good morning.""Mm." Phoebe met his enlarged face up close, and the memories of last night surged into her mind. Her cheeks flushed red as she instinctively tried to burrow back under the blanket."Shy, are we?" Alexander raised a mischievous eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips."…!" How could he be so infuriating? He knew perfectly well why she was acting this way, yet he still teased her."Phoebe, do you realize you're being utterly irresistible like this?""I—I'm not! You're the one being indecent.""Me? Indecent? How so?" His voice dripped with amusement, laced with a hint of seduction."There's someone at the door! I'm not arguing
The office clock struck five. For the third time, Phoebe glanced down the empty hallway.She clutched her phone, scrolling through her contacts again and again. Five missed calls, no one in the office, and his phone still lying quietly in the drawer—where on earth had he gone?Her reflection in the glass window revealed a furrowed brow. They had clearly agreed to leave at four. Even if something urgent came up, he should've at least found a way to let her know.When the six o'clock dismissal bell rang, Phoebe finally grabbed her bag. In the rearview mirror, the neon sign of the kindergarten glowed vividly against the twilight.The car phone suddenly rang. The unfamiliar number made her hand tremble slightly."Phoebe."That familiar voice made her heart settle—only to twist a moment later. "You're at the hospital? Are you hurt?""It's Hermosa. Acute appendicitis,"he said, hospital announcements echoing faintly in the
The morning passed in a slow, steady rhythm, the hours slipping by almost unnoticed.By the time Phoebe returned to the office after lunch, the clock on the wall pointed to half past two.Alexander's lingering kiss still burned on her lips, leaving her ears warm and flushed. She instinctively smoothed her slightly tousled hair, and when her fingers brushed against her heated earlobe, a soft smile tugged at her lips.In the break room, the moment the hot water hit the tea leaves, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air.Phoebe cupped the warm mug in her hands, and through the rising steam, she could almost see him again—his fingers laced tightly with hers, confidently leading her through the office in full view of everyone.He never hid their relationship. That unabashed affection of his… it made even her tea taste sweet.When only a few unfurled leaves remained at the bottom of her cup, Phoebe rubbed her slightly sore eyes.
The next morning."Mom, are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's tonight?" Amy clung to the edge of the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Phoebe nearly dropped the plate in her hand. "Hmm?" She was sure she hadn't said anything about that to the kids."Uncle said so," Amy replied confidently, swinging her legs under the chair.Phoebe glanced out the window at the man polishing the car in the driveway. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the plate. She'd thought he was just talking offhandedly—but he actually meant it? A wave of warmth rose in her chest, only to be washed over by a ripple of unease. Would her parents even be friendly to him? Her mother hadn't said much during their last phone call, but the sigh she'd heard through the receiver still echoed in her ears."Mom?" Amy tugged at her sleeve.Phoebe crouched down and gently smoothed her daughter's crooked collar. "Of course we're going.""Yay!" Jeremy jumped up from his chair with a loud clatter of utensils. "I ha
Alexander's deep voice rumbled against her ear, and Phoebe could no longer hold back the tears welling in her eyes. Warm drops slid down her cheeks as she stood on tiptoe and clung tightly to his neck, burying her tear-streaked face into the crook of his shoulder. Her slender shoulders trembled uncontrollably.Those three words were far too heavy—so heavy, they made her chest ache.He immediately wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her back with the flat of his palm. Suddenly, Phoebe clenched her fists and began pounding his chest, each hit harder than the last."You bastard..." she sobbed into his shoulder. "You've made me cry so many times..."Yet even so, hearing his confession now, all those scars seemed to vanish into insignificance. Love was ridiculous like that—no matter how deeply wounded, the heart still surrendered without hesitation."Say it again," she whispered, lifting her tear-soaked face, her nose bright red.Alexander chuckled lowly and brushed her damp cheek
"Mom, you don't have a boyfriend, and Uncle is such a good guy. Can't he be your boyfriend? Can't he be our dad?""Yeah, Mom, just think about it!"Phoebe kept her expression neutral. This wasn't something that could be decided so easily.She wasn't about to let him off that easily. Especially after what Hermosa said earlier… What exactly did she mean by those words? And that look of surprise on her face—what was that about?Every time she thought about it, a heavy pressure settled on her chest. It felt like they were hiding something from her.She told herself not to overthink it. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the wild guesses running through her mind.Maybe... maybe it was time to ask.And he owed her a real explanation."Mom?"Her thoughts snapped back to the present. The kids were looking up at her with hopeful eyes. They really cared about her love life, it seemed. And clearly, they liked Alexander a lot.Of course she knew what they were trying to do. But a
Phoebe's fingertips trembled slightly as she stared blankly at Hermosa's pale face. That name always pricked at her memory like a needle—Melissa's curly hair, the unopened photo frame in Alexander's study—all flashing before her eyes now."What a coincidence. Running into you here," Hermosa said, her face still drained of color.Phoebe forced a smile. "Yeah, what a... coincidence."She quickly added, "What are you doing here?""My stomach was acting up, so I came to get something for it. You?""Oh, me? I..." Phoebe's throat tightened. Instinctively, she crushed the box of birth control pills hidden behind her back. She only realized where Hermosa's gaze had landed when it was too late. Embarrassed, she moved her hand behind her again. "I was just buying... medicine."As Hermosa turned to leave, the hem of her trench coat brushed past Phoebe's wrist, sending a chill straight to her bones. Hermosa suddenly paused. Under the harsh fluorescent lights, her profile looked almost transparent
When Alexander stepped into the bathroom, he found Phoebe resting peacefully in the bathtub, eyes closed. A soft flush still lingered on her cheeks, a trace of pleasure not yet fully faded. Her face looked like a ripe peach, pink and dewy, waiting to be picked.He walked over quietly. She must have heard him—her thick lashes fluttered as if she wanted to open her eyes. But she was too exhausted, not even a finger moved.Alexander chuckled softly, gazing at her delicate face. He'd really worn her out today.He reached down and gently stroked her silky cheek. He'd intended to call her for dinner, but looking at her now, sleep seemed more fitting.Scooping her out of the water, her smooth skin against him made his body stir again—but he held himself back.He dried her carefully, then laid her on the bed. The marks he'd left on her body filled him with a certain pride, but as he inspected the swollen red tenderness between her thighs, a pang of guilt twisted in his chest. He'd been a litt
The sound of running water from the bathroom came to an abrupt stop. Less than three minutes later, Alexander stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist, his damp hair dripping, sun glinting off his bronze skin."Do I have a good body?" he asked with a cocky arch of his brow, the towel hanging precariously low, revealing the sharp V-lines at his hips.Phoebe turned away, stubborn as ever. "Male models look better."His expression instantly darkened. The towel slipped to the floor, and he didn't seem to notice—or care.Phoebe's eyes widened, her pupils dilating as the sight in front of her hit like a punch to the gut. That bastard. He was doing it on purpose—always flaunting his raw, masculine power right in front of her like a predator marking territory."Have you tried one?" he asked, closing the distance between them. The sharp scent of cedarwood from his body wash filled her nose."They're all online!" she stammered, stumbling backward until her lower back hit the nightstand.
He wanted all of her—completely—until she melted beneath him like snow in spring.Tears still clung to Phoebe's lashes, her flushed cheeks pressed against the sofa armrest. She heard his husky laugh fall from above."Tired?"A muffled sound escaped her throat. She didn't bother answering such a pointless question. It felt like her bones had been taken apart and reassembled—dull pain laced with an electric numbness that left a tremor with every breath.She thought back to the wildfire burning in his eyes, the near-manic hunger in his touch. He didn't seem like a man who'd gone five years without a woman—more like someone hell-bent on satisfying a lifetime of cravings in a single day."Get up..."She pushed weakly at his arm, her limbs as soft as cotton, but before she could finish, he pinned her wrist against the couch. The scent of sweat and cedar clung to him, invading her senses as she tilted her head back, only to be caught in the lingering embers in his gaze."One more time," he m