The Café.The café exuded elegance, with a soothing ambiance and soft background music enhancing the atmosphere.But Phoebe couldn't enjoy it; she sat uneasily, her emotions a tangled mess. She had no idea why Melissa had asked to meet her here.From the car ride to the café, Melissa had been silent, simply staring at her with an unrelenting gaze that made Phoebe feel uncomfortable—even a bit creeped out. She felt like she couldn't sit still and wanted to break the awkward silence.Honestly, she wanted to leave.She was painfully aware of her awkward position: Melissa was the woman Alexander intended to marry, while she was his hidden lover, a kept woman in the shadows.Melissa's eyes swept over her with disdain as she elegantly sipped her coffee. Finally, she broke the silence with a deliberately slow and even voice, "Phoebe, you look well lately."It seemed Melissa had noticed Alexander's recent attentions toward her.Melissa had assumed that night with Alexander would draw him clos
"You're pregnant?" Melissa's tone was sharp, her words biting."No, I'm not." Phoebe denied it, a flash of panic crossing her face.If Melissa found out she was pregnant, Alexander would know soon, too, and she couldn't bear to imagine what would happen then. She was afraid."Don't lie. Your name is right here on this document."Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. What could she say to make Melissa believe her?"Phoebe, your ambitions really do run high, don't they?""No, it's not his child." Her face went pale as she rushed to explain."Lies." Melissa scoffed, convinced of the truth before her. The timing matched perfectly—it was impossible to deny it was Alexander's child."It's really not his child," Phoebe stammered, nearly on the verge of tears, desperately sticking to her story.Melissa studied her, sensing something odd. Why was Phoebe so adamant about denying that Alexander was the father?"Then whose child is it?""It's... someone else's," Phoebe managed, biting her lip.Melissa e
In the afternoon, Alexander's car pulled up at the school gate as usual, though today, a meeting had delayed him a bit.He had called Phoebe on the way there, but when she didn't answer, he assumed she was angry with him. Instead of getting upset, he found her childish behavior a little amusing.He chuckled softly to himself, all while continuing his tasks, mentally planning how to make it up to her once he saw her.He circled the school entrance, scanning for her, but didn't spot her. Frowning, he checked the time. By this hour, she should have already finished class. Why wasn't she out yet?He waited a bit longer, his gaze fixed, searching for any sign of her.Meanwhile, in the restroom, water rushed from the tap as Phoebe splashed her burning face with cold water.Her eyes were red from crying, and as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, the area where she had been scalded was swollen and inflamed.The cold water did nothing to soothe the pain. If that cup of coffee had been
Phoebe wandered around outside for a long time before returning to the apartment.The room was dark, and Alexander wasn't home. She didn't want to think about him, so she didn't bother turning on the lights. She took off her shoes, slipped on some slippers, and made her way to the bedroom in the dark.The memory of Melissa's angry face from earlier that day weighed on her heart. It made her feel awful, though she didn't blame Melissa—she knew she had no right to. After all, Melissa wasn't wrong.She sniffled, then climbed into bed, pulling the covers up around her.Her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth, and she pulled it closer, switching on the light to see what it was. It was Alexander's black suit.Had he been back?Thinking of him again, her calm mood evaporated, replaced by a renewed sense of frustration.Her eyes clouded with tears. She angrily tossed the expensive suit onto the floor and buried her face in the pillow, trying to sleep.She didn't care whether he
"I told you, it's just me." Phoebe couldn't tell the truth, and even if she did, what good would it do?Seeing that she wasn't willing to speak, Alexander didn't press further."Does it still hurt?""It's not that bad anymore." She shook her head. No wonder the pain on her cheek was less when she woke up in the morning."Make me breakfast. I'm hungry." It had been so long since he had tasted her cooking.She didn't really want to make him breakfast, but since he hadn't yelled at her and had even helped her with the medicine, she nodded reluctantly.After Alexander changed clothes and went downstairs, Phoebe had already finished making breakfast. There was still half an hour left, and she should be able to make it to school in time. She grabbed her things and was about to leave, but just as she reached the door, Alexander's voice came from behind."Where are you going?""To school.""Eat breakfast first.""I'll be late.""I'll take you after breakfast." He realized his temper had been
In just two days, rumors began to spread like wildfire across the school.Word quickly got around that Phoebe had a sugar daddy.It didn't take long for the gossip to become the talk of the school, with everyone—whether in public or private—whispering about Phoebe.Some classmates even posted pictures of her getting into Alexander's car.But that was just the beginning. Some people dug deeper, uncovering details about her family background, her parents, and even her drug-addicted brother.The insults, sneers, and cruel comments echoed in her ears at all hours.The rumors were causing her immense trouble.Her professors called her in for several meetings, and even the school administration had personally approached her, warning that if things continued like this, they might start advising her to drop out.If it got any worse, they would likely expel her.Phoebe didn't understand how everything had gone so wrong.Just a few days ago, things had been fine, and now suddenly, her world was
After shouting at Alexander, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone.Moments later, she was stunned, not even sure where she found the courage to yell at him, let alone insult him. Perhaps the pressure of the past few days had built up, and she just needed to vent.Meeting him had sucked the color out of her life. Was he really planning to trap her? To make her his secret lover forever, living there like his pet?Although he had changed a lot recently, showing more patience and even being gentle with her, it wasn't what she wanted.She didn't want this life anymore. Without love, no matter how good he was to her, she didn't want it.Wrapping the blanket tightly around herself, she tried to think things through. What should she do? How could she break free from him? How could she get him to stop bothering her and give her space, so her life could go back to the peaceful state it once had?She was so absorbed in her thoughts, her headache growing worse, that she didn't even hear the do
As soon as the door clicked shut, the living room was left with only the two of them.Alexander gave Phoebe a cold look and patted the spot beside him."Come here.""What... what do you want?" Phoebe said, her guard up.Was he really going to do something here, in her house? He was just too infuriating. She didn't pick up his calls, and yet here he was, showing up at her doorstep.Boyfriend? He looked more like the Big Bad Wolf waiting to devour Little Red Riding Hood."Phoebe, you'd better come here before I lose my temper," Alexander said, glaring at her with increasing impatience.He couldn't understand why she was acting this way today. His patience, which had been stretched thin with her, was starting to wear out. He could tolerate her occasional tantrums, but not when she crossed the line."This is my house. You wouldn't dare," she retorted, meeting his gaze boldly.Her parents were here—she didn't believe he would actually lose control. But even so, a tiny spark of fear still l
On the white hospital bed, Phoebe lay quietly, having just woken from a nightmare. In her dream, she had seen Gordon lying in a pool of blood. She was terrified, heartbroken.Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the pale ceiling above her, and the sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils. Looking around, she realized she was in a hospital."You're awake?"A male voice above her caught her attention. She squinted, then opened her eyes wider.Gavin?For some reason, the name kept repeating in her mind.Her memory began to piece itself together, and she recalled the bloody scenes before she passed out.Her eyes turned red instantly, and with a trembling voice, she stared at him, "Where... Where's my brother?"The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing.For the first time, Gavin felt as though his voice had been caught in his throat. He didn't know how to answer. He was afraid of what would happen once she knew the truth, afraid of her reaction.The tightness in his ch
"Sir, Miss Laura is here!" The butler said respectfully, standing behind the timid Laura.She kept her head lowered, afraid to raise it because the butler had said she was being brought to see her brother. The memory of his cruelty the night before made her body tremble uncontrollably."Mm, you may leave."The butler bowed and left, leaving Laura alone. She was terrified, and for a moment, she almost ran after him.She truly didn't want to be alone with her brother. The cruel images from last night haunted her, and she could still feel the lingering pain in her wrist."Come here!" His cold voice commanded, filled with authority.Laura's heart skipped a beat, and her feet felt unusually heavy, but she gathered all her courage and slowly walked over."What is it?" she asked in a shaky voice, barely audible."Take good care of her over the next few days, understood?" He didn't even look at Laura, his voice commanding. He seemed to care about her, wanted her here, just so that when she wo
The next morning, at Phoebe's home."Hello! Is this the residence of Miss Phoebe Garcia?""Yes, it is. And you are?" Hermosa asked, confused by the unexpected visitor so early in the morning."Mr. Alexander Davis, our boss, assigned me to drive your daughter to school. I've been waiting outside for an hour, but she hasn't come out. Is she not attending school today?" the driver replied politely."Alex? You mean my daughter's boyfriend?" Hermosa paused for a moment before smiling, seemingly realizing something. He's very considerate of her."That's correct. Is she not ready yet?" the driver asked, his gaze briefly sweeping inside the house."Apologies, but Phoebe rushed out after receiving a phone call yesterday. She said a friend was looking for her and didn't even stay for dinner," Hermosa explained with a hint of concern.The driver froze for a moment. "She didn't come home last night?""That's right! We were worried all night. She didn't answer any of our calls either. We were just
"What... what did you say?" Her voice trembled, and her breathing grew uneven."Take it off!" he ordered, his eyes narrowing dangerously. His fingers gripped her pale wrist, his strength threatening to snap it.Laura followed his gaze to her own arm, her heart pounding in panic. "But... this..."Wasn't this a gift from him? Why would he ask her to take it off? And why did his expression look so terrifying? Had she done something wrong?"It hurts!" she whimpered softly as his grip tightened, pain shooting through her wrist. Instinctively, she tried to break free from his hold, but this side of her brother made her shiver uncontrollably.The pain was excruciating. Laura furrowed her brows tightly, tears brimming in the corners of her eyes.With a forceful shove, Gavin pushed her down, his movements rough and unrelenting. He yanked her pajama pants, leapt from the water, and pinned her beneath him."Ugh!" Laura gasped as her head slammed against the hard floor, a sharp crack echoing in t
"Did you know? He really likes Phoebe," she murmured softly.Titan, lying silently like a loyal listener, rested his head on his paws."I'm so jealous of Phoebe," she whispered to herself. "If only he could like me, even just a little."But deep down, she knew Gavin would never look at her the way he did Phoebe. She tried to console herself: As long as he doesn't hate me, that's enough.Is he back now?What does he do out there every day?She had only overheard bits and pieces from the butler—her brother seemed to be involved in something akin to the mafia. But what exactly was the mafia? She wasn't entirely sure.Brushing off the grass from her clothes, she stood up. "I should head back now, Titan. I'll come visit you again when I can!"She coaxed Titan back into his cage. He whimpered in protest, reluctantly stepping into the enclosure and laying down, his sorrowful gaze fixed on Laura. He wished she wouldn't leave."Goodbye," Laura said, waving reluctantly. She gave Titan one last
After Gavin left, Astor didn't follow him. Instead, he walked toward the group of arrogant men who had been causing trouble moments before, raising his gun without hesitation."We're sorry! We're sorry! We were wrong!" they knelt, pleading desperately for their lives."Yes! We were wrong! We didn't want to hurt her! Someone made us do it!"Hearing this, Astor's hand paused. His voice was cold as ice."Speak. Who was it?"The men, thinking they might have a chance to live, scrambled to respond."She's called Sheridan!""Yes! We just overheard it, but that's the name we caught!"Astor's eyes darkened.A moment later, piercing screams shattered the stillness of the night, one after another, painting the air with an eerie tension.***At the hospital."Save her!" A frantic male voice echoed through the hallway.Blood streamed down Phoebe's legs in an alarming volume, staining Gavin's clothes entirely red.Doctors rushed out, quickly placing her on a stretcher and pushing her into the oper
On the other side, a burly man grabbed Phoebe from the ground and barked an order to the others, "Take the body back.""Let me go!""Do you want to die too?!" the man snapped harshly. Ignoring Phoebe's struggles, he began dragging her away, but a man suddenly stepped in front of him."Get out of the way!" the burly man roared at the stranger.The dim lighting in the bar obscured the stranger's face, but not the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes."Let her go." The cold, commanding voice cut through the air like a knife.Gavin lowered his gaze to the disheveled Phoebe, his entire presence radiating lethal intent."Mind your own business!" the man growled impatiently."Boss, this guy doesn't look easy to deal with... Look, he's got a whole group of bodyguards with him," one of the lackeys murmured nervously, his eyes darting toward the stoic men standing behind Gavin."Useless fool! What's there to be scared of?!" the burly man bellowed, though his expression darkened.Years in the underwo
"Gordon, what's going on?""Don't ask questions now. I need to get you out of here!"Before Gordon could finish speaking, a group of burly men suddenly appeared, surrounding both him and Phoebe, leaving no escape."What do you want?" Gordon positioned himself protectively in front of Phoebe, his gaze fixed on the men with a wary intensity.He had to shield his sister. It was his fault she was in danger, and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her."Escape? You think it's that easy? The five million we gave you wasn't charity!""Keep the money. Just let her go!" Gordon shouted desperately at the men."Hahaha," the leader of the group laughed mockingly, as if Gordon had just told the best joke. "Do you think this is a place you can walk in and out of as you please?""If any of you dare touch her, I'll fight you to the death!" Gordon roared, his voice like a feral animal's, his desperation evident."Save your breath. You can't even save yourself, let alone someone else."Fueled by ra
As soon as Phoebe stepped through the front door, she heard the phone ringing in the living room."Phoebe, answer the phone! I'm busy in the kitchen!" Hermosa called out, poking her head out briefly."Okay, Mom, I'll get it..." Phoebe replied, quickly swapping her shoes and hurrying to the phone. The moment she picked up, her brother's voice came through the line.Phoebe froze, thinking she must have heard wrong."Hello, Gordon?" she asked, puzzled. He was supposed to be in rehab. Why would he be calling her out of the blue?"Phoebe, you have to come help me!" Gordon's voice was strained, filled with pain."What's going on?" Phoebe asked, worry creeping into her tone."I'm trapped at a bar, surrounded by some..."Phoebe gripped the phone tightly, her heart racing. "How did this happen? Aren't you supposed to be in drug rehabilitation center? Why are you at a bar?""Phoebe, there's no time to explain! Just come and help me!"Gordon quickly rattled off the location—a seedy underground b