The first gentle rays of morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the girl curled up like a baby on the bed. Her eyes were closed, but her eyelashes trembled slightly. She seemed uneasy, her brows furrowed just a little. Yet her sleeping face remained peaceful and beautiful.It took a long time before Phoebe's consciousness gradually cleared. Slowly, she opened her clear, bright eyes and let out a soft groan, trying to move her body.Down there—it hurt. It felt like she had been run over by a truck.The memories of last night flooded back, making her shiver uncontrollably.God, recalling those shameful moments, a wave of humiliation exploded within her, tears rolling down her cheeks...The man was no longer in the room, but his faint masculine scent still lingered in the air.Phoebe sniffled, blinking back the tears as she pulled the black silk blanket off her aching body. Naked, she sat up slowly, her bare skin exposed to the cool air.Her once flawless,
Instead of going straight to the hospital, Phoebe decided to return to her dorm and change clothes first.Valleybrook wasn't far from Meadowville, just an hour by bus. But today, for the first time, she splurged on a taxi since she had no money on her and was wearing makeshift clothes. As much as it pained her to spend the money, she had no other choice.The taxi ride was fast, and in half an hour, she arrived back at school. Phoebe planned to go up to her dorm, grab some money, and then come down to pay the driver. However, the driver refused, fearing she might run off.After a tense standoff that lasted nearly ten minutes, with classes about to let out, she had no choice but to borrow the driver's phone and call her friend Alva for help."Phoebe, what's going on?" Alva rushed over, her face filled with concern as she looked at Phoebe, who was crouched on the ground in a daze.Seeing her friend in such a disheveled state, with visible marks on her skin, Alva's heart clenched with wor
After changing her clothes and treating the wound on her neck, Phoebe headed to the design building to request a leave of absence from her professor. She needed to take time off to care for her parents at the hospital.Clutching the bank card, she went to the payment counter. With the money from her friend, combined with what she had saved over the years from selling her artwork, she barely had enough to cover her parents' surgery costs.Inside the hospital room, Anila had already woken up, but her father was still unconscious."Mom, have some food.""Phoebe, my dear, you've been through so much," Anila said, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at her daughter."Mom, it's not hard at all. You and Dad just need to get better." Phoebe forced a smile."Ah..." Anila sighed, her face looking much older and more worn.Phoebe knew what her mother was thinking and gently tried to comfort her."Mom, don't worry. Dad will recover. You both just need to focus on getting well. As for the mo
It was already 11 p.m. by the time Phoebe left the hospital, wandering alone through the streets.The night wind tousled her messy hair, but she didn't bother fixing it. She walked aimlessly, letting the cold breeze chill her face and stir up the confusion in her heart. There were few pedestrians on the street, though many cars passed by. Her silhouette, however, stood out in its loneliness, enough to make anyone feel for her.A single tear slipped from beneath her black-rimmed glasses, landing on her lips. The tear tasted salty, bitter, and painful... much like her current state.Her mind was consumed with thoughts of money—no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of a way to come up with the funds she needed.Suddenly...A blue Bugatti Veyron screeched to a halt just a few meters ahead of her. Its bright headlights cut through the darkness, blinding her momentarily.Phoebe froze for a second, wiping the tears from her eyes. The car was blocking her path, so she turned to wal
In the bathroom, the water cascaded down her body, following every curve.Phoebe closed her eyes, letting the hot water pour over her for what felt like an eternity.Finally, she turned off the faucet and took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror as she forced a smile."It's only a year," she whispered to herself. "It'll pass quickly."Her eyes stung with unshed tears.The thought of becoming his mistress was like a knife twisting in her chest.In her world, especially in art schools like hers, many were willing to sell their bodies to wealthy businessmen in exchange for a life of luxury. She had always looked down on those who took that path—yet here she was, finding herself in the same situation.A one-night stand. Being kept. These modern, shameful realities had somehow become hers.She laughed bitterly. How had it all gone so wrong?Her fingers trailed along her neck, brushing the scar that had already begun to heal. The occasional sting from it reminded her of th
In the bustling commercial district of Valleybrook stands the towering DA. Group building, a hundred-story marvel designed by one of the world's top architects. This globally renowned conglomerate has emerged in recent years, establishing a strong foothold in various industries.Group dominates numerous sectors, particularly in finance, energy, real estate, hospitality, and entertainment...Alexander Davis, the founder of DA. Group is said to be ruthless and iron-fisted. He is notoriously enigmatic, with very few people having seen his true face—even the media, known for chasing rumors, have failed to capture his image.Standing at the foot of the DA. Group building, Phoebe gazes up at the opulent structure. With her heart racing, she finally musters the courage to step inside."Excuse me, miss, who are you looking for?" The receptionist blocks her path as soon as she enters."I'm looking for…" Phoebe stammers, her nerves getting the best of her."I'm looking for your boss!""Mr. Alex
"I…" Phoebe bit her lip."The door is right there! You can leave at any time!" Alexander's voice was cold."That's not what I mean!" She stiffened, closing her eyes, her pale face looking even more fragile in the chill. His message was clear: the choice was hers.She had carefully considered her tone, yet it still managed to infuriate him!"I'm sorry!""Then come here!" His commanding tone brooked no dissent.Under his intense gaze, Phoebe felt a surge of panic. Yet, her body slowly moved toward him.With her head bowed, she crossed the distance between them, her heart racing uncontrollably!"Do you want to just stand there?" He narrowed his eyes, leaning back with his arms crossed, his lazy demeanor reminiscent of a predator. "Come here!"Each step felt like walking through molasses; the few feet felt like a century.A gust of wind swept by, and suddenly, her arm was yanked forcefully, sending her tumbling onto his strong legs!Alexander gripped her waist tightly, pulling her closer.
"Sir, I… I'm sorry, I didn't know!" She bit her lip, seeming to only know how to do that in front of him.Wasn't he asking her to please him? How could she please him without kissing?"Remember, don't touch my lips again!" he said in a low voice. Yet, seeing her bite her lip so enticingly only made him want to kiss her even more!Damn it, no one got to make exceptions for him! And certainly not her; he thought women's lips were dirty."Mm!" She nodded like a child caught in trouble, her head lowered. But inside, she was stubbornly thinking, if he didn't want to kiss, then fine! She wouldn't mind! Kisses were meant for lovers! And between him and her…She recalled that other man, who had been much kinder than Alexander!"Don't keep me waiting too long?" His eyes burned with desire, as if he wanted to undress her."I…" She looked up, licking her lips, on the verge of tears…Was he deliberately making it hard for her? She had tried so hard to please him just now, but he had turned away i
For two consecutive days, Phoebe continued her silent standoff with Alexander. She refused to eat anything, even though her body was weak, her head spinning with hunger. No matter how faint or dizzy she became, she wouldn't give in to him. Even if it meant starving to death, she would not yield.Once, she endured his treatment because she loved him. But after everything that had happened, she could no longer forgive him. The servants were at their wit's end, desperately trying to persuade her, but she refused to listen. With no other option, they went to Alexander for help.In the study, one of the servants hesitantly reported, "Sir, she still isn't eating.""Mm, I see. You can go.""Yes, sir.""Wait," Alexander called out, pausing for a moment before adding, "Prepare a fresh meal and bring it up."He believed she was just being stubborn and would eventually give in to hunger. But he hadn't anticipated her sheer determination to defy him, no
Alexander's gaze was filled with disdain as he looked at her. Gone was the tenderness he once held for her; all that remained was disgust, contempt, and the bitter hatred of someone who had been deceived. After all these years, he couldn't believe he had cherished a woman like this."I only did it because I love you so much,"Melissa sobbed, tears streaming down her face."Love?"Alexander cut her off coldly. "Is this what you call love? Lying to me? Hurting the woman I care about?"His voice was sharp, laced with icy anger. "I never imagined you could be this vicious."The thought of Phoebe's suffering gripped his heart painfully. He was the one who had caused her so much pain, and all because of Melissa.Melissa desperately tried to explain, her voice shaking. But the Alexander before her was unrecognizable."Please, don't treat me this way. Please!"she begged, reaching out to him."Forgive you?"His words dripped
After taking a cold shower and changing into fresh clothes, he headed out. Passing by her room, the silence was deafening.He reached out, his hand hovering over the doorknob, wanting to go in and check on her. But his hand froze mid-air, unable to move any further.He just couldn't muster the courage to enter.Damn it. Was there really something he was afraid of?Without lingering any longer, he turned and descended the stairs with heavy steps.Tonight, he needed a drink. Because of Phoebe, he couldn't focus on work at all.Inside the car, Alexander stomped irritably on the gas pedal, the vehicle speeding like a bullet. He ran countless red lights, frustration coursing through his veins.Police cars blared their sirens behind him, trailing closely.But Alexander had no intention of stopping. Instead, he pressed the gas harder, increasing the car's speed.The phone buzzed. With one hand on the wheel, he picked it up. His
"Let me out! Let me out! Open the door!"Inside the small villa, Phoebe pounded on the door with all her strength.Her voice echoed throughout the house.Outside, two guards stood expressionlessly, unmoved by her cries.Phoebe had been shouting for hours. Her voice was hoarse, and her hands were red and swollen from hitting the door, but no one came to open it. Sniffling, she finally collapsed back onto the bed in frustration, staring blankly at the ceiling.There was nothing for her to do but stare.She was on the verge of going insane.This imprisoned life was unbearable.It had been days since Alexander had brought her back, yet she hadn't been allowed to take a single step outside the room. Her world was confined to this small space. The door was locked, and the windows wouldn't open.It was suffocating.Why did Alexander have to treat her like this? Would he only be satisfied if she came to hate him completel
"Ugh..." Her small shoulders trembled as she sobbed softly, unable to escape no matter how much she tried."Come back with me!" Alexander's deep voice thundered as he leaned down toward her. There was still one day left before the week ended, and he had intended to wait. But seeing her wandering around, breaking down in tears, tore at his heart. He couldn't hold back any longer—he had to take her back early.She cast him a bitter glance, wiped her tears, and sniffled as she pushed his approaching figure away with all her strength."You really don't want to see me, do you?" Alexander's face darkened, his expression cold and menacing."Yes! I don't want to see you! Why can't you just leave me alone?""Damn it. You're coming with me!" He grabbed her wrist firmly, his eyes gleaming like a predator's, filled with a dangerous determination. She didn't want to look at him? Fine, then he'd make sure she could only see him!"Let me go! Let me go!" Phoebe struggled, but her resistance was futil
NightfallPhoebe's clothing had been entirely removed, her petite figure revealed in Alexander's deep, dark gaze.Her fair, smooth skin and shapely legs presented an irresistible temptation for him.Unable to suppress his desire any longer, he worshipped her, kissing every inch of her skin, every curve of her body.The next moment, his restraint snapped, and he could no longer hold back his longing to claim her.He breathed heavily, and as soon as his lips touched her softness, he was consumed by an almost magical spell.He kissed her deeply, tasting her as though he could absorb her essence entirely.How long had it been since he last had her?Her scent, her touch—they drove him mad, pulling him into a whirlpool of uncontrollable desire.He was truly bewitched, utterly addicted to her."Phoebe…" he murmured, unable to stop himself.It was the most heartfelt whisper of a lover.The soft, sweet feel of her beneath him made his proud self-control crumble completely.Like a man under a s
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