Phoebe's pace quickened unconsciously, her heart racing, and even the capillaries in her body seemed to contract."Sid, I think she's onto us.""You two go that way. You and I will take this side. Remember, cover her mouth. Don't let her make a sound.""Got it!"Fear overtook Phoebe, and she broke into a light jog. The path to the bus stop was slightly off course, adding to her anxiety.Suddenly, two figures appeared ahead of her, and Phoebe panicked. She really was in trouble! Alert, she turned to run back, but an arm reached out toward her from behind."Mmm—" Phoebe struggled, trying to shake off the hand covering her mouth. She was too weak to fight off a man, so she bit down hard on his arm."Ah!" The man screamed, loosening his grip in pain.Given a moment to breathe, her survival instincts kicked in. Phoebe gathered all her strength and viciously kicked the other man between his legs."Ugh!" The second man groaned, clutching himself in agony.Phoebe broke free and sprinted towar
"I'm at the bus stop." Alexander's tone was always harsh, never speaking kindly to her. "Damn it, didn't you say you were at the International Mall?" Was she daring to mess with him?! "You came?" She was surprised he showed up, but he was too late... "I waited for you for forty minutes, and you never came." Her voice trembled with grievance, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. Did he even know she almost encountered danger earlier? If he wasn't coming to pick her up, he could have just said so. If it weren't for him, she would have left with Alva, and maybe none of this would have happened. "I got held up by something," he frowned, noticing her tone was off. It was the first time he'd explained himself to a woman. Normally, his temper would have led to a fierce scolding. "Wait there, I'll be there in five minutes." "You don't have to come, I'll take the bus home myself." "Phoebe, if you dare, you can try." Hanging up, Alexander sharply turned the steering wheel.
Phoebe was panting slightly, her strength completely drained by him, her body soft and limp.If it weren't for his support, she probably would have collapsed into a puddle by now.That strange, electric current coursed through her body from head to toe, making her toes curl involuntarily."No... stop," she murmured weakly, her eyes clouded with a seductive glaze. Her long, loose hair framed her delicate face, making her look even more alluring.Her lips were a deep, rose-red, like a blooming flower he couldn't resist wanting to kiss again.Alexander narrowed his eyes with a mischievous glint, clearly enjoying their game. The less she responded, the more excited he became, teasing her even further.He'd never failed with any woman before, and Phoebe wouldn't be the exception—especially not in this.Again and again, he kissed her lips, his movements tender yet possessive, giving her the softest, most passionate kisses...Phoebe's heart pounded wildly in her chest, her thoughts in a conf
Inside the sports car."Don't... don't do this..." Phoebe’s small hands weakly gripped the steering wheel. Although they had been intimate many times, she still felt shy at his touch. However, this time, her body didn't tense up as much as it did in the hospital.Still, fully accepting him wasn't easy for her.The shadow in her heart remained; she needed more time to heal.She couldn't yet handle his overwhelming...But she believed that if he continued to be as gentle as he had been, she would soon overcome her fears."Call me by my name," he whispered, trying to correct her.Could she really? Could she call him with the affection of a lover? She had never dared to dream of such closeness."Call me Alex...""Alex..." she murmured softly, her lips trembling as she spoke. Her voice was sweet, like cotton candy."Good girl," he praised, kissing her soft red lips as he unzipped his trousers.God knew how much he had been holding back. For a man to exercise such restraint for a woman—it w
A while later, Phoebe finished getting ready and went downstairs, only to find Melissa at the dining table.The moment their eyes met, Phoebe sensed hostility in Melissa's gaze, but it quickly disappeared as Melissa smiled sweetly at her."Good morning, Phoebe," Melissa greeted in a sugary-sweet tone, stepping forward.Phoebe froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond to the sudden friendliness. Had she misread things before? Or was it all in her head?"Morning, Melissa," she replied, offering a warm smile in return.However, standing there in front of Melissa, Phoebe couldn't help but feel like she'd stolen something precious from her, a guilty sensation creeping into her heart.Melissa affectionately grabbed Phoebe's hand and led her to the table."Alex was in a rush this morning and couldn't stay to have breakfast with me. Will you keep me company instead? What would you like to eat? I'll have the staff prepare something for you," Melissa offered, her smile radiant, though her de
Phoebe was mentally planning to visit the hospital soon. If she was really pregnant, what would she do...?Just then, Alva suddenly pointed to a man who had entered the classroom and shouted, "Phoebe, Professor Jones is finally here!"Following her gaze, Phoebe locked eyes with Curitis' piercing blue eyes.Dressed in a royal blue, custom-tailored suit, he exuded elegance and a commanding presence.It had been a while since she last saw him. Ever since she left the hospital, she hadn't gone to see him again. She didn't even know when he had been discharged or how well he had recovered.A wave of guilt washed over her, making her feel heartless. He must be angry. She hadn't intended to avoid visiting him, but after everything that had happened, she ended up in the hospital herself for a few days, and the whole thing had slipped her mind.Seeing Curitis again today stirred complicated feelings in her heart.He had risked his life to save her, and yet…All she felt for him was guilt.Phoe
The weather had changed so quickly. Just a moment ago, the sky was clear and bright, but now it was dark, as if it was about to rain.The gloomy atmosphere made it hard to breathe. As Phoebe boarded the bus, out of the corner of her eye, she could still see that lone figure standing there in the distance.She thought to herself that Curitis would never appear in her life again. She had made things very clear earlier.Silently, in her heart, she whispered an apology.He would find a woman who truly deserved him. And that woman would never be her.Her heart already belonged to Alexander. No other man could enter.When she returned to the villa, Melissa greeted her eagerly, though her smile seemed a bit forced to Phoebe. She didn't think too much about it and responded with a genuine smile of her own."You're back early. Perfect timing! Come help me choose a WEDDING DRESS. There are so many, I'm getting overwhelmed. You wouldn't believe it—Alex is going on a business trip for several day
Phoebe woke up with swollen eyes and a heavy body, wishing she could stay in bed, but she had to go to class, even though her mood was terrible.As she stepped out, her gaze caught sight of her exquisite phone, stirring a pang of sadness. With just that brief glance, she closed the door behind her.Upon arriving at school, she intentionally glanced at the bulletin board. Just as she expected, an announcement had been posted: Curitis had resigned from his position and left...As soon as she entered the classroom, a sharp voice pierced through the air."Well, look who it is, the little slut."It was Eden's voice.Phoebe didn't need to think to know who Eden was referring to. She lowered her head and took her seat, refusing to engage. Eden always picked on her, and Phoebe couldn't be bothered to respond."Phoebe, you really have some nerve! When did you and the professor become an item? You can't hide it this time," Eden spat out venomously.The surrounding students joined in with mockin
One Month Later."Phoebe, stop pushing yourself so hard. Come eat something first; you can continue drawing afterward."Alva snatched the pencil from Phoebe's hand and pulled her up, ready to take her out of the studio. "Who studies like you? It's like your life depends on it. You even forget to eat!""Alva, I'm not hungry. Let me finish this drawing first."Phoebe smiled and reached for her pencil, but Alva quickly hid it behind her back, refusing to give it back. She insisted Phoebe eat with her instead. For a month now, her friend had been working too hard. Study required balance, not self-torture. Sitting in one spot all day without moving wasn't learning—it was punishing oneself. If Phoebe didn't get up soon, she'd rust."No way. Finish your meal first, and then you can draw again,"Alva said firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation."But Alva, I'm almost done!"Phoebe glanced longingly at her unfinished drawing.
The door suddenly swung open from the outside. Phoebe lifted her gaze, her eyes brimming with fleeting hope before it quickly dimmed. How much she wished it was Alexander walking in. How much she longed for him to stand before her, whole and unscathed. But the person who entered was a middle-aged man, unfamiliar to her, though it was clear from his demeanor that he was one of Alexander's subordinates.Her disappointment was momentary, replaced almost instantly by desperate anticipation. Barefoot, she dashed toward him with urgency.“Him... How is he? Please, tell me. I'm begging you. I just need to know if he's okay.”“Miss, you're free to leave now. Gather your belongings, and I'll have a car take you home,” the man said, ignoring her questions and instead delivering his instructions calmly.Leave?“What do you mean?” Phoebe asked, her eyes widening in shock.“You are free now,” he replied.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Phoebe's tears began to fall uncontrollably.It wasn't true—not what she had said. She didn't want him to die. Even if she couldn't forgive him, she would never wish for his death.“Fine. As you wish,” Alexander said coldly, letting go of her.He stood up and walked toward the door. But after just a few steps, his tall, solid frame collapsed to the floor.Curled up on the ground, Phoebe instinctively raised her head at the sound. A flash of white light surged through her mind, and in the next second, she was scrambling toward him in a panic, sobbing.Kneeling by his side, she shook his body desperately. Her tear-streaked face was unrecognizable.“Alexander, wake up! Please, wake up! Don't scare me, okay?” she cried.No matter how much she called his name or shook him, he didn't respond. The blood from his head only flowed more freely. Her trembling fingers pressed agai
Alexander kissed her deeply, completely lost in the moment, while Phoebe stared blankly at the ceiling. What else could he possibly do to her besides this?She wanted to push him away, but her overly full stomach left her feeling sluggish. All she wanted was to lie down comfortably for a while.When Alexander finally seemed satisfied, he pecked her lips a couple more times before letting her go.The moment he released her, Phoebe wiped her mouth in disgust.Her reaction displeased Alexander. Did she find his kiss so revolting? Fine. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to kiss her—until every inch of her body bore his scent."Don't touch me," Phoebe warned, glaring at him."I'll do whatever I want," he shot back.With that, Alexander grabbed her head forcefully, pressing his lips back to hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, relentless and domineering, capturing her own with a fierce hold.It hurt.The despicabl
It felt strange that he would do something like this, but she had to admit that stepping out to get some air, even if it was just moving from the bedroom to the living room, was refreshing."Bring a bowl of oatmeal." Alexander commanded."Yes, sir." The servant immediately obeyed, heading to the kitchen to fetch the oatmeal that had been simmering over low heat."Leave it here and go.""Yes, sir."After the servants left, the living room fell silent, leaving only the two of them. Alexander sat down with Phoebe still in his arms, cradling her like a child. His tall frame completely enveloped her petite form."Put me down," Phoebe demanded firmly. She felt uncomfortable in his embrace. In the past, such closeness would have left her flustered, her heart racing uncontrollably. But now, there was none of that. She didn't want to be near him at all. In fact, she wished she'd never have to see him again.Ignoring her words, Alexander picked
Under the harsh glow of the fluorescent lights, Phoebe's face appeared deathly pale, drained of all color.She lay quietly on the bed, her eyes closed, devoid of any vitality.After conducting a series of examinations, the doctor inserted a needle into the back of her hand and hung an IV bottle."Sir, she's simply too weak. She hasn't eaten for a long time, which caused her to faint suddenly. After administering a nutrient solution, she'll be fine. When she wakes up, don't rush to feed her solid food. Start with some liquids, and after two hours, she can eat something light."The doctor gave instructions and prescribed some medication, adding, "She needs to take these three times a day, before meals.""Understood,"Alexander replied, his expression grave. "Will these medications have any side effects?""Don't worry, there are no side effects. They're just to help stimulate her stomach's movement,"the doctor explained with a smile, s
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