Even though the room was shrouded in darkness, Hermosa could clearly feel the rough, powerful grip tightening around her arm. Fear surged over her like a relentless tide, swallowing her whole.
She instinctively wanted to scream, but a large hand clamped down over her mouth, stifling even the faintest sound.
More hands suddenly grabbed her, wrapping around her body with brute force. Her heart pounded violently, as if it were about to burst from her chest.
She frantically darted her eyes around in the pitch-black room, but she couldn't make out the figures surrounding her. One thing, however, was certain—she wasn't alone with just one man.
"You'll have a good time tonight," a sinister voice sneered in the darkness, sending an icy chill coursing through her veins.
Then—rip!
The sound of fabric being torn apart pierced the silence like a blade, slashing through her last shred of hope.
"No! No, please—!" Hermosa
The night was deep, and the city was shrouded in thick darkness.Alexander had just finished dealing with a long, grueling day at the company. Exhausted, he dragged his weary body back home. The moment he stepped inside, the eerie silence of the house jolted him awake.Hermosa was nowhere to be seen.His brows furrowed in an instant. Striding quickly to the bedroom, he flipped on the lights. The room was immaculate, everything in its place—except for her.A sinking feeling took hold of him. He rushed downstairs, calling her name in every corner of the villa. His voice echoed in the vast emptiness, but there was no response. A creeping unease clawed at his heart, cold sweat breaking out on his palms.He wasted no time in waking the servants, his voice laced with urgency. "Have any of you seen Hermosa?"The servants shook their heads. They told him she had left in the afternoon and had not returned since.Alexander's heart pounded
Phoebe gently caressed her slightly rounded belly, her heart brimming with anticipation for motherhood. She had just returned from a prenatal check-up, and the doctor's confirmation that her baby was healthy filled her with an indescribable joy. Every step she took felt as if she were floating.However, the moment she stepped out of the hospital, a dark shadow suddenly loomed over her. Before she could react, Alexander appeared like a phantom, seizing her and carrying her into the car.The abruptness of the situation sent a wave of terror crashing over Phoebe. Her heart pounded violently against her ribcage as if it were about to burst free. She collapsed onto the seat, gasping for breath. It took a long while for her heartbeat to slow to a steady rhythm.Instinctively, she shielded her stomach, silently thanking the heavens that her baby had already been nestled safely inside her for several months. If this had happened earlier in her pregnancy, she didn't dare imagine the consequence
Alexander's face was twisted in fury as he gripped Phoebe's arms like iron shackles, dragging her toward the concealed, airtight facility. Fear and panic surged through Phoebe as she desperately clawed at his arms, her nails nearly breaking from the force. Yet, Alexander remained unfazed, his pace unwavering.As soon as they stepped inside, the dim, yellowish lights cast eerie shadows along the walls, intensifying the sinister atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and decay, so nauseating it made Phoebe gag. Without warning, Alexander yanked her into a bedroom and flung her onto the bed.The impact was brutal. Pain exploded through her body as she felt like her insides had shifted. Instinctively, she clutched her abdomen, gasping in terror.Please, my baby… please be okay."Alexander, don't do this, please," Phoebe pleaded, fighting through the pain and fear, her voice trembling. "Is there some kind of misunderstanding? Can't we talk? I just want to know why you're t
Phoebe struggled with all her might, her body writhing like a trapped beast. She twisted violently, but the cold, unyielding shackles bound her limbs tightly. Each struggle was futile, leaving only deep red marks on her wrists and ankles.Her eyes were filled with terror and despair. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, mixing with the tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.Alexander's bloodshot gaze burned with a fury so intense it seemed almost tangible. The veins on his forehead bulged, twisting like writhing worms. His sharp glare was as chilling as a blade slicing through the darkness, sending shivers down the spine."Why? Why did you do this?" He kept repeating, his voice hoarse from emotion. Each word erupted from deep within his chest, dripping with raw anger and accusation.Before the last word fully left his lips, he lunged at Phoebe like a beast breaking free from its chains. His hands tore at her ruthlessly, subjecting her to unspeakable torment.Phoebe's tear-fi
The atmosphere in the hospital was tense, thick with hostility. Gavin's men had the place sealed off so tightly that not even a fly could slip through.Alexander's expression was ice-cold, his gaze as sharp as a blade as he locked eyes with Gavin. He spoke slowly, enunciating each word with chilling clarity. “Gavin, you'd better pull your men back immediately. Otherwise, you know what the consequences will be.”Gavin's bloodshot eyes burned with fury. He looked like a raging lion, his gaze fixed on Alexander as he roared, “Tell me—where is Phoebe?”A strange smile suddenly crept onto Alexander's face, laced with mockery. “Aren't you supposed to be so capable? If you have the ability, go find and save her yourself.”“Don't push me too far!” Gavin could no longer contain his rage. He lunged forward, grabbing Alexander by the collar, their faces mere inches apart. The tension in the air was suffocating.Yet, Alexander remained unfazed, his gaze cruel and unyielding. “Let go,” he said col
Amidst the chaos, Alexander found himself stepping into the secret prison where Phoebe was held, time and time again.Each visit, he inflicted pain upon her, only to plunge himself deeper into an abyss of torment. His hands were stained with her suffering, yet no amount of time could wash away the guilt gnawing at his soul.Every scar, every anguished scream, was like a sharp needle piercing into the depths of his conscience.Eventually, he could no longer bear the weight of his own cruelty and stopped going altogether.He realized that no matter how much anger and misunderstanding clouded his judgment, he could never truly hate her—not completely.Time slipped away unnoticed, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.During this time, Phoebe remained locked away in this dark and suffocating prison, completely cut off from the outside world. Though Alexander rarely visited, each time he did, he brought her nothing but nightmares.Her body was covered in wounds—old scars barely healin
The night was as dark as ink, thick and impenetrable. The hospital rooftop was shrouded in an eerie silence. A sharp, biting wind howled through the air, cutting like blades against the skin.In the midst of the chilling cold, Hermosa slowly opened her eyes. The unfamiliar surroundings jolted her into wakefulness, her heart hammering in her chest as fear spread through her veins."Where am I? How did I get here? What happened?"A flood of questions swirled chaotically in her mind. Desperately searching for answers, she scanned her surroundings, her gaze brimming with confusion and unease.Then, she saw it—a lone figure standing a short distance away, her back turned.Hermosa's eyes locked onto the silhouette. A strange sense of familiarity surged within her, as though something deep in her memory had been stirred. She stared unblinkingly, trying to make out the woman's face.Suddenly, the woman turned around, her lips curling into a chilling, enigmatic smile as she fixed her gaze on H
Melissa watched with satisfaction as Hermosa's expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly, her voice laced with an almost imperceptible chill. "My dear sister, do you still recognize me?"Hermosa remained silent. The air between them grew heavy, as if frozen in place.Seeing this, Melissa smirked mockingly, waving her hand slowly in front of Hermosa's face in deliberate provocation. "Oh, silly me, I almost forgot—you lost your memory, didn't you? What a pity. If you hadn't, I bet you'd be so furious right now that you'd pass out all over again." Her words were like shards of ice, each syllable carrying a bone-chilling sting.Melissa's hatred for Hermosa had taken root in childhood.Despite looking identical, Melissa had always been the gentler, more amiable one. And yet, it was Hermosa who was always adored, always surrounded by friends, always favored. Men fell at her feet, drawn to her like moths to a flame.But what truly made Melissa seethe was Alexander's unwavering devotion
As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the space—powerful elites from various industries, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.The moment Phoebe entered, she felt countless gazes land on her. Instinctively, she shrank back slightly, tightening her grip around Alexander's arm.Alexander's expression remained cold and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the room, catching the way certain men eyed Phoebe with curiosity. Without a word, he subtly withdrew his arm from hers, only to move behind her and slide an arm around her waist—a gesture both possessive and intimate.Phoebe let him lead her through the crowd, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.She had always found these social events tedious, despising the superficial interactions and empty flattery. But tonight, she was surprised to realize that she no longer minded. With Alexander by her side, his promise still ling
Inside the car, the atmosphere was suffocating.Phoebe sat sideways in the passenger seat, her vacant eyes staring out the window. Yet, her mind was far from the passing scenery. Alexander's cold gaze and piercing words haunted her, swirling through her thoughts like ghosts refusing to fade.Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Though his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his mind was elsewhere. Phoebe's earlier words were like a sharp thorn lodged deep in his heart—every time he recalled them, a stabbing pain followed.A heavy silence engulfed them. No words were exchanged, no glances met—only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside filled the void.Before long, they arrived at the hotel where the banquet was being held.Alexander glanced sideways and uttered two cold words: "Get out."Phoebe slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with grie
Phoebe was still lost in the dizzying heat of the kiss, her mind blank, unable to fully recover from the intoxicating sensation.Without warning, Alexander scooped her up once more, striding purposefully toward the private lounge attached to his office.The heavy door shut behind them with a muffled thud. Alexander carried her straight to the large, plush bed, leaning down slightly as he gently placed her onto the soft mattress.Phoebe's body sank into the luxurious bedding, her eyes widening in alarm as she looked up at him. "What… what are you doing?""I want you." His voice was deep and husky, laced with raw desire."No, you can't." Phoebe's breath came in uneven pants. Her emotions were in turmoil—fear and confusion tangled together, yet at the same time, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to his closeness. This only unsettled her more."Can't?" Alexander's lips curled into a faint smirk, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, lingering at her
Phoebe stood in the secluded corner, her hands trembling slightly as they reached for the buttons of her blouse. Her gaze remained locked on Alexander's back, not daring to blink. Only after watching him remain completely still for a long while did she finally exhale softly and lower her head to begin changing.When she opened the gift box and saw the delicate black lingerie inside, she froze.Lifting the sheer fabric between her fingers, she muttered under her breath, "This is lingerie?"The material was nearly transparent—she could already imagine how revealing it would be once worn. For a moment, she weighed her options: should she stick with her own undergarments, or wear this?Her eyes drifted back to the black evening gown. Its design was exquisite and unique, seemingly crafted to pair perfectly with the lingerie, enhancing its elegance with a touch of allure.Biting her lower lip, Phoebe struggled internally before finally giving in. Slowly, she unhooked her own lingerie, her m
Phoebe dragged her exhausted body home, moving quietly to avoid disturbing her family. She didn't turn on the lights but relied on her familiarity with the house to navigate her way carefully to the bedroom in the dark.Stepping inside, she saw her children sleeping soundly in bed. Her heart instantly softened, overflowing with warmth as she unconsciously sat down beside them."Kids, Mommy saw your daddy today," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Reaching out, she gently brushed her fingers over their cheeks, her touch unbearably tender. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips.That night, Phoebe slept more peacefully than she had in a long time.In her dreams, she saw the bright, happy faces of her children, playing and laughing together. She saw herself joining in, their joyous laughter filling the air. And Alexander… he was there too. The four of them stood in a beautiful garden, basking in the warm sunlight. It was a dream so wonderful, so perfect, that she wis
On most afternoons, as soon as lunch was over, Phoebe would return to her desk without delay, diving right back into work. But today, she was different. Instead of heading straight back, she wandered aimlessly around the company's surroundings, unwilling to return. It wasn't until 2:30 PM that she finally, and reluctantly, made her way back to the office.As she walked, her mind kept replaying the moment she had shaken off Alexander's grip earlier. His darkened expression told her everything—he was furious. She was almost certain he would take his revenge in the afternoon, assigning her a slew of unreasonable tasks just to make things difficult for her. With this uneasy thought lingering in her mind, Phoebe stepped into the office.Strangely enough, the entire afternoon passed without any sign of Alexander. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. There were no assignments, no sudden calls to his office—nothing.Sitting at her desk, Phoebe felt restless. Every now and then, she gla
Phoebe covered her lips, tears streaming down her face as she ran toward the restroom. She kept her head low, afraid of letting anyone see her in such a disheveled state. Once inside, she hurried into a stall, locked the door tightly, and slowly crouched down, wrapping her arms around her knees as she broke into uncontrollable sobs.Her cries echoed within the small cubicle, filled with sorrow and despair, as if trying to release all the grievances she had suppressed over the years. She cried for what felt like an eternity until her eyes were so swollen she could barely keep them open.Standing up shakily, Phoebe walked to the mirror and stared at her reflection—her puffy, distorted eyes a stark reminder of her breakdown. She turned on the faucet, cupped her hands under the icy water, and splashed it onto her face repeatedly. The coldness stung her skin, but it also helped her regain a bit of clarity. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and made a firm decision in her heart.Ba
Upon reaching it, he freed one hand and, with a swift motion, swept everything off the surface.A loud crash echoed through the office as papers, stationery, and files scattered across the floor.The next second, Alexander carefully laid Phoebe down on the now-empty desk. She instinctively tried to sit up and escape, but before she could make a move, his towering frame loomed over her, pinning her beneath him.Phoebe's hands immediately pushed against him, her voice trembling with near desperation. "No, don't."But Alexander was far too strong. In an instant, he seized her wrists and forced them above her head, rendering her completely immobile."Isn't this the reason you came back?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.Phoebe's eyes welled up with tears. "I didn't… The public records never indicated you were the owner of this company. If I had known, I—"Before she could finish her sentence, Alexander abruptly leaned down, capturing her lips in a fierce, stormy kiss that swallowed her wor
Phoebe's fingers hovered over the cold doorknob for a second, her knuckles whitening. She drew a sharp breath and pushed open the heavy black door.The CEO's office was more expansive than she had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering cityscape beyond, while at the center of the room, a large black executive chair sat with its high back turned toward her—tall enough to nearly obscure the figure seated in it."Sir, I'm the new secretary, Phoebe Garcia." Her voice cut through the silence, so clear she could hear the faint tremor in her own words.No response.The chair rotated slowly, and Phoebe's gaze traveled upward—over polished leather shoes, long legs, an immaculately tailored suit—until it landed on that face.Alexander Knight.Her breath hitched. Her pupils constricted. It was as if every drop of blood in her veins had frozen solid.Thud. The cardboard box in her arms crashed to the floor, the small potted succulent inside shattering, soil streaking her skirt.