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
"Can I come in for a glass of water? I've been on a plane all day, and I came straight here to find you. I'm so thirsty.""Wait here. I'll have the staff bring one to you."His attitude made it clear—he had no intention of letting her inside.Melissa's suspicions solidified: that bitch must be in Alexander's room right now."Are you really not going to let me in?""Not now""..."His indifferent tone felt like a heavy blow to Melissa's heart. Her expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly masked it.She wasn't naive enough to show her displeasure. Melissa was determined to maintain her perfect image in front of Alexander, no matter what."Then I'll wait to have water later!" she said with a forced smile, but her lips were stiff. Deep inside, her hatred for Phoebe grew stronger. She wouldn't let her off so easily.A calculating glint flashed in Melissa's eyes as she raised her gaze and softly asked, "Alex, are you coming back with me tomorrow?""I still have work here. I'll retu
It would have been fine if she hadn't mentioned Hermosa, but as soon as she did, it played right into Alexander's hands.Her words earlier made his heart lurch.Could she really be planning something extreme?"Melissa." Alexander wanted to rush after her, but he found himself wrapped in just a bath towel, which made it incredibly inconvenient.He cursed under his breath, clenched his fists, and struck the hard wall with a heavy punch.Phoebe, still in a daze, was startled by the loud noise, and her mind became a blur.She looked up, seeing blood on the white wall. Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. In a hoarse voice, she whispered, "You... you're bleeding."Her trembling fingers reached out to touch his hand, but before she could, he quickly withdrew it.The sudden motion startled Phoebe. Seeing her freeze, he stepped forward and embraced her. "Did I scare you?""No." Phoebe shook her head, though her body was still trembling slightly."Stay here and wait for me. I'm goin
"Sir, have you found her?" Rod asked."Not yet.""Should we call the police?""I've already sent someone to look for her," Alexander replied, his voice heavy with tension.Had he made a mistake? Every time he thought of Melissa's words, his heart clenched. What if something happened to her? How would he explain this to Hermosa? What had he done?"I hope she's okay. She seemed so heartbroken," Rod said with concern."I'll keep looking. If you hear anything, let me know immediately.""Of course, sir. Be careful.""Mm."The night grew darker, with an oppressive atmosphere suggesting rain was imminent. Alexander walked tiredly to the door of his room, his hand reaching for the key card when the door suddenly swung open. Phoebe stood in the doorway, her face filled with worry, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights. "Have you found her?"Before she could finish, Alexander pulled her into his arms suddenly. He burie
After settling Phoebe in, Alexander and Phoebe returned to their room. Alexander went straight to the bathroom to take a shower, while Phoebe stood there, lost in thought, not even noticing when he had finished.When he came out of the bathroom, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder."What are you thinking about?""You're done already?" Phoebe snapped back to reality, feeling his arms tighten around her."Yes. What were you so lost in thought about?""..."She had been thinking about what Melissa had said earlier. It almost felt like a dream.Perhaps sensing what was on her mind, Alexander chuckled softly. "Heh, still thinking about what Melissa said?""Yes." Since he guessed it, Phoebe nodded honestly, though her voice was cautious, "Do you think she really accepts us?""What do you think?" He playfully tapped her nose."I'm scared," she whispered, looking up into
After Alexander left, Phoebe collapsed onto the bed, utterly drained.His long story replayed in her mind, leaving her in a deep, unsettling silence.Her heart was in turmoil, more confused than it had ever been before.So, it wasn't Melissa he loved—it was Melissa's sister.And that woman, the one he loved so deeply, was no longer alive.No wonder he'd been so furious when she accidentally broke the photo frame on his desk that day. It wasn't just a picture; it was a memory of the sister who looked exactly like Melissa.Knowing he didn't love Melissa gave her some relief. But hearing him admit, in his own words, that his heart belonged to Melissa's sister—that pierced her deeply.How she envied that woman for being the recipient of his immense love.Phoebe closed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her. She hadn't slept all night, and Alexander's story had consumed what little strength she had left. Every moment of lis
In a cozy western-style restaurant, three figures sat together for dinner.Under the soft glow of golden lights, the elegant ambiance radiated warmth."Alex, it's been so long since we had dinner together,"Melissa said with a sweet smile."I'll make time for this more often from now on,"Alexander replied, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence."Really? That's wonderful! Thank you. Everything tastes better when I'm with you."Melissa's stunning face lit up with joy, her happiness evident."Then eat more,"Alexander said affectionately. Her sudden change in attitude had relieved him, lessening some of the stress he'd been carrying. Managing two women was far from easy."Okay."Melissa nodded, her pure and radiant expression brimming with delight.Watching their interaction, Phoebe suddenly felt a pang of discomfort. She lowered her head, staring at the food on her plate. It looked delicious, but she found it
"..."Phoebe averted her gaze, refusing to answer."Speak!""I don't want to talk!" she snapped back, her defiance surprising even herself. Why waste her breath explaining when he wouldn't believe her anyway?"What's with your attitude toward Melissa?" he pressed, his tone laced with anger. Her behavior toward Melissa had infuriated him.His question lit a fire in her. "I said I don't want to talk. Didn't you hear me?" It was the first time she had raised her voice like this in front of him.What had she done wrong? Faced with someone like Melissa, her attitude wasn't unjustified."Phoebe, don't push me. You'd better give me an explanation," he growled. His tone was dangerously low, his anger simmering. If she had softened her stance, perhaps he wouldn't be so mad, but her stubbornness only fueled his frustration.His imposing demeanor startled Phoebe. Clenching her lips, she summoned her courage and said, "If I tell you Melissa came to me earlier today and said some terrible things,
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