Inside the room, Alexander spoke with quiet certainty. "The house should be ready in about two weeks."Hermosa immediately shook her head. "Alex, I can't accept it.""Don't treat me like a stranger," Alexander replied firmly, leaving no room for argument."Alex, I..." Hermosa hesitated. The words caught in her throat, too heavy to speak."I've booked a hotel for you to stay in for now," Alexander continued. "Once the house is ready, you can move in."A trace of disappointment flashed in Hermosa's eyes. Secretly, she had hoped he would ask her to stay here with him."Alex, once I find a job, I'll pay you back," she said, biting her lip, a stubborn look on her face."Come work at LD," Alexander suddenly offered, his tone leaving no room for refusal."LD?" Hermosa looked at him in surprise, her eyes wide with confusion."Yes, my company," Alexander confirmed with a nod."But I thought you worked at DA Group?" she asked, unable to hide her disbelief."It's been merged with another corpora
He was the father of the children?!Alexander stared blankly at the phone screen, his heart churning like a stormy sea. The revelation struck him without warning, leaving him utterly unprepared. He couldn't stop questioning it over and over in his mind.Back then, Phoebe had denied it so firmly. And now—this? The truth hit him like a thunderbolt, shattering every assumption he had.Alexander forced himself to calm down and read the message again, word by word. A surge of emotions—shock, disbelief, anger, relief—crashed over him in waves.Logic told him Phoebe had no reason to lie. A simple DNA test could prove everything.Her message explained that she had kept the truth from him because she didn't trust him, afraid he would try to take the children from her. Remembering how she had seemed on the verge of saying something, how she had hesitated so many times—he finally understood. She had been trying to tell him all along.His children were alive.In an instant, memories flashed befor
Just as Phoebe's fingertips brushed the doorknob, a scorching grip clamped around her wrist. Alexander's palm burned with heat. She jerked away instinctively, but it felt like slamming into a steel cage. His grasp was unrelenting, as if he was trying to seize all the lost time and etch it into the lines of his hand."We need to talk."His voice was hoarse, like rust scraping against sandpaper.The words made her eyes sting. She bit her lower lip hard, swallowing back the rising bitterness. Fixing her gaze on his long, calloused fingers, she sneered, "Let go."The key in her hand cut into her palm, leaving a crescent-shaped wound. That door—the one that had once shut her out—seemed to press against her chest. She could still see the memory: him walking away with Hermosa, leaving her behind."No."Alexander's jaw tensed. "I'm not pushing you away again."Their raised voices stirred the sleeping child in her arms. Amy blinked
The salty taste of her tears hit Alexander like a punch. His whole body froze. Phoebe's tear-filled eyes stung more than any wound. Just as he was about to let go, a sharp slap cracked through the silence. The sting burned across his cheek as he turned his head, only to see her trembling hand still suspended in the air, hatred and confusion clashing in her gaze.He reached up to wipe her tears, but the moment his fingers brushed her trembling lashes, Phoebe jerked her face away as if burned, slapping his hand aside."Get out.""I'm not leaving without you," he said, grabbing her wrist, his grip tight enough to leave a mark."Do you want to push me over the edge?" Her voice shook. "I need time to process this—my kids, my parents...""Just this once," Alexander said, pressing her against the wall. "You're their mother. And I'm their father."That line stabbed straight into Phoebe's heart. The cold sweats of sleepless nights, the sharp pa
"Let's get married."The words had barely left Alexander's lips when Phoebe's pupils constricted. Her wide eyes brimmed with shock, lashes still trembling—like a startled cat with its tail stepped on."In your dreams!"she snapped, struggling beneath him. "Get off me!"Her nails left red streaks on his arm, only to earn a low, amused chuckle from the man pinning her down."I'll wait until you say yes."Alexander caught her flailing legs with a grunt. "My leg still hurts from your kick yesterday. You really want me hobbling after you?"His warm breath brushed her ear as he shifted, letting his full weight sink onto her. "Don't move. Let me hold you for a while."Phoebe tensed, painfully aware of their tangled bodies and the heat between them. Just as she opened her mouth to curse him again, the bedroom door clicked open—Amy and Jeremy peeked their heads in, eyes going wide."Is Mommy wrestling with Uncle?"Jeremy
The sharp scent of antiseptic hung in the air when the doctor finished speaking, but Phoebe barely heard him—her ankle was already cradled in a warm, steady palm. Alexander's thumb brushed gently over the swollen skin, his touch feather-light, yet impossible to resist."He's not—"she began to protest, but he cut her off."He will be soon."When he looked up, there was a fire in his eyes that made her ears burn.Two hours passed, stitched together by silence and careful hands. Every time his fingers pressed down, Alexander would glance up to check her expression. "Does it hurt?"At first, she turned her face away without answering. But after the tenth time, her nose began to sting with the threat of tears. He was so focused, so gentle, sweat beading at his temples, and still he didn't stop."That's enough,"Phoebe muttered, trying to pull her foot away."Just a little more."His voice was low and heavy, li
The crystal chandelier cast soft, scattered light across the plates as Phoebe stared at the gilded menu. Across the table, Alexander chuckled lightly."This place is fancy enough for a date, right?"Before she could respond, the sharp click of dress shoes echoed closer. The restaurant owner strode over, loosening his tie, his gaze pausing on their interlaced fingers."Well, well, Alexander actually brought someone to a couples' restaurant?"Phoebe's ears burned. Alexander's grip on her wrist tightened, as if trying to sear that heat into her skin."Cut the chatter. You're cooking today. Personally."Once the owner walked off, Phoebe yanked her hand back."This isn't a date," she said sharply, her eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight reflected on his suit. "Next time someone gets the wrong idea, you'd better explain properly.""Explain what?" Alexander leaned in, the scent of cedar and red wine wrapping around her."Explain you're not interested in dating me?" His voice dropped low
The bus jostled as it rolled through the intersection. Phoebe stared down at the tips of her shoes, refusing to look up. The cold aura radiating from the man beside her was practically tangible—she didn't need to see his face to know that Alexander's glare could freeze someone to the bone.From a seat behind them came the faint rustle of movement—the ponytailed girl was sneaking glances again. Phoebe dug her nails into her palm and stared at the girl's flushed cheeks, jealousy bubbling up in her throat. "Her eyes are practically glued to you.""My charm's impossible to hide." Alexander suddenly leaned in, his breath hot against her ear."Then why don't you go sit with her?" Phoebe snapped, whipping her head around—only to meet his amused, teasing gaze.Alexander's arm swept around her, pulling her into his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath the fabric of his suit. "To me, everything that isn't you is just garbage."Before she could respond, a punishing kiss crashed down on her lip
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
Back at the villa, Phoebe barely stepped out of the car before Alexander pinned her against the vehicle. He kissed her like a starved beast—possessive, wild, as if determined to meld her into his very bones.Her mind went blank, her body melting against his as soft, breathy moans escaped her lips. When the lack of air made her lightheaded, she weakly pounded his shoulders. Alexander, lost in her sweetness, merely exhaled into her mouth before reclaiming her lips with bruising force. Frustrated, she raked her nails down his cheek.He hissed and caught her wrist, pressing it to his lips. "Trying to scar me, little fox?""You—bastard!" She gasped for air, but his arms caged her between the car and his chest. His darkened gaze burned into her as his thumb traced her flushed cheek. "The day you stole my heart, you should've known there'd be no escape."His palm slid down her throat, and she shuddered. "It's broad daylight… don't you dare—""I'll make it good for you." He smirked, tilting h
The bus jostled as it rolled through the intersection. Phoebe stared down at the tips of her shoes, refusing to look up. The cold aura radiating from the man beside her was practically tangible—she didn't need to see his face to know that Alexander's glare could freeze someone to the bone.From a seat behind them came the faint rustle of movement—the ponytailed girl was sneaking glances again. Phoebe dug her nails into her palm and stared at the girl's flushed cheeks, jealousy bubbling up in her throat. "Her eyes are practically glued to you.""My charm's impossible to hide." Alexander suddenly leaned in, his breath hot against her ear."Then why don't you go sit with her?" Phoebe snapped, whipping her head around—only to meet his amused, teasing gaze.Alexander's arm swept around her, pulling her into his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath the fabric of his suit. "To me, everything that isn't you is just garbage."Before she could respond, a punishing kiss crashed down on her lip